Des Moines might be known for corn and caucuses, but trust us—the burger game here is next-level. From classic greasy spoon picks to craft patties dressed to impress, the city serves up buns for every craving and attitude. Ready to find your new go-to burger? Let’s dig in.
Cheese Bar | Gourmet Burger Playground
At this kitchen burgers cross into the realm of culinary art. Coyote Run Farms beef forms the foundation, while local cheeses, caramelized onions, and tangy house-made mustard choreograph a dance of flavors atop each patty. A final touch of crisp BB pickles seals the deal on a creation that feels both intentional and effortlessly delicious.
The dining room strikes a perfect balance between modern style and laid-back comfort. Cozy corners invite friendly debates over cheese curds versus loaded fries. Every table feels like home, whether you’re winding down with a local cider, sipping a sweet mead, or indulging in a glass of wine that elevates the experience.
Frequent specials and an evolving draft list guarantee you’ll find reasons to return. In warmer months the patio beckons with fresh air and good conversation. Here, comfort food reigns supreme, and every burger has the power to rewrite your list of favorites. Don’t be surprised if you leave already planning your next comeback. See why Cheese Bar is everyone’s delicious little secret.
Francies | Southside’s Burger Comfort Zone
You don’t swing by for petite sliders or fancy cocktail garnishes. You come to tackle a half-pound Angus burger after a long day or a disappointing game on one of the wall-mounted TVs.
The Queso Burger arrives open-faced on rye, drowning in gooey queso that hits every rich note you want. On a day calling for comfort, the Swiss & Shrooms stacks savory sautéed mushrooms under melty Swiss cheese.
No culinary acrobatics here—just solid brioche buns, classic crinkle fries, and house-made Italian sausage served as a side you’ll wish were a meal in itself. Even plant-based diners get a starring role with an Impossible Burger that never feels tacked on.
When the sun’s out, the patio feels like an exclusive peek into local life. Neighbors gather over melted cheese and chat like it’s second nature. If you’ve ever wondered why Southsiders rarely venture north, a single bite might explain it. Browse the lineup for your next burger fix.
Centro | Upscale Burger Night Out
Stepping into this downtown gem proves Italian flair doesn’t end with pasta and red sauce. Here, a wood-grilled burger arrives on a toasted ciabatta roll and flaunts more swagger than many classic burger bars. A dusting of black pepper and a crumble of Gorgonzola transform each bite into a flavor-packed experience.
The menu refuses to play it safe. A fried portobello version dazzles under a swirl of truffle aioli. You’ll even spot a Crab Cake Burger that feels bold and unexpected. Vegetarians won’t feel shortchanged thanks to a crafted veggie burger, and a mountain of hand-cut fries or a crisp salad is all the encouragement you need to order both.
Alfresco seating invites you to soak up downtown energy, and a refined cocktail list helps you decide if tonight calls for a martini or something more adventurous. This spot hits the sweet spot between family-friendly fare and an evening out. Whether you’re impressing visiting relatives or catching up with friends, it’s the burger destination that keeps everyone talking. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
University Library Cafe | Gourmet Dive Bar Burgers
Tucked beneath a timeworn sign, this unassuming spot throws convention out the window. The Bookworm Burger piles creamy mac and cheese atop a juicy locally sourced beef patty. Brave eaters can explore the Peanut Butter Bacon Burger, a wild mashup that proves sweet and salty really can coexist.
Hand-cut fries arrive perfectly crisp and golden, while an alphabet-spanning draft list of Iowa microbrews waits to be explored. Guests settle in like old friends in a bar that has skipped the trend chase since the seventies. The only agenda here is indulging in hearty, inventive burgers.
Vegetarian options round out the menu and kids wander freely between booths and stools. The service feels personal, genuinely glad to see each new face. No pretension, no fuss—just bold flavors and a no-nonsense approach that keeps diners coming back. Expect chaos around the edges and wholehearted comfort on your plate. Order the burger that won the neighborhood.
Cooper’s on 5th | Gourmet Burgers, Euro Pub Vibes
Ordering here is like stepping into a choose-your-own-adventure story where every twist is sauced. Half-pound patties arrive with chef-level toppings piled from edge to edge.
The bourbon-glazed Junction Burger sparks a slow burn that pairs surprisingly well with melted cheese. Then there’s the Deburger, a savory daydream built on French toast and brimming with unexpected sweetness.
