Another visit and another great burger! This trip we ordered…read moreup The Vinnie and a Brisco Burger with Vader Tots and Fries as our sides. Fantastic smashburger style burgers each with its own unique flair and some old video footage of The Ultimate Warrior vs Hulk Hogan (R.I.P) playing on the televisions. Still one of the Best Burger Places we've ever been to! Service as prompt as ever as well...not a long wait at all.

A little outside of my normal home base of the Des Moines metro, but Marshalltown is an easy…read moredrive... The short. The food is really good...! And it was worth the trip. See the pictures. Now to the long part. If you want to skip that feel free and just go on what is above this line. I grew up a wrestling fan back in the 70s and 80s... When the NWA used to do house shows and setup in high school gymnasiums. I remember the Attitude Era well (1997-2002) and watched it a lot at the time. I took my son to RAW and Smackdown shows at the Well when he was younger... Today I'm not an avid fan, but if I told you I didn't follow things at all...I'd be lying. I mean AJ Lee's epic return alongside her husband CM Punk...! C'mon! The Flying Elbow has been on my list a long time... As "a fan" I wanted to check it out soooo bad. And even though they were awarded Iowa's best burger in 2022... I wondered it was just another gimmick to draw people in to mid food... I don't put a lot of stock in contests. As you walk in the front door there is a small bar directly to your Left. Classic wrestling was playing on one of the TVs above the bar. Football on the other. You'll see a combination of low top tables and chairs and a few booths in front of you and to your Right. There's an Order Here sign at the end of the long counter. The fountain drink station is at the end of the room (Coke products). From the fountain drink station the entrance to the patio is to the Right. Restrooms to the Left. It's order and pay at the counter. Cash or card. It's seat yourself and they bring your food to you when it's done being prepared. Bus your own table when you're done. Staff was quick to clean up as people left to prepare for their next guest. I ordered the following: 24 oz fountain drink (free refills) 3:16 chili dog (all beef) with cheddar cheese and white onion -- Choose up to three toppings: Cheddar, pepper jack, and nacho cheese. Sour cream, nacho Doritos, and chili cheese Fritos. White, red, or green onions... Fried cheesecurds An order of six smoked bone-in chicken wings with buffalo sauce -- Sauce choices. Plain BBQ, buffalo, Korean BBQ, raspberry chipotle BBQ, People's BBQ. and Asian peanut A Bang! Bang! burger as advertised (no modifications) off the Attitude menu -- Pepper Jack, caramelized onion, cactus steak sauce, 4 Horsey sauce, fried jalapeño chips The burgers are smash style and have great flavor. I got the single burger and was wishing I'd gotten the double. Same with the 3:16 chili dog... They offer an Andre sized dog (+$2). But I'd ordered a lot of food...! The buns here! So good. The hamburger bun was a classic sesame seed bun that met the size of the burger. The meat peeked out the edges. The bun for the dog was a potato style...not a cheap flimsy bun. The bun seemed a little big for the regular dog, but I bet it would be perfect for something Andre sized. It held the chili well without falling apart. The smoked wings have a light smoke to them...not too heavy. They are big and meaty. The ranch that came with the cheesecurds was fire. I ordered some blue cheese with the wings. In hindsight I would say that one of the BBQ sauces would probably pair better with the smoked wings v. the buffalo. That's on me. I hit them right in a Saturday lunch rush and fortunately was able to grab a seat as someone else was getting up to leave. Staff was friendly and patient. If you're not patient...I'd probably not hit them right at peak lunch hour on a Saturday. Seating in the main dining area and on the patio was full. Service was great! The food was great! Is the wrestling thing kind of a gimmick? Yes. Yes it probably is. But it's a fun gimmick that hits home for a lot of us! I liked seeing the references that remind me of entertainment I grew up with and enjoyed. It's no different from a 50s diner theme, railroad, or zombies. And they back it up with good food! For me it's kind of like going to Prairie City for Goldie's or going up to Whatcha Smokin' in Luther... I spend a lot of money locally right here in the Des Moines metro, but sometimes it's a good thing to just hit the road and explore our neighbors a little. The Flying Elbow is the worth the drive to check out! And if you're a wrestling fan... It's a destination...enjoy the experience! https://www.facebook.com/theflyingelbow https://flyingelbowfood.com/

