Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

Reviews 4

A

A Private User

The amount of low/mediocre reviews is surprising. Not just because I enjoyed the food when I went on the grand opening, but Ive talked to quite a few people that enjoyed it as well. The complaints about service; Obviously a restaurants kitchen capacity, service capabilities, and seating capacity are not infinite. Im not a Zombie Burger "cheerleader/fanboy", rather I appreciate a local establishment with a unique idea, good food, who put in a valiant effort in serving over 1,300 (courtesy of Zombie Burger FB page) customers in their first day. You can only plan and have so much product/staff/space on site. As I said, my fiancée and I went at 6:45 opening night and the place was at capacity with a line the stretching over 30 feet waiting for a table. We got seated by 7pm because there were just two of us and there were lots of parties with 3 or more people. The host was polite, organized, and had a good sense of humor. The atmosphere was really cool. There we sections of chain-link fence. That, along with the other stainless still pieces, gave it an industrial feel that resembled some sort of “zombie confinement” –yet, it was still a comfortable environment. The murals and pictures on the wall were cool as well. Our server was the same as the host – very polite. She wasnt completely familiar with the menu, but the place is brand new. Not a big deal at all. We ordered some specialty drinks, I think mine was called the red eye. They were good, and a little pricy. We ordered. Unfortunately they were out of an appetizer we wanted to try (again, understandable). I got the "East Village of the Damned" burger. It took about 30-35 minutes for our food to arrive. Considering how busy the servers, bartenders, and the whole place was -we considered that to be pretty quick. My "East Village of the Damned" burger was very good, came out hot, and was worth the wait. The bun was noticeably good (I dont usually notice the bun on a burger). Their patties are obviously handmade, thin, juicy, and full of flavor. They had a charbroiled taste to me. The most notable thing about my particular burger was the mushroom-cheese croquette (picture a jalapeño popper, but with a gigantic portobello mushroom). I ordered the triple and it was huge and more than enough food. Their fries are thin and crispy, which is the type of fry I like - I thought they were great. Overall, I thought it was a great opening night experience at Zombie Burger. My fiancée had previously worked as a server/bartender for 5 years and she thought they did a great job.

MA

Matt Uhlman

If it were socially acceptable, Id have discussions with my wife about naming a child after one of the burgers here. Better yet - life goal to have a burger named after us! Not the sort of spot you take a first date to impress them with your prowess of fine cuisine, but rather the type of spot you take your lady to see if shes really into you. If you like a small plain burger with only a slice of tomato and a side of sadness, this is not your dig. If you want some BEEF stacked with a healthy dose of appetizers, bunned with supercharged carbs and named after a movie youd watch with the dudes, youre in luck! To date weve sampled four offerings and weve not been disappointed. Each comes with signature add-ons that make for some mighty fine eatin! The "Trailer Trash Zombie" is a dainty beast, graced with a fried pickle, chicken fried bacon, cheese curds and ranch. A lovely cousin is the "Walking Ched", bovine beauty topped with cheese and onion, surrounded with deep fried macaroni. Wed tried a number of others and rest assured, they are equally awesome! Its easy to see that youre not going here to save on the calories, but every so often its brilliant! The cereal shakes are good, but not great. Essentially ice cream with childhood favorites and whimsy added. Weve yet to sample the spiked shakes, but they appear lovely and if were ever there sans kiddo, well be trying them. The beer and wine list is pretty expansive, so if youre looking for libations while being surrounded by families, you no longer have to hang out with your uncle at Christmas. You can wait to be seated or wait to order at the counter, either way it generally a bit before youre seated. Three words - Totally.Worth.It. This isnt the sort of place youll frequent (nor should you), but as all good things should be experienced in moderation, so it is at Zombie Burger. The burgers are unique, memorable and downright delicious. Bottom line - this place is well worth checking out and worth the wait that will meet you when you arrive!

DO

Doug Wittkowski

A swing an a... Well not exactly a strike out but a bit of a disappointment for sure. The high points are the burger and most notably the bun. What, you dont think that is imporatnt? You silly HyVee shoppin Iowans. Just like with Pizza the bread portion makes or breaks it. This bun is heaven sent. Soft, buttery, flavorful, and for sure not off a truck from far away. The burger itself? I understand what they were going for here.Sort of a modern take on the Diner classic of years gone by. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. But like the haircut trying to do it all (The Mullet) it just cant. Very good flavor for sure but Its just a bit greasy. The sides? Oh my, not a little disappointment but an all out mistake. Especially the french fries, not just bad, but really bad. We traded in the first batch I ever tasted but to not much improvement. Soft, greasy, salty, and burnt tasting. Very nasty and when fries are so importantto the whole burger and fries concept, Really? In fact salt is very heavy on everything we tried. And the service. Holy Mackerel ! Astonishingly bad and the entire staff looked like they were ready to actually volunteer to go over to the other side and become real Zombies.Oh and did I mention that they have incorporated some of that, we all love to hate, up close and get to know your neighbor urban seating. Uhhggh! And the prices? I love George and all of his other establishments but Dude this place needs help and fast. I actually gave it an extra star because we are in DSM so I understand it will take a while to get up and running logistically Im sure, so Ill assume that part will get better. Ill give it a few weeks and check back and hope for the best for the rest, I really will. So, the second chance visit review... Food a bit better, service and wait were just terrible. And drinks from the drink lab? HORRIBLE! Close this embarrasement or a major overhaul ASAP. Amazing what Iowans will put up with.

CH

Christian 4_Realzz

I always enjoy this Zombie Burger much more than the Zombie Burger in Jordan Creek Mall. Not only do they include way more food options than the mall restaurant, but the atmosphere, and experience is better, and definitely fits in the downtown Des Moines area. I have enjoyed their truly creative and fun burgers, with cool zombie references to classic zombie shows and movies that title the menu items. My favorite burger I always enjoy there is the, "Juan of The Dead" (not Dawn, Juan) burger, and the fries are okay, but what makes theme enjoyable is their "fancy sauce." that tastes very zesty and sweet. And do not get a regular drink there, because they have out of this world shakes. The Crunch Berry Cereal Shake is tasty, as well as the Zombi Bride Wedding Cake Shake, which is very thick, and takes forever for you to finish, because its so damn thick, and bad for you, but is truly tasty. The interior and wall decor is so cool, and hipsterish, and pretty fun, especially for fans like myself of zombie movies. The staff is okay, but come for the unique food, and experience.