A dive bar/restaurant with 70s decor. The food is comfort food and appetizers. Affordable and delicious! From bacon wrapped tater tots to velvets cheese dip that you usually only get at pot lucks. The broiled chicken has even been on the food network twice! For vegetarians they have deviled eggs, grilled cheese and egg sandwich also a full Mexican menu. We live this relaxed spot for lunch or dinner. Nice patio near sec Taylor in the summer. read more

Walking into the Miller High Life Lounge is like walking into a 1970s portal. They have an extensive collection of old beer signs, carpeting and paneling that I remember was super cool when I was 10 (A long time ago..) Aside from the nostalgic decor, they have great food. I've had everything from the burgers to the fish tacos and they have all been great! I highly recommend the Diablo burger! Also, be sure to try the bacon wrapped tots as an app or a side! The wait staff is always great; very friendly and quick. The customers are usually a good mix of just about every social group. Don't worry about bringing the kids, it's family friendly. read more

I have been to High Life Lounge three times. The chicken is very good, as are their rolls. If you love things covered in bacon, make sure to try the tator tots or little smokeys. The most recent time I was here, I got their version of a morning burger (with an egg) and sweet potato fries. The burger was very good, while the fries were lackluster. My husband got the garlic burger, and it was honestly too much garlic. This is coming from a woman who puts garlic and garlic powder in and on EVERYTHING. The garlic is so overpowering it almost burns your tongue. I also had an iced tea that was not very good either. It tasted a little musty and old. Overall though, I enjoy this restaurant. The 70s feel to it is unique, and not too overdone. I still recommend this place to people who are looking for something local and divey. read more

You guys! This place is legit. I mean when you roll into a bar and feel like you're at the VFW... When you can order two cans of Old Milwaukee for three bucks... When you can drink ponies of High Life (that's the 7 ounce glass bottles in case you don't know) When fried cheese curds and tater tots AND tater tots wrapped in bacon and jalapenos are on the menu... When they have menu items that are cooked with "as seen on TV" methods and proudly promoted that way... THAT'S when you know you are in dive bar heaven. Well done, High Life Lounge, well done. read more

A group of buddies and I made the trip to Des Moines to try out this place. I've heard great things about The High Life Lounge via friends and it being featured on Man vs Food. Coming in with high expectations, I was satisfied with my visit. Coming in, the atmosphere was great. A lively group of people conversing at the bar and the walls filled with interesting pictures and decorations. On top of this, there are old arcade games in the back to give the customers a feeling of nostalgia. Once we were seated, a waitress quickly came over to us and took our drink and appetizer orders. She made great time getting our drinks for us and immediately took our orders, making very helpful recommendations on the menu. She periodically came back to the table for refills and our food was out shortly. Excellent service. For our appetizers we got the renowned bacon wrapped tator tots and the bacon wrapped little smokies. The tator tots were like a mysterious flavor that I had never experienced before, amazing. The little smokies were good and had great potential, except they were slightly burnt. I'm not sure if they are usually that done or if that was just our batch. Another thing was the appetizers were a little expensive at $6.95 each for only 8 bite-sized hors d'oeuvres. For the main course I ordered broasted chicken. A breast and a wing with a side salad and mashed potatoes. Do not order the chicken wing. I got mine and thought it was a bat wing. There was no meat on it whatsoever. Although, this was made up for by the huge chicken breast I got. The side salad was delicious with fresh lettuce and carrots. The ranch dressing is very thin there, which enhanced the salad. The mashed potatoes had a great flavor with delicious gravy. My only complaint about it was it was slightly cold and hard. All in all, the food was good. I would definitely recommend coming to The High Life Lounge. It has a homey atmosphere and excellent service. If you haven't been here and are in the area, make a stop here; it will be worth the trip. Four out of five stars. read more

