More than 1 million people pass through the gates of the Iowa State Fair each year. Tasting the culinary specialties is part of the adventure, and there is no shortage of options.

Yet in a venue where literally thousands of treats vie for fairgoer’s attention, diners stand in line for a hot beef sundae (a bowl full of mashed potatoes, roast beef and gravy), a fresh grilled hamburger, and prime rib that rivals the finest restaurants, all at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters.

“When you eat here, you know the food is prepared and served by people who raise quality cattle. It’s beef that is raised, prepared and served with pride and passion,” says Deb Bettin of Odebolt, long-time kitchen manager for the Cattlemen's Beef Quarters, supported and manned by Iowa’s beef...