29 of the best burgers you need to try in the Des Moines metropolian area
Burgers are one of the true equalizers in the Des Moines dining scene — a dish that shows up everywhere, from decades‑old dives and counter‑service staples to modern breweries, polished bistros and white‑tablecloth destinations.
No matter how elevated or casual the setting, chefs across the metro continue to reinterpret this classic, proving that a great burger doesn’t need gimmicks — just personality, craft and a little culinary confidence.
What makes Des Moines especially fun for burger lovers is the sheer variety. You can bite into a nostalgic diner‑style cheeseburger one day, then splurge on a decadent creation the next, followed by a lacy smash burger. The metro offers everything from smush burgers and meticulously griddled doubles to high‑end versions built with dry‑aged blends, house‑made sauces, specialty cheeses and even chopped filet mignon.
The Des Moines Register highlights some of the memorable burgers that locals rely on — a mix of icons, neighborhood favorites and standout newcomers.
A menu detail from Zombie Burger in Des Moines in September 2025.
Alba
The Farmhouse burger, $19
Alba in the East Village specializes in farm-to-table fare and changes its menu seasonally to take advantage of fresh produce. The farmhouse burger remains one of the best in the city with fried Brussels sprouts leaves, Swiss cheese and a bourbon mustard aioli. During happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. in the bar area, snag one of three $8 burgers such as the Alba burger with caramelized onions and bleu cheese, the Lil’ Danny burger with cheddar and pickled red onions, or the classic burger with tomato, onion, cheddar and a house pickle.
Location: 524 E. Sixth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-244-0261 or albadsm.com
Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery
AG burger, $14
Go for a simple pub burger at the Angry Goldfish, the eatery on the south side of Des Moines. The AG burger comes with two seasoned patties, lettuce, onion, pickle and cheddar cheese with a spicy special sauce. Other options include a Boursin burger with sautéed onions, the Asian PB and J burger with Thai peanut sauce and spicy strawberry bacon jam, or the merlot mushroom burger with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms and merlot aioli. Gluten-free buns are an additional $1.50. Any burger can be a veggie burger.
Location: 2301 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-288-2358 or angrygoldfishdsm.com
Arcadia
Smash Burger, $16.50
Arcadia’s Smash Burger showcases the restaurant’s farm-to-table approach with a flavor-packed build: caramelized onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, cheddar cheese and Arcadia sauce, all layered over a smash‑griddled beef patty. Known for its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and a modern American menu with global touches, Arcadia elevates the classic burger into one of its signature draws — so much so that it’s highlighted among its top-rated offerings.
Location: 1010 Tyler St., Polk City
Contact: 515-207‑0011 or arcadiapolkcity.com
B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli
Killer burger, $2.89
B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli — a south side landmark since 1922 — keeps its famed Killer Burgers refreshingly old school. The lineup includes a third-pound cheeseburger for $2.89, a two-thirds-pound cheeseburger for $4.29, and the over-the-top triple cheeseburger for $5.69, all griddled and served on a classic bun. For those craving excess, the legendary Quadzilla stacks four third-pound patties with American cheese and full toppings. B&B’s burgers reflect its deli ethos: unpretentious, generous and built for appetite.
Location: 2001 S.E. Sixth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243‑7607 or bbgrocerymeatdeli.com
Barn Town Brewing
Brewer’s burger, $16.49
Beer and burgers make a perfect couple, and the burgers at Barn Town Brewing include two patties griddled on a flat top. The Brewer's burger combines bacon, a fried egg and cheddar, and tastes closest to the burger you might make in your own backyard. Others include a version with brie and bacon, the Maytag burger with bleu cheese, balsamic mushrooms and onions, or the French onion melt with sautéed onions, Swiss cheese and Carla’s cream cheese dip served on sourdough. Substitute a gluten-free bun for an additional $2. Substitute no-meat black bean patties for no charge.
Location: 9500 University Ave., Suite 1110, West Des Moines
Contact: 515-978-6767 or barntownbrewing.com
B-Bop’s
Quarter-pound hamburger, $3.06
B-Bop’s serves true retro fast food nostalgia, and its burgers remain the backbone of the Iowa favorite. The classic quarter-pound cheeseburger features 100% pure ground beef topped with ketchup, mustard, onion, pickle, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and American cheese on a toasted bun — an old school build that hasn’t changed in decades.
