Lachele’s Fine Foods is the kind of Des Moines burger joint that sneaks up on you and then refuses to leave your brain. 🍔🔥
In a city packed with comfort food, this retro-inspired spot on Ingersoll Avenue built its reputation on aggressively smashed, crispy-edged burgers and a playful menu that makes regulars feel like they’ve cracked some delicious local code, especially those exploring the Des Moines food scene. 😋
Meet the Smashburger Shrine Des Moines Can’t Stop Talking About
Back in early 2021, co‑owner Cory Wendel opened Lachele’s Fine Foods, named after his wife, Lachele, after convincing her the dream was worth the risk, and launching the project in the middle of a pandemic only added to the legend for fans of Des Moines burgers.
The team started with a walk‑up window and a small space, but word spread fast once locals realized these smashburgers were the real deal, earning “best burger in town” buzz on places such as review sites and early love from locals on Reddit. 🍟
As more people found their way to the colorful, retro diner, praise ramped up, especially for the crispy yet juicy burger patties, over-the-top toppings, and a menu that cleverly mixes comfort-food nostalgia with a sense of humor. 🤤
Food Highlights
- The Lachele: The namesake flagship burger comes stacked with a smash patty (or double), pickles, onion, tomato, American cheese, and house Lachele’s sauce on a sesame bun, it is the must‑order for first‑timers because it feels like the “mission statement” burger: balanced, saucy, and built to show off the crispy‑edged patty that helped this place become a local favorite in traveler write‑ups. 🍔
- The Big Gym: This burger brings the heat with bacon, giardiniera, Duke’s mayo, arugula, and provolone, typically on a potato bun, another star highlighted among the seven burger options in Des Moines burger roundups and a fan favorite thanks to its combo of spicy pickled giardiniera and rich bacon, which turns each bite into a bold, slightly fiery flavor bomb that keeps you reaching for another fry between sips of beer. 🌶️
- Smash Burger (Classic Style): Beyond the named specials, the classic smash burger itself gets constant love for its thin, deeply seared patty with lacy, crispy edges and a still‑juicy center, and is responsible for putting Lachele’s on the map in local rankings, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to taste exactly why people call this one of Des Moines’ go‑to burger destinations.
- Uncle Denny: One of the most talked‑about smashburgers here, Uncle Denny leans into Duke’s mayo and pepper jelly layered over a crispy‑seared patty on a soft bun, famous for how its sweet‑heat pepper jelly plays with the salty crust of the smashburger, making it one of those “I’m already planning my next visit” sandwiches you see mentioned repeatedly by loyal fans.
- Chili Charles (Open‑Faced Chili Burger): An open‑faced chili burger served on Texas toast, this plate arrives looking like pure comfort food, loaded with chili and all the messy, saucy goodness you’d hope for and delivers big, hearty diner energy, the kind of dish that makes cold Iowa nights feel instantly warmer for anyone exploring Iowa‑famous comfort foods. 🧀
Atmosphere
Step inside and you’re greeted by a colorful retro‑diner vibe, from the décor to the casual layout that makes the space feel easygoing and fun, a look that matches descriptions of it as a hip mid‑range American spot. 🎉
The energy is relaxed but lively, with staff who bring personality, opinions, and the kind of friendly service that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
It’s the sort of place where burgers, beers, and tots dominate the tables, conversation hums along, and nobody is judging you for ordering extra chili fries.
Families, friends, and burger fanatics all blend into the mix, giving Lachele’s the feel of a local hangout more than a stiff, formal restaurant—exactly what you want from a burger shrine in the heart of Des Moines.
Address:
2716 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
📞 +1 515-330-6876
🕔 Open Tue–Sun Tue–Sat, 11 AM–9 PM; Sun, 10 AM–3 PM; (Closed Mon) ⏰