2025’s Top 5 Finalists For Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin

One of the most 'Iowa' entrees ever.

When I moved to Iowa from the south, I had no idea breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches were even a thing but I'm so glad they are.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association has narrowed down 5 finalists from the pool of 40 candidates to choose Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin 2025. Let's just take a minute for the sammies though shall we:

The top 5 finalists are:

• The 1854-Gilbertville
• Dexfield Diner & Pub-Redfield
• Hometown Heroes-Grinnell
• Sugar's Lounge & Diner-Council Bluffs
• Walker's-Salix

October is national pork month (Porktober as they're calling it) and now a panel of 3 judges will have the heavy task of choosing the best. They're judging based on tenderness, flavor (duh), presentation, and overall experience.

Out of the dozens of entries, the top 5 finalists are decided after certain 'mystery diners' evaluate each sandwich based on pork taste, quality, physical characteristics, presentation, and experience.

Kelsey Sutter of IPPA told KCRG that the judging process has 100 points possible. The pork taste and quality is worth 50%, which includes the tenderloin's flavor, freshness, tenderness, moisture, and balance of seasoning.

In the past, winners have included Dairy Sweet in Dunlap (2024), Cliff's Place in Manning (2023), and Lid's Bar & Grill in Waukon (2022).

The winner will be revealed later in October.

Even though it's beloved in Iowa, the fried pork tenderloin sammie actually has roots in Indiana. It's inspired by the Austrian dish weiner schnitzel. It became the pork tenderloin sandwich when burger cart owner Nicholas Freinstein adjusted the dish to use pork since it was more relatable and available.