The veggie burger and milkshakes are amazing!! I love their fries. My only complaint is that the employees can be very unprofessional. The last 2 times I've been here there were a group of young employees hanging out behind the counter & sitting on the counters. They were talking very loudly and playfully throwing things at each other. I had to ask for ranch 3 times before I finally got it. Other than that, the food was great and tables were clean.
(3)
Terri M.
Yum!! I miss In n Out Burger ALL the time! I think this is going to be my In n Out Burger in Iowa! Awesome, juicy and it's served nice and hot! My favorite with the Iowa burger, cuz it has a bunch of bleu cheese, and I LOVE bleu cheese! They have seasoned fries, sweet potato fries, and my fave, fried pickles!! The service is nice. It's order at counter and they give you a number and bring it to your table. The crew walks around and often will pick up stuff that you are done with and they are very polite. The atmosphere if casual. The inside kind of reminds me of a Chipotle, but with burgers. Enjoy ~
(4)
Matt E.
For some reason Smashburger just works for me. It fits somewhere between Steak N' Shake and a full-sevice restaurant. I really liked the fact that they've leveraged some locally produced items in the Maytag blue cheese to create their Iowa Smashburger. What really impressed me was the fact that the burgers are seared at high temperature on the outside, leaving a delicious well seasoned crunchy exterior. I was also compelled to try the much heralded "Smashfries" which I found to be quite odd, and disappointing. They are fries coated in olive oil, tarragon and garlic. Sounds like it would work, but they ended up being a greasy mess without much flavor. Service is fast and very friendly, the business is immaculately clean and modern. The next time I'm in Des Moines with a hankering for a burger and a short amount of time to eat, I'll make sure to hit Smashburger. The Iowa Smashburger is the best hamburger I've had in recent memory, and it can be had in a relatively small amount of time and at moderate expense.
(4)
Haley C.
This is a cute little hamburger restaurant. It is more like a fast-food restaurant, but they do bring your food out to you. If you are feeling like a healthy restaurant, this is not the place to go, but if you are feeling like eating a delicious hamburger, then go here! I got the original smashburger. The hamburger seriously melted in my mouth! I also got the sweet potato fries. They were ok, but I could do with out them next time. Although zombie burger has strange and interesting hamburger options, I would go to smashburger if you want a better mouthwatering hamburger.
(5)
Adam P.
I did not know that grease was a sauce, but at smashburger it is. Yes some burgers are good with a little grease, but this one causes my fries to seek out higher ground. The rosemary fries, while an intriguing gastronomical idea, is like communism...looks good on paper only. Don't worry the fries come with their own grease too. If you like greasy, and your food to taste like grease then go. If you don't like your food to taste purely of grease then seek food elsewhere. I would say that Champs in West Des Moines has a decent hamburger, or try Jessie s Embers on Ingersol at lunch.
(2)
Erin O.
Not good. Fried pickles were soggy, bbq burger was raw, bun stale, just all around gross. Oh, milkshake was good so that bumped my stars to 2. Won't be returning.
(2)
Miquelle L.
The food on the menu is an interesting concept but not as interesting as zombie burger. The food was fresh and hot and came quickly to our table. But the service was not up to par. One of the cashiers was drinking her drink from wendys while taking my order and would also playfully throw things back at the kitchen. Service was good when it came to them picking up our food and when we asked for extra sauces. So overall, Smash burger is a no go. I'll stick with Zombie burger, both restaurants cost about the same but Zombie burger has more options and waaay better service.
(2)
Corn M.
Delish! My husband and I inhaled Classic Smashes! Yum! Also had Smash Fries and Onion Straws! 5 Stars!!!
(5)
Rhiannon S.
Went there for a second time and was not impressed. The floors were very sticky and made my flip flops make a noise every time I stepped on the ground. I ordered a chocolate milkshake the cup was over flowing and then they gave me a metal cup that had the leftovers in it. I don't need the leftovers of a drink if they are going to melt before I eat it Also the fries were not good what so ever.
(2)
Vic J.
This is the BEST burger place in West Des Moines. No gimmicks, no clowns, just burgers cooked the way they were meant to be. Not a big fan of their fries- wish they had BIG steak fries like another burger place (with less tasty burgers). Shakes are made from real milk not synthetic dyes and artificial ice cream ingredients you get from those big name drive through places... this is a REAL milk shake. Too bad they don't deliver like Jimmy Johns. A bit hard to park in the strip mall, but worth the trip if you want a really good burger.
(5)
Chris B.
The is one of my favorite burger places that I've ever been to. There used to be one back in my hometown in iL but it closed after about a year, seemingly due to an iffy location. I'm afraid that this place may suffer from the same problem. But enough about that, how's the food? Good. Damn good. The bulk of the time I stick with the classic - beef, bun, ketchup, mustard, pickles (which I eat first), lettuce, onion, and tomatoes (which I discard and mock). It's simple but delicious. They have quality, thinly cut fries (i.e. Steak N Shake but better). I like the layout of the places and how straightforward the menu is. Their other sandwiches and shakes are good. So, why four stars? Well, besides the location, there simply are not enough options. Yes, it's a burger place - burgers are their thing, I get it. Still, it would help to have something that a vegan could actually eat. Also, while prices are pretty reasonable, I could still see a pair of people ending up with a fairly lofty bill if they aren't too careful. All things considered, it's a good stop to make and one that I'd make all too frequently if there was one close to my home.
