The Wisconsin Beef Council has announced the Elite Eight in their 2nd annual Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest. The contest was designed to seek out and promote 100% beef burgers prepared in Wisconsin restaurants. Public nominations selected the Elite Eight, followed by secret judges evaluating entries on taste, appearance, doneness, enjoyment, and atmosphere.

Brazen Head Pub Voted Best Burger in Wisconsin 2025

Brazen Head Pub at 147 N Main St, West Bend, claimed the top spot with its Brazen Beer Cheese Burger—a half-pound Angus beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings, and Harp beer cheese on a pretzel roll. Owner John Fellenz credited customer nominations and staff passion for the victory over stiff competition. Judges praised its juicy perfection, beautiful cooking, and enjoyable experience.

Celebrate National Hamburger Day 2025 by trying one of the Elite Eight Burgers across Wisconsin!

Other Elite Eight Finalists

These standout burger spots earned the most nominations and impressed judges across Wisconsin:

How is Wisconsin’s best burger selected?

The burgers will be scored by a secret panel of judges on taste (50 points,) appearance (30 points,) proper doneness (10 points,) overall enjoyment of the burger (10 points,) and bonus points may be given for eating environment, atmosphere and experience (up to 5 points.)

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 may be added to 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.

Enter Next Year’s Best Burger Contest

Restaurants, rally your fans now for 2026! Nominate your 100% beef burger during the Wisconsin Beef Council’s annual contest—starting with public nominations each February—to compete for the top spot. Submit via the official form on beefTips.com, share on social media, and encourage daily votes to reach the Elite Eight for secret judge tastings.

Read the full 2025 winner press release here:

“Restaurants can watch for details about next year’s contest coming out in February of 2026 on our website,” said Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council.

Visit Wisconsin Beef Council Burger Event Contest for rules and updates.

Learn More

To follow Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest, LIKE the Wisconsin Beef Council on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.

Support Wisconsin Farmers

Wisconsin has a robust beef industry, ranking ninth in the nation for the number of cattle and calves that call the Badger State home, 3.4 million total¹. The value of those cattle and calves to the state is almost double Wisconsin’s food grains, vegetables and melons, and fruits and nuts combined when comparing cash receipts².

Whether it’s a Ribeye Steak on the grill or a Chuck Roast for the family, customers are choosing beef. In fact, per capita consumption of beef and veal was over 59 pounds in 2022³. That’s 236 quarter-pound burgers!

Here are just a few ways you can support Badger State beef today!

Engage your local farmer: Connect via tours, Facebook, or markets using the Wisconsin Beef Council’s Local Beef Directory.
Visit meat processors: Discover snack sticks, smoked meats, and cuts from 500+ establishments statewide.
Grill beef recipes: Enjoy nutrient-rich beef (half daily protein in 3 oz) packed with zinc, iron, and B vitamins—here are Nine Things to Know about Eating Meat.

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Learn from Gather Wisconsin

Gather Wisconsin connects burger lovers, home cooks and families directly to trusted, farmer-backed resources all in one place. Explore easy, Wisconsin beef-focused recipes for busy weeknights, backyard grilling and gameday gatherings. Not sure what to buy? Use our tips on selecting food to choose quality cuts of beef, read labels with confidence and shop smarter at your local grocery store or meat market. Ready to connect with the source of your beef? Plan a visit to your local farm and meet the Wisconsin farmers who raise the cattle behind your favorite burgers.