Where is Illinois' best tenderloin?

After multiple rounds of voting, Buford’s Pub in Sadorus was named Best Pork Tenderloin Sandwich in Illinois with River’s Edge in Dixon earning second place.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association hosted the first ever Breaded Pork Tenderloin Draft during October Pork Month – a competition designed to spotlight hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches served at restaurants across the state.

Only true, hand-breaded pork tenderloins were the focus of the Tenderloin Draft and not fritters. Nominated restaurants were required to operate year-round, maintain regular hours and feature and hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwich on their daily menu.

Voting opened to the public last fall then IPPA members voted to narrow the list to a top 20, followed by a top five. A panel then taste tested the top five to determine first and second place.

Buford’s Pub stood out among nominated restaurants statewide, capturing top honors for its oversized, hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwich and its loyal following among tenderloin enthusiasts.

“We make hundreds of tenderloins each week and to be nominated and awarded the best in Illinois is just unbelievable,” stated Jeff Buckler, owner of Buford’s Pub.