(4)
Jennifer W.
This is a delayed posting from a couple weeks ago. I came for lunch today around 11:30 and beat the rush. This place was hopping. There is plenty of seating available, more than I initially anticipated. I ordered the classic smash with sweet potato fries and a chocolate shake. My husband ordered a double cheeseburger and smash fries. They sell beer, which is awesome. The total for our bill was about $26.00. My husband really enjoyed his burger but wasn't thrilled with the smash fries. I thought the food was good. I'd like to try some of the other burgers also.
(4)
Cindy L.
A tasty burger with the option to customize your own burger or choose one of their specialties! The patty was a thinner/smaller one than I would have expected from a burger joint, but the burgers are made to order, which is a plus. It's relatively affordable $5-7 for a burger, fries ordered separately. I tried the sweet potato fries... Mine were a little cold, not crisp, and I actually had quite a few regular fries mixed in. I wasn't a fan of the sweet potato fries for these reasons and because they were over salted. Service is pretty quick though.
(3)
Jeniffer L.
I really liked the Krispy chicken .. My first time there but i think I'm gonna come back
(4)
Keith H.
Big fan of Smashburger. I am partial to casual dining and this place is just good food in a casual environment. I always pick the spicy jalapeno burger but the iowa burger with bacon and blue cheese is pretty spectacular too. Also the sweet potato fries are delicious and worth a trip themselves.
(4)
Matt M.
Stopped in because of the Yelp listing. Glad we did. A little pricy for a fast-good type place but still a good experience. The burgers were tasty and done to perfection with a little crispiness but not over done. Grilled onions a must if you like them. The manager walked around to be sure everything was good. Worth venturing off the beaten path.
(5)
Audra M.
We were really disappointed with the state our order was in. In the past we've been big fans of Smashburger. I love their sweet potato smash fries, but this time they were missing all seasoning (even salt). My Goat Cheese & Spinach Burger was missing the goat cheese and the meat was lacking its normal flavor (once again lacking seasoning). The kids' fries were cold and stale by the time the carry out order got to the car. The one star is because they at least got the two gluten-free buns correct. The inconsistency takes this place off our list of quick meal options.
(1)
Bradley S.
Iowa friends really need to try Smashburger. In Phoenix it's a very popular place. I love that they offer blue cheese. Three kinds of fries. Chicken with avocado is good. Even the salads! But I go for the burgers and there's a list of items you can add to it. even mushrooms! How about veggies instead of fries that are cooked to be crispy and salted just like a fry. I assume they have that in Des Moines. I was surprised to see Smashburger just tucked away sitting there all lonely like in Des Moines. My family did not even know it was there. WTF! In phoenix we would consider ourselves the luckiest people around if we lived close to a Smashburger. Get your Smash on and get there today!
(5)
Adam B.
I consider myself a hamburger connoisseur and I really like Smashburger. The food is amazing, and I would honestly rather have a Smashburger than any other burger joint in Des Moines (except, maybe, The Longest Yard). Seriously. I'd put them up against any other joint: fast food, sit down, dive bar, you name it. (And yes, I consider the food superior to Zombie Burger, sacrilege, I know!) The atmosphere is also very nice. It's got a nice vibe to it: good tunes playing, usually clean, and modern fixtures and decorations. There's plenty of room. I'm okay with the pricing. It's a premium product and it's priced like it. I am willing to pay good money for good food and I think Smashburger is worth every penny. The quality of the meat is fantastic, the sauces are unique, the buns are fresh, and the condiments in particular always look great. I will admit the quality of the service has had an ebb-and-flow to it over the years I've visited here. Sometimes, I've had Chick-fil-a quality service here (the gold standard), and sometimes, it's been like an average Burger King. Generally, it's above average and they will come around and clear your table, but the last time I went, the staff walked by my table several times and did not clear it. That was odd after becoming so accustomed to it. Not a huge deal, though. At the end of the day, you're going to Smashburger to eat delicious food, and it does not disappoint. PS: The grilled Smashchicken is some of the best grilled chicken you will have anywhere, ever. It's a chicken breast pounded flat and grilled on the flat top grill. It's unbelievable juicy and succulent, and you can replace the beef with grilled chicken on any of their sandwiches. You won't find a better grilled chicken sandwich anywhere. Seriously.
(4)
Kelsey J.
The designer cousin of Five-guys with the atmosphere of Starbucks. I appreciated: the cleanliness of the restaurant, prompt service, freshness of my food; especially the lack of fear to serve my burger greasy. Not so much: the heavy-handed seasoning on my smash fries and extra extra ranch on my burger, and being charged for a glass of tap water. To be blunt: the employees suck. This needs to change if they wish to develop a base of returning customers. What I tried: avocado club burger and smash fries. To return or not to return: I'd definitely eat here again. This place is worth another mid-priced lunch stop.
