Lachele's Fine Foods

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!

The food was delicious plus the staff and atmosphere are top tier! It’s a popular spot, so it does get busy during dinner hours, but the staff does a great job keeping things moving smoothly and making sure everyone is taken care of.

This is my second time coming to Lachele’s and, YUM! First I tried their Philly; although it looks small, it’s incredibly filling and the bread is amazing! Today I had their cheeseburger. The burger was FANTASTIC. I will say the house sauce is a little mustard-y (not that that’s a bad thing!). Also the fries are beautifully seasoned. 10/10.

We used Lachele's as one of our food truck vendors for our rehearsal dinner at Jasper Winery. They were very kind, professional, and their service was fantastic. They even through in snow cones when we asked about a dessert option! We received compliments from multiple guests about how great the food was. We will 100% wanting to use them in the future.

Legit smash burger. I can’t say id call myself a smash burger person, but this place has me questioning. Really tasty burger, lot of fixins, and a ton of good flavor. Loved the crispy edge on this. The tots were great too. My only complaint was that it was sort of hard to eat, with lots of the burger being without bun at the end. Maybe it’s the intended effect? Either way, 5/5.

Hands down the best burger I’ve ever had—and I’ve had a lot of burgers in my life. The Lachele burger and tots with a side of cheese is perfection every single time. I’d go every week if I could. Highly recommend!

We had a wonderful brunch on this past Sunday afternoon. We had been wanting to try this new East Side location since they opened across from Chuck's. Everything about our meal was very positive. We were greeted with enthusiasm and our server, Echo was a breath of fresh air. My wife had the small pot pie and " one friggin pancake" (vanilla bean). The pot pie was a cup of pot pie soup with croutons and the pancake was plate sized. Both were delicous. I had the Uncle Denny smashburger wlth the pepper jelly, 2 fried eggs and breakfest fries. Ate it all in an instant. Our plates were clean when we left. We'll be back (soon) and I'd say it's definitely worth the drive. $25 for brunch and worth every penny.

There is a reason this place has such a high rating. My only regret in coming here was not ordering a 2nd patty on each burger, because these are proper smash burgers. I order the Lachele and the Uncle Denny, and both were incredible. In the picture the Uncle Denny is on the left, and the Lachele is pictured with the tots, which were amazing. The tots were super crispy and very well seasoned. You order when you first get in, so it helps to know what you want prior to getting there. Once you order you can find a seat, although space is limited. But, that shouldn't detour you from eating here, you won't regret it, I know I didn't.

My wife found this place, she reads a lot and an author owns it. Small and quirky!! Very well done burger!! So simple and yet so much flavor!! I got the uncle Denny and it was great, just the right amount and very tasty! Looks like only street parking. I'll definitely stop by next time I'm in Des Moines.

I'm not a burger connoisseur. I don't know what to look for in a good burger, so I go based on what I think a burger should be; the best is one that satisfies my soul. One that makes my arteries and liver forget the abuse they suffered. Lachele's is that burger. A classic burger joint. It's surprisingly clean for a greasy spoon, with surprisingly kind service. Crowded but quick I had the frankenator (a special) with tater tots. Always get the tater tots. I miss frank now too.

Good spot for a smash burger and some good tots. The inside was packed and definitely could have used more seating or space for ordering. The food was delicious, tater tots had the perfect crunch. Service was great, the lady taking our order helped our group of four get seating by asking a group of two if they would consider moving to a place for two. Very kind.

On a cool and rainy day why not try a smash burger from Lachele's that will warm your palate. The Jake has delicious caramelized onions, pickles, and Dijon Mustard on a nice bun with tots that are well seasoned with a little spice. The vibe is busy during noon and weekends but manageable in the mid afternoons. The prices are reasonable and the made to order wait time short with limited parking in the back or on the street. Go get your comfort on!

We beat the Sunday rush and if you can do that, you're lucky because the line starts forming and stays consistently that way. You order at the counter when you walk in. We chose the bar to sit at. It's fun to watch them cook. It's a cool vintage-ish diner to eat in. The smash burgers are insanely good. The combo of flavors is crazy. I veered off and got chopped chicken and it was to die for with their toppings. The tots weren't spicy but they were crispy. My husband liked the chili Mac. I'd personally put hot sauce in it. Can't wait to go back again. Every day they have a special sandwich too so pay attention to that!!

Had a quick pit stop from Omaha to Minneapolis and this was a good choice. No nonsense burger place that pays attention to details. I went with the special which was pretty good but I should have gone with the traditional burger like my mom did. Both were great bites. It was quick service and it had a cool decor. Recommended!

