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Step back into a simpler time at The High Life Lounge, a quintessential American tavern brimming with 1960s charm. This Des Moines destination invites you to unwind in a retro setting, complete with a classic Formica bar, vintage wallpaper, and nostalgic light fixtures. The menu features an authentic lineup of comfort food classics, perfectly paired with a wide selection of timeless brews. The High Life Lounge offers a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere where the spirit of the past is always on tap.
Offbeat homage to the Midwestern beer halls of the 1960s dishing up old-school comfort food.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 280-1965
Website: http://thehighlifelounge.com/
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High Life Lounge – Des Moines, IA
A 1960′s style corner tavern opened by local owners, Full Court Press, complete with a Formica bar top, vintage wallpaper, wood paneling, …
Food Menu – High Life Lounge
High Life Classics · Beef Stroganoff · Goulash · Mom’s Pot Roast · Liver & Onions* · Chicken Pot Pie · Meatloaf Dinner · Chicken Fingers Basket · Macaroni and Cheese.
High Life Lounge | Des Moines IA – Facebook
High Life Lounge, Des Moines. 14329 likes · 115 talking about this · 45600 were here. Des Moines owned and operated purveyor of classic brews, classic…
Reviews
Nate Vasquez
Absolutely strange dive atmosphere that strafes the idea of dad’s bro den and famous people have maybe eaten here. It reminds me of many a restraunt in Colorado before pride gave way to itchy atmosphere. Glad to see a place like this hasn’t gone by the wayside. For me, I was just here for the premiere week of Yeungling’s rollout into Iowa. Would love to see how this place fits into a summertime downtown culture as well as test for deep winter coziness.
… moreRobert Shewmake
I had to make this stop—liver and onions are one of my all-time favorites. The bonus? This place has a nostalgic, old-school ’60s Miller-themed bar vibe that’s just plain cool.
I was greeted right away and grabbed a booth, perfect for people-watching while I decided on my order. I asked my waitress for heavy onions (the more the better), plus a side salad and broccoli. Let me tell you—they did not skimp on those onions, as you can see in the photo.
The liver and onions were fantastic—so good that I’m planning to come back again before I leave this weekend. I even tipped the cook an extra $10 just for being generous with the onions.
This is the kind of spot you’ve got to check out, not just for the food, but for the experience.
… moreI was greeted right away and grabbed a booth, perfect for people-watching while I decided on my order. I asked my waitress for heavy onions (the more the better), plus a side salad and broccoli. Let me tell you—they did not skimp on those onions, as you can see in the photo.
The liver and onions were fantastic—so good that I’m planning to come back again before I leave this weekend. I even tipped the cook an extra $10 just for being generous with the onions.
This is the kind of spot you’ve got to check out, not just for the food, but for the experience.
The Grayback
Walking into High Life Lounge feels like stepping back a few decades in the best possible way. Wood-paneled walls, vintage beer signs, and that cozy “neighborhood bar” charm make the atmosphere a solid 5/5.
Service was excellent. My waitress, Mercedes R., was on point the whole time — friendly, quick, and kept things smooth. She had that perfect mix of charm and elegance, the kind of presence that shows just enough to keep it classy and plenty to keep it memorable. Easy 5/5 there.
For food, I started with the Chili Cheese Fries appetizer. They came out hot and hearty, loaded with cheese and chili over crinkle fries. They were tasty, no doubt, but the chili had that familiar mom-and-pop diner style. Good comfort food, but nothing that set it apart — I’d rate them around 3.5/5.
The Chicken Pot Pie was my main course. It arrived covered in a pool of brown gravy, which was flavorful but not as rich as I hoped. I’d been looking forward to cracking into a crisp, golden crust, only to find it softened under the gravy. The crust itself was thick and layered, the chicken came in cubes (hard to say if it was fresh-made or not), and the veggies were just shy of fully cooked — not mushy, but with a good bite. In the end, it was filling and hearty, but the presentation and flavor didn’t quite deliver the wow factor. 3.5/5.
The bar deserves some credit — plenty of beers on tap, kept cold and flowing. A nice spread without overcomplicating it. That’s a 4/5.
What really made the place feel like home, though, was a nearby table of old friends swapping stories from the 70s. Those old goats set the bar high for an up-and-coming Billy goat like me, and it added a sense of warmth and nostalgia that money can’t buy.
