Most of us have a least one person in our lives who loves a great hamburger (or maybe it’s you). For me, it’s my mom. The way to her heart is through a fresh, as-raw-as-possible burger, preferably topped with creamy Wisconsin cheddar. On her birthday she’ll turn down a fancy restaurant for any place – divey or not – that serves an excellent burger, and she rates burger joints based on her perception of the quality and freshness of their hamburger meat (seriously).

While maybe we’re not all quite as preoccupied as my mom is with scoring an amazing burger, there’s no doubt that a lot of us enjoy a high-quality hamburger smothered in delicious toppings on a perfectly toasted bun with a side of fries (and maybe a thick milkshake too). If you’re in Iowa when this craving hits, take a look at the list below for some restaurants you can visit to land the perfect burger.

1. St. Andrews Grill and Bar, State Center, Iowa

My mom would be in heaven at St. Andrews Grill and Bar. Apparently, there’s a butcher’s meat locker located right across the street from the restaurant so the beef used in the burgers at St. Andrews’s is insanely fresh. Beyond that, the restaurant is unique in terms of the types of burger-inspired recipes it serves. I say “burger-inspired” because although a lot of the dishes include burger patties, they aren’t your typical patty on a boring bun. Instead, St. Andrews has items like cheeseburger wraps (which people rave about in online reviews), breakfast burgers (served on Texas Toast), and amburgers (a bun-less and gluten-free burger that is topped with a fried egg, sliced avocado, and pico de gallo). If you’re a burger connoisseur (or just someone who loves to eat burgers), you definitely won’t want to miss this restaurant! Find St. Andrews Grill and Bar’s menu in State Center, Iowa here. 

2. Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe, Kellogg, Iowa

In business for over 30 years and located on the edge of eight and a half acres of grassy campgrounds, Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe truly lives up to its name. It’s all about the food, particularly the burgers and ice cream (they have some really neat and uncommon flavors, including butter brickle, black walnut, maple nut, praline pecan, and chocolate peanut butter revel, among others). The burger joint itself is small and simple, catering heavily to truckers and campers, but if you’re on the lookout for some delicious comfort food in the form of a 100% char-broiled beef hamburger, fries, and fountain drink, Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe is just the place. Check out Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe’s menu in Kellogg, Iowa.

3. Calvin Rockett Bar & Grill, Marshalltown, Iowa

One thing that stands out about Calvin Rockett Bar & Grill is its large selection of burgers. There’s the calvin burger (1/3 lb. double-stacked patties layered with bacon, pepper jack, and American cheese), jalapeno burger, BLT burger, chilli cheeseburger, sticky burger (bacon, cheddar cheese, peanut butter, and mayo – check out that combo!), mushroom swiss burger, and so on… and so on. And don’t forget about the Challenger, a “giant leaning stack of heart attack and sides.” If you manage to finish it within the allotted time, you’ll get your picture hung on the wall, a free shirt, and bragging rights. So if you’re in the mood for a different kind of burger (or a serious burger challenge!) in a casual, fun atmosphere, be sure to check out Calvin Rockett. View Calvin Rockett Bar & Grill’s menu in Marshalltown, Iowa here.

4. Montana Mike’s Steakhouse, Newton, Iowa

Any restaurant that serves warm rolls with cinnamon honey butter at the beginning of the meal can’t be half bad, right? Right! And Montana Mike serves up more than just delicious rolls. Located in Newton, home of Iowa Speedway, the steakhouse is known for its great service, large portions, affordable prices, and amazing food. The next time I’m in town, I’m planning to order the hickory burger because homemade hickory BBQ sauce, cheddar jack cheese, pickles, and onion rings on top of a big, juicy burger sounds heavenly to me. Explore Montana Mike’s Steakhouse’s menu in Newton, Iowa.

5. West Side Family Restaurant, Grinnell, Iowa

Admittedly, West Side isn’t just a burger joint. In fact, it almost has a diner feel with large breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. But while you can order steak, BBQ, seafood, salads, or breakfast (any time of the day), burgers – more specifically, gourmet burgers – are on the first page of West Side’s menu. Customers rave about the cowboy burger, but I’d personally really like to try the chilli burger (served open-faced and smothered in homemade chilli and Colby jack cheese – sounds delish!) So if you’re in the mood for some variety alongside an amazing burger (or two), West Side might just be the best Iowan restaurant pick for you. Find West Side Family Restaurant’s menu in Grinnell, Iowa here.