Came to Lachele's on a Friday night and I got Mr. World Wide with tots and my hubby got The Big Gym with fries and these smash burgers hit the spot! The burgers were well seasoned, the ratio of patties to bun and toppings was very well-balanced, and the fries and tots were well fried. Extra crispy tots, just the way I like them. I also got the IPA on tap and it was nice. They also have a great selection of cane sodas, pop, and sparkling waters. Service is fast and friendly, as you order up front and they bring you your food. And going to Lachele's is like stepping into a 50's diner with a modern twist. Very approachable and delicious! Will be back!

If you're in the DSM area, you HAVE to go to Lachele's. There is truly no burger place I have eaten at that holds a candle to Lachele's. I don't even live in Des Moines but when I come I always try to hit them up. The Lachele and the Yoshi are my current favorites, they leave you feeling satisfied and all warm and fuzzy inside, and the chili Mac is always worth the $2 up charge. (makes for FANTASTIC leftovers!) I have been to places with burgers more expensive than Lachele's with less than a fraction of the quality. I don't know what kind of sorcery they're using to make such a good burger every time but color me impressed. If I was on death row, THIS would unquestionably be my last meal choice.

I've been wanting to try this place for a long time and finally got the chance. I have to admit, I'm struggling to figure out what all the hype is about. First, the building is very small. I believe they only have 3 tables, plus maybe 8 counter stools. No big deal - we didn't have to wait long fora table. I ordered the Chili burger And my husband got a chili dog. My burger has so much mustard in it, I could hardly taste the meat. The chili, as far as I could tell, was nothing more than loose meat. No beans or tomatoes or sauce of any kind to indicate chili. Also no flavor. I had a hard time distinguishing the "chili" from the actual burger patty. The chili dog looked the same - a hot dog covered in loose meat. The seasoned tater tots were quite delicious - hot and fresh and perfectly crispy. The staff was all friendly and attentive, service was great. All in all, I'm in no hurry to go back.

I'd been wanting to try Lachele's Fine Foods for a while, and it did not disappoint! I went with the special, and it was amazing--fresh, flavorful, and just really well done. The place has such a great vibe, and the staff were super friendly and welcoming. You can tell a lot of care goes into everything they make. Definitely worth the visit, and I'll be back for sure!

What the heck -- 5 stars! While in Des Moines for work, I stumbled upon Lachele's Fine Foods--a modern, hipster diner specializing in made-to-order smash burgers. The atmosphere was inviting, and I couldn't resist trying the Lachele burger with two patties, adding an egg on top The burger was something else. The smash patties had perfectly crispy edges with a juicy center, and the added egg brought a richness that tied everything together. Each bite was a flavorful mix that made me understand why this place claims to have the best burgers in Iowa If I had to find a fault, it would be that the patties were a touch salty. Not enough to ruin the experience, but noticeable. Paired with a cold beer, the total came to $24, which felt reasonable for the quality and portion size As I left, I couldn't help but think that unexpected finds like Lachele's make business trips a bit more enjoyable

The best burger I've had in Des Moines. Can't rave about it enough. The workers were all really nice! There isn't a lot of space to sit inside, so best not to come at peak times if you're looking for a spot.

Looks like a hole in the wall but don't be fooled! Give it a try. Delicious veggie burgers, tots and salad. The house dressing is a creamy garlic parmesan. Wish I could have taken home a bottle of that magic potion! Tots were spiced nicely--crunchy and not greasy. Sesame buns were so fresh. All 5 of us were still talking about our food experience two days later.

Went to Lachele's Fine Foods, the most recommended burger restaurant in Des Moines, to pick up a snack before resuming our 5 hour drive for the day. We arrived in the mid-afternoon and we were the only customers in the building! We found the the interior to be very modern and clean, but eye-catchingly retro-themed. We placed our order at the front ala counter service. For faster service in peak times, they even have a takeout window in the front of the store. The service is fantastic - we only ordered a single burger since we weren't hungry enough for a full meal and they offered to slice in half for us. We didn't realize they would be serving on different plates and also splitting the side! A nice surprise. The Lachele ($12) - The burgers here are legitimately great. A lot of people don't like smash burgers because many places overcook and oversalt the burger, resulting in a patty with fantastic lacy and crispy edges, but a bone dry interior. Lachele's balances the crisp and the moisture levels perfectly and as a bonus, the burger isn't overly salty. We sat right in front of the grill and were able to watch them work their magic - they put the puck of ground beef on the cooktop, and after smashing the daylights out of it, they cook it, flip it, put the cheese on top and add a squirt of water to steam and finish everything up under a lid. To assemble the burger, they add a good amount of veggies and condiments, and pairs that with a great fluffy, lightly toasted sesame bun, giving a perfect bite every time. We were basically not hungry at all going in, but by the time we finished, we were regretting not getting a second burger. (5/5) For the side, we chose the tots - in this case, seasoned with possibly garlic powder and paprika. They are well fried with a great crisp and craggy exterior, yet the interior is still fluffy and tender and not dried out at all. They aren't too salty and honestly are some of the best cooked tater tots I've had. I definitely recommend Lachele's Fine Foods for a fantastic smash burger! Bathrooms - Two all gender individual rooms.