Founder Bob Johnson, who started his fast‑food career in the early 1970s at a Mr. Quick in Bolingbrook, Illinois, moved to Iowa in 1973 to open his first Mr. Quick in Newton, eventually expanding to Fairfield and Muscatine. In 1983, Johnson and his partners rebranded their Mr. Quick locations to Sizzlin’ Sam’s, continuing to operate and grow the business. By the mid‑1980s, Johnson became increasingly interested in the emerging popularity of double drive‑thru restaurants, studying the trend and preparing to build his own concept. That opportunity came in 1988, when he located a vacant building at 1500 E. Euclid Ave. in Des Moines, which he identified as an ideal double drive‑thru site. After six months of renovations and brand development, the first B‑Bop opened in late 1988. The restaurant quickly drew long drive‑thru lines and local attention for its burgers, establishing the foundation for the chain.
Locations: Visit B Bop’s at b-bops.com for locations.
Bubba Southern Comforts
The Bowtie burger, $17
Bubba, the Southern restaurant in downtown Des Moines, only has one burger on its menu, but it’s an ode to down South cuisine. The Bowtie burger comes topped with pimento cheese and pecan-smoked bacon on a brioche bun. You can add a fried egg for an extra dollar. Find it at brunch, lunch and dinner.
Location: 200 10th St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-257-4744 or bubbadsm.com
Burger Shed
Mushroom Swiss burger, $14
Burger Shed in Altoona is a lively, laid‑back restaurant from the Heart of America Group, the team behind the Machine Shed and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse. The space features 5,600 square feet of indoor dining and a 100-seat patio overlooking the lake, offering ample room for families, groups, and sports-watching crowds. The main level houses the primary dining room, while a lower‑level — referenced in ordering systems as Barntown Shane’s — provides an additional service area. Known for playful branding and hearty comfort fare, Burger Shed serves standout specialty burgers such as the Shed Burger with smoked brisket and barbecue sauce, the Mac Attack Burger topped with mac and cheese and bacon jam, and the Mushroom Swiss Burger.
Details: 500 Bass Pro Drive N.W., Altoona, 515-630‑7433, eatatburgershed.com
Burger Shop
Classic cheeseburger, $7.50
Burger Shop has carved out a loyal following across Clive, Des Moines and Altoona with its focus on fresh, made‑to‑order comfort food served in a casual, welcoming setting. The ambiance leans relaxed and unfussy — counter‑service ease paired with hearty Midwest warmth. Diners come for classics like the classic cheeseburger, or branch out with specialties such as the mac and cheese burger, jalapeño burger, egg burger, Hawaiian Burger, avocado burger, Swiss mushroom burger and even a crowd‑pleasing pizza burger. These builds feature fresh, never‑frozen beef and approachable but creative combinations that appeal to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.
Locations: 1255 N.W. 128th St., Clive, 515-223‑5244; Local Bites, 700 Locust St., Des Moines; Outlets of Des Moines, 545 Bass Pro Drive, Suite 670, Altoona, 515-393‑3107
Contact: burgershopiowa.com
Central Standard Craft Beer & Burgers
Oh No! Burger, $15
Central Standard in Waukee blends a lively, family‑friendly energy with a sporty bar vibe, high ceilings and a bustling dining room. Known for its expansive craft beer selection and warm hospitality, it’s the kind of place where burgers and beers anchor the experience. The burger lineup is stacked with inventive builds. The C.S. Burger keeps it classic with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion, while the Whiskey Bleu layers bacon, bleu cheese, caramelized onions and whiskey glaze. For something bold, the Oh No! Burger delivers a playful crunch with cheese curds, American cheese, fried pickles and Buffalo ranch — an indulgent favorite among locals.
Location: 1222 S.E. University Ave., Waukee
Contact: 515-987‑0095 or centralstandardburgerswaukee.com
The Cheese Bar
Cheese Bar Burger, $18
This restaurant on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines celebrates all things cheese, and the Cheese Bar Burger does just that. Sakura Beef, Alpine cheese, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, pickles, fry sauce and greens come on a South Union bun. Do order the fries on the side; they're some of the best in the city.
Location: 2925 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-277-7828 or cheesebardsm.com
Clyde’s Fine Diner
CFD burger, $14
Every diner should have a burger, and the elevated diner Clyde’s in the East Village offers a fine version. James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest in 2024 Chris Hoffmann makes it tough to order anything besides the burger on his menu. The CFD burger features two patties, American cheese, the restaurant's own burger sauce, shaved onions, and pickles. You can also find a veggie burger with Field Roast vegan cheese, greens, shaved onion, and Dijonnaise, as well as an optional vegan bun and Dijon for $15. Order a vegan and gluten-free bun for an additional $2.
Location: 111 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-3686 or clydesfinediner.com
Exile Brewing Co.
Exile Burger, $15.49
At Exile Brewing Co. in downtown Des Moines, the signature Exile Burger delivers a decadent, modern brewpub twist on the classic American burger: a ground‑chuck patty layered with Ruthie onion bacon jam, white cheddar, a crisp onion haystack and truffle aioli, all hugged by a warm pretzel bun. The ambiance strikes a balance between industrial‑chic brewery and lively neighborhood gathering place — high‑ceilinged, energetic and beer‑forward, with a spacious dining room and a patio that keeps the atmosphere buzzing through warm‑weather months.