Broasted Chicken. The. End. Just kidding....mostly. This place has such a fun throw-back atmosphere and is perfect for rowdy nights out as well as a more intimate (very causal) dinner. I've been here for several occasions on the patio and indoors. Only real complaint is dining room management when things get busy. Service gets slow and staff sometimes struggle to clean and turn tables. Get the chicken. It's a steal for the price they charge and it's true broasted chicken. Yes, you can get the same food next door, but make an outing out of it and start here and then move next door later. The bacon-wrapped tots are another killer specialty. If you've never done them, you're really missing out. Other specials in the drink/shot category: Rootdowns and this Tang shot. Not terribly alcoholic and fun for crowds. read more

The first time we visited this restaurant we had a great time. It was for my birthday. The food was great and we loved the atmosphere. However we decided to go back to the highlife lounge side and our waitstaff was lacking. The young lady took a very long time to even come over for a drink order. A table that was seated after us got way more of her attention. That table was full of your guys, I get it you want good tips but don't disrespect the other customers that you have because you assume we won't be tipping you well. Then the group that was seated behind us was screaming, yelling and throwing things.having nothing to do with the basketball game that was on. Again staff did nothing. The loud I can handle but the throwing things? By the time we got our food and our first and only set of drinks (because of slow service) my fries and burger were cold. Not sure if we'll go back. Apparently if you aren't a 20 something male you won't get good service here. read more

While I have, overall been a fan, it is amazing how one bad experience can ruin your opinion of a place. Last night was that experience. Picture this for a moment: A group of 12 walks in around 9 pm on a Tuesday night; not exactly "slammed" with business. Everyone is having fun and chatting with each other - this is a bar, right? You are allowed to talk to your friends - right?? We start to place some orders, but not everyone has thought about what to drink nor are they paying much attention to the bartender at that very moment. The bartender (Nathan) decides that getting 100% of our attention is a requirement for coming into the High Life, and whistles then shouts to our chatty group: "What do you want drink!?! I got better things to do than take your orders!!" I kid you not... a bartender... at a bar that is slow... yells as a large group of people that came into the bar (one might easily assume to drink!!) ... that he has better things to do??? To say we were P-O'd is an understatement. The better thing that this guy should be doing is looking at the "Help Wanted" ads, because his butt should be fired! With that outburst, he not only lost a regular guest (me), but any potential new visitors that might have had a great time and spent a lot of money in this joint. Full Court Press -- you better figure this one out. read more

Driven passed HLL a number of times when visiting the city but never actually been in. Always meant to go in, just never did bc of whatever. Last night, was finally that time - that time I walked through the door to what appeared to be Heaven! HLL is absolutely amazing! It is the perfect hole in the wall! The perfect well! HLL has Awesome staff, friendly locals and absolutely cheap drinks! Just go on in and enjoy yourself! The only draw back is that they didn't have XL t-shirts for me to purchase and bring home to cherish this gem! read more

This small little place had a great vibe. The chicken was excellent! The broasted chicken is a must. read more

High Life Lounge - Bacon wrapped with cheese tater tots on the bottom, bacon wrapped little smokies on the top. - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I love this place! Total throwback with the orange-ish carpet, old bowling posters and beer posters. It's like being in a 1970's basement. The food is what you would expect, but the broasted chicken is AMAZING. For your first time get the tater tot appetizer and then broasted chicken, you might have a clogged artery but it will be worth it. I usually drink the Champagne of Beers while here, it just feels right. If you are looking for a craft beer you can head over to El Bait shop which is connected next door. This place really fills up when there are baseball games so check the schedule before you head down. Good for happy hour, dinner, lunch, and late night drinking. read more

