The most iconic food in Iowa is the pork tenderloin sandwich – those massive fried hubcaps of meat served on a comically undersized bun. You can usually find this classic Iowa food on most casual restaurant menus, but the debate on who has the best pork tenderloin in Iowa is a heated one – so heated that there’s an annual competition! The 2022 winner was an unassuming bar-and-grill in the small city of Waukon, and now fans of the sandwich are flooding to it. But if you ask the residents of Waukon, they knew Lid’s Bar and Grill had something special for a long time. This casual restaurant’s pork tenderloin has developed a massive cult following, and after taking one bite into this sandwich – and the rest of the menu’s delicious offerings – it’s not hard to see why.
Located in a converted industrial building, Lid’s Bar and Grill in Waukon doesn’t look like a culinary destination - but anyone who steps inside is rewarded.
Lid’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
The humble watering hole and diner-style restaurant is known for its hearty Iowa-style classics - including a flavorful take on the classic loose-meat sandwich.
Lid’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
The restaurant has an extended burger menu, and you can get some over-the-top toppings - like this smokehouse burger with pulled pork and onion rings!
Lid’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
But the headline attraction here is definitely the pork tenderloin sandwich - recently named the best in all of Iowa.
Lid’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
One look at this beast makes it clear why - the crispy, perfectly-seasoned coating is the perfect companion to all the toppings and fries.
Lid’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
If you want a slightly more indulgent take on this classic, try it with crisp, buttery Texas Toast.
Lid’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
Pork tenderloin is a specialty at Lid’s, and if you’re there when they have the smoked BBQ pork tenderloin sandwich, it’s a twist on the classic well-worth taking.
Lid’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
And of course, you can’t leave Lid’s without trying a slice of their many varieties of homemade pie.
Lid’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
Have you visited Waukon for what’s been named the best pork tenderloin in Iowa? Let us know about your visit to this popular restaurant in the comments section. If you’re planning to visit, you can check out the restaurant’s Facebook page for more details on its offerings. For another one-of-a-kind Iowa restaurant, check out this small-town steakhouse with a unique claim to fame.
Lid’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
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Address: Lid’s Bar & Grill, 1350 9th St SW, Waukon, IA 52172, USA
