The Absolute Best Burger in Des Moines

Let’s settle the argument before it starts: Des Moines does burgers better than any city that charges you fifteen bucks for a parking spot. You know the drill—you’ve got your loyalists who swear by the crusty smash at Lachele’s, and you’ve got the crew that wants a grilled cheese for a bun at Zombie Burger.

That’s the beauty of this town. We tracked down ten spots, from the late-night haven of Lucky Horse to the pre-show polish of The Royal Mile, and ate a lot of crinkle fries along the way.

So clear your calendar and bring a napkin. Here’s where to go.

Lachele's Fine Foods

Highlights
Smash burgers worth the hype
Staff treats you like family
Loaded chili cheese tots shine
Small space, big energy
A road-trip worthy stop

You will hear about Lachele's before you even pull into the lot. The smash burgers justify every bit of that talk. They arrive with a crust that shatters, and the inside stays juicy. The staff treats you like a regular from the moment you walk in, even if it is your first visit. You have to try the loaded chili cheese tots; they are a meal in themselves and steal attention from the fries. The space is small, so expect to stand or wait, but the energy makes up for it. This is a road-trip worthy stop. Do not pass it up.

You might also want to check out the best hamburger in Des Moines.

Zombie Burger + Bird

Highlights
Best meal in four days
Creative, fun burger combinations
Ten years of consistent quality
Grilled cheese as a bun
Sassy service, great sides

Zombie Burger + Bird gave me the best meal I had in four days. That is no small claim, given the competition. The combinations here are creative without being silly. I tried the one with a grilled cheese sandwich as the bun, and it works better than it has any right to. The patty holds up, and the bread adds a buttery crunch that makes you wonder why everyone does not do this. The service has a sassy edge, which I appreciated, and the sides are solid. Ten years of consistent quality shows. You will leave full and impressed.

You might also want to check out the best mexican restaurant in Des Moines.

Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers

Highlights
Affordable quality, generous portions
Creative twists on familiar favorites
Friendly service, even late nights
Tender carnitas in shareable nachos
Unique truffle pear flatbread pairing

If you want value, Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers is where you go. The portions are generous, and the price is right. I tried a burger with a creative twist, and it was executed perfectly, not just a gimmick. The carnitas in the nachos are tender and seasoned well, a shareable plate that disappears fast. The truffle pear flatbread was an unexpected pairing that worked, adding a fancy touch to a casual menu. The service stays friendly, even late at night, which is rare. The place has a neighborhood feel that draws you in. You will leave with a full belly and a lighter wallet.

You might also want to check out the best coffee shops in Des Moines.

The Station On Ingersoll

Highlights
Crab Rangoon Nachos impress
Sourdough Smash earns praise
Wings worth your time
Service sharpens the whole meal
Price meets generous portions

The Station On Ingersoll earns its reputation with the Sourdough Smash. The sourdough bun is sturdy enough to hold the juicy patty, and the crust on the smash is perfect. But you must start with the Crab Rangoon Nachos; they are a mess of wonton chips, creamy crab dip, and a sweet chili drizzle that will have you scraping the plate. The wings are also worth ordering, with a crisp skin and a sauce that has a real kick. The service sharpens the whole meal, keeping drinks full and checking in at the right moments. The prices match the generous portions. You will be planning a return visit before you leave.

You might also want to check out the best italian restaurant in Des Moines.

Francies

Highlights
Steak sandwich with tender meat
Crispy crinkle fries done right
Fast, friendly kitchen service
Loud but lively small space
Worth a return trip

Francies is a small, loud place that packs a punch. The steak sandwich is the star, with tender meat that melts under your teeth. You will want the crinkle fries on the side; they are crispy and salted just right. The kitchen works fast, and the staff are friendly despite the constant rush. It gets busy, and the noise level is high, but that is part of the charm. You will have to raise your voice to be heard, but the food makes it worth it. This is a spot you will want to return to, maybe on a quieter afternoon to enjoy the sandwich without the crowd.

You might also want to check out the best restaurant in Urbandale.

Kelly's Little Nipper

Highlights
Friendly staff, fantastic food
Daily specials, live music
Kelly’s Corn, Jalapeño Ranch
Great for sports, newbies welcome

At Kelly's Little Nipper, the staff are the reason you will come back. They remember your name and your order, and they treat you like a regular from day one. The food is fantastic, especially with the daily specials that keep things interesting. I loved the corn topped with their jalapeño ranch; it is a simple side that outshines many mains. The place is great for catching a game, and they welcome newcomers with open arms. Live music adds to the vibe on certain nights. You will find a community here. Bring your appetite and your good mood.

