Iowa’s iconic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is once again taking center stage as the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) announces the five finalists in its 2026 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest.
The five finalists, listed alphabetically, are:
- Friends Hide-A-Way — Underwood
- Landmark Grill & Grind — Williamsburg
- Sasquatch Jacks Hideaway Barroom & Grill — Waverly
- Tin Roost — North Liberty
- Wasted Grain — Carroll
The restaurants were selected after diners across Iowa nominated their favorite establishments. Judges then evaluated qualifying restaurants serving a hand-breaded or hand-battered pork tenderloin sandwich as a regular menu item.
For the restaurants, being named a finalist can mean more than bragging rights. Past finalists have reported increases in customers and pork tenderloin sales as visitors from Iowa and throughout the Midwest travel to sample their sandwiches.
“Every restaurant on this list has earned its place, but judging a great tenderloin comes down to more than size,” said Greg Carlson, a contest judge and retired pork producer. “We look for pork that’s tender and flavorful, with breading that complements it. As a former producer, it’s rewarding to see restaurants put so much care into a sandwich Iowans love.”
To qualify for the contest, restaurants must offer a hand-breaded or hand-battered pork tenderloin sandwich on their regular menu and maintain year-round, regular business hours. Food trucks, concession stands, seasonal establishments and caterers are not eligible.
A final panel of judges will select the 2026 winner and runner-up. The winner will receive $500, a plaque and an outdoor banner, while the runner-up will receive $250 and a plaque.
The results are expected to be announced in mid-October during National Pork Month, also known as “Porktober.”
Last year’s contest winner was Hometown Heroes in Grinnell.
Iowa Pork Producers Association officials are encouraging Iowans to visit the five finalist restaurants and try their versions of the popular Iowa sandwich.
Those who want to make a pork tenderloin at home can also find a breaded pork tenderloin recipe and instructional video from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Source: Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA)
Photo: Courtesy of the Iowa Pork Producers Association
