USA Today Names Iowa Burger Joint One of the Best in the Country

The next time you're in Des Moines, there's a burger joint that you should probably check out! USA Today has recognized an Iowa restaurant on a recent list of amazing burger joints across the U.S.

Back at the beginning of May, the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattleman's Association named Iowa's 'Best Burger' for 2026. Dixie's Biergarten in Decorah was this year's official winner, but it's definitely not the only place in Iowa that serves delicious burgers!

Ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend last month, USA Today put out a list of the best burgers in America that are "worth a road trip," as determined by their food writers across the country. Of the 16 restaurants on the list, one of them is here in Iowa! Congratulations to Lachele’s Fine Foods in Des Moines for making the cut!

About Lachele's Fine Foods

According to the article from USA Today, Lachele's Fine Foods got its start back in 2021 thanks to owner Cory Wendell. While it started as a diner, the restaurant quickly became popular for its signature smash burgers. Susan Stapleton from the Des Moines Register writes:

"The Ingersoll restaurant offers seven variations, from versions with barbecue sauce or Jake's, with minced onion, pickle, Boetje’s stone ground mustard, Duke’s mayo and American cheese. The Highland Park location offers an extended diner menu as well as burgers. Each has a special burger that changes daily. Veggie patties, vegan preparation and gluten-free options are available at both locations."

Lachele's Fine Foods original location is at 2716 Ingersoll Ave, and their Highland Park location is at 3621 6th Ave. The second restaurant opened in early 2025. Both locations currently have 4.8-stars on Google, which is pretty darn impressive!

Susan ends her rave about Lachele's Fine Foods with a piece of advice for anyone visiting the restaurant for the first time. She writes:

"Pro tip: Order the tater tots."

Other Midwest Picks

Lachele's Fine Foods wasn't the only Midwest restaurant to make USA Today's list! Here are the other picks from our region of the country:

• The Inferno Room - Indianapolis, Indiana
• Little Ghost - Ferndale, Michigan
• Sacred Beast - Cincinnati, Ohio
• Son of Thurman - Columbus, Ohio
• Saint Bibiana - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

You can check out all 16 featured restaurants HERE.

READ MORE: My Food & Cocktail Adventure Through Coralville’s Iowa River Landing [PHOTOS]