
The High Life Lounge
A nostalgic tribute to 1960s Midwestern beer halls, serving classic comfort food and an extensive beer selection in a retro atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The High Life Lounge

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A nostalgic tribute to 1960s Midwestern beer halls, serving classic comfort food and an extensive beer selection in a retro atmosphere.
"Step back in time for classic comfort food and a blast from the past at The High Life Lounge!"
Visit during off-peak hours
Seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive during less busy times to avoid wait.
Don't miss the broasted chicken
This dish is a local favorite, known for its crunchy goodness and juicy flavor.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Retro Midwestern Vibe
Step back into a 1960s/70s Midwestern beer hall with vintage decor, wood paneling, and a cozy neighborhood bar feel.

Iconic Broasted Chicken
Experience the legendary broasted chicken, praised for its incredibly crispy skin and juicy interior.

Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots
Indulge in the must-try bacon-wrapped tater tots, a unique and indulgent appetizer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive during less busy times to avoid wait.
Don't miss the broasted chicken
This dish is a local favorite, known for its crunchy goodness and juicy flavor.
Pair with Miller High Life
Enjoy the authentic experience by pairing your meal with 'The Champagne of Beers'.
Explore El Bait Shop
Check out the sister bar across the hall for an even wider selection of craft beers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive during less busy times to avoid wait.
Don't miss the broasted chicken
This dish is a local favorite, known for its crunchy goodness and juicy flavor.
Pair with Miller High Life
Enjoy the authentic experience by pairing your meal with 'The Champagne of Beers'.
Explore El Bait Shop
Check out the sister bar across the hall for an even wider selection of craft beers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The High Life Lounge is lauded for its authentic 1960s/70s Midwestern dive bar atmosphere and its signature broasted chicken and unique appetizers like bacon-wrapped tater tots. While many praise the friendly service, cold beer, and reasonable prices, some recent reviews mention a decline in food quality and increased prices.
"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."
Audrey Klunenberg
"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."
prized treasure
"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."
Robert Shewmake
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's famous for its authentic 1960s/70s Midwestern dive bar atmosphere, broasted chicken, and bacon-wrapped tater tots.
Yes, seating is first-come, first-served. It's recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.
Yes, they offer an extensive beer selection with numerous taps, including Miller High Life.
Beyond the broasted chicken, try unique items like the Spam egg and cheese sandwich, meatloaf, or grilled cheese.
Yes, El Bait Shop, known for its craft beer selection, is located across the hall.
Mentioned in
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Best Appetizers in Des Moines
Available at both High Life Lounge and their sister spot across the hall, craft beer mecca El Bait Shop, something just feels right about pairing these blue-collar bites with the Champagne of Beers. Tater tots and jalapenos are wrapped in thick bacon, then fried and topped with cheddar and jack cheese, served with a side of ranch. It’s either the cure or the cause of the hangover, but either way, we regret nothing.
Iowa — Food and Restaurants
Cedar Rapids has a few bars downtown like The Vault (208 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids), with its large martini menu and piano lounge. Ames, home to Iowa State University and Iowa City, location of the University of Iowa both have decent nightlife, especially on the weekend with a good mix of sports bars, student hangouts, and well-established watering holes like The Airliner (22 S. Clinton Street, Iowa City).
The best fried chicken in Des Moines, according to our readers
Dive into a time warp with a visit to The High Life Lounge, where every bite of their “broasted” chicken is a crunchy leap through time. This spot is a time machine set to the golden era of the ’60s and ’70s, serving up nostalgia and full bellies with all of its throwback meals. The ambiance screams “retro chic,” with decor that could very well have been borrowed from your grandparent’s favorite pub.
Des Moines Nightlife & Party Guide – 2024
The High Life Lounge in Des Moines is a retro haven that transports patrons back to the 1960s with its vintage decor and old-school vibe. Known for its selection of domestic beers, particularly “The Champagne of Beers” Miller High Life, the lounge has become a local favorite. The menu complements the laid-back atmosphere, featuring classic comfort foods like grilled cheese and Spam sandwiches.