A friend of mine told me about this place, and it sounded good and I was interested, until he mentioned the Tater tot appetizer- I could not get it off my mind for a week. The tater tot appetizer is pure love mixed with ecstasy, all on a plate. It is a tater tot wrapped in jalapeño and bacon- melted cheese on top and served with Ranch. OMG!!!! Everything good in the world on one plate. I drove a total of 4 hours to taste this masterpiece. It was the best single bite of food I have ever tasted. It changed my life and raised the bar for any other restaurant. It was worth every minute of the drive. Literally, I almost got teary eyed. Totally Delicious in every way. As far as the lounge, it was a fun 1970's theme. It was clean and felt like you were transported back in time. Service was friendly and I also enjoyed the Broasted Chicken. It was very good and hot. The onion rings were finely shredded and very crispy. Over all, I am very excited about finding this place. When traveling to Des Moines we have often left disappointed in restaurants in the downtown. Now we have a home away from home. If Mom could have cooked like this, I would have never left home. Do yourself a favor and have the Tater tots, you will not regret it. It is the best investment I have made in a long time. They are pure PREFECTION!! There are so few times you are really surprised by great food, High Life Lounge delivered. It brought back my faith in Humanity- one tater tot at a time. read more

For starters, this place is a total dive. It is dark, a little musty and boasts the best collection of locals recently off work and enjoying happy hour. Came here solo and sat down at the bar. I ordered the bacon covered tots, chicken and a few beers. The high life bottles were very inexpensive and the food was reasonably priced as well. My bartender never let an empty sit for too long and the food came out super quick and HOT. The tots were amazing. Get them whenever you come through. The chicken however, was severely dry and over cooked for my taste. Minus one star there. All and all, this is a fun place to get a little rowdy after work, or if you are traveling for business, a great spot to meet some locals and have a few cold ones. If for any reason, I cruise through Iowa again, I will for sure come back. read more

High Life Lounge - Bacon wrapped tots! - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

High LIfe is one of those places where you plan your day around the big event. A yogurt for breakfast. A salad for lunch. A basket of bacon wrapped tater tots, fried pickles and a burger for dinner. Don't forget the beer--actually skip the beers at High Life and order from El Bait Shop if you are a beer snob like me. The booths are noticeably sloped. There is shag carpet throughout the restaurant. You kinda smell like a french fry when you leave....but I love this place! I paid $7 for my meal here last time. It's cheap. And satisfies your craving for everything fried. read more

It doesn't get a whole lot better than this. It's a dive bar, but it's not gross. It's a dive bar because of the decor, not because it's not taken care of. It takes you back to a time most people don't really try to go back to. Everyone loves the 50s, the 60s... depending on when you were born, maybe the early '70s. Nobody actively tries to be in the 80s (which culturally spans about 1977 to 1992), but to me, when you step into the High Life Lounge, you're stepping into 1978 and it's a good thing. Old-school back-lit menu boards, real tube TVs (remember those?), formica bar tops, shag carpeting, and cheap tables and chairs. You come in to the High Life Lounge, grab a High Life, light up a cig (something you just can't do in too many places, these days), order some comfort food, and take it all in. One of my favorite bar experiences of all-time. read more

The High Life Lounge is a great place for food and getting together with friends for drinks. The burgers here great, get bacon on them, with a side of tater tots. The Bacon wrapped tots are amazing also. We tried the fried cheese curds and they are pretty good. Our last trip here we also tried the pizza burger, it was alright. Love the broasted chicken here too. The inside of the bar is like a miller high life basement(wood paneling with shag carpet) and the outside deck is really fun on a clear summertime day. This is one of the best stops in Des Moines. read more

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Amazing. Simply amazing. The 70s and early 80s vibe is killing it. I have come to appreciate the beauty and elegance of miller high life light. I recommend a can but you can opt for a draft or bottle. It's a fantastic place to grab a beer...and next door is a bar that offers a wide variety of beers, in case you crave diversity. I give it a four as I think the food was about a 3 - average. But, please don't let this deter you. In my view, this is a solid joint and you may like the food...but it didn't do a lot for me. Stop by. Have a miller high life. Rinse and repeat. read more

Really good chicken. As long as you stay away from the wings as they are pretty much one bite. The bacon wrapped tator tots are very good but you only get 8 for $6.95 so it's a little bit over priced. The service was consistent and pleasant. There was a really great atmosphere and a really good overall experience with friends Four Stars! read more

