This Iowa Burger Joint Is So Popular, It Sells Out Of Double Cheeseburgers Every Night

I still remember the first time I heard about a burger joint that actually runs out of food before closing time. Not from poor planning, but because folks simply can’t get enough.

That spot is Lachele’s Fine Foods in Des Moines, a retro-style diner that’s earned cult status one smashed patty at a time.

The pink-and-blue walls, sizzling griddles, and nonstop laughter make it more than a restaurant—it’s a ritual. Locals know the deal: arrive early, order fast, and savor every bite before the burgers sell out again. Around here, patience isn’t rewarded—timing is everything.

Classic Smash Technique That Nails Every Bite

Watching a smash burger cook is almost hypnotic. The patty hits the scorching flat-top, the spatula presses down hard, and within seconds those crispy, lacy edges start to form—the kind that crunch when you bite and make you close your eyes in burger bliss.

Lachele’s doesn’t reinvent the wheel here; they perfect it. Thin patties, high heat, and a nostalgic bowling-alley energy done with chefly precision mean every burger tastes like a memory you didn’t know you had. It’s comfort food elevated without losing its soul.

That technique is why regulars keep coming back and why first-timers become instant believers.

Two Prime Des Moines Locations You Can Actually Visit

Finding Lachele’s is half the fun. You’ve got two spots to choose from: the original at 2716 Ingersoll Ave and the Highland Park location at 3621 6th Ave, both in Des Moines. Each one rocks that same cozy, diner-style vibe built around a sizzling griddle and a short, focused menu.

Both locations share similar hours and the same cult-worthy food, so if one is packed, you can hop over to the other. It’s like having a backup plan that’s just as good as the original.

Locals love the flexibility, and visitors appreciate knowing they’ve got options when burger cravings hit hard.

Weekly Themed Specials That Vanish Before Your Eyes

Ever shown up to a restaurant only to hear your favorite dish just sold out? At Lachele’s, it happens almost every weekend. Axios reports that their weekly themed specials are so popular they often lead to early closures because demand goes through the roof.

One week it might be a spicy Korean-inspired burger, the next a loaded breakfast burger with a fried egg. The creativity keeps people guessing, and the limited quantities create a sense of urgency that turns casual diners into burger hunters.

If you see a special that sounds good, don’t wait—it might be gone by dinner.

The Double Cheeseburger Is Built Right Into The Menu

Ordering a double cheeseburger at Lachele’s isn’t some secret handshake situation. The signature smash burger, affectionately called “The Lachele,” comes as a single or double patty right on the menu, according to the Des Moines Register’s coverage of the opening.

Want to upgrade any burger to a double? Just add a patty for an upcharge. It’s straightforward, customizable, and designed to let you build the burger of your dreams without overthinking it.

That double patty setup is part of why the place sells out nightly—everyone wants that extra layer of beefy, cheesy goodness stacked high and cooked to perfection.

Sides And Extras That Turn A Burger Into A Feast

A great burger deserves great company. Lachele’s current menu offers fries, seasoned tots, chili fries, chili tots, plus rotating comfort-food plates and sandwiches that round out the experience. Many burgers even ship with a side included, so you’re not left scrambling to complete your meal.

Feeling extra hungry? Customize with bacon, a fried egg, or an additional patty to create a towering stack that requires two hands and zero shame.

The sides aren’t an afterthought—they’re part of the reason people keep calling Lachele’s the total package when it comes to diner food done right.

Operating Hours You Can Actually Plan Around

Nothing kills a burger craving faster than showing up to a closed door. Lachele’s lists current hours as Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They’re closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Because popular specials can trigger early sellouts, it’s smart to check their Instagram day-of if you’re timing a late visit. The team is transparent about closures and updates, which builds trust with the community.

Knowing when they’re open—and when they might sell out—helps you beat the rush and snag that double cheeseburger before it’s gone.

Smart Strategies To Beat The Crowd And Score Your Burger

Want to guarantee your burger fix? Aim for early lunch or early dinner, especially Friday through Sunday when the weekend rush hits hardest. If one location looks packed, remember you’ve got a second shop to try—both share similar hours and the same menu.

Keep an eye on their Instagram for the day’s special announcement. If it sounds buzz-worthy, expect it to move fast and plan to arrive early.

These simple moves separate the burger winners from the folks who show up at 8:45 p.m. only to find the griddle already cooling down.