Is this absolutely MY best (aka favorite) burger...? Is it the best burger I've personally had in…read moreIowa...? Probably not. BUT it is the best burger I've ever had out of a gas station in Iowa...! Actually... I'm not exactly sure which way this place actually goes... Is this a gas station that sells food... Or a restaurant that sells gas? Potato...potatoe! Lol And it IS a very good burger overall too...! But not only do they serve burgers... They have other menu selections... Mostly all deep fried and grill options... And ice cream! I've seen signs for Iowa's Best Burger Cafe for years while running back and forth on I-80 from the Des Moines metro... Kellogg is about halfway between Newton and Grinnell. We've never stopped here until this past weekend when we were on our way home from the What Cheer IA flea market... Iowa's Best Burger Cafe is just off the highway... The first thing I noticed as the GPS said our route was about to end... It looked like it ended at an Amoco gas station... Huh? And then I noticed the signage for the Iowa's Best Burger Cafe on the building... Oh... So we're here...? Not exactly what I expected..., but I eat at food trucks too so it wasn't going to stop me. I did glance at my girlfriend to see if I could tell whether she was feeling it or not... I think she was just really hungry at that point and didn't really care. Lol There's ample parking. As you enter the building it kind of looks like a standard gas station convenience store...until you turn and look to your Right. Red plastic booth seating. There are two counters and a case that sit adjacent to one another. The counter you order at also displays the ice cream. There's a case displaying some ready to eat options. The register is on a shorter counter closest to the entrance. It's an open kitchen. There is also another small room of seating further to the left as you face the counters. The tables are kind of faux marble. Napkins, salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard are available in each booth. We were greeted as we walked and I let them know it was our first time there and we didn't know the drill. They let us know you order standing there at the counter. Take a seat. They bring the food out to you when it's ready. You pay at the register when you are done. Cash or card...and there is an ATM on site. They bus your table. There are a couple of menu placards on the counter where you place your order... The 16 flavors of ice cream selection are plainly labeled. The two ladies behind the counter were very helpful and were both personable! We ordered: 2x half pound burger combos (one with cheese, bacon, onions and pickles and one with cheese, onions, pickles, mayo, and lettuce) 1x upgraded side to garlic mushrooms 1x upgraded side to onion rings 2x fountain drinks (Coke products...comes with combo) 1x mozarella sticks 1x two scoop bowl of ice cream 1x single cone of ice cream The wait for food wasn't long. Everything was served hot and fresh! They'd asked us if we wanted ranch... My girlfriend always wants ranch! Not only did they bring us ranch... They brought us a HUGE squeeze bottle of ranch! This is how every restaurant should bring you ranch! While we dined in (as did a couple of other customers) most of the business appeared to be take out. One pro tip... The standard half pound burger comes with two patties. I heard a customer ask a guy, at the booth next to her, how many patties he had on his burger... Huh? He had four patties on his burger... A full pounder! So there has to be a way to add an additonal patty (or patties) too... If you want a bigger burger... Ask...! The bathrooms...not horrible. The food was all great. Good service. No complaints. I wouldn't hesitate to stop in here again! And I know what to expect next time...!

"I do not disagree with their name," says my friend visiting from out of state after enjoying his…read moreburger and fried mushrooms. I had the delicious BBQ pork burger with cheese and enjoyed its glorious Smokey flavor. I can't say I've been to that many burger cafe's but this was definitely a great experience. The staff/cook crew were extremely friendly. I was nervous by the long line, but they grilled the food up pretty quick and it was all fab. Enjoyed drinks came with meal. Definitely recommend!

If you love good burgers you'll love this place…read more If you love b movie horror flicks and burgers then you MUST eat here! Can't say enough good things about the food, drinks, and especially the shakes! You'll love the atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the quick service (even though you'll probably be waiting to get it. People are just dying for it) Great food. Great atmosphere. Make your reservations today.