High Life Lounge - Bacon wrapped smokies and bacon wrapped tutor tots - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Came in here Dec. 23 2013. We had just got into town after driving from Texas so a nice drink was in order. This place was suggested to us and away we went. A little hard to find but so are most dive bars. There were fun shots like jäger and tang and jäger and root beer and both we're surprisingly good! Can't wait to go back next year when we're back in town :) read more

High Life Lounge - Jäger and tang... Who knew it would be so good! - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I was really excited to check this place out....I've been to DSM so many times and have somehow missed it every time. First of all, parking is not great - there was fresh snow, and no parking was allowed on the street due to the plows coming thru in the early AM. So we parked at the Science Center, which isn't really that convenient in a blizzard, and you have to pay for. Anyhow, once we got inside, it was pretty crowded. We had a party of 6, so we sat in a large booth in the back of the restaurant. I really feel like most of the decor is forced - this isn't a "dive" bar that has been around since the 70s, but more of a place that the owners created to look like that. The decor is cool, just not really authentic, in my opinion. Now to the food - everything we had was REALLY good. We started with appetizers - we ordered the bacon wrapped tots (holy crap, an orgasm in my mouth), fried cheese curds (typical Iowa fare, pretty hard to go wrong), and fried pickles (also delicious, but nothing too exciting). The tots are absolutely amazing!! It is a tot, topped with a jalapeno and wrapped in bacon and then topped with cheese. Words can not express how much I LOVED these little nuggets of awesomeness! Make sure you order these when you get a chance. For our meals, 2 people ordered chicken fingers (didn't get to taste them, so I can't rate them), I ordered the broasted chicken with 2 thighs to share, along with mac n cheese and cole slaw (it's amazing how delicious the chicken is), and my friend ordered the goulash to share as well (a big dish and pretty good). The skin on the chicken is what makes it so good - it is crispy and juicy and melts in your mouth. I was really surprised. The cole slaw was different and good, but not sure if I would order it again. The mac n cheese was also only ok. As for the goulash, I was surprised at how much you get with 1 order - definitely enough to share. They really have a limited beer menu - but you can go next door to El Bait Shop and bring some of their beer over (and they have a HUGE selection). I was excited by the drink menu in general - orange, strawberry and grape fanta, as well as "hillbilly holler," which is a knockoff Mountain Dew. Our service was decent - our server seemed a little annoyed and wasn't the most friendly person I've encountered - but in general it was OK. Overall, this is a cool little spot with good food and an interesting atmosphere. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you are in Downtown DSM. read more

Oh, I love the High Life Lounge. The divest of divey, but in a cool way. Cheap beer for cheap, greasy food (including bacon wrapped tator tots) and just enough sunlight blocked from the inside to avoid you questioning what else you could be doing with your life. My only word of warning is to avoid the tangerbombs. That magic pitcher of Tang and other curious liquids that they pull out from under the bar is just plain not good! A small space, but pretty much all tables. It can fill up quickly. And if you get bored, El Bait Shop is literally next door (you don't even have to go outside!). My favorite bar in Des Moines! read more

Oh my gosh, this place. I had heard stories of friends coming here on trips to DSM and knew we had to check it out. We stopped in at 2pm on a Monday - prime day drinking time. Greeted by a friendly bartender, we saddled up to the bar for the Tangmeister (which I may be butchering). It's a shot of Tang and Jager. I can't stand Jager, but when in Rome... It's the best dive bar I've been to in such a long time. We made friends with one of the regulars that worked next door and learned of some sweet places to check out while we were downtown. My friends and I are planning our next trip and High Life is most definitely on our list. read more

OMG. Every great review below this one is true. This is a destination bar, totally worth a trip to Des Moines from within a couple hundred miles. Trust me, the only other places within a couple hundred miles are Kansas City and Omaha - sure, hit those too but definitely put High Life Lounge on your list. Until the last few years, they haven't offered any alcohol that wasn't available in 1979. That's a nice touch but it unnecessarily limits the selection. I sampled a couple local Ryes and Bourbons, and of course rediscovered Miller High Life. My tab was a lot less than I'd expect about anywhere else - certainly anywhere else with a personality. Just a great, great, dive bar. read more