(4)
Marcia B.
We have been here several times and have always enjoyed it! My boyfriend always gets the smash sweet potato fries and I get the regular smash fries (yum yumm). We went on Sunday, April 26, 2015 and ordered our food, after a bit we were wondering what was taking so long......so my boyfriend went to ask. They lost our order, yes we were bummed.....we were hungry. BUT....... The manager on duty was AMAZING!!!!!!!! He apologized, gave us a refund along with 2 vouchers for 2 entrees and then when we were done eating offered to get us each a shake. I declined because I was stuffed but my boyfriend took him up on it. I thought it was very considerate of the manager and shows that they truly want to make their customers happy!
(4)
Ann R.
Been to other smash burgers and love them this one is terrible the burgers are way too greasy. I remember from other ones the burgers were perfect. But too over priced.
(2)
Riley O.
The burgers to start off are on the flat top which are delicious and perfectly cooked, don't forget to ask for Smash Fries as they are coated in olive oil and rosemary and they're very thin and to die for! Love this place and can't a a it to go back again
(5)
Rick K.
Very noisy environment, but really great food. If you're in the mood for a good old fashioned hamburger, then this the place for you. Music was a little too loud, but was a nice variety. Great choice for a late evening burger and fries. Great service and extremely clean, would highly recommend it.
(4)
Jessica W.
I REALLY like SmashBurger. I like the concept, the service is friendly, the variety of the menu, but what I love most are the uber tasty burgers and even uber-er tasty smashfries. Potato or sweet potato fries tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic...ugh, the thought of them and I'm drooling. One time I ordered them and they were waaaay too greasy, but the other time was fantastic. My orders to date have been a little monotonous, but damn it is so good, It's the Iowa Burger! REPRESENT! Maytag blue cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato and mayo on an egg bun (with a side of smashfries, obvi). I know not everyone would agree with me, but this is seriously one of the best burgers I've ever had. It just hit all the right notes for me.
(4)
Trevor F.
I saw smash burger on a tv show about burger joints and they were way off this place does not rival in n out burger. It's a ok burger joint they do have a lot of different options for whatever kind of burger you would like but I'm a meat m cheese kind of guy, I would come back to this place if I had one in my city but I prolly won't come back to this place since there are other burger options in the Wdms area.
(3)
Wil M.
Wow. You know the best burger you've ever had that came from someone's grill, instead of a fast food joint? This would be like the best one of those you ever had. I ordered mine without the bun and without the cheese... They had no problem with that and put my burger, side, veggies, and even chipotle sauce all on a nice, ceramic plate. I wish I had one of these nearby. It was a little pricey with the fried egg and sweet potato fries add ons (about $10.50 w tax) but it was totally and completely worth it.
(5)
BILL N.
Actually the chicken sandwiches are very good. Would say th esame about the burgers The Caesar salad with chicken is good. The fries are dissapointing I think the food is pretty good The service however is another matter.If you are trying to be a premium fast food restaurant you need better service and apparently management than this location I dont understand the prominent tip jar. I dont know why anyone would give them tips Seems to me a lack of management and it shows in the staff and to a degree cleanliness
(2)
Bill C.
What a terrible value! I decided at long last to give Smashburger a try. It's a slightly dressed-up fast food place with a tip jar at the register. I was crudely greeted at the counter, so I quickly ordered a cheeseburger and french fries to go. I got a combo meal to stay instead. Fine. I had no where to be. Here's where I began to lose faith - cheeseburger, fries, drink = $10. Excuse me? $10? I now really anticipated a great burger. I got a thin, dried out burger that made me wonder if I ordered from the kids menu. The fries were thin and cold. I got mostly tiny pieces so I must have got the last of the batch. The actual taste of the burger was good, but the size, the lackluster fries, and the do-it-yourself barely warranted the $10 check. Now I really, really wonder why there was a tip jar next to the register?
(2)
Jesse M.
SmashBurger was tasty. It's a decent place to get a burger and dog. Kids loved it.
(3)
Jeff M.
For the money, I thought I was getting something better than the Library Cafe near Drake. I can get a better burger across the street at Culvers. The fries were "just fries"...nothing special. Nice, clean store. Great service...not too good of a value...
(2)
Rebecca R.
I'm a very picky Cheeseburger girl and Smashburger has an awesome BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger with sweet potato fries and a chocolate malt. Yum! I wish I were there eating one right now!!
(5)
Nathan J.
Burger places are kinda my thing. The rest of my group went to the overly commercialized Granite City so I decided to adventure out into town. I ran into Smashburger. I was excited when I googled it in the parking lot to see it looked similar to Blanc and HB Crave. They offer the same type of food only it's kinda junior league. The burger I paid 6.99 for was no more than 1/3 pound precooked weight. It was greasy and very salty. I also got the sweet potato fries and they were swimming in olive oil. Not only were they swimming in olive oil, bu they were seasoned with an Italian seasoning. Really? Sweet potato fries are flavorful enough to not be slaughtered by a seasoning and to not be drowned in a pool of their own excrement! Well maybe that was harsh. But for 10.36 I expected a little more. Just a little!
