The Wisconsin Beef Council has announced the Elite Eight in the 3rd Annual Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest. This is a statewide celebration of mouthwatering 100% beef burgers served at Wisconsin restaurants, bars, and grills.
The contest continues to draw strong engagement from burger fans across the state who eagerly nominated their favorites.
After tallying thousands of nominations submitted through the Wisconsin Beef Council website, the following establishments rose to the top:
- Brew and Oles, 597 N. Pine Street, Burlington
- Brothers on Oak, 412 Oak Street, Baraboo
- The Dump Bar & Grill, 105 W. Edgewater St, Cambria
- Game Over, 228 N 6th Ave, West Bend
- Local Press Eatery, 502 S 8th St, Sheboygan
- Mihm’s Charcoal Grill, 342 Chute Street, Menasha
- Pastimes Pub & Grill, 120 Scott Street, Ripon
- Skippy’s Burger Bar, 113 Green Bay Rd, Thiensville
“They’re now being visited by a secret panel of judges who will be scoring a burger from the menu to determine who wins the 2026 contest,” says Executive Director Tammy Vaassen. It’s exciting to see the enjoyment of this contest as the Elite Eight welcome curious burger lovers, and new customers, through the door.”
The judges will evaluate the burgers on taste (50 points), appearance (30), proper doneness (10), and overall enjoyment (10). Establishments can also get up to five bonus points for the overall dining environment, atmosphere, and experience.
Wisconsin Beef Council will kick off May Beef Month by announcing the winner of the 2026 Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest on April 24.
To be eligible for the contest, the hamburgers on the restaurant menus must have met the
following guidelines:
- The burger must be 100% beef (other ingredients can come with the patty, such as spices, vegetables, etc.)
- All burgers must be composed of a formed ground beef patty/patties served on a bun or other bread product (such as biscuits, focaccia or tortillas). Burgers may include any combination of condiments (such as ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard), sauces (such as barbeque or hot sauce), cheeses and toppings (such as bacon, onions, tomatoes and lettuce). Every component of the burger must be placed between the bun or bread pieces or served open-faced on a bread product.
To follow Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest, LIKE the Wisconsin Beef Council on Facebook or follow on Instagram.
Find a map of Wisconsin’s 2026 Elite Eight Best Burger restaurants: https://www.beeftips.com/events/best-burger-contest
