Cory Wendel didn’t set out to create the smashburger of all smashburgers when he opened Lachele’s Fine Foods in 2021. But the burgers at his Ingersoll Avenue and Highland Park locations in Des Moines have a way of converting even the most cynical of food critics.
One step inside his diners brings a rush of caramelized onions, American cheese and thin patties cooking on the flat-top grill.
Today, the diner joins an elite group after being named to USA TODAY’s Best Hamburger Restaurants in America list for 2026. The restaurant earned national accolades, along with 12 additional standout spots across the country.
On Ingersoll Avenue, the long, slender, counter-service space decked out like a diner with stools at the counter, a flat-top griddle and pink and mint green walls quickly became the spot for smashburgers in Des Moines, the focus of the menu. The Highland Park location, which opened in 2025, breathes with more space and a neighboring bar — The Fitz, with its cool uncle’s den vibe next door. Diners can order at the table for sit-down service or at the counter for takeout.
The Ingersoll restaurant offers seven variations, including versions with barbecue sauce or jalapeno peppers, while the Highland Park location offers an extended diner menu as well as burgers. Each has a special burger that changes daily.
What to order at Lachele’s Fine Foods
Every burger at Lachele’s starts with a ball of beef smashed and then seared on the flat top until the edges are lacy and crisp.
The Lachele, $13: The flagship burger on the menu features two smashed patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, onions and a sauce that tastes like some reverse-engineered nostalgia.
The Uncle Denny, $13: This smash patty comes with grilled onion, lettuce, Dijon mustard, Duke’s mayo, pepper jelly and American cheese on a sesame bun. Indeed, this is a messy burger with the Dijon cutting through the richness of the grilled onions and mayo.
The Jake, $13: Think of this as the sleeper hit on the menu with its grilled minced onion offset by pickles. The creaminess comes from Boetje’s stone-ground mustard, Duke’s mayo and American cheese on a potato roll.
Veggie patties, vegan preparation and gluten-free options are available at both locations.
Pro tip: Order the tater tots.
The cheat sheet on both locations for Lachele’s Fine Foods
The original location on Ingersol Avenue forms the heart of the restaurant. At times, it feels too busy when a line forms and every high-top table and stool at the counter is full while customers fill the remaining space waiting. This spot will give you a sense of Wendel’s vision for a burger.
Highland Park has more of a neighborhood vibe and leisurely feel, especially on The Fitz side, where you can order from Lachele’s menu. This location feels more family-friendly, a bit calmer and more like a clubhouse.
Did you know?
Lachele’s and The Fitz are both named for Wendel’s wife, Lucy Fitzgerald (legally Lachele Wendel), who co-owns the restaurants.
Wendel also owns the Alpine Taproom on Ingersoll Avenue, where customers can order burgers from neighboring Lachele’s that are delivered.
Before opening Lachele’s, Wendel previously worked as the executive chef at Aposto at the Scala House.
Follow Lachele’s Fine Foods on Instagram at instagram.com/lachelesfinefoods or instagram.com/lacheleshighlandpark to find out about daily specials.
Details: 1312 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, or 111 E. Sixth Ave., Des Moines, 515‑330-6876; lachelesfinefoods.com.
Sign up for our dining newsletter, Table Talk DSM, which comes out on Wednesday mornings with all the latest news on restaurants and bars in the metro. You can sign up for free at DesMoinesRegister.com/tabletalk.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: USA TODAY says Lachele’s serves Des Moines’ must‑try burgers
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