(2)
Jordan H.
Although I am not a big fan of chain restaurants, I love Smashburger's burgers. I wouldn't order anything else here (in terms of sandwiches). The options really do it for me. The biggest caveat is that you are going to spend here what you would spend on a burger and fries at Granite City, Champps, and the like. I'm OK with that, as I get a consistently good burger. My first visit I asked if I could adjust the cooking temp for my burger -the manager indicated that they weren't supposed to, but said he'd try. It came out medium well anyway, but I was perfectly happy with it. I've tried multiple variations of the burger, almost always creating my own, although I have had, and like, the Iowa burger. I always go for the egg bun, which I think is about the best bun you can get for a fast-food(ish) burger, and even better than most restaurants serve in town. It is never dry, and always manages to soak up all of the goodness that I am able to cram into the burger when building it. Suggestions (all with 1/3lb patty): Egg bun, chili, haystack onions (or fresh, if you prefer), double American cheese, mayo (optional). Egg bun, fried egg (ask for it over easy), bacon, American or cheddar, mayo, ketchup, lettuce, haystack onions. The fries are an also-ran, even though they tout the Smashfries. I'll agree with most other reviewers that they are very greasy, and they ultimately lack any garlic flavor that is promised.
(4)
William H.
Stopped by this Smashburger on our way back to Chicago. It was a great burger, great options to customize it. The French fries are more like pomme frites at an expensive restaurant. My young boys loved it. All that in a very nice environment for a fast food place. Even the iced tea was good. Can't wait for one to open near us in Chicago!
(5)
Stephanie P.
Thought this was fantastic! I had the Mushroom and Swiss burger which was so juicy, hot and delicious! The fries were the best I think I've ever had. The garlic and rosemary on them made them equally as tasty. The decor inside was sparse but modern and the staff was friendly. The location isn't the best here due to the strip mall location - you have to be looking for it. I will definitely come again!
(4)
William B.
All over on the Chicago Dog, but save your money, dont budy the malt. Them are tiny and way over priced at $4!
(4)
Dawn H.
We went here after reading Kat's review.Yes, the atmosphere was casual--similar to a fast food, but more hip--Smash, Sizzle, Savor. It is located in a strip mall and doesn't have a drive through. They serve wine and beer. I had the Iowa Smashburger w/ Maytag blue cheese and a side salad. The burger tasted wonderful and the service was fast. Go for a burger, but if you have someone with you who isn't in the mood for a burger, they offer chicken, chili, brats, chili dogs, and 3 salad options. After 1/3 # burger, we didn't have room for dessert; however, they serve Haagen-Dazs specialties.
(3)
Brad H.
First visit to a Smashburger.....lots of hype, so lets see if they deliver.. Like all of the options for the sandwich itself. You can get a burger in almost any size and it so many varieties it will make your head spin. I opted for the egg bun, cheddar and bacon and the usual toppings plus an order of "regular" fries and a drink. 12 bucks. The burger was sloppy juicy with the toppings I had chosen and that was fine. Biggest mystery is how you can get sooooooo many options on the burger, but if you wanted half fries/ half onion rings they can not fill the order because........, wait for it............they do not have a button on the register for that. I know........charge me for the more expensive of the two and simply split the order...but again, "no button"= no common sense. To be fair, the staff was really, really friendly and that sort of kept me from laughing out loud and they did give me a sample of the fries for free... Decent burger but I have had much better for much less. The score above takes into account the value ( or lack thereof) of the overall meal. If someone is buying, take them here and load up.
(2)
Nathan B.
I have been wanting to try Smashburger for awhile now, and I finally got the chance to last night. Me and a friend went in about 9:30PM CST and they weren't that busy. The interior fits my style....modern and contemporary...and I love the red, white and black color uses. It looks great. Wish I could say the same to my food. I ordered the Mushroom & Swiss burger and Onion Rings...which totaled a little over $8....and I did bring my own drink. The onion rings were rather tasteless and I could go to a local pub and get better. The burger was INCREDIBLY salty, but I finished it anyways, leaving half the bun because I wasn't going to waste eight bucks on nothing. I could of complained and got a different sandwich but the guys were nice so I didn't. I'll give them another shot...when someone else pays for my meal...but don't get me wrong...the interior looks great! That's why this place got two stars...because I could get better fries and a burger (AND a drink) for the same price at Fuddruckers!
(2)
Kat S.
Ok, we went to Smashburger looking for a great burger and quite frankly we were not let down! They have a broad range of burgers, including one native to Iowa with Maytag blu cheese! They are wonderful about changing the burgers to suit each persons taste. They have shoestring french fries served in a "cone", and the yummy greaseness (is that a word?) of the burger and the crispy bacon just melt into one fantastic meal. Extremely reasonably priced, casual, and fun. Will most definitely return!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
K A.