You might also want to check out the best restaurant in Ottumwa.

Buzzard Billy’s

Highlights
Huge portions, fantastic service
Sarah’s recommendations hit the mark
Fast service, delicious food
Worth the drive back
Menu packed with choices

Buzzard Billy's serves huge portions and does it with a smile. Our server Sarah knows the menu inside out and made spot on recommendations, steering us to the best burgers and sides. The food came out fast, and everything was hot and delicious. The menu is packed with choices, so you could return several times and still find something new. The atmosphere is a bit kitschy, but the service is professional. We left full and happy, already talking about the drive back. If you are near Des Moines and want a reliable, generous meal, this is your place. You will not be disappointed.

You might also want to check out the best restaurant in Marshalltown.

Cooper's on 5th

Highlights
Filet deburgo is superb
House appetizer for wait
Key lime pie mule
Cheese curds divine
Sister spot across street

Cooper's on 5th is a classy spot with a standout steakhouse vibe. The filet de burgo is superb, tender and rich with a butter sauce that begs for bread to soak it up. The cheese curds are divine, with a light batter that shatters and a gooey center. You must try the key lime pie mule; it is a drink that doubles as dessert, and it pairs well with the appetizers. The staff will bring a house appetizer while you wait for your table, a nice touch. There is a sister spot across the street, but you will want to stay here. This is a place for a special occasion or just because.

You might also want to check out the best restaurant in Grinnell.

The Royal Mile

Highlights
Exceptional service, remarkably fast seating
Crispy, flaky cod done right
Roast beef sandwich earns praise
Great pre-show dinner choice

The Royal Mile took care of us from the moment we walked in. The seating was remarkably fast, even without a reservation, and the service was exceptional the whole evening. The cod is crispy and flaky, cooked exactly right, a classic that they execute well. The roast beef sandwich also earns its praise, with a hearty portion and a flavorful au jus for dipping. If you are headed to a show, this is a great pre-show dinner spot; we were in and out comfortably. The atmosphere is warm and is definitely a bit upscale. You will leave feeling taken care of.

You might also want to check out the best restaurant in Oskaloosa.

Judges

Highlights
Court-themed décor and drinks
Juicy, flavorful Cross-Examiner burger
Bright, refreshing mocktail options
Stylish space with bar seating
Generous, satisfying salad portions

Judges brings a court theme that is playful but executed with style. The décor includes gavels and scales, and the drinks come with witty names. The Cross-Examiner burger is juicy and flavorful, and I appreciated the fresh toppings that did not overwhelm the beef. They have bright, refreshing mocktails, which were a nice surprise for designated drivers or those who skip alcohol. The space is stylish, with comfortable bar seating and plenty of room. Even the salads are generous, so you do not have to feel guilty about skipping the fries. The service was attentive without being intrusive. You will have fun here, and you will eat well.

You might also want to check out the best restaurant in Osceola.

Mulberry Street Tavern

Highlights
Upscale bar, fair prices
Happy hour worth seeking
Light, flaky cheese curds
Reliable over many years
Western Skillet impresses brunch

Mulberry Street Tavern has been a constant for years, and it still delivers. The bar feels upscale, but the prices stay fair, especially during happy hour. I stopped in for a late afternoon bite and found the cheese curds light and flaky, not the heavy bricks you get elsewhere. The Western Skillet at brunch is a serious plate of eggs, potatoes, and meat that will hold you for the day. The service is attentive without hovering. If you want a reliable meal that does not break your budget, this is your spot. You will leave satisfied, maybe planning your next visit.

You might also want to check out the best restaurant in Winterset.

The High Life Lounge

Highlights
Retro bar atmosphere
Cold beer on tap
Attentive, friendly service
Hearty comfort food portions
Fair prices for drinks and meals

The High Life Lounge is a retro bar that takes you back, and the burgers are hearty comfort food done right. The atmosphere is kitschy but welcoming, with cold beer on tap and a jukebox that sets the mood. The staff are friendly and attentive, making sure your glass is never empty. The portions are generous; my burger came with a pile of fries that could feed two. Prices are fair for both drinks and meals. It is a place where you can relax, eat well, and not worry about the clock. You will feel at home here, even if it is your first time.

You might also want to check out the best restaurant in Waverly.