I now schedule my therapy appointments around lunch time, because I just love these burgers. I've always ordered the same thing. the specials just never are what I want on the days I go, but uncle denny never disappoints. always good service and great food.

This place looks like a small hole in the wall and there's not much seating at all but they have the BEST burgers!!!

Food was okay, tasted more mustard than anything else on it and I think there were more sesame seeds than there was bun. Service was friendly and prices were reasonable.

Thoroughly enjoyed this place! A cute hole in the wall diner vibe with loud music. It has limited seating so beware of that during peak hours. As for the burgers, they are great smash burgers. Only thing is that it felt quite greasy, they seem to over butter the buns and on top with the oil from the burger makes it feel a bit heavy. I normally prefer fries over tots, but their tots are extra crunchy. Would still go back and try something new.

Oh my word that's a good burger. Love the atmosphere and the food. Really fun place, can get really busy so there can often be a wait but absolutely worth it! Absolutely must go if you haven't!

I've been here a couple times since moving to the area in July and it's one of my favorite burgers of all time. The employees are always so kind and helpful! Love Lachele's!

The best smash burger I've ever had! Great fresh, tender beef seared and seasoned to perfection. Thank you Yelp for coming through as I rolled through Des Moines! I might have to return for the cheese steak on the way home.

Absolutely delicious! Great atmosphere, fun staff! Was cool to sit up at the bar top and watch them in action.

This was my first postpartum meal and it was delectable each time I've ever went. The food was steaming hot and delicious. I absolutely love the tater tots. My first time I had a Philly cheesesteak the other times I ordered burgers.

Cute diner that has a cool twist on modern and retro at the same time. It's a very small joint and not the best with a big group. The food was okay, I got the Hot Rod but made it "ditch the bun" style with tots. The chicken as cooked nice and tender, but the tots were so salty! I ate the toppings which was the chicken, cheese, arugula, etc. the tomatoes are so finely diced that you couldn't taste it because it got over powered by the cheese and the salty tots. We also got the Big Balandran. It was nicely made with tender steak combined with cheese and mushroom for a nice umami taste. But the tots were yet again very salty. I'm not sure what they did but even our friends that were there with us said their fries were salty as well. Over all the place was ok, but probably won't be going there soon again

Food is delicious! Fries are pretty salty but if that's your thing it's done well. Great vibes and the service was awesome!

While working in the area, I decided to stop in for lunch. Overall, pretty good food. This review is based on food, service, cleanliness, atmosphere, and value. As mentioned, the food was good. I had the Uncle Denny Burger, and made it a double. The portion was larger than expected. I almost couldn't finish the burger. I was stuffed! It was very tasty. I was hoping it was a little more spicy, but still good. There's no table service, just order at the counter and they yell your name later. Like a diner, but I'm my own server. They still ask for table service tips. I really don't like that. My first time here, and I'm expected to tip for something that I don't know is even any good. The tip should come after the meal, not before. The dining area was clean, the atmosphere was loud, but I enjoyed myself. Not a good place to have a conversation. There's limited seating, and the dining area is small. Get there early if you plan to sit. The prices are high, so the value isn't great. The food is good, but not what they are charging. I'd go back, but wouldn't make it a regular lunch spot.

