The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill in Ogden, Iowa

The IPPA gave away its Best Tenderloin award in October of 2014 to a small town pub in Boone County. The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill has been serving up food and drinks in this location since 2011. The branding of the pub has a long written out explanation about what a "lucky pig" is in Germany. 

Location: 113 W Walnut St in Ogden, Boone County, in Central Iowa.

Directions: Ogden is just past Boone on Highway 30, take the offramp and go north through town and turn right on Walnut St in the center of town.

Online at: facebook page is HERE.

The Tenderloin: The breading was like a batter that has a bright and golden brown color, and the texture forms a solid layer that wasn't crunchy on either of my visits. It had a little bit of a spicy flavored taste. The loin meat was thin yet soft with good moisture but not quite juicy. Served with your choice of fixins on a kaiser bun. Overall 8.4 out of ten.

Price: $9.95 with a side, I went with the Onion Rings:

Onion Rings

The Wholly Pig: I saw this ridiculous topped tenderloin on the menu and had to try it. This was a breaded tenderloin on top of some sliced ham, with bbq pork and strips of bacon with bbq sauce and melted cheese. The whole deal was one heavy pile of food even without the side of fries.

Also on the menu: The menu is huge with fried stuff, giant burgers, wings, appetizers, salads, steaks, pizza and specials.

Service: Its table service with a wait for seating when things get busy.

Ambiance: The interior is a big improvement from the bar that used to be here. This is a newish remodel of the old sports bar, with large tables for seating.

Final Thoughts:  I had visited this same space in Ogden several years ago when the building was occupied by BK's Sports Bar, which moved here from the other side of the main street. But that was a long time ago. The tenderloin here is as good as any in the Central Iowa area, if you don't mind driving past Boone to get here.