Location: 1514 Walnut St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-883‑2337 or exilebrewing.com
Gastro Grub & Pub
Bacon jam burger, $18
Gastro Grub & Pub owners Sean and Andrea Gleason created their own food truck that they converted into a restaurant in Waukee. Novelty seems to be their middle name. This savory burger comes topped with bacon jam to make it a little sweet, but the two beef patties, pepper jack cheese and arugula cut down on that. Do go all out and order truffle fries on the side. The combination is a classic.
Location: 1378 E. Hickman Road, Waukee
Contact: 515-300-2460 or gastrogrubpub.com
G‑Mig’s 5th Street Pub
George’s Prime Rib Burger, $16.50
G‑Mig’s 5th Street Pub brings pub‑comfort classics to West Des Moines, and its standout Prime Rib Burgers are no exception. Crafted from a specialty mix of ground prime rib and served on a grilled brioche bun, the lineup includes options like the George’s Prime Rib Burger with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, Monterey Jack cheese and horseradish sauce on side. Known for hearty fare, friendly service and a neighborhood vibe, G‑Mig’s makes its burgers as satisfying as its signature wraps and sandwiches.
Location: 128 Fifth St., West Des Moines
Contact: 515-499‑0269 or gmigs.com
HiFi Brew Lounge
HiFi Burger, $16
HiFi Brew Lounge brings its signature beer‑centric energy to the HiFi Burger, a double smash burger layered with American cheese, house burger sauce, pickles and onions on a sesame bun. True to the brewpub’s comfort‑food‑with‑a‑twist approach, the burger pairs effortlessly with the house‑brewed lineup and the venue’s lively Valley Junction vibe. Customers can enjoy it indoors, on the two‑story patio, or during HiFi’s rotating events.
Location: 103 S. 11th St., West Des Moines
Contact: 515-415‑1085 or hifibrewlounge.com
Jesse’s Embers
Emberburger, $16, with cheese, $17
At Jesse’s Embers — one of Des Moines’ most enduring supper‑club institutions — the steakhouse ethos extends beyond its celebrated ribeyes and chops. Tucked into the restaurant’s lineup of open‑pit favorites is a humble, quietly iconic staple: the Emberburger with cheese, a minimalist hamburger made with a half-pound of sirloin that reflects the restaurant’s old‑school charm as much as its menu’s flame‑kissed roots.
Location: 3301 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-255‑6011 or theoriginaljessesembers.com
Kelly’s Little Nipper
Hamburger: $7.10
Kelly’s Little Nipper — a decades‑old east‑side Des Moines dive with quirky charm, friendly regulars and that unmistakable “lived‑in” character — remains one of the city’s most beloved neighborhood bars. Its cheeseburger is classic and straightforward: a 100% beef patty topped with your choice of pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion and either American or pepper jack cheese. It’s exactly the kind of unfussy bar burger that fits the Nipper’s personality — hearty, affordable, and served with no pretense.
Location: 1701 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-265‑2031 or kellyslittlenipper.com
Lachele’s Fine Foods
The Lachele burger, $13
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. The namesake Lachele burger cooked on a griddle comes with the standards: pickles, onions, romaine lettuce, and American cheese on a sesame seed bun. No, it’s not a Big Mac; it’s much, much better. Cory Wendel named the restaurant for his wife, Lachele. Gluten-free options are available as well.
Locations: 2716 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-330-6876; and 3621 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, 515-330-6876
Contact: lacheles.com
Littleleaf Luncheonette
Tavern burger, $18
The Tavern burger — made with a 45-day dry-aged flank and hanger steak blend inspired by the famous Red Hook Tavern burger — comes with American cheese, onion, pickle and burger sauce on a sesame bun. Order the crispy‑outside, pillowy‑inside potato wedges. Gluten-free buns are available. For dinner, customers can order a slider version of the Tavern burger.
Location: 405 Sixth St., Waukee
Contact: 515-777-7171 or littleleafluncheonette.com
Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers
Cheeseburger, $12
Diners can choose from 12 burgers on the menu at Lucky Horse near Drake University, and the restaurant typically offers a burger of the month that rotates. Try the cheeseburger that includes a 7-ounce patty and American cheese, or go with the fried mushroom Swiss, bacon cheddar or Dogtown burger with hot pepper bacon jam and smoked Gouda. Gluten-free buns are available for $2.
Location: 2331 University Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-381-9088 or luckyhorsedsm.com
Lua Brewing
Lua smush burger, $17.50
The brewery in Sherman Hill has found a following not only for its Iowa beers and Climbing Kites THC sparkling water, but also its smush burger. Pull a chair up at a table on the patio and order the burger with two house-ground patties, fried onions, American cheese, Lua sauce and pickles. The restaurant also has an Impossible Burger version for $1 more.
