Lachele's Fine Foods
A hip, retro diner famous for its award-winning smashburgers and welcoming atmosphere. A must-try in Des Moines!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Lachele's Fine Foods
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hip, retro diner famous for its award-winning smashburgers and welcoming atmosphere. A must-try in Des Moines!
"Hands down the best burger I’ve ever had—and I’ve had a lot of burgers in my life."
Avoid Peak Hours
It gets busy, especially at lunchtime. Visit off-peak to avoid long waits.
Parking can be tricky
Parking may be limited. Consider street parking if needed.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Award-Winning Smashburgers
Juicy, flavorful smashburgers with crispy edges. Try 'The Jake' or 'Uncle Denny' for a taste of Des Moines' best.
Retro Diner Atmosphere
Enjoy a hip, quirky vibe with unique decor and a welcoming atmosphere. It's a fun spot for a casual meal.
Flavorful Sides
Don't miss out on their delicious sides like crispy tater tots and perfectly seasoned fries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Hours
It gets busy, especially at lunchtime. Visit off-peak to avoid long waits.
Parking can be tricky
Parking may be limited. Consider street parking if needed.
Check Social Media
Look for daily specials and tempting offers on their social media.
Gluten-Free Options
Conscientious with gluten-free prep, making it a safe choice for celiacs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Hours
It gets busy, especially at lunchtime. Visit off-peak to avoid long waits.
Parking can be tricky
Parking may be limited. Consider street parking if needed.
Check Social Media
Look for daily specials and tempting offers on their social media.
Gluten-Free Options
Conscientious with gluten-free prep, making it a safe choice for celiacs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lachele's Fine Foods is celebrated for its exceptional smashburgers, praised for their juicy interior and crispy edges. The retro diner vibe and friendly staff add to the positive experience. While most rave about the burgers and sides like tater tots, some find the burgers can be messy or have a slightly burnt taste due to the thin smash patty technique. The mac and cheese has also been noted as too creamy by some.
"Lachele’s Fine Foods is the place to be. This spot has a true local feel—no frills, just ridiculously good food and warm, friendly vibes. Their smash burgers are on another level: perfectly seared, juicy, and packed with flavor thanks to their high-quality meat. You can tell they care about what they’re serving.
Every time I visit, the staff is genuinely welcoming, which just adds to the charm. It’s the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem, but once you’ve been, you’ll keep coming back. If you’re serious about burgers, Lachele’s is a must-visit"
Nedžad Džafić
"The main dish was Uncle Denny burger. While the patty being crispy on the edges was their signature, because of how thin it was smashed, even with just 80 seconds on the griddle, it was left with only burnt taste. Lost a star here. At least the patty was still juicy on the inside. Chili fries was absolutely brilliant.
I liked the open kitchen concept, where you could see chefs worked hard preparing food: One prepared sides, one prepared patties, and one assembled burgers."
Baron
"Just tried Lachele’s for the first time and it was a decent place. We sat down and were told to move so another group could sit down. Which was rude. I had already paid for my food and I tipped. The burger was decent. Only thing I wished was that they didn’t put ketchup and mustard on the top and bottom bun. It makes it super soggy and gross. I wish they used short rib. The patty was dry but overall decent little spot. I would absolutely go again, just would ask for only ketchup and mustard on one side of the bun and light. The mac and cheese was too creamy for me (cheese was more sticky than i like). Tater tots were food, and fries were good too!"
Kimberly Segura
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
They are award-winning smashburgers, known for their perfectly seared, juicy patties with crispy edges. Try 'The Jake' or 'Uncle Denny'.
Yes, Lachele's Fine Foods offers delicious vegan options alongside their popular burgers and sandwiches.
The restaurant can get busy, especially during lunch. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.
Yes, Lachele's is very conscientious about gluten-free preparation, making it a safe choice for those with celiac needs.
Customers rave about the tater tots and french fries, which are often described as crispy and well-seasoned.
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The best restaurants in the Des Moines metro in 2024
Cory Wendell named his slim restaurant on Ingersoll Avenue for his wife, and when customers decided they loved the burgers, he made them the main focus in this eatery decked out in salmon with tables straight out of the ’50s and stools at the counter for watching the cooks griddle up favorites. These smash patties get crispy on the outside and still juicy inside, creating the best burger in Des Moines. Try the Jake with grilled minced onion and pickles, the Uncle Denny with pepper jelly and American cheese, or the Big Gym with bacon and spicy giardiniera.
Top 14 Gluten-Free American Diners to Experience in Des Moines
Enjoy a clean and transparent cooking area where delicious dishes are prepared with care and a strong focus on special dietary needs. Super gluten free conscientious on top of DELICIOUS FOOD. I will be back over and over and can't recommend enough. Top 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111144 Gluten-Free Brunch Spots to Enjoy in Des Moines
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Boasting one of the best burgers in Des Moines, Lachele’s is a must-stop along Ingersoll. Quick visits are facilitated by a takeout window along the sidewalk; however, the bright, retro diner interior is not to be missed. Everything about Lachele’s is quirky, from the pillar of stickers by the door to the never-the-same-burger-twice daily specials.
Best New Restaurants & Bars in Des Moines
Hot off the burger presses is Lachele’s Fine Foods, whose smash burgers have people lined up out the door, literally. Besides their burgeoning claim to “best burger in the metro,” they also offer vegan options, Berkwood dogs, Sunday brunch, and interesting rotating specials like fried lobster tail. The hype is warranted.
Best gluten-free restaurants in Des Moines in 2025
Lachele’s Fine Foods has become a favorite for enjoying a delicious gluten-free burger and fries in Des Moines, IA. The staff is very knowledgeable about the care and precautions to take when cooking to avoid cross contamination. So I felt at ease and was able to eat without fear of unwanted reactions.
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