The best fried chicken in Iowa, from Korean fried chicken to soul food
Step back in time to a ’70s den decorated with wood paneling, low-slung ceilings, and vintage beer signs and order the broasted chicken at the High Life Lounge. The restaurant broasts its chicken in a pressure cooker to ensure each piece comes out with a juicy inside and crispy skin. Order combinations of white and dark meats, then pair your meal with mashed potatoes and gravy or broccoli.
Here's where to find some of the best fried chicken in Iowa, from Balltown to Donnellson
Full Court Press | The Bars & Restaurants in Des Moines You Love
The Champagne of Bars knows nostalgia and retro like no one else!. We are the home of Tangermeisters, Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots and Thirsty Thursdays. Featured on Travel Channel’s “Man Vs Food” 2010; highlighted in the travel section of the New York Times; voted one of the best bars in America by Esquire Magazine; voted by Des Moines as Best Bar Food, Best Fried Chicken and more.
Cheap Food in Des Moines
High Life Lounge in Des Moines, IA, is a charming 1960s-style tavern that offers a laid-back, nostalgic atmosphere. This local favorite serves up classic comfort food, including burgers, broasted chicken, and unique appetizers like bacon-wrapped tater tots. With a focus on affordability and value, the menu provides a range of delicious options without breaking the bank.
10 Fun Restaurants & Bars In Des Moines
If Miller High Life is the champagne of beers, then the High Life Lounge is the champagne of bars. Stepping inside this downtown dive feels like traveling back to the ‘70s. With a Formica bar top, wood paneling and vintage signage, the High Life Lounge has everything you could want in a dive—with quality comfort food to boot.
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If Miller High Life is the champagne of beers, then the High Life Lounge is the champagne of bars. Stepping inside this downtown dive feels like traveling back to the ‘70s. With a Formica bar top, wood paneling and vintage signage, the High Life Lounge has everything you could want in a dive—with quality comfort food to boot.
50 Best Restaurants in Des Moines: Our guide of where to eat, drink, brunch
Chow down on Broasted chicken, bacon-wrapped tater tots and rarebit burgers at this throwback 1960s-style tavern serving the “Champagne of Beers," along with Pabst Blue Ribbon and Schlitz. For more of a Mexican vibe, try El Bait Shop next door. Location: 200 SW Second St., Des Moines. Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.
Highest-rated Cheap Eats in Des Moines, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (152 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Address: 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4706- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-ranked pizza restaurants in Des Moines by diners
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High Life Lounge is absolutely the most fun when you’re looking for simple bar food with an ice cold beer. This retro joint feels like a time machine – on purpose – and sipping on a Miller High Life for $2 makes everything even better. Oh, and the $5 burger baskets just can’t be beat.
The 7 Best Burgers In Des Moines
The High Life Lounge is a 1950’s style restaurant with great food and even better burgers. The meat that goes in their burgers are from local producers and are extremely flavourful and delicious. If you like some heat with your burger, give their Diablo Burger a hot try.
1 Night in Des Moines, IA
The cool thing is it is connected to another bar/restaurant, High Life Lounge which only serves beers from 1979 and earlier, has shag carpet and Miller High Life signs all over. They have a shot called a Tangmeister which is Tang and Jaeger
CITYVIEW's Relish
High Life Lounge has a supper club menu and a number of beers on tap. Lua might make the best fries in town plus other kitchen treats. Court Avenue Brewing Company is the original brew pub here, or at least the longest operating one.
Where to Find Hot Soup in Downtown Des Moines
Enjoy a classic bowl of Homemade Chili or savor the rich, comforting flavors of Chicken Corn Chowder, made even better topped with crispy and crunchy bacon. Each bowl is like a warm hug on a cool day!. thehighlifelounge.com
16 Best Bars in Des Moines 2016
This 60’s style dive bar has a very appropriate top seller: Miller beer. The High Life Lounge was also named one of the best bars in America by Esquire Magazine and was featured on Man vs. Food. The High Life Lounge
Our Favorite Dive Bars in Des Moines
Not only will you find the “champagne of all beers” in this 1960s style corner bar, but also great cheap food. Come to relax with a Miller High Life and bacon wrapped tots, you’ll be glad you checked this one out!
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200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309Phone: 515-280-1965 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by @roamfarandwide
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