A ButterBurger from Culver's helps to ease the pain.

UPDATED: March 6, 2013. For popular fast food 'better burger' chains Des Moines is not a mecca. No Five Guys, no In-N-Out, nor Fatburger. However we do have a couple of Smashburger locations in the metro. I visited Smashburger a few years back and found the burgers to be fine but overpriced in comparison to the other national chain found in the area, Culver's.

Some of the burgers I've enjoyed of late include the French Onion ButterBurger, a 'Burger of the Month' (pictured right). With caramelized red onions, mayonnaise, and a most unusual ingredient – a melted disc of Gruyère and Swiss cheeses fortified with beef flavoring. A strange item indeed but the flavor is surprisingly reminiscent of french onion soup.

Another 'Burger of the Month' I've enjoyed is the Three Cheese ButterBurger, below left, featuring American, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, plus your choice of toppings. Although the last time I had eaten this burger, they omitted everything but the meat, cheese and bun. Not even the little pickle on top for garnish was present. It was late and I was tired and hungry, so I gobbled it down and immediately regretted it. It was just too rich.

Lastly an everyday menu favorite and my usual go-to burger, The Culver's Deluxe, below right, tricked out with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onion and mayo.

All of the above feature thin beef burger patties that are seared crisp on one side, and served up on a lightly buttered, toasted bun – hence the burger's name, with a pickle slice atop for garnish. A lone burger patty on your sandwich is fine, but I find two offers just the right amount of crispy meat for the bite.

Whether I've had a rotten day at work or an embarrassing strip-down for an unnecessary EKG with three female healthcare providers looming over my half-naked obese frame on a tiny, uncomfortable examination table, a visit to Culver's afterward helps ease the pain.