Nestled in the heart of Des Moines at 300 E Grand Avenue, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab serves up apocalyptic fun with every bite. This horror-themed restaurant combines creatively named burgers, over-the-top shakes, and zombie decor to create an unforgettable dining adventure. Whether you’re a horror film buff or just someone looking for outrageous flavors, this popular spot ranked #8 among Des Moines restaurants offers a meal experience that’s truly to die for.
1. Undead Elvis: A King-Worthy Flavor Explosion
Channeling the King’s famous sandwich preferences, this burger masterpiece layers peanut butter, fried bananas, bacon, egg, cheese, and mayo into a flavor combination that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.
The sweet-savory balance creates an unexpected harmony that keeps customers coming back. One Tripadvisor reviewer simply stated, “Best burger… I ate it and it was very good.”
The creamy peanut butter melts slightly from the hot patty, while the crispy bacon and fried egg add textural contrast. It’s an adventure for your taste buds that pays proper homage to Elvis’s legendary appetite.
2. The Walking Ched: Mac-and-Cheese Madness
Imagine the comfort food mashup of your dreams: a burger sandwiched between two deep-fried mac-and-cheese patties functioning as buns. Add bacon, caramelized onions, and more cheese for good measure.
This messy masterpiece requires both hands, multiple napkins, and possibly a fork and knife. The crispy exterior of the mac-and-cheese buns gives way to gooey pasta goodness, creating a textural wonderland that complements the juicy beef patty.
Featured on multiple food shows, The Walking Ched has become Zombie Burger’s signature creation and most photographed menu item. Come hungry—this one’s a delicious beast.
3. Juan of the Dead: South-of-the-Border Spice
A fiesta of flavors awaits with this Mexican-inspired creation featuring a crispy green chile croquette, melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and zesty chipotle mayo. The crunchy exterior of the croquette gives way to a soft, spicy interior that perfectly complements the beef.
Named after the Cuban zombie comedy film, this burger brings just enough heat to wake the dead. The smoky chipotle mayo ties everything together with a creamy kick that balances the richness.
Locals recommend adding guacamole for an extra dollar—the cool creaminess creates the perfect counterpoint to the spicy elements. A true south-of-the-border delight!
4. Planet Terror: BBQ Flavor Explosion
Named after Robert Rodriguez’s zombie flick, this burger doesn’t hold back on bold flavors. Sweet-smoky BBQ sauce forms the foundation, topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
The combination creates a perfect storm of sweet, smoky, salty, and tangy notes that dance across your palate. The caramelized onions add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Regulars praise this burger for its balanced flavor profile and substantial portion size. Many Tripadvisor reviewers specifically mention Planet Terror as their go-to order, calling it “an epic flavor mash-up” that delivers consistent satisfaction.
5. They’re Coming to Get You, Barbara: Grilled Cheese Inception
Horror movie buffs will recognize this iconic line from “Night of the Living Dead.” The burger itself is equally memorable—featuring two complete grilled cheese sandwiches as buns! Between these cheesy bookends sits a juicy beef patty, bacon, more cheese, caramelized onions, and special sauce.
This carb-loaded creation delivers nostalgic comfort food vibes in every bite. The buttery, crispy exterior of the grilled cheese “buns” gives way to gooey melted cheese that mingles with the burger juices.
Best enjoyed with a knife and fork (and possibly a nap afterward), this indulgent masterpiece exemplifies Zombie Burger’s commitment to pushing culinary boundaries while delivering maximum satisfaction.
6. Raygun: Spicy Southwestern Kick
Heat seekers gravitate toward this fiery favorite named after a local Des Moines t-shirt shop. Crispy fried jalapeños deliver serious spice, while bacon adds smoky depth and guacamole provides cooling creaminess.
Caramelized onions contribute sweetness that balances the heat, while chipotle mayo brings everything together with a smoky, spicy finish. The contrasting temperatures and textures make each bite an adventure.
Not for the faint of heart, this burger consistently earns high marks in customer reviews for its perfect balance of heat and flavor. Pro tip: Pair it with one of Zombie Burger’s boozy shakes for the ultimate spicy-cool combination that’ll have your taste buds doing the zombie shuffle!
7. T-Virus: Plant-Based Perfection
Vegetarians rejoice! Named after the infectious agent from Resident Evil, this meatless marvel features a grilled portobello mushroom cap and melted Swiss cheese that creates a savory umami experience rivaling any beef burger.
