Top 10 burgers announced for 2015

The Iowa Beef Council has announced 2015's 10 finalist burgers. Three metro-area burger spots made the cut. Ankeny Diner, which joins the top 10 for the fourth year (out of the contest's six); Big City Burgers and Greens for the second year in a row; and making its third appearance on the list, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.

Burgers are judged on taste (50 percent), appearance and presentation (30 percent) and proper cooking temperature/degree of doneness (20 percent). The panel of four top-secret judges are, even now, driving the state to taste the top 10, which were chosen from public nominations. Last year's winner was the Brick City Grill in Ames.

The winner will be announced May 4.

2015 Top 10 burgers

Ankeny Diner, Ankeny

Big City Burgers and Greens, Des Moines

The Cider House, Fairfield

Downright Delicious, Clarinda

Elm's Club, Creston

First Street Grill, Keosauqua

Rides Bar and Grill, Fort Dodge

The Ritz, Arnold's Park

Saucy Focaccia, Cedar Rapids

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, Des Moines