Des Moines’ burger game goes undead at Zombie Burger, where special grind patties get sandwiched in grilled cheese buns, topped with coney chili, fried bananas, or ghost peppers amid horror vibes.
This East Village staple slings They’re Coming to Get You Barbara (cheese bun burger) and Walking Ched (mac ‘n cheese bun) with loaded fries and drink lab shakes.
It’s the kind of place where one Cremator has you conquering spicy challenges.
How they won locals’ hearts
Zombie Burger builds gourmet bashed burgers with add-ons like fried egg (+$2), bacon (+$2), or extra patty (+$3.50) on classic or lettuce wraps; kids eat free on Tuesdays.
Standouts like Zombie Burger ($13.75, American, LTRO, Zombie sauce) and Trailer Trash Zombie (fried pickle, chicken fried bacon, cheese curds, ranch) dominate Yelp photos.
Un-burgers like Mushroom Apocalypse ($8.25+, breaded mushroom croquette) and Project Nemesis (portobello) thrill veggies, while chicken like Helldorado (hot honey BBQ) adds variety.
Reviews obsess over massive portions, creative zombs (Undead Elvis with PB/bananas/bacon/egg), and poutine/fried Brussels perfect for groups sharing Zombie Nachos.
Boozy floats and lab drinks elevate the themed fun in a buzzing downtown spot.
Food Highlights
- They’re Coming To Get You, Barbara: ‘Two grilled-cheese sandwiches’ bun, American cheese, caramelized onion, bacon, Zombie sauce iconic $11.27 cheese dream.
- The Walking Ched: Breaded deep-fried mac ‘n cheese bun, bacon, cheddar, caramelized/red onion, mac, mayo $15.59 carb apocalypse.
- The Cremator: Ghost pepper cheese, onion rings, fried jalapeño, chipotle mayo, house hot sauce—fiery $11.10 challenge.
- Trailer Trash Zombie: American cheese, fried pickle, chicken fried bacon, cheese curds, ranch loaded trashy bliss.
- Undead Elvis: Peanut butter, fried bananas, bacon, American cheese, egg, mayo sweet-salty $10.17 freakout.
- Mushroom Apocalypse: Un-burger breaded mushroom + cheese croquette, LTRO, mayo veggie $8.25 hero.
Atmosphere
Zombie Burger pulses with zombie-themed chaos, dark decor, horror nods, packed tables for groups devouring nachos and flights amid East Village energy.
Lively bar area pours drink lab creations while counter service hustles massive orders till 10 pm weekends.
Fun for dates, families (kids menu), or challenges, shareable apps like 3 Pigs Nachos fit all.
Bottom Line
Zombie Burger transforms Des Moines burgers into grilled cheese bun legends with Cremator heat and un-burger genius.
Grand Ave’s undead empire rules cravings.
Address:
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
📞 (515) 244‑9292