The veggie burger and milkshakes are amazing!! I love their fries. My only complaint is that the employees can be very unprofessional. The last 2 times I've been here there were a group of young employees hanging out behind the counter & sitting on the counters. They were talking very loudly and playfully throwing things at each other. I had to ask for ranch 3 times before I finally got it. Other than that, the food was great and tables were clean.
(3)Terri M.
Yum!! I miss In n Out Burger ALL the time! I think this is going to be my In n Out Burger in Iowa! Awesome, juicy and it's served nice and hot! My favorite with the Iowa burger, cuz it has a bunch of bleu cheese, and I LOVE bleu cheese! They have seasoned fries, sweet potato fries, and my fave, fried pickles!! The service is nice. It's order at counter and they give you a number and bring it to your table. The crew walks around and often will pick up stuff that you are done with and they are very polite. The atmosphere if casual. The inside kind of reminds me of a Chipotle, but with burgers. Enjoy ~
(4)Matt E.
For some reason Smashburger just works for me. It fits somewhere between Steak N' Shake and a full-sevice restaurant. I really liked the fact that they've leveraged some locally produced items in the Maytag blue cheese to create their Iowa Smashburger. What really impressed me was the fact that the burgers are seared at high temperature on the outside, leaving a delicious well seasoned crunchy exterior. I was also compelled to try the much heralded "Smashfries" which I found to be quite odd, and disappointing. They are fries coated in olive oil, tarragon and garlic. Sounds like it would work, but they ended up being a greasy mess without much flavor. Service is fast and very friendly, the business is immaculately clean and modern. The next time I'm in Des Moines with a hankering for a burger and a short amount of time to eat, I'll make sure to hit Smashburger. The Iowa Smashburger is the best hamburger I've had in recent memory, and it can be had in a relatively small amount of time and at moderate expense.
(4)Haley C.
This is a cute little hamburger restaurant. It is more like a fast-food restaurant, but they do bring your food out to you. If you are feeling like a healthy restaurant, this is not the place to go, but if you are feeling like eating a delicious hamburger, then go here! I got the original smashburger. The hamburger seriously melted in my mouth! I also got the sweet potato fries. They were ok, but I could do with out them next time. Although zombie burger has strange and interesting hamburger options, I would go to smashburger if you want a better mouthwatering hamburger.
(5)Adam P.
I did not know that grease was a sauce, but at smashburger it is. Yes some burgers are good with a little grease, but this one causes my fries to seek out higher ground. The rosemary fries, while an intriguing gastronomical idea, is like communism...looks good on paper only. Don't worry the fries come with their own grease too. If you like greasy, and your food to taste like grease then go. If you don't like your food to taste purely of grease then seek food elsewhere. I would say that Champs in West Des Moines has a decent hamburger, or try Jessie s Embers on Ingersol at lunch.
(2)Erin O.
Not good. Fried pickles were soggy, bbq burger was raw, bun stale, just all around gross. Oh, milkshake was good so that bumped my stars to 2. Won't be returning.
(2)Miquelle L.
The food on the menu is an interesting concept but not as interesting as zombie burger. The food was fresh and hot and came quickly to our table. But the service was not up to par. One of the cashiers was drinking her drink from wendys while taking my order and would also playfully throw things back at the kitchen. Service was good when it came to them picking up our food and when we asked for extra sauces. So overall, Smash burger is a no go. I'll stick with Zombie burger, both restaurants cost about the same but Zombie burger has more options and waaay better service.
(2)Corn M.
Delish! My husband and I inhaled Classic Smashes! Yum! Also had Smash Fries and Onion Straws! 5 Stars!!!
(5)Rhiannon S.
Went there for a second time and was not impressed. The floors were very sticky and made my flip flops make a noise every time I stepped on the ground. I ordered a chocolate milkshake the cup was over flowing and then they gave me a metal cup that had the leftovers in it. I don't need the leftovers of a drink if they are going to melt before I eat it Also the fries were not good what so ever.
(2)Vic J.
This is the BEST burger place in West Des Moines. No gimmicks, no clowns, just burgers cooked the way they were meant to be. Not a big fan of their fries- wish they had BIG steak fries like another burger place (with less tasty burgers). Shakes are made from real milk not synthetic dyes and artificial ice cream ingredients you get from those big name drive through places... this is a REAL milk shake. Too bad they don't deliver like Jimmy Johns. A bit hard to park in the strip mall, but worth the trip if you want a really good burger.
(5)Chris B.
The is one of my favorite burger places that I've ever been to. There used to be one back in my hometown in iL but it closed after about a year, seemingly due to an iffy location. I'm afraid that this place may suffer from the same problem. But enough about that, how's the food? Good. Damn good. The bulk of the time I stick with the classic - beef, bun, ketchup, mustard, pickles (which I eat first), lettuce, onion, and tomatoes (which I discard and mock). It's simple but delicious. They have quality, thinly cut fries (i.e. Steak N Shake but better). I like the layout of the places and how straightforward the menu is. Their other sandwiches and shakes are good. So, why four stars? Well, besides the location, there simply are not enough options. Yes, it's a burger place - burgers are their thing, I get it. Still, it would help to have something that a vegan could actually eat. Also, while prices are pretty reasonable, I could still see a pair of people ending up with a fairly lofty bill if they aren't too careful. All things considered, it's a good stop to make and one that I'd make all too frequently if there was one close to my home.
