Since 2003, the Iowa Pork Producers Association has named a Best Breaded Tenderloin in the state. (Except for in 2004 when they named the best grilled version.) I've devoured six of the award-winners, indulging in the current winner just last month at Buck's Bar and Grill in Mitchellville.Truthfully, I'm really not much of a tenderloin fan. It's not something I typically order while dining out, but for some reason I'm drawn to trying the award winners.
I arrived at Buck's about 1 p.m. and hungry. Which was a good thing because the tenderloins are huge. I'm talking spilling way out of the bun huge. Did I mention it's also served with fries? It took me a while, but I did manage to eat the whole tenderloin. And I have to say, it was quite delicious!
Here's the full list of winners. How many have you had? Where do you think best tenderloin is?
2003 - Darrell's Place, Hamlin
2004 - Suburban Restaurant, Ames (grilled)
2005 - Dairy Sweet, Dunlap
2006 - The Town House Supper Club, Wellsburg
2007 - Larsen's Pub, Elk Horn
2008 - Augusta Restaurant, Oxford
2009 - Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe, Prairie City
2010 - Buck's Bar & Grill, Mitchellville
Jessica O'Riley, Iowa Tourism Office
13 comments:
I've enjoyed MANY a "pork tender with everything" at the Dairy Sweet in Dunlap, and they bring me a step closer to heaven.
Pork tenderloin connoisseurs would also love them at Cheers II in Dow City, about 10 miles northeast on US Highway 30. Turn off the highway on to Franklin Street ("Main Street") and look for it on the next corner. Theirs are also huge, perfectly tender and moist, in an atmosphere of local redneck. Mention me and ask for stories.
I expect Cheers II to win one of these years.
I've had tenderloins at Goldies AND at Darrells. Darrells in Hamlin ahead by a slice of the best rhubarb pie!
I usually only get a tenderloin at the Fair - but I have to break out of my shell and try some of these! It's even better since you get 2 full meals out of one sandwich!
We also have had the huge tenderloin at Buck's. We visited right after the annoucement of his place as the Best Breaded Tenderloin - he said business had been booming! Also, I think the name is just "Buck's" not Uncle Buck's. :)
Amy - You're right, it's not Uncle. Good catch. The same day my family also bowled at Uncle Buck's in Altoona so that must be where it came from.
Chef Pat's Tenderloin, The Rathbun Lake Shore Grille, is Awesome!
Breaded tenderloins are sacred in Iowa. Unfortunately for the past 16 years I have lived outside of Iowa so never even come across them on any menus. Unbelievable, huh? So when I make my annual trip back to Iowa I eat as many breaded tenderloins as possible. And my favorite so far is from Shelly's Food and Spirits in Springville: http://shellysfoodandspirits.com. The reason: they are huge, thick, hand cut tenderloins made daily.
In full disclosure, I am a relative of the owner of Shelly's, but I'll let the product speak for itself. And if you find anything better, please let me know (bohling@gmail.com)...breaded tenderloins are thicker than blood! :)
Thanks for the additional suggestions!
Columbus Bar Columbus Indiana has a great one and get the Onion Rings...for those traveling!
Buck's may have been good for tenderloins but when I waS there on 12/1/2011 it was closed with "For Sale" signs out front. No tenderloins there!!!
Sorry to hear that it closed. Thanks for posting the update.
The Dairy Sweet in Dunlap (winner in 2005) always and still has the best pork tenderloin sandwiches in the Universe.
One of the best tenderloins I have had is at Sneds Raceway Cafe'and bar in Newton, Iowa!
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