If you like Centro, Django, or Gateway Market then you should try Zombie Burger+ Drink Lab. It combines upscale dining with a fast food vibe.

The restaurant has two sections. Up front is a quick-order counter for to-go items. In the back, is the Drink Lab with more seating for people who want to sit down and eat.

The wait was about two hours. We waited outside since that was where many of the people that night decided to wait. I would recommend going at 8 p.m. to avoid the wait.

Something that sets Zombie Burger apart from restaurants is their menu which is modeled to look like a newspaper. Called The Village, it has articles about the zombie takeover of Des Moines. On the walls are giant artwork created by comic book artist Ron Wagner.

The waitress recommended the Walking Ched which had breaded and deep friend macaroni and cheese as the bun, bacon, cheddar cheese, fried ranch, and caramelized and raw onion, and mayo. I had heard that their milkshakes were a staple so I tried the Zombie Bride Wedding Cake Shake which had vanilla ice cream and yellow cake mix.

I would say the service was OK because the waitress didn’t pay much attention to us, but it was understandable for how busy the restaurant is.

The burger was different, but good. It was the size of a regular hamburger a little bigger than my fist. The bun of the burger was different, but the components of it were not far from usual. The shake was to die for and very thick almost like custard.

The price is in the ten dollar range for burgers but note that they do not come with fries. You have to buy a separate basket which is about $2.50 and can be shared by two.

Overall the food was super, the variety is impressive and the atmosphere and personality will keep you coming back.