13 Iowa Restaurants Serving The Best Tenderloin Sandwiches

Iowa takes pork tenderloins seriously. These iconic sandwiches feature a pork cutlet pounded thin, breaded, fried to golden perfection, and served on a bun that’s often comically small compared to the meat.

While you can find versions across the Midwest, Iowa’s tenderloins have gained legendary status among food enthusiasts and locals alike.

Here are 13 restaurants across the Hawkeye State where you’ll find the most mouthwatering tenderloin sandwiches.

1. Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe (Prairie City)

Surprising customers since 1928, this small-town ice cream shop doubles as a tenderloin destination. The hand-pounded pork loin extends well beyond the bun, creating that classic Iowa tenderloin look that locals love.

Each sandwich comes perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Regulars recommend adding just ketchup and pickles to fully appreciate the quality of the meat. Goldie’s has won multiple state awards, confirming what locals already knew!

2. Joensy’s Restaurant (Center Point)

Famous for serving tenderloins bigger than your face, Joensy’s has perfected their recipe over decades. Locals drive miles just to bite into these massive, hand-breaded beauties that hang off the plate.

The secret lies in their 24-hour marinade process that keeps the meat tender despite its thinness. Every sandwich gets a quick fry that creates the perfect crispy exterior without drying out the pork.

3. Nick’s (Des Moines)

A downtown Des Moines institution since 1997, Nick’s creates tenderloins that locals consider the gold standard. The meat is pounded thin but retains a remarkable juiciness that keeps customers coming back.

Unlike some competitors who focus solely on size, Nick’s prioritizes flavor with a perfectly seasoned breading that complements rather than overwhelms the pork. The restaurant’s casual atmosphere matches the unpretentious nature of this beloved sandwich..

4. Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop (Des Moines)

Specializing exclusively in tenderloins since 1952, Smitty’s knows exactly what makes a perfect sandwich. Their hand-cut, hand-tenderized pork loins create the foundation for what many consider Iowa’s most authentic version.

The breading strikes that ideal balance – substantial enough to provide crunch but light enough to let the pork shine through. Smitty’s no-frills approach extends to their toppings: just pickles, onions, and mustard or ketchup as nature intended.

5. Darrell’s Place (Hamlin)

Past winner of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s best tenderloin contest, Darrell’s Place creates tenderloins that people willingly drive hours to taste. The small-town charm of this Hamlin establishment adds to the experience.

Each tenderloin starts as a thick cut of pork loin that’s hand-tenderized until it reaches that perfect thinness. The seasoned breading creates a satisfying crackle with each bite, while the meat remains moist. What makes Darrell’s special is consistency!

6. The Blind Pig (Cedar Rapids)

Bringing a modern twist to the classic tenderloin, The Blind Pig’s version features a thicker cut of meat that provides a satisfying bite. Their hand-breaded technique creates a distinctively crunchy exterior that regulars rave about.

The sandwich comes served on a pretzel bun – a delicious departure from tradition that works surprisingly well with the savory pork. Located in Cedar Rapids’ NewBo district, this gastropub attracts both tenderloin purists and foodies looking for innovative takes on Iowa classics.

7. Northside Cafe (Winterset)

Made famous by its appearance in the film “The Bridges of Madison County,” Northside Cafe serves a tenderloin that deserves its own starring role. The historic restaurant dates back to 1876, but their sandwich-making techniques stay perfectly current.

Each tenderloin features a light, crispy breading that shatters pleasingly with every bite. The meat inside remains tender and flavorful, never dry. Locals appreciate how the kitchen maintains consistent quality despite the tourist traffic.

8. TC’s Point After (Dewitt)

Hidden in small-town Dewitt, TC’s Point After serves a tenderloin that locals fiercely defend as eastern Iowa’s finest. The secret? A proprietary marinade that infuses the pork with subtle flavors before it ever meets the breading.

TC’s hand-pounds each loin until it reaches that impressive plate-sized diameter Iowa tenderloins are known for. The breading adheres perfectly to the meat, creating a unified eating experience rather than falling apart. This sports bar atmosphere might seem casual, but they take their signature sandwich very seriously.

9. Breitbach’s Country Dining (Balltown)

Iowa’s oldest continuously operating restaurant doesn’t rest on its historic laurels when it comes to tenderloin quality. Established in 1852, Breitbach’s combines generations of experience with locally sourced pork from nearby farms.

Their tenderloin stands out for its perfect thickness – thin enough to be tender but substantial enough to showcase the pork’s natural flavor.The breading incorporates a blend of herbs that complements rather than masks the meat.

10. Landmark Bistro (Grundy Center)

Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, Landmark Bistro elevates the humble tenderloin to culinary art. Their version starts with premium pork that’s brined for 24 hours before being hand-breaded to order.

The result is a tenderloin with exceptional flavor and moisture that pairs perfectly with their housemade aioli. Unlike many competitors, Landmark serves their sandwich on a brioche bun that stands up to the substantial cutlet.

11. Townhouse Supper Club (Wellsburg)

Family-owned for generations, Townhouse Supper Club creates tenderloins that exemplify small-town Iowa’s commitment to quality. Regular customers drive from neighboring counties just for these hand-cut, hand-pounded beauties.

The breading recipe remains a closely guarded secret, but the result speaks for itself – perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of pepper and spices. Each tenderloin gets fried to order, ensuring it arrives at your table piping hot with that fresh-from-the-fryer crispness.

12. Dairy Sweet (Dunlap)

Summer afternoons in Dunlap mean lining up at Dairy Sweet’s walk-up window for their legendary tenderloins. This seasonal ice cream stand might seem an unlikely tenderloin destination, but locals know better.

Their sandwich features a thin, exceptionally wide cutlet with a delicate breading that provides the perfect crunch-to-meat ratio. The pork remains juicy despite its thinness – a true sign of proper preparation. Since Dairy Sweet closes during winter months, regulars make frequent summer visits to get their fix!

13. Belmond Drive-In (Belmond)

Operating since 1952, this classic drive-in creates tenderloins that perfectly capture Iowa’s pork tradition. Their sandwich features a hand-cut loin that’s pounded thin but remains substantial enough to showcase the quality of the meat.

The breading has a distinctive crackle that tenderloin aficionados seek out. Served on a toasted bun with simple toppings, this sandwich lets the pork remain the star. The nostalgic carhop service adds to the experience – there’s something special about enjoying Iowa’s signature sandwich!