15 Hidden Iowa Burger Spots Serving Double Cheeseburgers Worth The Long Drive
Iowa might be famous for corn and rolling farmland, but tucked between those amber waves of grain are some seriously incredible burger joints that’ll make your taste buds dance.
We’re talking about juicy double cheeseburgers with perfectly melted cheese, crispy edges, and that unmistakable homemade flavor you just can’t find at chain restaurants.
Whether you’re cruising down a country highway or exploring a small town you’ve never heard of, these hidden gems are absolutely worth the extra miles on your odometer.
1. Lachele’s Fine Foods – Des Moines
Right in the heart of Iowa’s capital sits a burger haven that locals whisper about like it’s a delicious secret. Lachele’s Fine Foods at 2716 Ingersoll Avenue serves up double cheeseburgers that’ll make you forget every fast-food burger you’ve ever eaten.
The beef patties are hand-formed daily and cooked to absolute perfection, with edges that get wonderfully crispy while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Fresh vegetables and house-made sauces elevate each bite into something truly memorable.
What really sets this place apart is the attention to detail in every ingredient.
The cheese melts like a golden blanket over those beef patties, and the buns are toasted just right so they don’t fall apart halfway through.
You’ll want to grab extra napkins because this burger is gloriously messy in the best possible way.
2. Big Head Burger – Waterloo
The name says it all—these burgers have seriously big heads, and we mean that in the most delicious way possible!
Located at 324 W 4th Street in Waterloo, Big Head Burger doesn’t mess around when it comes to portion sizes.
Their double cheeseburger features two massive beef patties that hang over the edges of the bun like they’re trying to escape.
But trust us, you won’t let them get away.
The meat is seasoned simply but perfectly, letting the natural beef flavor shine through while the American cheese adds that classic creamy tang.
This spot has become a local legend because they understand that sometimes bigger really is better.
The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families, and the prices won’t make your wallet cry.
Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe consider unbuttoning those jeans for the ride home.
3. BurgerFiend – Cedar Rapids
If you’re a burger fiend (see what they did there?), then this Cedar Rapids hotspot at 3980 Center Point Rd NE (inside The Breakfast Barn) will become your new obsession.
BurgerFiend takes the classic double cheeseburger and gives it a creative twist that’ll blow your mind.
The kitchen crew here treats burger-making like an art form, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Their double cheeseburgers come with perfectly seasoned patties that have that irresistible chargrilled flavor, topped with cheese that melts into every nook and cranny.
What makes BurgerFiend stand out is their willingness to experiment with unique flavor combinations while still respecting the classics.
The vibe is laid-back and friendly, making it the perfect spot for both burger purists and adventurous eaters. Pro tip: order their hand-cut fries on the side because they’re just as addictive as the burgers themselves.
4. Burger Haul – Iowa City
College towns know good food, and Iowa City’s Burger Haul at 112 E College Street proves this theory deliciously correct.
Students and locals alike make regular pilgrimages here for double cheeseburgers that taste like summer cookouts and childhood memories rolled into one amazing meal.
The secret weapon here is the beef quality—these aren’t frozen hockey pucks slapped on a grill. Fresh, never-frozen beef gets shaped into generous patties that cook up with beautiful caramelization on the outside.
Layer on the melted cheese, and you’ve got burger magic happening right before your eyes.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy, especially during game days when Hawkeye fans pack the place.
But don’t let the crowds scare you away—the kitchen moves fast, and that burger will be in your hands before you know it.
Fair warning: you might become a regular after just one visit.
5. Shakespeare’s Pub & Grill – Iowa City
To eat or not to eat? That’s not even a question when you’re talking about the double cheeseburgers at Shakespeare’s Pub & Grill, located at 819 South 1st Avenue in Iowa City.
This place combines pub atmosphere with serious burger skills that would make the Bard himself write sonnets about beef.
Walking in feels like stepping into a cozy Irish pub, but the menu is pure American comfort food done right. Their double cheeseburger features two juicy patties cooked to your preferred doneness, topped with melty cheese that stretches when you take that first glorious bite.
The pub setting means you can pair your burger with a cold beverage and enjoy the friendly atmosphere that makes you want to linger long after your plate is clean.
