Iowa's Best Sandwiches: From Pork Tenderloins to Loose Meats, Here's Where to Find Them

Iowa is a state that takes its sandwiches seriously. From the comically oversized pork tenderloin to the humble loose meat sandwich, the Hawkeye State has carved out its own distinct place in America's rich sandwich landscape. A new roundup of regional sandwiches across the country highlights two Iowa staples that locals swear by and visitors should not miss.

What makes Iowa's pork tenderloin sandwich so special?

The pork tenderloin sandwich is a Midwest icon, and Iowa claims it as its own alongside Indiana. The pounded, breaded, and fried pork cutlet is famously larger than the hamburger bun it sits on, often spilling over the plate by multiple inches on all sides. It is typically served with mustard, pickles, and onions.

For those looking to experience this Iowa classic at its best, Smitty's Tenderloins in Des Moines is the go-to spot. The restaurant offers the sandwich in queen and king sizes, ensuring no one leaves hungry.

Where can you find Iowa's famous loose meat sandwich?

Iowa's other claim to sandwich fame is the loose meat sandwich, a specialty that has been served at diners across the state for generations. Imagine a sloppy joe without the red sauce, and you have the loose meat sandwich: seasoned ground beef piled high on a bun, often topped with pickles, onion, and yellow mustard.

Maid-Rite, the iconic Iowa chain, has been serving this unwieldy sandwich for over a century. The restaurant even provides a spoon with every order so customers can scoop up the beef that inevitably falls into the basket.

How does Iowa's sandwich culture compare to other regions?

The national roundup showcases sandwiches from coast to coast, from the Philly cheesesteak to New Orleans' muffuletta. But Iowa's contributions stand out for their straightforward, no-frills approach. The pork tenderloin and loose meat sandwich are not fancy, but they are filling, affordable, and deeply rooted in the state's agricultural heritage.

Iowa's love for pork is no surprise given its status as the nation's leading pork producer. The state raises more pigs than any other, and that agricultural strength translates directly into the local food culture.

What other regional sandwiches are worth trying?

While Iowa's sandwiches are the focus, the roundup also highlights several other regional favorites that showcase America's diverse culinary traditions:

• Italian Beef (Chicago): Shaved roast beef simmered in Italian-spiced jus, piled high on a roll and often dipped in gravy.
• Cheesesteak (Philadelphia): The iconic griddled beef and cheese sandwich that started at Pat's King of Steaks in the 1930s.
• Lobster Roll (New England): Available Maine-style with mayo or Connecticut-style with warm butter.
• Po'boy (New Orleans): Fried shrimp or oysters served on a crusty roll, born during a 1929 railway strike.
• Runza (Nebraska): A yeasted dough pocket filled with ground beef, onions, and cabbage, similar to a Hot Pocket.

Why do regional sandwiches matter to Iowa?

Regional sandwiches are more than just food; they are a reflection of local history, culture, and values. For Iowa, the pork tenderloin and loose meat sandwich represent a connection to the state's farming roots and its reputation for hearty, honest food.

As the national spotlight occasionally turns to these regional specialties, Iowans can take pride in knowing their state's contributions hold their own against better-known sandwiches from bigger cities.

Whether you are a lifelong Iowan or just passing through, stopping at a local diner for a pork tenderloin or loose meat sandwich is a rite of passage. It is a taste of Iowa that cannot be found anywhere else.

Frequently asked questions about Iowa sandwiches

Where is the best pork tenderloin in Iowa?

Smitty's Tenderloins in Des Moines is widely regarded as one of the best spots for pork tenderloin sandwiches in Iowa, offering queen and king sizes.

What is a loose meat sandwich?

A loose meat sandwich is seasoned ground beef served on a bun without sauce, a specialty of Iowa diners like Maid-Rite.

Is the pork tenderloin sandwich unique to Iowa?

No, the pork tenderloin sandwich is also popular in Indiana, but Iowa claims it as a regional staple with its own local variations.

Why is pork so important to Iowa's food culture?

Iowa is the nation's leading pork producer, and pork-based dishes like the tenderloin sandwich reflect the state's agricultural heritage.