We really enjoyed this place! Vibrant,loud and full of people watching. Favorites: Bacon wrapped tater tots Good old fashioned fried chicken Mac and cheese French cut green beans Miller high life bottles So yummy! read more

Well. If you're looking for your grandpa's corner dive, you've found it. The food is cheap, and a bonus star because they had a spam sandwich, which I love. Obviously the place is popular - we had to sprint across the bar to grab a table as its previous owners were getting up to leave. The service was okay - I had asked for pickles on my spam sandwich when I ordered and the waiter responded "we have fried pickles." Okay, not what I was asking...when the runner brought my food, I again, asked for pickles and was responded to "well, we have fried pickles." I lifted the bun off my boyfriends burger, pointed to the pickles and then he got it. I also had to ask for mayo twice because the waiter had forgotten them. However, he was real quick at bringing us beers, so I can't be too upset. The food was alright. I mean, there was a spam egg and cheese sandwich on the menu. Living a dairy-free life, I ordered no cheese and wasn't looking to get messy, so no egg. I literally got two pieces of spam on grilled cheese-like bread. For $4. Couldn;t have given an extra piece of spam in place of the egg? Alright... Two friends ordered the burgers, one didn't sit well. Another ordered enchiladas - needless to say, she wasn't happy. But I'm not upset about it because I would never order enchiladas and expect them to be good at a bar that didn't focus on mexican food. I indicated that the Noise Level was "Very Loud" - it may have just been the one night we were there. There was a group of bros celebrating...something? But there were loud chants about the Hawkeyes, and as the night went on, the chants turned VERY offensive. So offensive that three tables of people got up and left. The management made the bros leave after that. Overall, I love dive bars. I love beer. I love spam sandwiches. Does this seem like a cornerstone bar to des moines? Yes. Would I come here for a dinner date in jeans and a tank top? Hell yes. Would I bring someone in a prom dress here? No. read more

Stopped in for a meal and drinks. Easy to get a seat by beating the rush. 5pm. So many comfort foods to choose from. Wife got the Reuben and loved it. I got the BLT with cottage cheese and a cup of chicken corn chowder with bacon. BLT good chowder good. But the cottage cheese was warm??? Friend ate some warm deviled eggs here before and paid for it. So I skipped it. Drinks were good. Lemonade vodkas were hitting the spot. read more

This was the WORST food I've ever had in my 25 years of existence on this planet. The burgers we ordered were so inedible I wouldn't have fed them to my hypothetical dog. Yelp, I thought I could count on you! I have no idea how this place has such high reviews; we felt incredibly mislead. Cool looking interior, but horrendous food. I thank my lord and savior for not getting food poising that night, which was nothing short of a miracle. read more

Came to the high life lounge for lunch today...my first time. We ordered the bacon and jalapeño wrapped tots which were pretty good! My fiance had the High life man burger and it was DELICIOUS. I had the chicken Italian sandwich, didn't care for it, no seasoning or flavor what so ever and the chicken was dry. Overall I liked the place and will be back again!! read more

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I think you have to be in the mood for the High Life lounge! Cool place and music but is much more of a hangout with your own group and can get very packed. Wait staff even though this place was hopping was on task. I love that they only serve old beers...something like if it has not been brewed before 73 you won't see it. I hear the food is good and will go back when I am in the mood for bar food! read more

Food is good, I feel as though each time I have visited it was a struggle to get a table and service wasn't always prompt. But I still enjoy the atmosphere, drinks, and food so I will continue to go! read more

