The High Life Lounge

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fun throwback restaurant with nostalgic food galore. Seating is first come first serve, so come prepared to earn your table, but totally worth it. The fried chicken is fab.

Completely forgot to take photos. Honestly loved everything about this place. It feels like it opened in the 70s and stayed there, and I loved every bit of it. Wife had the meatloaf, I had the beef stroganoff. Both were absolutely delicious. Can't wait to visit the Des Moines area again, this will be one of the first places I go.

Great food and exceptional service! Patty Melt with brown gravy and fries! Yummy! A friend recommended, and it doesn't disappoint!

This is by far the best thing I've experienced in Des Moines! I cannot imagine a trip up here without stopping by for the Bacon Wrapped Smokies and Jägermeister with root beer. The ambience is perfect and staff is amazing. Well done. I'm forever grateful. I look forward to coming back soon.

A must if you are in the downtown Des Moines area. It is decorated straight from the 1970's which creates a unique atmosphere. I've had multiple dishes all amazing. Service has always been outstanding. Highly recommend!!!

We had an awesome time here. The ambiance really knocks it out of the park! Attached to El Bait Shop, they have so many options for drinks and food, but the wings are always our go to. They are super tender. Go for the Tang Sauce or the BBQ! I brought my aunt, a life long Miller Lite fan, and she was in her element! The service was fantastic, the food was delish as always, and we will be back soon! Pro tip: they have the classic pony bottles of Miller High Life (seen below) and when you order it, a pack of 6 comes to your table! Pretty fun!

Amazing food. Great location and fun atmosphere. We go here every time we are in town.

We had a blast here. Great atmosphere. The nostalgia is so fun to look at. Everyone ordered something different and enjoyed their meal. I had a tenderloin. It was great. Didn't come with a salad on top so I liked it even more. The service was good. It was Saturday lunchtime. So they were kinda busy, but our glasses were full and the food was hot. I don't have food pictures but if smiles mean anything, all is well.

Coolest place in DSM. No BS kind of place. Great atmosphere and service. Love the bar seats. Classic beer selection and decor is great. Cold beer. Good food too - no pretentious attitudes.

High Life Lounge is connected to el Bait Shop in Des Moines. We stumbled in the lounge first just after Christmas and were not disappointed. The ambiance is everything one could ask for. We were transported back in time to a 60's-ish dive bar complete with appropriate holiday decor made from High Life boxes and beer cans. The beer promotional signage hasn't changed in decades. The only thing that feels off is that you expect the place to be hazy with cigarette smoke as it would have been 20/30 years ago, but no worries, we only smelled the onion rings from the table next to us. The staff was amazing. Our bartender and other staff were chatty, provided recommendations for the city and let us try one of their signature Tang themed shots. Yep, you read that right: Tang. They were shockingly tasty. Hands down a great easy laid back time with THE best barstools you will sit in.

A cool little dive bar with a patio within walking distance of the ball stadium. Cheap drinks & decent food. What's not to like?

The bartender on Sunday mornings is spicy. She doesn't move super fast, but I'm thinking it's because of her new bangs... perhaps they're getting in the way. Overall, she's good enough for a .25c raise, for the bangs mainly.

Big fan of the bartenders new bangs. I think her name is Wendy. Also, great at making bloody Mary's. Heard they are 50% off when she makes them every Sunday morning.

Randomly popped in when I was in town for work. Great ambiance and service! It was a flashback in time with a great beer selection. The broasted chicken was incredible!!

Best food had in long time.very nice portions, big sides.fast service. Nice atmosphere.

I came here so many times over the past week it was silly. The atmosphere in here is really chill and what you'd expect in a bar type scene, but it was never rowdy or loud which I appreciate. I got the plate pictured (chicken with the two sides) every day I ate here. The best part was that the chicken came out very hot and and excellent flavor. They really know how to fry some dadgum chicken! The Mac was good to me; but the best, but solid. It was definitely creamy and had good flavor, and it's worth a shot as a side option. The green beans was where I kinda got let down a little bit. There just wasn't much flavor, and as one that doesn't add salt to much of the food I eat, I had to each time. At the end of the day, I really enjoyed going here.

