5 Best Burger Spots in Des Moines that Locals Rave About

Des Moines has quietly turned into a legit food city, and its burger game is one of the strongest in the Midwest. From classic tavern burgers to chef‑driven versions on brioche, these five spots come up constantly in local debates.

1. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

Probably Des Moines’ most famous burger export, Zombie Burger is half spooky theme restaurant, half serious burger lab. The decor is all horror‑movie fun, but the burgers are no joke.

The menu is huge: smashed patties, wild toppings, and a long list of signature builds with punny names. Favorites include:

• The Walking Ched – a burger with mac and cheese buns and cheese sauce (ridiculous and beloved)
• They’re Coming to Get You, Barbara! – with caramelized onion, bacon, blue cheese, and truffle mayo

The patties are thin and crispy‑edged, the toppings are bold, and the shakes (especially spiked ones) seal the deal.

2. B-Bop’s

To Des Moines locals, B‑Bop’s is almost sacred. It’s a local fast‑food chain with drive‑thrus and a fiercely loyal following thanks to its burgers and fries.

The burgers are thin, juicy, and stacked with American cheese, pickles, onions, and that unmistakable B‑Bop’s sauce. The double cheeseburger with everything is the default order for a lot of people. Crinkle fries, salty and hot, are mandatory. If you want to understand Des Moines burger culture, you have to hit B‑Bop’s at least once.

3. Iowa Taproom (Burger from Court Avenue Brewing Co. kitchen or nearby taproom joints)

In the East Village, Iowa Taproom pours only Iowa beers and serves hearty, Midwestern food designed to match them—including a very solid burger.

Their house burger is thick, seasoned, and usually comes on a brioche or sturdy bun with cheddar or American, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house sauce. Add bacon or a fried egg and you’re in classic comfort‑food territory. Locals love that it’s a proper, knife‑and‑fork burger if you want it to be, with a satisfying char and big flavor.

4. Flying Mango

Known primarily as a barbecue and Southern‑inspired spot, Flying Mango also turns out a burger that regulars swear is one of the best in town.

The Mango Burger (or whatever burger special is running) usually features a thick, smoky, juicy patty with cheese and house toppings that lean slightly Southern—think pimento cheese, grilled onions, or spicy sauces. It’s rich, messy, and perfect with a side of their beans or cornbread.

5. Lachele’s Fine Foods

Lachele’s is a newer addition that quickly earned a reputation for some of the best smashburgers in Des Moines. The spot feels like a modern diner with attitude: colorful, casual, and all about big flavor.

Their Smash Burger features thin, aggressively seared patties, American cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce on a soft bun. You can double or triple up, and the whole thing hits that salty, melty, crispy sweet spot. Locals also love the creative sides and rotating specials, but the burger is the star.