The Iowa Cattleman’s Association has awarded the 2019 Iowa’s Best Burger award to the Wood Iron Grille in Oskaloosa.
Michael Glesener and Matthew Gunn opened the restaurant last fall. Glesener studied pastry arts in Chicago, and works now as the restaurant’s head chef.
The Wood Iron Original Burger features applewood smoked bacon, a sweet and tangy onion jalapeno jam and smoked cheddar cheese. The Cajun Black and Blue Burger is topped with applewood smoked blue cheese and Cajun seasoning. The ‘Merica Burger is a classic with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle. All the burgers consist of a mixture of ground chuck and beef short ribs.
All are versions of the restaurant’s 6 oz., hand-pattied burger
The Iowa’s Best Burger contest is held in two phases: First, 6,000 votes were cast by the public for 500 restaurants; then, three anonymous judges visited each of the top 10 restaurants to focus on the burgers’ taste, doneness and presentation.
Wood Iron Grille
Address: 2214 S 11th St, Oskaloosa, IA 52577
From Highway 92, take South 11th Street south until you reach the golf course.
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4 pm – 9 pm; Friday & Saturday: 4 pm – 10 pm (Appetizers only after 9 pm)
Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm (Brunch 11 am – 2 pm; Bar and Appetizers 2 pm – 4 pm; Full Menu 4 pm – 8 pm)
Reservations are encouraged for parties of 7 or more
Past winners of Iowa’s Best Burger
2018: Café Beaudelaire (Ames)
2017: The Smokin’ Hereford BBQ (Storm Lake)
2016: The Chuckwagon Restaurant (Adair)
2015: The Cider House (Fairfield)
2014: Brick City Grill (Ames)
2013: 61 Chop House Grille (Mediapolis)
2012: Coon Bowl III (Coon Rapids)
2011: Rusty Duck (Dexter)
2010: Sac County Cattle Company (Sac City)