Inside, Cooper’s feels more European pub than noisy fast-food joint. Moody lighting casts warm shadows over the handcrafted bar, each cocktail menu item whispering its backstory.
Families fit right in with a kids menu that actually interests pint-sized diners. Bring a fearless friend to debate the merits of house-made sauces—none of them are optional—or to tackle a bowl of loaded potato salad. Want a taste of high-design flair? The port wine reduction on select burgers is proof that even architecture can end up on your plate. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Skip’s | The Longstanding Local Classic
Skip’s has been in the burger game since 1981, long before retro glasses and food trucks became chic. You walk in and feel instantly at ease.
The cheeseburgers pay homage to pure Americana. Pick from six different cheeses, then watch a toasted onion bun elevate everything beyond basic white bread.
If you really want to leave your comfort zone, the Rarebit burger rewrites the rulebook. Grilled beef presses into toasted white bread under a generous pour of house-made cheese sauce. Pure mess, pure joy.
Hand-cut fries join the party, served hot and salted just right. Everything about this place feels effortlessly unpretentious. Servers here expect extra napkins, so don’t be shy. Kids get a menu of their own. Free parking steals the crown from any excuse to drive by. If you’re in a more contemplative mood, sip a premium bourbon out on the patio as your companions debate ketchup versus mustard. Check out the menu that’s been defying trends since Reagan was president.
Waveland Cafe | The Ultimate Hangover Helper
Settling into a booth at this diner instantly feels like stepping into a beloved family relic, where servers greet you with warm smiles and conversations echo like a scene from an old movie. No frills, no curated lighting, just genuine Midwestern charm knitting the room together.
The burger lineup sticks to time-honored roots. You’ll bite into a juicy beef patty smothered in gooey cheese, tucked inside a perfectly grilled bun that crisps just enough around the edges. And if you’re feeling adventurous, order the Breakfast Burger. A fried egg crowns a crisp hash brown, all resting on cheese melting into savory bliss. It’s a combination so satisfying you’ll wonder why it took this long to exist.
Fries here deserve their own fame. Hand-cut and fried until golden brown, they’re the perfect sidekick for any burger. Portions laugh in the face of moderation, so come ready to dive in. Whether you stroll in solo or with a crowd, this spot delivers nostalgia, flavor, and plenty of reasons to linger over every bite. See what’s flipping on the griddle.
Lachele’s Fine Foods | Smash Burger Perfectionists
If you’re the type who hears crispy smash patty and starts drooling, you’ve met your match. That retro diner energy with black and white tiles, salmon walls, and turquoise booths sets the stage for each masterpiece.
Their signature burger is the classic you crave: pickles, onions, American cheese, and the secret sauce nestle perfectly on a sesame bun. Rotating daily specials push creativity into the stratosphere. A pepper jelly drenched smash patty (Uncle Denny) balances sweet and savory, while the Big Gym layers bacon and spicy giardiniera for a slow-building kick.
Sides here feel like plot twists. Fries land crisp and golden, hush puppies arrive warm with a hint of sweetness, and vegan options might fool a lifelong meat lover. Service is quick and friendly with genuine enthusiasm.
Parking can be a bit of a puzzle. Luckily, circling the block only builds your appetite for whatever masterpiece you choose. See today’s specials and plot your next cheat day here.
The Station On Ingersoll | Smash Burgers, Sports, & Sourdough
If your ideal burger includes multiple smash patties and a mountain of crispy onion strings, you might have just found your happy place. With 23 TVs lining the walls, missing a single play feels impossible.
The Sourdough Smash marries comfort with a playful twist. Two thin beef patties, melted American cheese, and pickles rest between golden slices of sourdough toast slathered in house burger spread.
Hand-cut fries come piping hot, and the “Kicked Up” cheese curds bring a squeaky, gooey punch. Even the pickiest eater in your crew will find something to love.
Behind a hidden door sits Dugan’s Hideaway if you crave extra secrecy in your sports bar routine. Outdoors, the patio tables stay busy under the glow of string lights. Free parking and late hours make it an easy choice any night of the week. Grab a seat and see why locals keep coming back.
Alba Restaurant | Upscale Burger Surprise
Forget everything you think you know about burgers wrapped in greasy paper. At Alba in East Village, the lamb burger with tzatziki and feta elevates every bite, and the truffle fries might just redefine side dish royalty. This is grown-up comfort food that tastes like it was born in a chef’s daydream.
