Top Places to get a Burger in Downtown Des Moines

Here in Des Moines in the heart of the Midwest, we know our beef. And the selection of quality burgers in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is far from lacking! From classic burgers to gourmet, this list includes all the top places to get your burger fix in Downtown DSM when the craving strikes. You can’t go wrong with any of the places listed below or the delicious burgers to sink your teeth into!

Order a cheeseburger at the Downtown Des Moines restaurants listed below on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 — National Cheeseburger Day!

Burger Restaurants in Downtown Des Moines

Americana

1312 Locust St., Des Moines
Try Americana’s namesake burger, the Burger Americana. A seasoned burger topped with white cheddar, hickory smoked bacon, tomato jam, Dijon aioli and crispy fried onions nestled in a brioche bun. This is a classic burger with some added flair and one you want to add to your must-try burger list. Mark your calendar for Burger Sunday at Americana where you can get a gourmet burger with a side dish for only $9! This delicious burger offer is available for dine-in only on Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m.
americanadsm.com

Buzzard Billy’s

615 3rd St., Des Moines
Known for its menu featuring food with Louisiana roots, Buzzard Billy’s also knows how to make a mean burger. Order the Cajun Cowboy Burger, one of nine burgers featured on their menu. This meaty burger includes a half pound Angus beef patty topped with barbecue burnt ends, bacon, melted smoked cheddar cheese, fried onion ring straws and finished with barbecue aioli. Pro tip: if you need to take the edge off your hunger while waiting for your burger, order the Armadillo Egg appetizer!
desmoines.buzzardbillys.com

Clyde’s Fine Diner

111 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Clyde’s Fine Diner offers an elevated take on diner classics, including the CFD Burger. A classic blend of flavors composed of double smash patties, American cheese, Clyde's burger sauce, shaved onion and pickles. An all-vegan Veggie Burger is also available on the menu if you or your dining partners don’t eat meat. Enjoy a burger in a fine dining atmosphere at Clyde’s!
clydesfinediner.com

Exile Brewing Co.

1514 Walnut St., Des Moines
You know what goes well with a burger? A beer. And beer is something Exile Brewing Co. knows a lot about. They also know a thing or two about burgers. Order yourself a Ruthie Gold Lager and a Hangover Burger and enjoy the beer/burger combo for yourself! The Hangover Burger features a ground chuck patty, Thousand Island dressing, hashbrowns, pepper jack cheese and a fried egg on a pretzel bun. A hangover is not required to enjoy this tasty handheld!
exilebrewing.com

Hessen Haus

101 SW 4th St., Des Moines
Step into an authentic recreation of an old-world German bier hall and peruse the selection of one-of-a-kind burgers on the menu. A German twist on a classic, the Knock-Out Currywurst Burger is sure to knock out your hunger with half-pound Angus beef patties, spicy Hungarian candied bacon, caramelized onion and chopped bratwurst on a fresh-baked potato rosette bun. All of that is smothered with house-made curry sauce, lots of cheese, fries and mayo. And if the Knock-Out Currywurst Burger sounds like more burger than you can handle, the German Burger or Red Baron Burger (pictured below) are great alternates to fill your German-inspired burger craving.
hessenhaus.com

Mulberry Street Tavern

206 6th Ave., Des Moines
Located inside the Surety Hotel in Downtown Des Moines, Mulberry Street Tavern serves up a menu of chef-inspired traditional fare. The MST Smash Burger is a classic menu item featuring twin smash patties, American cheese, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato, pickle and tavern sauce on a milk bun. An elevated take on the basic burger, this is one to add to your must-try list!
suretyhotel.com/mulberry-street-tavern

Photo Credit: Mulberry Street Tavern, Surety Hotel

The Walnut

1417 Walnut St., Des Moines
Get yourself to The Walnut to try the next burger on the list! A burger with a Mexican-inspired twist, the Al Pastor Burger is bursting with flavor and includes a Mexican-marinated pork patty, grilled pineapple, fresh cilantro, white onion and citrus aioli on a toasted hamburger bun. And you don’t want to miss Thursdays at The Walnut when you can get a Burger Basket for only $11! The deal is served with fries and includes a burger with a 1/3-pound beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, pickle and ketchup.
walnutdsm.com

Truman’s Tavern

400 SE 6th St., Des Moines
A pizza tavern with a Kansas City Chiefs- and Royals-theme, you might be wondering how Truman’s ended up on a list of top places to get a burger. You’ll stop asking questions once you’ve tried the Cowboy Burger. Two quarter pound patties topped with sweet chili mayo, lettuce, tomato, bacon, pepper jack cheese, onion rings and jalapeños, the Cowboy Burger is full of flavor with a little bit of a kick. Get yourself to Truman’s and order a burger! You can order pizza next time you visit.
trumanstavern.com

Vibes Kitchen & Bar

1303 Walnut St., Des Moines
If you’re feeling the burger vibes, you’ll want to get your hands on a House Burger at Vibes Kitchen & Bar. This juicy burger includes a beef patty, goat cheese, bacon jam, lettuce, tomato, onion and sweet house bacon served on a brioche bun. The House Burger is going to have you coming back again and again for more burgers and more vibes. Beef burger alternatives are also available, including the Turkey Burger, Salmon Burger and the vegetarian Beyond Burger.
facebook.com/vibesdsm

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

300 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
A Downtown Des Moines burger joint staple, Zombie Burger has a menu filled with every burger you could ever dream of. Walk on the wild side and order yourself The Walking Ched. The bun is made of breaded and deep-fried macaroni and cheese, topped with a burger patty, bacon, cheddar cheese, caramelized red onion, more mac and cheese plus mayo. When you’re done with all that you’re probably going to want a sweet treat (if you have any room left!). Order a milkshake in any of the fan favorite flavors available, including Zombie Bride Wedding Cake or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, cereal included. Pro Tip: You might want to consider wearing stretchy pants for this meal!
zombieburgerdm.com/des-moines-downtown

And if you’re looking for a burger just outside Downtown DSM, head to Lacheles for one of their signature smash burgers or get on over to Kelly’s Little Nipper and order the Nipper Snapper. You won’t regret it!

Find even more Downtown Des Moines restaurants including places to enjoy a burger, breweries, nightlife options and more.