A burger topped with pineapple sweet corn relish, sweet corn mayo, and crushed Cheddar Ruffles has a name, and that name is the Jabroni.
Yes, it’s named after a wrestling insult. That alone tells you this kitchen plays by its own rules.
The whole menu works like a wrestling card. Burgers and hot dogs carry names inspired by ring legends.
One hot dog even pairs Asian peanut sauce with sweet chili Doritos.
The room matches the menu. Wrestling memorabilia covers the walls, and classic matches play on the TVs.
I appreciate a theme that commits this hard instead of hanging one poster and calling it a day.
The food backs up the gimmick, too. This small Iowa spot picked up a big statewide burger honor in 2022.
So how does a wrestling joint win a title that has nothing to do with the ring?
The Main Event Starts With A Championship Belt Of A Different Kind
Trophies usually belong to wrestlers, but The Flying Elbow earned one with a spatula.
In 2022, this Marshalltown restaurant was named the home of the best burger in Iowa by the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
That contest draws nominations from all over the state. Winning it puts a small-town spot on the radar of road-trippers and serious burger hunters alike.
The award matters because it proves the theme isn’t covering for weak food. Plenty of novelty restaurants lean on decor and hope nobody notices the plate.
This one went the other direction and let the burgers do the heavy lifting.
The winning burger was the Tombstone, a smashburger with a creative combination of toppings. The Brisco is another popular choice, which the restaurant lists as a 2024 customer favorite.
The Brisco features applewood smoked bacon, Swiss American cheese, mayonnaise, and sliced Roma tomato on brioche Texas toast.
For me, a statewide title is a solid reason to plan a detour. It’s the kind of credential that turns a casual lunch idea into an actual destination.
And the best part? The rest of the menu follows the same creative streak.
The Tombstone may hold the belt, but a whole roster of challengers waits right behind it, each with its own wild combination of toppings.
Every Burger On This Roster Has A Ring Name
Hulk Hogan fans, take a deep breath. The menu here reads like a lineup from a classic pay-per-view, with burgers named for legendary wrestlers and wrestling moments.
The Vinnie brings two patties, 1001 Island sauce, American cheese, shredded lettuce, grilled minced onions, and dill pickles.
The Real American keeps things classic with American cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and grilled onions.
Fitting name for a burger that sticks to the basics.
Then the creativity kicks in. Piper’s Pit piles on shaved ham, Swiss American cheese, Chico BBQ, pickled red onions, and dill pickle.
The Jabroni tosses pineapple sweet corn relish, sweet corn mayo, Cheddar Ruffles, and The People’s BBQ sauce together. That’s a lot of Iowa corn energy in one bite.
Other contenders include the Tombstone, George the Animal, and Cowboy Bob. Jake the Steak adds another wrestling-inspired option as a smoked steak sandwich.
The menu can feel like a lot at first. Don’t panic.
The staff is known for walking guests through options, so asking for help is a smart move.
Here’s a fun twist, too. Items on the Attitude Menu can be made as a burger or a hot dog, so your favorite combo can switch weight classes.
Hot Dogs Get Their Own Title Shot
Ric Flair would approve of a hot dog this flashy. The Nature Boy comes topped with Asian peanut sauce, pickled red cabbage, sweet chili Doritos, and banana peppers.
Sounds a little chaotic, right? That’s the fun.
The kitchen clearly enjoys mixing crunchy snacks, tangy pickles, and bold sauces in ways most hot dog stands would never try.
Prefer something more traditional? The Punk is a Chicago-style dog with neon green relish, a pickle spear, sport peppers, red onion, diced Roma tomato, mustard, and celery salt.
It’s a respectful nod to a classic.
Chili dogs show up on the menu as well. That gives traditionalists another easy way to jump in.
Since items on the Attitude Menu can be made as burgers or hot dogs, the possibilities stretch even further. Love the Jabroni’s toppings but want to try them on something different?
Try it on a dog.
This flexibility is great for groups. One person can go classic, another can go wild, and everyone gets to sample a little of both.
Hot dogs often get treated like an afterthought at burger places. Here, they’re full members of the roster, with toppings just as creative as anything sitting on a bun.
Save Room For Sides That Steal The Spotlight
Tag-team partners matter, and the sides here hold their own. Vader Tots are one of the most talked-about picks, with a crunchy outside and cheesy potato inside.
They come with a smoked ketchup that has a hint of barbecue mixed in. Even condiments get extra effort at this place.
Mac and cheese is another favorite. It comes topped with Cheetos dust, and you can request Flamin’ Hot Cheetos dust for extra color, crunch, and heat.
Mr. Mac’Man takes things further by combining mac and cheese with Cheetos dust and green onions. Order it as loaded fries if you want the whole combination over a pile of potatoes.
Fried cheese curds make a fine choice for snacking, and the homemade ranch is worth a dip. This is Iowa, after all.
Cheese curds are practically required.
For something cool and different, the Street Corn Salad is served cold. Expect a fresh, tangy change of pace next to a hot burger.
Just know going in that it isn’t a warm side.
The 3:16 Chili rounds out the lineup with another wrestling wink. Onion rings and fries are also on the card.
