Few Midwestern foods inspire the kind of regional loyalty — and friendly rivalry — as the breaded pork tenderloin. At its core, it’s Iowa’s take on the German schnitzel: a lean pork cutlet pounded thin (or sometimes left unapologetically thick), hand‑breaded, and fried until the crust crackles. While both Iowa and Indiana claim bragging rights for inventing the sandwich, the exact origin remains as delightfully fuzzy as a diner countertop debate. What’s not in dispute is how deeply it’s woven into local food culture.
Depending on where you order one, the tenderloin might arrive stretched across a plate like a golden frisbee or served as a hefty, bun-sized cut that prioritizes juiciness over circumference. From century-old butcher counters to modern beer halls and beloved neighborhood bars, every kitchen puts its own spin on this comfort-food icon — and every Iowan has an opinion about who does it best.
Here’s a look at five places in the Des Moines metro that offer some of the best breaded pork tenderloins.
B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli
A beloved hybrid of butcher shop and deli, B&B Grocery has earned its reputation by delivering some of the most memorable sandwiches in the city. Its breaded pork tenderloin — cut on‑site and fried to a crisp — is emblematic of the shop’s straightforward, flavor-first approach. This tiny institution gained national attention after being featured on the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods,” drawing acclaim for its killer sandwiches. Expect a rustic, generously sized tenderloin served on a classic bun, the kind of no-nonsense sandwich that feels right at home in a century-old mom-and-pop setting…