Yummy food especially the cheese curds, service is good prices are good it's a bar with food and cocktails

Ambiance: 5 of 5 Bartenders: 5 of 5 Pricing: 5 of 5 Locals: friendly (but they sided with my girlfriend in our friendly debate ). So they get a 4 out of 5 Food: shockingly good. 5 of 5 Chefs salad was exactly what it should have been. The burger was simple and delicious, as were the fries. We had some jalapeño tator tot bacon wrapped things that were fried perfectly and flavorful. The chicken pot pie was spot on. If I'm ever in DesMoines again, I'll def visiit again

One of the greatest dive bars I've ever been to. Great food and atmosphere. A true gem in Des Moines.

They have high life beer which is pretty awesome. Wendy is a solid bartender, she's quick with bloody Mary's its her specialty definitelyget one from her when you come in. Sometimes when you order no onions you get more. 7 out of 5 would recommended for a classy night out.

Stopped in here for some sunny day drinking before a local Iowa Cubs game. It is certainly very well known (it looks like), with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. A tried and true dive bar, this spot is unapologetic and I love it. The staff were so friendly and hilarious (and fast!) Very chill and down to earth folks who were dancing a little and enjoying their time. We had a few rounds, but didn't have the option to stay for food (this time). I heard from several folks the bacon wrapped tots were a must. We saw order after order going out and they did look good - but a smaller than expected order. I hope to be back soon to try them. I was slightly bummed they didn't allow dogs in all the outdoor seating outside :/ however, I think it has to do with some sort of local ordinance that was passed. The vibe changed as the day went on, with the day bringing in some of those paddling beer bikes and game-goers. I'd say it's fam-friendly in the day but that evolves as it goes on. All in all, we enjoyed it!

Great food, great hard to find classic beer, All in a throw back in time bar feel! will definitely be back!

Always a great place for fun. Food is outstanding and the Staff is wonderful. JP and Linda

This is a great place to visit! Food is great, staff is friendly and engaging! Love it!

My first time here brought me back in time, to a time before I was born....The focus on the Champagne of bottled beer stays in theme from the countertops to the Back light ads to the throwback stickers on the bar!! The food was perfectly comforting as expected! The meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy with a side of corn was like being back in your grandmother's kitchen...and she was an extraordinary cook!!

This is a joint. It's like stepping back in time. It's a 1970's lounge. Good food solid atmosphere and would recommend for a good dinner.

Was on a business trip in Des Moines and one of my coworkers wanted to check this place out, so a group of us went. The inside is just neat, definitely different than your typical place. Just had a chill vibe. I started off with deviled eggs. I love deviled eggs and these were just okay to me. I've had a lot better home made ones. For the meal, I had a hard time deciding as they have an extensive menu with a number of things that sounded great - lots of good home style meals. I ended up going with the hot brown. Toast, beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. I actually really enjoyed this dish - all parts of it were on point with the flavor. It was a very hearty and comfort food dish. I would definitely recommend this place just to hang out, but also enjoy their food selection. I would go back if I were ever in the area.

Delicious food, this is a MUST stop in Des Moines. Hidden gem, everything is good. Especially the pot pie!

When you walk in, it's one of those places that steps you back to the 1960's and you know the food will either be bomb, or not so hot. This spot hit the nail on the head for dive bar food. The fried pickles were done perfectly, and the ranch was some of the best house ranch we've had in a while. The cheeseburger basket was what you'd expect, good seasoning, good sized side portion. I tried the Rarebit Burger, be warned it's a messy one.. my only complaint was that the rarebit sauce seemed a little bland. Our server was great at taking care of us, prices seemed reasonable for a staple of the Des Moines bar scene.

Been here dozens of times and haven't reviewed, I always love the cheese burger basket, no frills just a great diner style burger, crispy crinkle fries or golden crunchy tots a win either way. My moms a broasted chicken queen, and the best I've had myself, but I ordered the chicken pot pie cuz I was freezing and it sounds like a warm your soul dish, but the bartender said that they were out, bummer, but I did have a backup... the hot beef and wow! It did not disappoint. A slice of Texas toast covered with a pile of hot juicy roast beef, and 2 big scoops of homemade mashed potatoes, then smothered with the closest brown gravy to my moms I've ever had! I mean look at that pic! If that doesn't warm your innards... I will definitely be back for that again and again. Now a nap.