Shakespeare might have written about star-crossed lovers, but the real romance here is between those beef patties and that perfectly toasted bun.
6. Flight Bar + Grille – Huxley
Your burger journey takes flight in the small town of Huxley, where Flight Bar + Grille at 931 N US Hwy 69 serves up double cheeseburgers that’ll have you soaring with happiness.
This hidden gem proves you don’t need to be in a big city to find extraordinary food.
The kitchen here doesn’t cut corners, using quality ingredients that make every bite count.
Their double cheeseburger comes loaded with two thick, juicy patties that are seasoned and grilled to perfection.
The cheese melts beautifully over the hot beef, creating that gooey goodness we all crave.
Small-town hospitality shines bright here, with friendly staff who treat you like family from the moment you walk through the door.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for a casual dinner after work or a weekend lunch with friends. Trust us, this little town is definitely worth the detour.
7. JJ’s Tavern + Grill – Ankeny
Ankeny residents have been keeping JJ’s Tavern + Grill at 605 SW 3rd Street as their not-so-secret burger headquarters for years now.
This suburban spot delivers double cheeseburgers that taste like they came straight off your dad’s backyard grill—only better because you don’t have to do the dishes.
The burger game here is strong, with hand-pattied beef that gets cooked with care and topped with your choice of cheese.
They understand that a great burger needs balance, so the vegetable toppings are always fresh and crisp, providing the perfect contrast to the rich, savory meat.
The tavern vibe makes it an ideal spot for catching the game or just unwinding after a long day.
Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the quality never wavers.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through Ankeny, JJ’s deserves a spot on your burger bucket list.
8. The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon – Logan / Beebeetown
Way out in Logan, near the even tinier town of Beebeetown at 2849 335th Street, sits The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon—a place where cowboys and burger lovers unite.
Don’t let the steakhouse name fool you; their double cheeseburger rivals any steak on the menu.
This is the kind of place where the portions are hearty, the atmosphere is authentically western, and the burgers are built for serious appetites.
Two thick beef patties get stacked high with melted cheese that drips down the sides in the most appetizing way possible.
The meat is cooked over high heat, creating that satisfying crust on the outside while staying juicy inside.
The saloon setting adds character to your dining experience, with rustic decor that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the Old West.
It’s definitely off the beaten path, but that’s exactly what makes finding it feel like discovering buried treasure—delicious, beefy treasure.
9. Chuckwagon Restaurant – Adair
Saddle up and head to Adair, where the Chuckwagon Restaurant at 113 South 5th Street has been feeding hungry travelers and locals since way back when.
This old-school diner serves double cheeseburgers that taste like they’re straight from a simpler time—when burgers were basic, delicious, and made with love.
Everything about this place screams classic Americana, from the decor to the menu to the way they cook those beautiful beef patties on a flat-top grill.
The double cheeseburger here is no-nonsense perfection: two patties, melted cheese, fresh toppings, and a soft bun that holds everything together like a delicious edible hug.
Adair is a tiny town, but the Chuckwagon puts it on the map for burger enthusiasts traveling along Highway 6. The prices are refreshingly affordable, and the service comes with genuine small-town friendliness.
This is comfort food at its absolute finest.
10. Top Hat Tavern – West Union
Tip your hat to West Union’s finest burger joint—the Top Hat Tavern at 106 South Vine Street, where double cheeseburgers are taken seriously and served with pride.
This northeast Iowa gem has earned its reputation one burger at a time, creating loyal fans who drive from miles around.
The kitchen here knows that great burgers start with great beef, so they use quality meat that’s never been frozen. When those patties hit the grill, the sizzle alone is enough to make your mouth water.
Add two slices of perfectly melted cheese, and you’ve got yourself a burger that belongs in the Hall of Fame.
The tavern atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, the kind of place where strangers become friends over good food and cold drinks.
West Union might not be on everyone’s radar, but burger lovers know it’s a destination worth marking on the map.
Come for the burger, stay for the small-town charm.
11. Bambinos (Bambino’s Bar & Restaurant) – Ossian
Hidden in the tiny town of Ossian at 102 N Lydia Street, Bambinos proves that big flavor comes in small-town packages.