(4)Jennifer W.
This is a delayed posting from a couple weeks ago. I came for lunch today around 11:30 and beat the rush. This place was hopping. There is plenty of seating available, more than I initially anticipated. I ordered the classic smash with sweet potato fries and a chocolate shake. My husband ordered a double cheeseburger and smash fries. They sell beer, which is awesome. The total for our bill was about $26.00. My husband really enjoyed his burger but wasn't thrilled with the smash fries. I thought the food was good. I'd like to try some of the other burgers also.
(4)Cindy L.
A tasty burger with the option to customize your own burger or choose one of their specialties! The patty was a thinner/smaller one than I would have expected from a burger joint, but the burgers are made to order, which is a plus. It's relatively affordable $5-7 for a burger, fries ordered separately. I tried the sweet potato fries... Mine were a little cold, not crisp, and I actually had quite a few regular fries mixed in. I wasn't a fan of the sweet potato fries for these reasons and because they were over salted. Service is pretty quick though.
(3)Jeniffer L.
I really liked the Krispy chicken .. My first time there but i think I'm gonna come back
(4)Keith H.
Big fan of Smashburger. I am partial to casual dining and this place is just good food in a casual environment. I always pick the spicy jalapeno burger but the iowa burger with bacon and blue cheese is pretty spectacular too. Also the sweet potato fries are delicious and worth a trip themselves.
(4)Matt M.
Stopped in because of the Yelp listing. Glad we did. A little pricy for a fast-good type place but still a good experience. The burgers were tasty and done to perfection with a little crispiness but not over done. Grilled onions a must if you like them. The manager walked around to be sure everything was good. Worth venturing off the beaten path.
(5)Audra M.
We were really disappointed with the state our order was in. In the past we've been big fans of Smashburger. I love their sweet potato smash fries, but this time they were missing all seasoning (even salt). My Goat Cheese & Spinach Burger was missing the goat cheese and the meat was lacking its normal flavor (once again lacking seasoning). The kids' fries were cold and stale by the time the carry out order got to the car. The one star is because they at least got the two gluten-free buns correct. The inconsistency takes this place off our list of quick meal options.
(1)Bradley S.
Iowa friends really need to try Smashburger. In Phoenix it's a very popular place. I love that they offer blue cheese. Three kinds of fries. Chicken with avocado is good. Even the salads! But I go for the burgers and there's a list of items you can add to it. even mushrooms! How about veggies instead of fries that are cooked to be crispy and salted just like a fry. I assume they have that in Des Moines. I was surprised to see Smashburger just tucked away sitting there all lonely like in Des Moines. My family did not even know it was there. WTF! In phoenix we would consider ourselves the luckiest people around if we lived close to a Smashburger. Get your Smash on and get there today!
(5)Adam B.
I consider myself a hamburger connoisseur and I really like Smashburger. The food is amazing, and I would honestly rather have a Smashburger than any other burger joint in Des Moines (except, maybe, The Longest Yard). Seriously. I'd put them up against any other joint: fast food, sit down, dive bar, you name it. (And yes, I consider the food superior to Zombie Burger, sacrilege, I know!) The atmosphere is also very nice. It's got a nice vibe to it: good tunes playing, usually clean, and modern fixtures and decorations. There's plenty of room. I'm okay with the pricing. It's a premium product and it's priced like it. I am willing to pay good money for good food and I think Smashburger is worth every penny. The quality of the meat is fantastic, the sauces are unique, the buns are fresh, and the condiments in particular always look great. I will admit the quality of the service has had an ebb-and-flow to it over the years I've visited here. Sometimes, I've had Chick-fil-a quality service here (the gold standard), and sometimes, it's been like an average Burger King. Generally, it's above average and they will come around and clear your table, but the last time I went, the staff walked by my table several times and did not clear it. That was odd after becoming so accustomed to it. Not a huge deal, though. At the end of the day, you're going to Smashburger to eat delicious food, and it does not disappoint. PS: The grilled Smashchicken is some of the best grilled chicken you will have anywhere, ever. It's a chicken breast pounded flat and grilled on the flat top grill. It's unbelievable juicy and succulent, and you can replace the beef with grilled chicken on any of their sandwiches. You won't find a better grilled chicken sandwich anywhere. Seriously.
(4)Kelsey J.
The designer cousin of Five-guys with the atmosphere of Starbucks. I appreciated: the cleanliness of the restaurant, prompt service, freshness of my food; especially the lack of fear to serve my burger greasy. Not so much: the heavy-handed seasoning on my smash fries and extra extra ranch on my burger, and being charged for a glass of tap water. To be blunt: the employees suck. This needs to change if they wish to develop a base of returning customers. What I tried: avocado club burger and smash fries. To return or not to return: I'd definitely eat here again. This place is worth another mid-priced lunch stop.
