Iowa's Best Burger Cafe

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  While driving from California to Ohio, we stopped at this tiny burger place off the I-80.
  
  Situated in a gas station, we were a little skeptical, but the reviews were high and the food smelled good. My husband and I shared a burger and fries. The service was friendly and quick, and their prices are pretty cheap.
  
  This place should not be categorized with the rest of fast food. While it was quick, the burger tasted homemade, better than anything I've ever had from a drive-thru. It was moist and flavorful, and the fries were hot and the perfect level of crispiness.
  
  They have a lot of ice cream flavors and other things on their menu, but I'd recommend going simple with a burger and fries. If you're driving on the I-80, skip all those other rest stop food places and eat here!

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  Posted on 07.01.13 Amelinda G.

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  Great friendly service. My wife and I had to spend a couple hours there one night while waiting for a tow truck and really enjoyed the staff and food. They made a very stressful night into a memorable experience.

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  Posted on 02.13.13 Drew K.

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  This place is excellent.  We celebrated National Cheeseburger Day at this little gem on the way back to Chicago.  The people couldn't have been nicer and the food was excellent.

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  Posted on 09.19.12 Joe O.

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  The burgers at this place are probably one of the best I have ever had. (And I am constantly sampling burgers wherever I go). This little diner is located inside of a gas station at the Kellogg, IA exit on I-80 between Grinnell, IA & Newton, IA. This place is definitely worth the stop. The prices are pretty cheap as well. I always make it a point to stop here if I am passing through during a meal time.

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  Posted on 12.05.11 Greg G.

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  I saw a road sign as we were eastbound on I-80 for the self-proclaimed "Iowa's Best Burger Cafe."   I thought to myself, "I'll be the judge of that thank you very much."  After some smooth talking to my brother we decided to stop in to this conveniently located burgerstand / gas station.
  
  There's a lot of history here.  This place is worn.  Looks like the last refurb was in the late 70s. Wood paneling, formica you know what I am talking about.  But it's well lit, clean and bright.  The menu here is extremely limited.  They stick with the fare that makes them famous: burgers, fries onion rings, soda and ice cream, and other popular favorites that you'll find at any fast-food stand.
  
  Place your order and find a seat.  They'll tender place the beef patties on a incendiary conveyor belt to be coated in tasty flames.   I had the double cheese burger and onion rings, with a soda.   The burger was served on a big soft roll with fresh toppings.  This is an awesome burger.  It has a great authentic flame-kissed taste.  Due to the demise of Sizzlin' Sams in Newton I would advise for traffic on the way to the eastern part of Iowa to try this wonderful little place out for a great burger.

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  Posted on 05.09.11 Matt E.

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  What a great find for a late afternoon lunch! We saw the sign for this spot a couple miles out and it seemed like a place worth checking out!
  
  It's located inside a gas station and has a surprising amount of seating for the size of the place. It's operated by a very nice bunch who are definitely excited about what they're doing!
  
  The burger we had was solid, but the best part of our meal was the tenderloin! They advertise that it's "not made with fritters", but rather from true pig and it tastes the part! Not gigantic, but good size and seriously good. Fries were excellent and the ice cream was solid with 16 flavors available!
  
  Currently they have the "Samson" challenge which is a journey that includes two quad burgers and fries in 30 minutes. Your treasure is a t-shirt and getting your name on the wall of fame!
  
  Overall, a great place to stop for a quick lunch when traveling on I-80! You won't be disappointed!

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  Posted on 04.04.11 Matt U.

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  What a great little family owned place.  Saw the sign on the the way back from a trip to Des Moines and thought, "Why not try it?".  Boy, am I glad we did.  The burger was made to order and grilled (not fried).  All the toppings were fresh and it made for delicious burger.  Paired with some crispy crinkle cut fries, it made for a great lunch.  I went with the double burger and fries.  My only "complaint" was that it filled me up and left no room for a hand dipped milkshake.

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  Posted on 09.01.10 Rob H.

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  Iowa's Best Burger Cafe is located in a gas station right off of Interstate 80 at exit 173.  To say I have a penchant for good eats found in gas stations would be an understatement: Rudy's BBQ in Texas and the Whoa Nellie Deli in California's eastern Sierra are two of my faves.  I have to say the burger at this Iowa gas station is one of the best I've had in years.  The real ice cream shake is also a treat.  This is a stop worth making if you find yourself travelling through Iowa on Interstate 80.

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  Posted on 06.18.10 David C.

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