This family-run spot serves double cheeseburgers that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with those fancy burger chains in the first place.
What makes Bambinos special is the home-cooked feel of everything on the menu, including their standout double cheeseburger.
The patties are formed by hand and cooked with the kind of attention that only happens when people truly care about their food.
Cheese melts over the hot beef like a blanket of dairy deliciousness, and the toppings are always garden-fresh.
The restaurant has that neighborhood bar vibe where everyone seems to know each other, but visitors are welcomed like old friends.
Portions are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetite, and the prices won’t make you wince. Ossian might be small, but Bambinos makes it mighty.
12. Brady’s Pub – Sheldon
Up in northwest Iowa, the town of Sheldon harbors a burger secret at Brady’s Pub, located at 1319 2nd Avenue.
This unassuming pub serves double cheeseburgers that have achieved legendary status among locals who know where to find the good stuff.
Brady’s doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—they just make the wheel taste absolutely incredible.
Their double cheeseburger features two well-seasoned beef patties grilled to juicy perfection, topped with cheese that gets all melty and wonderful.
The bun is sturdy enough to handle all that beef without falling apart, which is surprisingly hard to find these days.
The pub atmosphere is exactly what you’d hope for: comfortable, casual, and filled with the kind of friendly chatter that makes you feel at home.
Whether you’re a Sheldon local or just passing through on your way to somewhere else, Brady’s Pub deserves a stop.
Your stomach will thank you for the detour.
13. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse – Sac City
When cattle country meets burger perfection, you get Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Sac City at 508 West Main Street.
Sure, they’re known for steaks, but their double cheeseburger deserves equal billing and standing ovations from anyone lucky enough to order one.
These folks understand beef better than most, which shows in every aspect of their burger.
The double cheeseburger features thick, high-quality patties that are cooked expertly and topped with cheese that melts into every crevice.
Each bite delivers that satisfying combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings that make burger dreams come true.
The steakhouse setting gives your burger experience a touch of class without being stuffy or pretentious. Service is attentive, the portions are substantial, and the quality is consistently excellent.
Sac City might not be on your usual route, but Cattlemen’s makes it a worthy destination for serious burger enthusiasts everywhere.
14. Arty’s Ice Cream & Grill – Wilton
Ice cream AND burgers? Now that’s what we call a perfect meal plan!
Arty’s Ice Cream & Grill at 609 West 5th Street in Wilton serves up double cheeseburgers that’ll have you planning your dessert before you finish your main course.
Don’t let the ice cream part of the name distract you—the grill side of this operation is seriously impressive. Their double cheeseburger features fresh beef patties cooked on a flat-top grill until they develop that beautiful brown crust on the outside while staying juicy inside.
The cheese melts perfectly, and the toppings are crisp and flavorful.
What makes Arty’s extra special is the combination factor: grab a burger for lunch, then treat yourself to a cone for dessert without moving your car.
The small-town charm is thick here, with friendly service and a menu that covers all your comfort food bases.
Wilton just became your new favorite food stop.
15. Foodie Garage Eatery – Sioux City
If you’re cruising through western Iowa and feel your stomach rumbling, take a pit stop at 4141 Gordon Drive in Sioux City.
This quirky, auto-themed restaurant proves that sometimes the best burgers are found in places where creativity and comfort food collide at full speed.
Their Double Garage Burger is a thing of beauty—two hefty beef patties smashed just right on a hot grill, letting those edges crisp up while the centers stay tender and juicy.
Melted cheese drapes over the meat like chrome on a classic car, and you can load it up with everything from grilled onions to house-made sauces for maximum flavor.
This is the kind of burger that demands two hands, a stack of napkins, and zero shame.
What makes Foodie Garage stand out is the vibe.
The walls are decorated with license plates, wrenches, and retro automotive memorabilia, giving the place a fun, garage-shop personality that matches the hearty food.
The staff is friendly, the portions are generous, and the menu is packed with comfort classics—but it’s the double cheeseburger that keeps locals and travelers coming back for another lap.
If you’re the type who loves discovering delicious roadside surprises, Foodie Garage Eatery is the kind of hidden gem that revs your engine and leaves you full and happy for the miles ahead.