(4)Marcia B.
We have been here several times and have always enjoyed it! My boyfriend always gets the smash sweet potato fries and I get the regular smash fries (yum yumm). We went on Sunday, April 26, 2015 and ordered our food, after a bit we were wondering what was taking so long......so my boyfriend went to ask. They lost our order, yes we were bummed.....we were hungry. BUT....... The manager on duty was AMAZING!!!!!!!! He apologized, gave us a refund along with 2 vouchers for 2 entrees and then when we were done eating offered to get us each a shake. I declined because I was stuffed but my boyfriend took him up on it. I thought it was very considerate of the manager and shows that they truly want to make their customers happy!
(4)Ann R.
Been to other smash burgers and love them this one is terrible the burgers are way too greasy. I remember from other ones the burgers were perfect. But too over priced.
(2)Riley O.
The burgers to start off are on the flat top which are delicious and perfectly cooked, don't forget to ask for Smash Fries as they are coated in olive oil and rosemary and they're very thin and to die for! Love this place and can't a a it to go back again
(5)Rick K.
Very noisy environment, but really great food. If you're in the mood for a good old fashioned hamburger, then this the place for you. Music was a little too loud, but was a nice variety. Great choice for a late evening burger and fries. Great service and extremely clean, would highly recommend it.
(4)Jessica W.
I REALLY like SmashBurger. I like the concept, the service is friendly, the variety of the menu, but what I love most are the uber tasty burgers and even uber-er tasty smashfries. Potato or sweet potato fries tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic...ugh, the thought of them and I'm drooling. One time I ordered them and they were waaaay too greasy, but the other time was fantastic. My orders to date have been a little monotonous, but damn it is so good, It's the Iowa Burger! REPRESENT! Maytag blue cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato and mayo on an egg bun (with a side of smashfries, obvi). I know not everyone would agree with me, but this is seriously one of the best burgers I've ever had. It just hit all the right notes for me.
(4)Trevor F.
I saw smash burger on a tv show about burger joints and they were way off this place does not rival in n out burger. It's a ok burger joint they do have a lot of different options for whatever kind of burger you would like but I'm a meat m cheese kind of guy, I would come back to this place if I had one in my city but I prolly won't come back to this place since there are other burger options in the Wdms area.
(3)Wil M.
Wow. You know the best burger you've ever had that came from someone's grill, instead of a fast food joint? This would be like the best one of those you ever had. I ordered mine without the bun and without the cheese... They had no problem with that and put my burger, side, veggies, and even chipotle sauce all on a nice, ceramic plate. I wish I had one of these nearby. It was a little pricey with the fried egg and sweet potato fries add ons (about $10.50 w tax) but it was totally and completely worth it.
(5)BILL N.
Actually the chicken sandwiches are very good. Would say th esame about the burgers The Caesar salad with chicken is good. The fries are dissapointing I think the food is pretty good The service however is another matter.If you are trying to be a premium fast food restaurant you need better service and apparently management than this location I dont understand the prominent tip jar. I dont know why anyone would give them tips Seems to me a lack of management and it shows in the staff and to a degree cleanliness
(2)Bill C.
What a terrible value! I decided at long last to give Smashburger a try. It's a slightly dressed-up fast food place with a tip jar at the register. I was crudely greeted at the counter, so I quickly ordered a cheeseburger and french fries to go. I got a combo meal to stay instead. Fine. I had no where to be. Here's where I began to lose faith - cheeseburger, fries, drink = $10. Excuse me? $10? I now really anticipated a great burger. I got a thin, dried out burger that made me wonder if I ordered from the kids menu. The fries were thin and cold. I got mostly tiny pieces so I must have got the last of the batch. The actual taste of the burger was good, but the size, the lackluster fries, and the do-it-yourself barely warranted the $10 check. Now I really, really wonder why there was a tip jar next to the register?
(2)Jesse M.
SmashBurger was tasty. It's a decent place to get a burger and dog. Kids loved it.
(3)Jeff M.
For the money, I thought I was getting something better than the Library Cafe near Drake. I can get a better burger across the street at Culvers. The fries were "just fries"...nothing special. Nice, clean store. Great service...not too good of a value...
(2)Rebecca R.
I'm a very picky Cheeseburger girl and Smashburger has an awesome BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger with sweet potato fries and a chocolate malt. Yum! I wish I were there eating one right now!!
(5)Nathan J.
Burger places are kinda my thing. The rest of my group went to the overly commercialized Granite City so I decided to adventure out into town. I ran into Smashburger. I was excited when I googled it in the parking lot to see it looked similar to Blanc and HB Crave. They offer the same type of food only it's kinda junior league. The burger I paid 6.99 for was no more than 1/3 pound precooked weight. It was greasy and very salty. I also got the sweet potato fries and they were swimming in olive oil. Not only were they swimming in olive oil, bu they were seasoned with an Italian seasoning. Really? Sweet potato fries are flavorful enough to not be slaughtered by a seasoning and to not be drowned in a pool of their own excrement! Well maybe that was harsh. But for 10.36 I expected a little more. Just a little!