The meaty texture of the portobello satisfies even dedicated carnivores, while the earthy mushroom flavor pairs perfectly with the nutty Swiss cheese. Many customers customize with additional toppings like caramelized onions or avocado.
Zombie Burger offers a fully vegan version by omitting the cheese and adding vegan mayo. The attention to plant-based options shows that even in a zombie apocalypse, dietary preferences matter! This fungi-focused creation proves that vegetarian options needn’t be an afterthought.
8. Undead Guy BBQ Burger: Meat-Lover’s Dream
For those who believe more meat equals more happiness, this carnivore’s delight delivers in spades. A juicy beef patty serves as the foundation for a mountain of tender pulled pork, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce.
The contrast between the ground beef patty and the slow-cooked, shredded pork creates a textural paradise. Smoky bacon adds crunch, while the melted cheddar binds everything together in gooey harmony.
This protein powerhouse requires an impressive appetite and plenty of napkins. Tripadvisor reviewers frequently mention this burger when discussing memorable meals, with one noting it was “worth every messy, delicious calorie.” Definitely not for the faint of heart!
9. Zombie Nachos & Loaded Fries: Shareable Starters
Before diving into burger territory, these appetizers set the apocalyptic tone. Crispy tortilla chips or golden fries form the base for an avalanche of toppings: pulled pork, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños.
Perfect for sharing (or not—we won’t judge), these loaded starters often become the unexpected stars of the meal. The combination of textures—from crispy to creamy to chewy—creates an addictive snacking experience that pairs perfectly with Zombie Burger’s craft beers or cocktails.
Many regulars recommend ordering these for the table while deciding on burgers. The generous portions make them ideal for groups looking to sample multiple menu items without committing to individual appetizers.
10. Killer Shakes: Dessert in a Glass
These monster milkshakes deserve their own spotlight! Standing nearly a foot tall, these Instagram-worthy creations combine ice cream with outrageous mix-ins and toppings that defy gravity.
Fan favorites include the Chocolate Cake shake (spiked with Tippy Cow Chocolate Rum for adults), the Reese’s Puffs cereal shake, and the Zombie Bride Wedding Cake creation. Each comes garnished with its namesake treat—actual cake slices, cereal clusters, or other sweets balanced precariously on top.
Available in both virgin and boozy versions, these shakes make the perfect dessert or standalone treat. One reviewer named Jolene M. declared the chocolate cake version “incredible”—high praise in a restaurant known for over-the-top offerings!
11. Fried Cheese Curds & Pickles: Crispy Companions
Sometimes the supporting players deserve as much attention as the stars. These golden-fried sides provide the perfect accompaniment to Zombie Burger’s main attractions.
Wisconsin-style cheese curds come battered and fried to crispy perfection, with stretchy, melty centers that pull into satisfying cheese strings with each bite. The dill pickle spears receive similar treatment—crispy outside, tangy and juicy inside.
Both come with dipping options like house sauce or ranch. Many locals consider these sides mandatory additions to any Zombie Burger meal. The contrast between the crispy coating and gooey cheese or juicy pickle interior creates a textural wonderland that keeps fans coming back.
12. Kaiju Ramen Pop-Up: Seasonal Noodle Surprise
Even zombies need variety! This seasonal pop-up concept within Zombie Burger showcases the kitchen’s versatility beyond burgers. Drawing inspiration from Japanese monster movies, these limited-time ramen bowls generate serious buzz when they appear.
The Godzilla bowl features rich tonkotsu broth, egg, and chili Brussels sprouts, while the Rodan option offers a vegan shiitake broth alternative. Both come with house-made noodles and creative toppings.
Complementing these bowls are special boba milkshakes that continue the Asian-inspired theme. Watch Zombie Burger’s social media for announcements about the next Kaiju Ramen appearance—these limited events typically sell out quickly and create lines around the block!
13. Zombie Decor & Drink Lab Vibes: Immersive Experience
The food might bring you in, but the atmosphere keeps you coming back. Hand-painted murals depicting zombie apocalypse scenes cover the walls, while staff in themed makeup and costumes enhance the playfully macabre vibe.
The Drink Lab portion of the name isn’t just for show—creative cocktails with names like “Zombie Bride” and “Last Words” complement the food perfectly. Even 79-year-old Tripadvisor reviewer “JoyfulWriter” declared, “Sounded so cool and kinda creepy… I thought it was cool!”
Regular music and video nights add to the fun, with horror movie marathons and themed events throughout the year. The restaurant transforms completely during Halloween season with additional decorations and special menu items.