Final bill was $26.19 with tip, which felt fair for drinks, an appetizer, and a main course.
Bottom line: Come here for the retro atmosphere, cold beer, and excellent service. The food hits the classic comfort note, but it’s the vibe — and people like Mercedes — that make the High Life Lounge worth the stop.
… moreService was excellent. My waitress, Mercedes R., was on point the whole time — friendly, quick, and kept things smooth. She had that perfect mix of charm and elegance, the kind of presence that shows just enough to keep it classy and plenty to keep it memorable. Easy 5/5 there.
For food, I started with the Chili Cheese Fries appetizer. They came out hot and hearty, loaded with cheese and chili over crinkle fries. They were tasty, no doubt, but the chili had that familiar mom-and-pop diner style. Good comfort food, but nothing that set it apart — I’d rate them around 3.5/5.
The Chicken Pot Pie was my main course. It arrived covered in a pool of brown gravy, which was flavorful but not as rich as I hoped. I’d been looking forward to cracking into a crisp, golden crust, only to find it softened under the gravy. The crust itself was thick and layered, the chicken came in cubes (hard to say if it was fresh-made or not), and the veggies were just shy of fully cooked — not mushy, but with a good bite. In the end, it was filling and hearty, but the presentation and flavor didn’t quite deliver the wow factor. 3.5/5.
The bar deserves some credit — plenty of beers on tap, kept cold and flowing. A nice spread without overcomplicating it. That’s a 4/5.
What really made the place feel like home, though, was a nearby table of old friends swapping stories from the 70s. Those old goats set the bar high for an up-and-coming Billy goat like me, and it added a sense of warmth and nostalgia that money can’t buy.
Final bill was $26.19 with tip, which felt fair for drinks, an appetizer, and a main course.
Bottom line: Come here for the retro atmosphere, cold beer, and excellent service. The food hits the classic comfort note, but it’s the vibe — and people like Mercedes — that make the High Life Lounge worth the stop.
Marko Pavela
This is one of the best bar/restaurants in all of America. Night one we had great welcoming service and I had the pot roast which really hit the spot on a cold winter night. Then the next morning we returned for the Groundhog Day party and this was a fantastic celebration of day drinking. A few ISU fans bought us shots when they realized we were from out of town and had never had a root down. Altogether it kicked a short stop in Iowa up a level.
… moreprized treasure
Great tasting and affordable food in a friendly and inviting environment. Our appetites were satisfied. If you’re in the area, would highly recommend this place for your family to grab a bite to eat. There is both indoor and outdoor seating.
… moreAudrey Klunenberg
10/10 no notes
Great food, great prices, great service and perfect ambiance. Cheeseburger? Solid. Meatloaf? Solid. Sandwiches? Solid. Loved it, has the best Midwest dive bar vibe that I’ve found in Des Moines and could see myself becoming a regular here.
… moreGreat food, great prices, great service and perfect ambiance. Cheeseburger? Solid. Meatloaf? Solid. Sandwiches? Solid. Loved it, has the best Midwest dive bar vibe that I’ve found in Des Moines and could see myself becoming a regular here.
Russell Cape
Beer, beer, and more beer! Honestly probably the biggest beer selection I’ve ever seen at a bar. The amount of taps on the wall was crazy. The food was good too, I got the spam egg and cheese sandwich. For appetizer we got the bacon wrapped tots. This place was pretty awesome, if I lived here you’d see me in there pretty regularly.
… moreDrew Roalkvan
This place reminded me of the bars in Wisconsin growing up. The only thing that was missing was soming stuffed on the walls. Service was very friendly and food came out fast. Had the deviled eggs and poutine. Every part of it was delicious. If I’m back in the area, I’ll be going back here for something again.
… moreTucker
I was here 15+years ago and still has the same vibe (minus the shag carpet).
I don’t recall eating here back then but had the bacon cheese burger and fries and it did not disappoint.
Friendly staff to a out of towner.
… moreI don’t recall eating here back then but had the bacon cheese burger and fries and it did not disappoint.
Friendly staff to a out of towner.
Tyler Wilson
Not many bars where you can go and get comfort food, but this place is one of them. Phenomenal food, today’s special was green bean casserole and it was amazing!
… more