Best Hamburger in Des Moines: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026] | Arteflame

Introduction

Finding the ultimate burger is more than just a meal; it's a quest for the perfect balance of char, juice, and flavor. In Des Moines, the culinary scene has exploded, offering everything from nostalgic drive-thru classics to gourmet patties topped with culinary ingenuity. We have spent weeks scouring the city, tasting our way through the local favorites to bring you a list that cuts through the noise. Whether you are a local looking for a new regular spot or a visitor hungry for the best, this guide covers the standout burgers you simply can't miss.

Below, you will find our curated ranking of the top spots, followed by the secret technique to replicating that restaurant-quality sear in your own backyard.

• The Top 5 Des Moines Burger Spots
• Burger Comparison: Price vs. Style
• The "Searing" Secret for Home Cooks
• Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

Best Hamburger in Des Moines: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026]

Key Takeaways

• Zombie Burger + Drink Lab is the go-to for creative, over-the-top toppings and atmosphere.
• B-Bop's reigns supreme for the classic, nostalgic American drive-thru experience.
• Django offers the best upscale, French-inspired burger experience.
• Lua Brewing provides the perfect balance of craft beer and gourmet patties.
• Clyde's Fine Diner delivers the ultimate smash-burger crust.

What is the Best Hamburger in Des Moines?

The best hamburger in Des Moines is defined by fresh, locally sourced Iowa beef seared at high temperatures to create a caramelized Maillard reaction while maintaining a juicy, medium-cooked interior.

In our testing, we found that the following establishments consistently delivered on flavor, texture, and experience.

1. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

If you want an experience that assaults your senses in the best way possible, this is it. We found their "Post Apocalyptic" themes fun, but the flavors are serious. The distinct "GOREmet" bashed burgers feature a crispy edge that we absolutely loved.

2. B-Bop's

Sometimes you just want a classic. B-Bop's has been a staple for decades. In our opinion, their quarter-pounder tastes exactly like summer memories—charbroiled perfection without the pretension. It is fast food done right.

3. Django

For a sit-down experience, we were blown away by the Django Burger. It uses high-quality beef and house-made pickles. If you are looking for a burger that feels like a full gourmet meal rather than a quick bite, this is your spot.

4. Clyde's Fine Diner

We specifically visited Clyde's to test their smash burger technique. The crust-to-meat ratio was exceptional. The searing technique they use locks in flavor in a way few others manage.

5. Lua Brewing

While known for beer, their burger was a surprise contender for the top spot. We appreciated the simplicity and the quality of the brioche bun which held up perfectly to the juicy patty.

Comparison: Which Burger is Right for You?

We compiled this data to help you choose the perfect spot based on your current craving.

• Zombie Burger | Best For: adventurous Eaters | Price: $$ | Style: Creative/Themed
• B-Bop's | Best For: Nostalgia/Speed | Price: $ | Style: Classic Drive-Thru
• Django | Best For: Date Night | Price: $$$ | Style: Gourmet/French
• Clyde's Fine Diner | Best For: Crust Lovers | Price: $$ | Style: Smash Burger
• Lua Brewing | Best For: Beer Pairing | Price: $$ | Style: Pub Style

How to Make the Best Hamburger at Home

I used to think my backyard burgers were good, until I realized I was steaming them on a standard grate instead of searing them. Once I switched to a solid surface cooktop, the difference in flavor profile was immediate and undeniable.

You don't need a commercial kitchen to get that steakhouse quality. You just need to understand heat management and surface area. The top places in Des Moines utilize flat-top grills to get that edge-to-edge crust, and you can do the same.

The "Searing" Technique

This is where Arteflame Grills excel. Unlike traditional grates that let juices drip away and cause flare-ups that burn the meat, the Arteflame cooktop provides a solid searing surface. Here is why this changes the game:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The center of the Arteflame reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. This instigates an immediate Maillard reaction, caramelizing the proteins on the surface of the burger instantly, sealing in the juices.
2. Grill All Food at Once: Because of the various heat zones, we found we could grill the burgers at high heat while simultaneously toasting the buns and grilling onions on the outer, cooler ring. No more running back and forth to the kitchen.
3. Social Grill: The open fire design allows everyone to see the magic happen, turning cooking into a shared event.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to feed a crowd without breaking the bank, we recommend visiting the Costco in Des Moines for wholesale beef. Buying fresh ground beef from Costco is an excellent base to start with. However, the real magic happens when you improve and customize those patties and grill them on your Arteflame Grill. If you already own a Weber or Big Green Egg, you can achieve this same searing effect by adding an Arteflame Grill Griddle insert to your existing setup.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it fundamentally changes how you host. Its round, circular design invites friends and family to stand around the fire rather than waiting on the patio while you cook alone against a wall. It turns the chef into the center of the party, allowing you to interact, laugh, and enjoy the fire together while the burgers sizzle.