I use to come for beers only but recently ate lunch there. Not impressed at all. I'm usually not too picky about portion size but for what we paid I was utterly shocked about how little food we got, and how plain and tasteless everything was. Good place to go with friends for drinks but I personally wasn't impressed with the food. Service was nothing to write home about either.

I grew up with this style of food location all over Iowa, so it is comforting to have a drink and food here. The food is simple and good and we like to meet friends here of all ages.

We were just passing through from Wisconsin and stopped here. Broaster chicken was delicious! My wife had open turkey sandwich she said was really good! We will definitely be back!!

Place reminds you of an old time hang out. Lots of food choices and beverage choices! Neon lights and sports.

We've stopped in a couple of times for snacks and drinks, and the selection and prices will keep us coming back for more. The 70's vibe doesn't hurt either, since that was the era I grew up in. On this trip I asked if they could make a martini and the server said they didn't have any glasses to make it fancy, but they could do it. It was just as good as any I've had and was very reasonably priced. My wife had a beer and we shared an order of onion rings. The rings were freshly made, and had a pretty good batter coating. Of course since we're in Iowa they came with a side of ranch dressing. We need to try dinner sometime. It's definitely a casual atmosphere, and they seem to draw a varied clientele, so almost anyone should feel welcome here.

Best fried chicken in town. Loads of fun throw backs from childhood. Not your normal bar food. Love this place.

Quite a while back, I stopped by the High Life Lounge to grab a sandwich and a side of coleslaw. I started reading as I ate, but then I stopped reading as the taste filtered through my consciousness - the food was excellent! Service was efficient and friendly; the prices were quite reasonable given how good the food tastes :-) The menu here contains a nice selection of sandwiches and comfort-food type entrées. If that's the kind of food you're thinking about, then this is an outstanding place to come and get it :-)

Schlitz and Broasted Chicken. The End. Really, that is a good summary of their menu. This is a great place to dine as well as hang out in the night time. The menu is all things your 1970s mom would have made for dinner. They also feature a variety of specials and you may also order from El Bait Shop. This is a place you can take your family and your dad will love it if you invite him along. A great place to hangout before and after I Cubs games and really, any time of the day. The food, beer and music, all great and the service typically is as well. The downside is parking. A small parking lot and lots of metered parking.

Like many others, I came here after seeing the restaurant on man v food. The establishment meets the definition of a dive bar and has great food. Tourists stand out to the primarily lical clientele. The tots do look as good as what you saw on tv but still tasted great. The chicken was moist with crispy skin. My only knock is the mediocre mac and cheese. There is an excellent selection of beer to make up for the bad side.

What happens when you walk into High Life Lounge? You walk into a 1970s college kid's parents' downstairs hangout spot. All the wood paneling and decor makes it feel like you walked into a time warp. Nothing is wrong with it, it's weirdly comforting and not dive-y as you may think it is from looking on the outside sign. This place is connected to also El Bait Shop and they share the same food menu and beer so really you can pick from sitting at a 70s themed basement or a bait shop... I really do enjoy coming here and it's not because Adam Richman from Man Vs Food came here to eat bacon wrapped tater tots (which you should actually try...) I really enjoy their broasted chicken, it really is a great place to get fried chicken in the downtown area. It's all you want in fried chicken, crispy and moist and juicy in the middle to perfection. They have quite a few outdoor seating when the weather permits and a lot of bike racks so when you need a break from trying to be fit biking around the metro I would suggest making High Life be a place for a few drinks and food at the end of the day ride.

Great place for after an Iowa Cubs ball game! We all had broasted chicken! Some of us had mashed potatoes and gravy (beef gravy) and others had tater tots! Tots were fried and crunchy. The people who had coleslaw said it was the best coleslaw ever! My green beans were spot on! The wawas great the atmosphere is awesome! You should go there. Update: two weeks later we returned. The place was hopping! We found a table and immediately were asked for our drink order. We also ordered bacon wrapped tater tots. My goodness!! Delicious!! I had a breaded pork sandwich. It was a cutlet and not a loin. Meh...disappointing. Kind of tastes like a Casey's sandwich. I had asked for onions when I ordered. I asked twice more and never got them. They would have helped. Hubby stuck with the broasted chicken. Friends had BLT and a grinder. They enjoyed them. We all had the coleslaw. Wonderful creamy slaw! Great vibe on a Friday night!!