In Des Moines for a few days. Weather is super cold here but I am totally blessed that this restaurant was less than 1/2 a block from my hotel. If this place was next to my house I would eat here every night. Ive had several meals here and each one was AMAZING! You could tell they use quality ingredients and everything is made from scratch. The broasted chicken was insane! Loved it so much I ordered more the next evening. Had a club salad and corn chowder for lunch. Friggen phenomenal! Less than the crappy microwaved meatloaf I got up the street from Hessen Haus and x5 more filling not to mention both had to have been made fresh from scratch. Not sure if Im a fan of Des Moines (prefer warmer weather) but I am sure going to miss this restaurant. read more

High Life Lounge - My Amazing to go order. Club Salad and Corn Chowder. Fresh and made from scratch. TY High Life Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

So, when I interviewed for my current job, my bosses took me to lunch at the High Life Lounge. I had never been there before and was not aware of the deliciousness that was the Cheeseburger Basket w/ Tots until that day. I'm pretty sure that I have not ordered anything else off of there menu since that day...b/c well, the Cheeseburger Basket and Tots is something that I NEVER get sick of. Delicious. Plus, the waitstaff is great and attentive. Also, it's so nice now that the smoking ban in Iowa is in effect...because I can actually breathe in there and the stench of smoke is totally eliminated. read more

Just in for some beers but love the selection and the old school vibe. Wish I had a place like this near me read more

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The atmosphere here is unique and a lot of fun. It's not fancy or even that nice, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a dive bar either even though that's kind of what they're going for. It's a friendly welcoming place, but it's really annoying if it's a night when the I-Cubs are playing. Then it's packed and stupid hard to get a beer. Weeknights though it's always pleasant and lunch time it's easy to get a table. The food is cheap and surprisingly very good. The chili-cheeseburger basket can not be beat for about $5. read more

Great place, as long as you don't diminish the ego maniac making the food by asking him a question. If you happen to see someone who looks like Danny Bonaduche (the guy responsible for all of that grease in the bowl of your bacon wrapped tots) steer clear. His Pompous attitude will cost you one of your favorite bars. read more

High Life Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Chicken was OFF the dang chain!!! Absolutely delicious!!! Omg!! I will def be back!!!! Great service!! Eve was a great server!!! Chicken......omg..... absolutely delicious!!!! read more

Great variety on the menu, great service and our food arrived fast. It seemed like there were a lot of known regular customers in there that night. They have a lot of unique beers on tap, stuff you don't see anywhere else... The prices are decent, what you would pay anywhere else. We will definitely be back next time we are in town. We will also recommend this fun little place to anyone in Des Moines!! Worth the drive across town if you are not already downtown or near the stadium. read more

Fun,divy, great fried food. Fried pickles and sandwiches were great. The Miller High Life on draft was crisp and delicious.

I was so excited to try the High Life Lounge after seeing it on Man vs. Food. I love bacon and cheese, after all, who doesn't? However, I was greatly disappointed in both the bacon wrapped tater tots and bacon wrapped smokies. The tots were covered in cheese that had obviously been microwaved too long as it was crunchy. The bacon on both the tots and smokies was not done. The edges of the bacon was still almost raw while the center was crunchy. Now, if I was just rating the broasted chicken then this would be a 4 star if not 5 star rating. But I can't give a rating on just 1 menu item when I tried a few. Nevertheless, the broasted chicken was amazing! The chicken was cooked perfect. When I cut into my chicken breast it was moist and glistening. The skin was crispy and yummy. The sides served with the chicken were mediocre. They should not have been served with that amazing chicken. My boyfriend did love that they had tang on the menu! The decor was as promised...fun dive bar decor from the 70s. So if you love yummy fried (broasted) chicken and tang then this place is for you! read more

If you are ever looking for a simple place to hang out with friends and eat some amazing greasy food then you found it with High Life. This is probably my favorite place to go and while it goes get busy on the weekends, just stop by on a week day and it is pretty chill place to grab a beer and fill your belly with bacon wrapped tots, bacon wrapped smokies, and of course amazing nachos. While the beer selection at High Life is limited, you can also go to El Bait Shop, order then and bring your beer back to High Life. Just a heads up for people looking for food on the weekend, kitchen does close at 10 pm M-S and 9 pm on Sunday, so heads up! read more