This Iowa Classic In Des Moines Has Locals Lining Up For Burgers
In Des Moines’ East Village, the crowd usually gives Zombie Burger away before the sign does. Sidewalks jam with families, college kids, and curious travelers, all waiting for that little buzzer to go off.
The griddle’s sizzle carries across the block, mixing with the sweet pull of shakes that seem to hypnotize kids in line. Inside, the menu feels gleefully over the top; burgers stacked like dares, sides fried crisp, milkshakes bordering on dessert theater.
I came skeptical once, left messy and happy, and finally understood why the line outside never seems to shrink.
East Village, Easy Pin
Downtown’s East Village sets a lively stage, with boutiques, street art, and steady foot traffic giving the block a pulse. The burger joint fits seamlessly into the mix, glass windows glowing at night.
Inside, tables fill quickly, the chatter bouncing around concrete walls while the flat-top’s sizzle punctuates the room. Energy seems to spill right back out onto Grand Avenue.
I liked how natural it felt, old brick, modern food energy, and a steady stream of locals and tourists colliding in one space.
Hours You Can Plan On
Lunch runs daily, with the kitchen firing early and settling into a rhythm that stretches through late nights. Weekends especially keep the doors open well past dinner.
Since the early 2010s, the schedule has grown consistent, giving both travelers and regulars confidence that burgers will be there when wanted. Hours posted online match the pace.
Mid-afternoon slots offer breathing room. You’ll dodge the loudest rushes and still have time to catch the room’s buzz without elbowing for space.
Smash Done Loud
The first clue is sound: the crack of beef hitting steel, spatulas pressing down hard, steam and smoke rising in rhythm. It feels almost like percussion in a kitchen band.
Their “GoreMet Bashed Burgers” use that method to build texture—crispy edges, molten centers, and stacked layers that drip sauces and cheese. Choice of patty size keeps control in your hands.
I found myself grinning at the noise before the food even landed. The crunch and melt balance lived up to every bit of anticipation stirred by the soundtrack.
The Go-To Stack
Locals point straight to two builds: the straightforward Zombie Burger and the outrageous Cremator. One is a staple, the other a tower that challenges appetite.
These sandwiches have anchored the board since opening, surviving menu tweaks and new specials. Their presence tells you what’s considered untouchable.
I tackled the Cremator once, certain I could power through. Halfway in, I laughed at myself, it was delicious, excessive, and humbling all at once. Worth the order just to face it.
Menu Proof In Print
The menu reads like a horror fan’s notebook, with names that mix pun and personality. “Juan of the Dead” layers guacamole and salsa, while “Envy Corpse” leans decadent.
Printed boards and online lists keep those creations visible, drawing attention even if you stick with classics. The theme ties the food and atmosphere together tightly.
Browse online first. The variety can be overwhelming when the counter line moves quickly, and it’s easier to choose without pressure.
Shakes That Star
Whipped cream spills past the rim, sprinkles scatter over the top, and straws sink deep into thick blends. Just looking at the shakes makes you understand the hype.
The lineup swings between cereal-inspired riffs, seasonal releases, and permanent sugar-heavy favorites. They stand apart as a menu within the menu.
I paired one with a burger, skeptical at first. The sweet-and-salty combination shocked me in the best way, cutting richness and keeping me going longer than expected.
Lines With Payoff
Crowds form on the sidewalk, buzzers flashing like signals as groups wait their turn. The air smells of fries and griddle smoke, teasing patience.
The counter system keeps order steady: place your pick, grab the buzzer, and watch the room turn tables at a surprising pace. It’s chaotic but controlled.
I never minded the wait here. Watching excitement build around me made the meal feel earned, and the food always justified the line.
Kids-Eat-Free Tuesdays
Tuesday shifts the crowd, with more families sliding into booths and high chairs filling fast. The vibe is looser, noisier, and strangely endearing.
The deal is simple: one free kids’ meal with an adult burger or salad, an incentive that regulars mark on their calendars. It’s become a neighborhood ritual.
Get in before the dinner peak. Arriving early means shorter waits, less table scramble, and happier kids when plates land quickly.
Kaiju Ramen Side Quest
The unexpected scent of broth and noodles drifts from the same kitchen, a clue that Zombie Burger hosts more than patties. Boba cups clink on tables beside burgers.
Kaiju Ramen runs here as a pop-up Tuesday through Saturday, pulling in diners who want an entirely different path. It broadens the room’s identity without clashing.
I ordered a bowl once, just to test it. It gave me an excuse to linger, and I liked how it reshaped the space into something more versatile.
Tourist-Approved Favorite
Guidebooks and tourism boards always slip this spot into their “must-visit” lists, a sign it has crossed from local hangout to city emblem. Visitors often arrive with cameras ready.
Its inclusion in Des Moines food culture has stayed steady for over a decade, proof that reputation isn’t fleeting. Out-of-towners mix easily with regulars at tables.
I usually avoid the tourist-tagged places, but here it felt right. The crowd’s mix convinced me this was deserved rather than hype.
Phone And Basics At A Glance
The essentials sit right in the East Village directory: address, phone, and a clean map link that makes navigating simple.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab sits at 300 E. Grand Ave, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309, right in the East Village heart. If you need to call ahead: their number is (515) 244-9292.
Hours vary (daily for lunch and dinner, with later closings Fri/Sat) and street-meter parking is available; nearby city garages are also options.
Vegan And Alt Options
Menus clearly mark Beyond-style patties and vegan builds, not tucked away but standing alongside the staples. Sauces and toppings match the creativity of their meaty counterparts.
This addition shows how the restaurant has adjusted over time, broadening its reach without sacrificing personality. Delivery apps mirror those options consistently.
If you’re bringing a group with different diets, these plates hold their ground. Even non-vegans at my table admitted they’d order them again.
Order Flow That Works
Queue, speak your order, grab the buzzer, it’s streamlined and oddly satisfying. Watching the red light flash across the crowd becomes its own little theater.
The process suits the space: counter-first service, then scouting for booths or bar seats while the kitchen runs at full tilt. Efficiency wins without stripping character.
I appreciated how it felt smooth even during the rush. The system let me focus on anticipation, not logistics, which is exactly how a burger line should work.
Delivery Menus Mirror The Hits
Third-party platforms list the standouts front and center: the Cremator, the Zombie Burger, and a few of the pun-heavy builds. Takeout mirrors dine-in faithfully.
Consistency across those menus matters. Fries, rings, and burgers survive the ride without losing much edge, making delivery a practical option.
When convenience wins, lean on the classics. They’re the safest bets to land warm and recognizable at your door.
Come Hungry, Leave Happy
The final impression belongs to the food itself: smashed patties crisped on the edges, cheese liquefying into the bun, sauces dripping onto trays.
That texture-and-flavor collision explains why people line up daily, treating the experience less like fast food and more like a ritual.
I walked away messy, full, and oddly proud of it. That’s the measure here, no polish, no pretense, just satisfaction that lingers well past the last bite.