4.25* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4* Service: 4* 02/16/2023 Saw that this place won best Burger in town (specifically recommending the Smashburger) in Cityview, so asked our neighbors to join us and ventured downtown for dinner after the big snowstorm. Given the name, I was expecting a fairly high-end and expensive place - so was a little surprised when we walked in to see a colorful retro-diner decor. While one of the servers shared that a previous reviewer had made disparaging remarks about the workers appearance, I've shared in my online profiles that I enjoy servers with some character, opinions on the food and a story to tell. I found the atmosphere to be quite inviting with friendly and professional workers looking for ways to be of service to their customers. Given the award and recommendation for smashburgers, I ordered the Uncle Denny (see picture). I loved the soft, moist bun and found the Duke's mayo & pepper jelly to be the perfect level of spice to complement the smashburger and bun. The included fries were also very good - great combination of crispiness on the outside, yet soft inside. My wife ordered The Big Gym with Tots (see picture) and also enjoyed it - commenting especially on how good the tots were. She liked the fact that the tots were nice and crispy on the outside and not soft / soggy. Our neighbor ordered the The Chili Charles (see picture) open-faced chili burger on Texas Toast and also enjoyed it. Admittedly, it looked so good that I think that is what I will try on our next visit. The pricing, including $5 tap beers, seemed reasonable and the burgers were top-notch. A great retro-diner experience that you will want to try! If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

Amazing smash burger!!! The tots were done to perfection and the staff was so sweet. We sat outside since to soak in the last bit of summer. A must taste trip. Not fancy just delish.

Great new addition to Highland Park/Oak Park neighborhood... food was food but other group in the same room made my dining experience hard to enjoy conversation with my group and the west sun coming in the window was miserable and hot... get a shade to pull down during low sun time periods.

We showed up for take out... Finding parking was a challenge. But we found it... Was it worth it? O M. G. Yes it was worth it. For shading meals. Burgers to die for... Tots. Amazing tots. With chili. And onions.... We came in from Cedar Rapids.... And, wow. We have been in the desert on a horse with no name .... But Lachales, changed... Everything. Go there. Order Love. Love more. You MUST do this...

On the menu it says the philly was going to be long to my surprise it was small and the meat taste a lil weird

Lachelle's is simply put. Delicious. The burgers are incredible, and the sides round out the flavors beautifully. Ask for a recommendation if you're going for the first time, you won't be disappointed! The vibes of the restaurant are incredible. It is a cozy space with an awesome bar space and tall tables. You feel at home right away, and comfortable to dig in! What are you doing still reading this? Go on over there!

What a rockin' place. The vibe here was great. I could tell the folks behind the counter were enjoying their work and they treated me really well as I sat at the counter to wait for my order. I was here to try one of their hot dogs and I went with The Judy. It had spicy giardiniera, LFF sauce, a fistful o' fries, green onion, and American cheese on a hoagie. This was a MASSIVE dog with loads of toppings. Here's the thing: the spicy giardiniera had way more heat than I was expecting. About halfway through I scraped off the remaining giardiniera but all of the spicy juices had soaked through the dog. Every bite was a spicy bite. Made it a little bit harder to enjoy BUT I recognize that is *my* taste preference so that's on me. I'd definitely return to Lachele's especially to try some of their amazing looking burgers.

Burgers were good, it's a small place though, so expect to eat outside or get it to go, which is probably fine too since the wait staff isn't all that nice... Two young ladies with a lot of eye make up on were annoyed we were there and looked at us like we were stupid when we didn't know how to line up in their cramped space to order. Add that to the very politically/socially aligned agenda on the walls, and it felt uncomfortable to be there. It's food, would prefer it to be about the food.

Amazing High quality, well made food that comes fast. Great atmosphere and folks serving you.

first time I've ever eaten there great food awesome smash I definitely will be there again. Great service and cool atmosphere. The service was fast and very friendly service.

Food is always great and the service is friendly! The interior seating is retro styling with high top & bar seating. Small exterior patio is clean with plenty of shade.

I went here a while ago and didnt think it was to good but, i went last night and it was great. Great variety in menu and even though it was packed, the food still came out fast.

If you're in search for comfort food and are craving a burger, look no further. Lachele's 1000% nails it! I got the big gym burger with tots and a side of their house-made Parmesan sauce. Absolutely to die for! The space itself is fairly small, but service is very fast to accommodate the heavy customer traffic coming in and out. Loved it, and can't wait to try many more burgers in the future. Thank you!

This was a burger place a few of my friends wanted to try on our trip to Des Moines. We didn't do our research before and tried to come Friday night but it was very packed with no where to sit so we came back on Saturday for lunch and it was still very packed with nowhere to wait inside. I wasn't. In the mood for a burger at first but then later changed my mind. It was a burger smash burger. Nothing special to it though it my opinion. I also didn't like having to wait outside with the wind blowing me off the sidewalk and it took an extremely long time for my burger to be ready. It turned out they were calling for me to pick it up but didn't yell out the window and I only heard when someone opened the door to go in. Everyone enjoyed their food and ate it all, we all got burgers with the exception of the one vegetarian in the group, she got the portobello mushroom. It's very loud and kinda cramped in this space but the staff seemed nice and the burger was good. I would go back and hopefully get a table.