The server was very nice. We came on Saturday evening and while the place didn't actually look that…read morebusy and half the outside seating was closed, we will waited 20 mins to get sat. We didn't actually walk into the indoor restaurant area, we checked in and were sat outside. Outside waste too pleasant. Idk if just the Des Moines downtown area, but it smelled like hot garbage the entire time we were out eating. The food was delicious! I ordered the sweet potato fries and I wish the menu would have said they had a sprinkle of barbecue seasoning on them because I was not expecting that and I really just wanted some awesome sweet potato fries. I am not a fan of barbecue seasoning so it was kind of throwing me off. I also ordered the peach milkshake, which came literally liquidy and warm so that did not taste good at all. We also took our kids there and the kids were pretty disgusted with the bathroom. We just did not expect clowns and cuss words everywhere so just be warned if you have little kids that can read. Lol

If you are looking for a good and tasty smash burger drive over to Lachele's on Ingersoll in DSM…read more The chef team serves up hot, fresh, well seasoned made to order burgers that check all the boxes for a meaty smash burger in an atmosphere that is neighborhood friendly with a very casual vibe, limited street and back parking, small dine in area at a very reasonable burger rate for the area.

WOW WOW WOW! I love their smash burgers, they are just packed with flavor. Also their tater tot's…read moreare honestly the star of the show!

Great food. Top notch. Nice people and a fun bar. Believe bar stays open later. Affordableread more

The Rusty Duck may look a little run-down from the outside, but once you step inside it has a warm,…read morewelcoming feel. Our waitress was amazing--friendly, attentive, and so helpful. The portions were HUGE, and the food was very good. Overall, a great experience. Would definitely recommend!

This place has been a staple for the past three years I've been in law school @ Drake. The student…read moreburger deal is a godsend, happy hour is perfect, and the servers are always great. I've take family who've visited DSM for the first time and they love it. I've had rough days where the chicken bacon ranch flatbread is all I want and it satisfies every time. I've done schoolwork here (including group flash card study sessions) while sipping on a cute cocktail. I've shared so many drinks and laughs with my classmates here, I hope they stay open forever. HIGHLY recommended!!

I've been here a handful of times. Never a complaint…read more Food is is always tasty and delivered in a reasonable time. And I've never sent anything back, it's always been good. Waitresses are always attentive and friendly. They know the menu & drinks as well and are doing a fantastic job. Decent prices. Close and also private parking. Decent restrooms.

Checks ALL the boxes - friendly staff…read more- outstanding food - best hamburger in Des Moines Love this place

Amazing food with the family. Real food at awesome prices. Family loves their meals. Definitely a…read moreplace to make as a regular food stop

Really nice downtown barn Indianola with a British vibe, oh nice but then if I get more, you can…read morestill add to it if need be all right thanks for serving poutine, Guinness beer and a bunch of similar stuff. The Irish eggrolls with corned beef were pretty darn good and the local beer that was a lager from Des Moines hit the spot, but I don't remember the name.

The homemade chips (served w/fish) are worth the visit! We had great service from our wait person…read moreas well. Very friendly & helpful!

Between Iowa City and Des Moines leave I80 and drive into Grinell and dine at the Prarie Canary…read more Worth the 5 minutes. Vietnamese spring rolls made by Matayas (the owner? and our waiter) mother were delicious. Our simple fare was perfect after a long drive but there were more complete meals on the menu. Sunday with a homemade blondie and a flourish wrapped things up!

What a wonderful experience. We stumbled upon this gem while traveling through the area. We were…read moreearly for our reservation and invited to visit the Speakeasy in the basement. That was a treat. The service and food were wonderful. The restaurant's simple decor is clean and crisp. Thanks for a great nite.

Nestled in a set of businesses halfway between Ames and Ankeny, Flight nailed my first visit with a…read moreterrific meal and great customer service. Plenty of parking and a comfortable interior, they enable diners to have a positive visit without being cramped or rushed. Noise isn't an issue. Opened with a sensational Onion Haystack, a unique dish that was aided by a pair of sauces, Chipotle ranch and buttermilk ranch. My burger was outstanding, The Classic, perfectly cooked and served on a delicious bun. I snagged some tasty sweet potato fries from my Way Better Half too! Coke products a plus too! Server Brooklyn was excellent, providing great guidance with a kind nature.

The service was great! We had the special burrata appetizer, which was so delicious! The fresh…read morepeaches really made it taste so good. We also had the raspberry chipotle chicken sandwich which was fire! Will definitely come back. I want to try their burgers and tenderloin next!