(2)Jordan H.
Although I am not a big fan of chain restaurants, I love Smashburger's burgers. I wouldn't order anything else here (in terms of sandwiches). The options really do it for me. The biggest caveat is that you are going to spend here what you would spend on a burger and fries at Granite City, Champps, and the like. I'm OK with that, as I get a consistently good burger. My first visit I asked if I could adjust the cooking temp for my burger -the manager indicated that they weren't supposed to, but said he'd try. It came out medium well anyway, but I was perfectly happy with it. I've tried multiple variations of the burger, almost always creating my own, although I have had, and like, the Iowa burger. I always go for the egg bun, which I think is about the best bun you can get for a fast-food(ish) burger, and even better than most restaurants serve in town. It is never dry, and always manages to soak up all of the goodness that I am able to cram into the burger when building it. Suggestions (all with 1/3lb patty): Egg bun, chili, haystack onions (or fresh, if you prefer), double American cheese, mayo (optional). Egg bun, fried egg (ask for it over easy), bacon, American or cheddar, mayo, ketchup, lettuce, haystack onions. The fries are an also-ran, even though they tout the Smashfries. I'll agree with most other reviewers that they are very greasy, and they ultimately lack any garlic flavor that is promised.
(4)William H.
Stopped by this Smashburger on our way back to Chicago. It was a great burger, great options to customize it. The French fries are more like pomme frites at an expensive restaurant. My young boys loved it. All that in a very nice environment for a fast food place. Even the iced tea was good. Can't wait for one to open near us in Chicago!
(5)Stephanie P.
Thought this was fantastic! I had the Mushroom and Swiss burger which was so juicy, hot and delicious! The fries were the best I think I've ever had. The garlic and rosemary on them made them equally as tasty. The decor inside was sparse but modern and the staff was friendly. The location isn't the best here due to the strip mall location - you have to be looking for it. I will definitely come again!
(4)William B.
All over on the Chicago Dog, but save your money, dont budy the malt. Them are tiny and way over priced at $4!
(4)Dawn H.
We went here after reading Kat's review.Yes, the atmosphere was casual--similar to a fast food, but more hip--Smash, Sizzle, Savor. It is located in a strip mall and doesn't have a drive through. They serve wine and beer. I had the Iowa Smashburger w/ Maytag blue cheese and a side salad. The burger tasted wonderful and the service was fast. Go for a burger, but if you have someone with you who isn't in the mood for a burger, they offer chicken, chili, brats, chili dogs, and 3 salad options. After 1/3 # burger, we didn't have room for dessert; however, they serve Haagen-Dazs specialties.
(3)Brad H.
First visit to a Smashburger.....lots of hype, so lets see if they deliver.. Like all of the options for the sandwich itself. You can get a burger in almost any size and it so many varieties it will make your head spin. I opted for the egg bun, cheddar and bacon and the usual toppings plus an order of "regular" fries and a drink. 12 bucks. The burger was sloppy juicy with the toppings I had chosen and that was fine. Biggest mystery is how you can get sooooooo many options on the burger, but if you wanted half fries/ half onion rings they can not fill the order because........, wait for it............they do not have a button on the register for that. I know........charge me for the more expensive of the two and simply split the order...but again, "no button"= no common sense. To be fair, the staff was really, really friendly and that sort of kept me from laughing out loud and they did give me a sample of the fries for free... Decent burger but I have had much better for much less. The score above takes into account the value ( or lack thereof) of the overall meal. If someone is buying, take them here and load up.
(2)Nathan B.
I have been wanting to try Smashburger for awhile now, and I finally got the chance to last night. Me and a friend went in about 9:30PM CST and they weren't that busy. The interior fits my style....modern and contemporary...and I love the red, white and black color uses. It looks great. Wish I could say the same to my food. I ordered the Mushroom & Swiss burger and Onion Rings...which totaled a little over $8....and I did bring my own drink. The onion rings were rather tasteless and I could go to a local pub and get better. The burger was INCREDIBLY salty, but I finished it anyways, leaving half the bun because I wasn't going to waste eight bucks on nothing. I could of complained and got a different sandwich but the guys were nice so I didn't. I'll give them another shot...when someone else pays for my meal...but don't get me wrong...the interior looks great! That's why this place got two stars...because I could get better fries and a burger (AND a drink) for the same price at Fuddruckers!
(2)Kat S.
Ok, we went to Smashburger looking for a great burger and quite frankly we were not let down! They have a broad range of burgers, including one native to Iowa with Maytag blu cheese! They are wonderful about changing the burgers to suit each persons taste. They have shoestring french fries served in a "cone", and the yummy greaseness (is that a word?) of the burger and the crispy bacon just melt into one fantastic meal. Extremely reasonably priced, casual, and fun. Will most definitely return!
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