The food is fresh and so delicious. Every time we go in they are so nice to us and make sure everything is good. The vibe is so welcoming and the decoration is so cool.

This place's food is the best burger I've ever a had. I dream about the smash burger from lacheles everyday

My favorite burger spot! BEST BURGERS & BEST SERVICE! HANDS DOWN! I don't even think my mom believed me until one day I gave her money to take my son and now she understands why I love their burgers so much. My favorite is The Uncle Denny and I like to ask for the tater tot seasoning on my fries. They make the burgers fresh! And each and everyone one of the staff are amazing. All you get is good vibes in there. I don't live in Des Moines but make the drive there from time to time because it's worth it.

Absolutely the best burger in town. Will also say fries and hush puppies are delicious accoutrements. So simple, yet so amazing. I love the small diner feel and all of the people who work there are so friendly and attentive. Even when it is packed, it is still efficient and worth it. I've been more than several times but have never been able to wait long enough to take a picture before instantly digging in.

We love a local favorite here on Yelp so I feel like a review on this place was expected at some point lol I will say this is definitely one of Des Moines most loved burger joints. The smash burgers here are big and you can make them a double for just an extra $3. You can also have them without the bun. Or even vegetarian. I love that they're inclusive. But I especially love their fries, they're steak fries that are actually crispy! I've ordered the lachele's here a lot. And I've been here during their eggcheles pop-up event with egg-king, which was also delicious. I will also point out that the service here has been incredibly friendly every time I've been here. They have street parking outside which is mostly parallel. And inside has limited seating so sometimes it's a hit or miss with how busy it can get here. Nonetheless this is a burger joint I highly recommend visiting in Des Moines. You cannot beat the friendly service, stylish interior, and most importantly delicious food, that this place has to offer.

Amazing food! Smash burgers are made fresh and the front desk ladies are all so beautiful and kind. I will definitely go back here again if I make it to Iowa

Finally! A classic burger joint that is a classic winner! My husband fully enjoyed his burger. Triple patty signature Lachele. He definitely made heads turn when he ordered. Got the owner's [Cory] attention too. Said that was the first triple burger ordered since opening! Great juicy beef patties with amazing flavor. I had the vegan Italian Shroomer. Excellent sandwich with tons of mushrooms, sauce, and artichoke. I felt like it was missing some vegan cheese. But still great without it! Hand cut fries, easily shareable. Restaurant is small. Seats about 12-16 at tables. And 4 at the bar area. It was packed when we visited. We didn't wait too long though! They were very efficient cooking those burgers. 15 min max. Drink cooler for drinks. Boylan Bottling sodas, classic bottled Coca Cola, sparkling water, and other quality drinks. I like the interior decor and ambiance. Classic and funky. Can't wait to utilize the order window at the entrance when it's warmer out. Overall, it was a simple, classic meal. No frills and great quality! Customer service was exceptional. We also really enjoyed getting to know Cory. Personable and great attitude guy. All workers are masked. And patrons were masked walking in. Ok to be unmasked to enjoy food. Highly recommend!

It's a top 5 restaurant in Des Moines. Might be top 3. Once you go, you'll keep going back. I've been going for 4 years now and it's never disappointed me. The atmosphere is a small diner, cooked right in front of you. Limited seating so get there early or get it to go (no call in orders). Always a new exciting daily special, which deserves more respect for how they pull off crazy burgers every day. The classic burgers always hit the spot. The tater tots are unreal, the best tots in the metro. The staff is so friendly and inviting, not to mention the meals come out in like 5 minutes. You've barely sat down and you've got your meal, and you know it's fresh because you can literally see it in front of you. The old style vibe in there is so neat, cans of classic pops in the cooler and two taps of beer. Everything from the burgers to the sides to the atmosphere is incredible. Make the stop. Become a regular. This place deserves all the hype.

Our first lunch inside post vaccine! And boy, was it tasty! The burger was perfectly cooked & seasoned just right. Buns were fresh & topped with sesame seeds. The fries are home style and made to order. My friend had the Lachele burger and I had the Denny's. We loved them both. I ordered a double , only $2 more & took 1/2 home to hubby. They did a great take out business while we were there--testament to the tastiness! Cute but small dine in area.