Lachele's in Highland Park: Doubling down on an Uncle Denny

Double Uncle Denny at Lachele’s Fine Foods in Highland Park

I’ve been accused of being too wordy in these reviews. GUILTY! Without a bit of remorse.

Want a shorter one?

Here: Lachele’s. There’s a new one. Go.

For a longer version, try this:

I’ve been a fan of Lachele’s Fine Foods since they opened four years ago. Actually, a couple months before when was I was photographing food for its menu and website right in the middle of construction and right when Covid was hitting its stride.

Timing is everything, they say. And it certainly was then: timing sucked but Lachele’s survived and my oh my how it has thrived.

It became an instant success and was instrumental in classing up the whole neighborhood. That area of Ingersoll Avenue started to get really busy and suddenly it became part of a newly formed business disctrict with the fancy pants name: The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand.

Thanks to Lachele’s?

I like to think so.

Let’s face it, every successful commercial area needs a terrific burger joint where the food is adventuresome and delicious, the cooks are masters of their craft and while they’re very serious about what they do, they have a hell of a lot of contagious fun doing it. The service is fast, efficient and very friendly. They’re grateful that you’ve come and they let you know it. So many sincere, smiley greetings when you arrive, so many gracious thank yous when you leave.

Places like Lachele’s are good for business. Theirs and those nearby.

Seems like a formula for success to me. And apparently thousands of adoring fans feel the same way.

Lachele’s is always buzzing.

And then the dream started. And then the rumors. A second location. Somewhere in Highland Park on Des Moines’ northside. Same idea as the original, but a bit different. Then the news: Lachele’s Fine Foods is going to open in Highland Park on Sixth Avenue just north of Euclid Avenue. (Potential new name: Lachele’s Fine Foods-The Avenues Up North!)

And then the dream came true.

It’s open!

Bigger space, similar-but-different menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, burgers (of course) cooked two ways, some diner-type offering like beef and noodles and chicken pot pie and reportedly there’ll be a rotating list of specials.

And while the space is bright and light with pastel walls lined with beautiful black and white photos of mid-century life, right next door is The Fitz, a dark warm and welcoming bar full of lots of top-shelf drink offerings and over-the-top service. Hungry? It has its own food menu that’s a bit different than the restaurant side.cThe Fitz looks and feels like home to me. I’m having my mail forwarded there.

I’m a sucker for nearly everything on Lachele’s menu. But’s it’s the Uncle Denny I love the most.

A big ol’ crunchy-crusted smashburger blanketed with melty American cheese that’s topped with grilled onions and a super-tasty homemade pepper jelly that’s served on a squishy seeded potato bun. I always get extra pepper jelly. It adds such a distinct flavor that accents all the others and they all meld into one big heavenly taste sensation. Jelly on a burger? Hell yes! Well this jelly anyway. (And it’s good to dunk fries into as well.)

Today I double-downed on an Uncle Denny. “Make it a double please!”

Twice as delicious, twice as messy, twice as many napkins and lots of extra drips and drops on my shirt. (And in my beard which I knew nothing about until the cashier at Central City Liquors pointed it out.)

Doubling down on an Uncle Denny. My Lachele’s new favorite. At least until the next one.

While they don’t serve hot dogs at the Highland Park location, they do at the Ingersoll—I mean The Avenues---location. I’ll see if I can order a Double-Down Uncle Denny Dog. While I’m sure it’ll taste great, it’s really fun to say.

Long story short: Lachele’s. There’s a new one. Go.