Hungry crew? Larger side sizes are available, which makes sharing easy and keeps arguments over the last tot to a minimum.
Smoked Meats Prove The Kitchen Has Range
Burgers may be the headliner, but pulled pork brings serious backup. The Classic Pulled Pork can be ordered loaded, served over fries with barbecue sauce and pickles.
That’s a hearty plate. It’s great for anyone who wants something saucy instead of a handheld.
Burnt ends also show up on the menu. Those smoky, rich bites are a barbecue favorite, and they fit right in with the restaurant’s comfort food style.
Sauces are a big part of the story. Names like The People’s BBQ sauce and Chico BBQ keep the wrestling theme alive even in the condiments.
Fans will catch the references right away.
Vegetarian options are available too. That helps if your group includes someone who skips meat, since not every burger joint makes room for them.
Watch for specials as well. The restaurant has offered limited burgers, such as the King of the Ring with Korean BBQ and slaw, promoted on its Facebook page.
Following those posts is a smart idea before visiting. A special might be waiting that won’t stay on the menu forever.
Between smoked meats, specials, and burgers, it’s hard to leave without wanting a rematch.
Wrestling Fans Will Feel Right At Home Inside
Vintage wrestling plays on the TVs, and that sets the mood instantly. Classic matches, including old SummerSlam footage, have appeared on screens while guests eat.
The walls carry wrestling memorabilia throughout the room. It feels like a fan’s basement, only cleaner and with a full kitchen.
The space is small, with booths and limited indoor seating. That cozy size gives The Flying Elbow a friendly, neighborhood feel.
Ordering happens at the counter, where a menu board lists the full lineup.
Not a wrestling fan? No problem.
The decor is fun to look at either way, and the food doesn’t require knowing a single finishing move.
Still, longtime fans get extra rewards. Spotting the references behind each menu name becomes part of the meal.
It’s like a trivia game with fries.
Nostalgia is a big part of the appeal. The theme leans toward the Hulkamania era, which brings back memories for anyone who grew up with Saturday morning wrestling.
The building has a history of its own, too. It was once known as the 13th St Inn before being updated into the restaurant guests see today.
Grab A Seat Outside When The Weather Cooperates
Indoor space is limited, so the outdoor seating area is a welcome bonus. The restaurant expanded to include patio-style seating, giving guests more room to spread out.
On a nice Iowa day, eating outside makes a great choice. Burgers just taste better with a little fresh air, or at least it feels that way.
The patio also helps on busy nights. Saturday evenings can get packed, and finding a table inside may take some patience.
Having outdoor seats as a backup can save the day.
Families with restless kids might appreciate the extra breathing room as well. Nobody minds a little extra cheering when you’re outside.
Planning tip: if the weather is hot, the small indoor room can feel warm with a busy kitchen nearby. A milder day is ideal for enjoying either seating option.
Arriving a bit earlier than the dinner rush is another smart move. Doors open at 11 a.m., so a late lunch can be a relaxed way to visit.
Either way, the setup gives guests choices. Sit inside with the wrestling footage, or soak up the sun outdoors.
Both make solid ringside seats for a great meal.
Finding This Spot Is Easier Than A Pinfall
Marshalltown sits right in the middle of Iowa, which makes it a handy stop for road trips. The Flying Elbow is located at 229 N 13th St, Marshalltown, IA 50158.
The neighborhood setting gives it a local, down-to-earth feel. It’s close to the Iowa Veterans Home, a well-known landmark in town.
Hours are straightforward. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m.
Monday through Saturday and closes at 8 p.m. on most weekdays. Friday and Saturday hours run a little later, until 8:30 p.m.
Sundays are a day off, so plan around that. Showing up hungry on a Sunday would be a rough loss.
Travelers passing through central Iowa can easily work this stop into a drive. It makes a fun break from chain restaurants and gives the trip a memorable story.
Locals benefit, too. A place this creative right in town means there’s always something new to try for lunch or dinner.
Before heading over, checking the restaurant’s Facebook page is a good habit. That’s where specials and updates tend to appear.
A quick look could point you toward a limited burger worth the trip all on its own.
Friendly Service Makes A Big Menu Feel Less Like A Cage Match
A long menu packed with unusual toppings can feel intimidating. That’s where the staff comes in, known for patiently explaining options and offering recommendations.
Owner Garrett has even worked on a refreshed menu design. The goal is to make choices easier to read, with clearer descriptions for items like the Street Corn Salad.
That kind of attention shows the restaurant listens. It wants first-time guests to feel comfortable, not overwhelmed by a wall of creative names.
The Flying Elbow also supports events in the Marshalltown community. That local involvement adds to its appeal as more than just a place to grab lunch.
Food is made to order, so each burger gets cooked fresh. Expect your meal to arrive hot and built the way you asked.
For first-timers, a simple strategy works well. Pick one wild burger, one classic side, and something cheesy to share.
You’ll get a full sense of the kitchen’s personality.
Then plan your next visit, because one trip won’t cover the whole roster. With burgers, hot dogs, smo
ked meats, and rotating specials, this Iowa favorite practically begs for a rematch. Bring a friend, choose different orders, and swap bites.