The dining room displays a patchwork ceiling made from reclaimed doors and the patio emerges as an escape when the weather turns kind. Neither stifling nor sterile, each space feels fresh yet welcoming.
House-made sauces and inventive toppings adorn both beef and lamb patties, proving that adult playtime can involve a fork and knife. The drink list delivers cocktails, craft beers and thoughtful wines to match every palate. Don’t bother pretending you’re only here for a salad. See what all the fuss (and James Beard buzz) is about.
Jesse’s Embers | Old-School Steakhouse Classic
Step inside Jesse’s Embers and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a time capsule from 1963. Dark wood and exposed brick set the mood for the half-pound sirloin Emberburger, no frills but all beefy, cheesy comfort. Over decades, locals have learned that some classics need no improvement.
Pair that straightforward patty with hand-sliced onion rings or, for a genuine throwback, a baked potato. Nostalgia tastes best with both.
The full bar features cocktails as old-school as the décor, making each sip feel like another chapter in a long story. Plan your visit between Wednesday and Saturday night for total Emberburger bliss. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
The Dam Pub | Peak Nostalgia Burger Bar
Step into a time machine of neon posters and retro vibes at The Dam Pub, where 80s and 90s pop culture meet handcrafted burgers. Classics sit right alongside bold creations like the Fried Avocado Burger, a mashup of creamy avocado, crispy coating and pure unapologetic flavor. Don’t even think of skipping the seasoned waffle fries or the clever house-made sauces that taste like they came straight from a friend in the test kitchen.
The bar keeps pace whether you’re in the mood for clever cocktails or another round of something stronger. A separate dining area means families can kick back without elbowing through the late-night college crowd. And once the rooftop opens, you can savor every savory, saucy bite in the sunshine.
Set right in a walkable neighborhood, The Dam Pub is perfect for strolls before or after your meal. Go ahead and work off that third burger without ever moving the car. See what all the neon is about.
Kelly’s Little Nipper | Old-School Dive With Big Burger Energy
If you’re seeking a patty that blends classic comfort and wild creativity, Kelly’s Little Nipper delivers. The Casino Burger stages its own show with fried jalapeños, a double helping of cheese, and two different sauces that make subtlety a joke. Every bite demands backup from the hand-breaded onion rings or those bacon-wrapped tater tots.
The venue has seen life as a general store, speakeasy, brothel and now neighborhood dive bar. Its lively neon-lit patio is perfect for people-watching or catching your breath. Trivia nights get fiercely competitive, Friday bands crank up the nostalgia and the drinks pack enough punch to keep the good times rolling.
Bring everyone you know or show up solo. Kelly’s welcomes families and regulars with equal enthusiasm. Just be sure to arrive ready for a burger that never holds back. Get yourself acquainted with greatness.
Motley School Tavern | Smash Burgers, But Smarter
If your childhood cheeseburger could have studied art history, you’d end up with the MST Smash Burger at Motley School Tavern. The patty crackles to crispy perfection at the edge before folding into layers of American cheese, house-made Dijon aioli, pickles and enough onions to power a conversation. Every bite is familiar comfort turned up several notches.
The atmosphere hums with energy and a touch of trendiness. While kids enjoy their own menu, the James Beard–nominated chef’s cocktail list and gourmet adult fare might tempt you to call a sitter. These hand-cut fries and rotating seasonal pies were engineered to ruin any diet plan.
Parking here feels like a victory dance in Des Moines. If you want a burger that’s built on nostalgia but tuned for today, your search ends at MST. see what’s cooking at Motley School Tavern.
RoCA | Gourmet Slider Wonderland
On historic Court Avenue you’ll stumble upon a cozy spot redefining burger size with a focus on delightfully snackable sliders. Juicy RoCA sliders arrive in a lineup that runs from classic beef to surprises like Salmon and Chicken Parm. The Root-Beer Braised Pork slider is a must-try twist that turns expectations upside down.
Sides here refuse to play second fiddle. Smothered tots arrive dripping with savory goodness and the Oysters RoCA-feller offers a gourmet spin on bar fare. A finely tuned cocktail menu lets you dance between date-night sophistication and late-night revelry. Come weekend evenings and the kitchen stays open late because sliders taste even better after ten.
Inside you’ll find a stylish interior and service that feels both warm and polished. High-end ingredients pair flawlessly with house-made sauces you’ll want to slather on everything. Just don’t expect oversized patties. Here, balanced bites are the secret weapon for a meal that keeps you coming back for another round. Peep their menu for your next night out.