Location: 1525 High St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-630-5311 or luabeer.com
Mulberry Street Tavern
MST double burger, $20
Mulberry Street Tavern, located inside the historic Surety Hotel, offers a warm, nostalgic and refined atmosphere in downtown Des Moines. The space blends rich woods, textured leather, and a long zinc bar, all set within a former early‑20th‑century bank building that retains Beaux-Arts architectural details, including marble, copper, artisan plaster and dramatic historic elements. The open‑hearth kitchen, featuring a Spanish wood‑fired charbroiler, brings lively energy to the dining room and underscores the tavern’s elevated take on classic tavern fare. The MST burger — touted by the restaurant as the “hands-down best burger in Des Moines” — is a standout smashburger layered with grilled onions, sriracha pickles, American cheese, mustard and caper mayo, making it a must‑try for burger lovers.
Location: Surety Hotel, 206 Sixth Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-985-2066 or suretyhotel.com/mulberry-street-tavern
Prime & Providence
Black Label Burger, $39
This steakhouse from Dominic Iannarelli and Cory Gourley in West Des Moines goes over-the-top with its version of a burger. Really, the Black Label burger is more of a filet mignon chopped into big cubes and then swaddled in raclette, roasted mushroom relish and burger sauce. During cocktail hour from 3 to 6 p.m., it's $25, or $18 as sliders. Diners can also go for a less fancy burger, the mac burger, topped with white cheddar cheese and triple-cooked bacon on a sesame bun with fries for $18 in the bar area.
Location: 595 60th St., Suite 100, West Des Moines
Contact: 515-644-6805 or primeandprovidence.com
Striking Sparrow Lounge
Double smash burger, $10.70
Striking Sparrow Lounge on Des Moines’ south side leans hard into its retro‑’70s lounge vibe — wood paneling, neon glow, classic beers, sports on TV and a crowd that mixes regulars with pickleball‑court drop‑ins. It’s the kind of throwback bar where the smash burger actually fits the room: two thin, griddled beef patties with melted American cheese, pickle, and onion on a soft bun, served as a basket with fries. Reviews consistently call the smash burger one of the standouts on the menu, right alongside the pizzas, and the cozy, vintage dive‑bar atmosphere only amplifies its appeal.
Location: 1930 S.E. Sixth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243‑6988 or strikingsparrow.com
Sunset Lounge
Sunset smash burger, $15
Sunset Lounge in Norwalk delivers the kind of unfussy, quietly confident neighborhood‑bar energy that locals gravitate toward — a casual, cozy, dim‑lit space where the focus is good drinks, satisfying food and zero pretense. It's also 21-plus only. The star of the menu is the Sunset smash burger, a well‑seasoned, crispy‑edged smash patty layered with fresh toppings on a house‑made bun, celebrated as a true standout among the bar’s offerings.
Location: 1409 Sunset Drive, Norwalk
Contact: facebook.com/sunsetloungenorwalk
Table 128
Lynn's burger, $18
Beloved Table 128 from chef and owner Lynn Pritchard includes his namesake burger. A little pickled pear, a slather of creamy brie, a crunch of crispy onion and a dollop of Dijon aioli on a brioche bun give Lynn's burger its character for lunch and dinner.
Location: 220 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-674-2080 or table128bistro.com
The Walnut
Cheese-Drunk Burger, $16
At The Walnut in downtown Des Moines, the Cheese-Drunk Burger is unapologetically indulgent — a one‑third‑pound beef patty crowned with grilled onions and house‑made pickles, then served face‑down in a rich cheddar‑garlic Alfredo sauce that turns every bite into molten comfort. The restaurant itself hums with a lively, modern neighborhood‑bar energy, offering the warmth of a locally owned spot with the bustle of a go‑to game‑day hangout and the friendliness customers consistently praise.
Location: 1417 Walnut St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-282‑1000 or walnutdsm.com
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Zombie burger, $12.50
When people outside Iowa think of restaurants in Des Moines, they inevitably mention Zombie Burger, which earned a cult following for its zombie-themed menu. The GoreMet Bashed Burgers, as they’re called, come with a choice of one, two or three patties. The namesake Zombie burger comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onions, but other novelty names include the East Village of the Damned with a breaded mushroom and cheese croquette, the 28 Days Later with blue cheese and caramelized onion, and They’re Coming to Get You, Barbara with two grilled-cheese-sandwich buns, American cheese, caramelized onion and bacon. Vegan diners can request the veggie nut patty, Beyond Meat patty or grilled Portobello.
Location: 300 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-244-9292 or zombieburgerdm.com