Always bring out of town friends to High Life! Awesome, laid back ambience. The food is outstanding! Had a cheeseburger with tots and lil smokies to die for! The cherry on top is out amazing bartender Kristin!!!! Highly recommend!

I love this place and Kristen the bartender is amazing!!! Was so down and out when I was looking for a place to have a drink and a snack and snap me out of my funk!!! Wow, was this the ticket!!!!!

Best chicken I have ever eaten; broasted in a pressure cooker rather than fried. Sides are good but not outstanding; cole slaw is the best side on the menu. Tater tots are cooked well. Baked beans are often overcooked.

The CHAMPAGNE OF BARS. Exactly what a neighborhood bar should be - cozy and very reasonably priced. Dinner tab for the evening $28 bucks including a few drinks (Ketel One up, two beers and an entrée)... outrageously well priced given the quality of the food. If you have never been here, don't bother trying anything else - get the BROASTED CHICKEN. Its ridiculous. They get the inside juicy and extremely crispy on the outside without being over greasy - perfection. Cooked with a patented pressure-frying process that produces the best chicken you'll ever have. Comes with two sides (I went Mashed Potatoes & Gravy / Refried Beans) and a roll (even the roll was ridiculous yum). Tator Tots, Chili Cheese Fries, Mac & Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon sides all looked temping as well. Check it out - you will love it. Adam the bartender was great too!

This place was packed on a Saturday afternoon but we found a couple seats at the bar. The bartender was wonderful and shared tips for our apartment hunting outing. She also gave us great advice on what to order. I had a gooey turkey reuben with just the right amount of sauerkraut and an ice cold beer. The side of tater tots was perfect. My daughter had the grinder and was nice enough to let me have a bite. It was every bit as good as the ones you get at the State Fair. I see that some of the review complain about the dive bar vibe. We loved it. Reminded me of my parents basement back in the 70's. Enjoy!

Excellent food and great service. Very affordable too. Try the broasted chicken and a Miller highlife.

Great nostalgic atmosphere, fantastic and friendly service, and delicious wings and comfort food too!

This review is for a late lunch for two at the bar on a Thursday while passing through Des Moines on a road trip. service Jackie is in the running for world's best bartender. Welcoming with us first-timers, polite to some loud regulars and generally great all the way around. She was spot-on with all her recommendations and advice. A great professional. bar The name of the place should give it away. But, in addition to Miller High Life, there's a full bar and enough craft taps to keep everyone happy. My wife's Cosmo was amazing - and $5.75! My Saga IPA was excellent. Plus, there's a jar of Tang for those Apollo space program Jaegermeister shots? food Welcome to the mecca of 'merican comfort food! My wife's chili was perfect. Our half order of nachos was gargantuan. All the food is exactly what you expect - and that is great! They are famous for their broasted chicken, but we'll save that for next time. details If you're a mid-century modernist, go just for the decorating. Parking is a bit mixed. Their small lot is an option and there are some spots on the street. Don't get the High Life Lounge confused with El Bait Shop. Sure, they are co-joined, but they are very different - as it should bd. El Bait Shop can get a bit crowded while the High Life Lounge should remind you of your parent's basement.

A great dining experience, located within downtown Des Moines, and a short walk from the Residence Inn and the Iowa Cubs' great ballpark. Such a unique interior, loaded with all sorts of knick-knacks and quirky items. Has a superb atmosphere. Parking nearby on the street and plenty of lots. Kind of a dive bar look, but the service and food quality is terrific. My server, Jacob, was both friendly and professional, and he really knew his menu. They have a huge beer menu, and the service was very, very good. I ordered chips and guacamole, which was both tasty and quickly presented, then had an exceptional burger basket with tater tots! The combination of fairly-priced food, a great vibe within, and the superb decorations, this is a can't miss place.

This is the best place for bar food. nothing beats it. loud but worth the noise. don't even drink just go for the food

A must stop for lunch! Good food and atmosphere.. you can't beat goulash and pot roast for good comfort food.. I always get a side of tag sauce to dip fries in, and if you can, have a tanger bomb!!! Jaeger and tang shot..