It is one of those Des Moines staples, and i am so glad that we did it, because it is a damn good visit. Street parking, busy indoor environment, casual attire. A fun stop, full of energy and good food. Our server, Michelle, was outstanding, mixinga fun personality with a terrific energy and awareness. Loved my High Life Burger basket, and our Chicken Pot Pie was incredible. Coke products. read more

See all

Take a walk back in time in this laid back spot. Tucked away on a quiet side street across from a parking garage, is this endearing gem. The vintage decor is everywhere. The huge bar, tables and booths with retro signs and chachkies everywhere really create the perfect vibe. The ladies serving fit right in. Our server felt like sweet Aunt who wants you to eat all of your food or no dessert. So cute and adorable. Our food was very tasty. My pot pie looked unique but tasted soo good. My friend loved her turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. Comfort food all around. We really loved our experience and will definitely return! read more

See all

I'm not saying I'd arm wrestle someone if it was the only way to ever eat their bacon-wrapped little smokies again. (I try not to partake in physical combat). I'll just say if arm wrestling was the price of admission to get them, I'd probably watch Stallone's classic 80's film Over the Top a few more times for pointers because those little devils are just that tasty. (BTW, Over the Top is one of the top 5 arm wrestling movies of all time.) Their fried cheese curds are just the right amount of crispy and gooey, which was also the name of my acapella group in college. Lastly, their broasted chicken that they are known for, which I had trepidation about ordering, was delicious. It is to chicken dishes what Galaxy Quest is to sci-fi films. Far better than I was expecting. Respect. read more

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

See all

One of my faves places when I'm craving tang hot wing and broasted chicken. Good ole comfort foods you can't find at other places in DSM. Food is always served hot and fresh from kitchen. Service is always quick and helpful. Ambiance definitely older dive bar feel. read more

High Life Lounge - Naked wings, onion rings - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Talk about full circle... haven't been to Des Moines since I got out of pro ball three years ago. This joint is close to the AAA ball park and I happened to stumble back on it when looking for food today! I even took the attached picture three years go but never left a review (just found out I actually did!). Shame on me. Anyways, it's easy to recall this establishment. First, the location, building, and atmosphere. It's a sports bar with good food!!!! Has a few TVs in it, but just a cozy environment. I got the fried chicken again with mac and green beans (per usual at places) and I honestly just love eating good soul food. The guy in the back even gave me an extra thigh because they were small!! Integrity. The only complaints I'd have about this place is this: No SWEET TEA?!?!! And the green beans needed a little salt. If I'm putting salt on something, then it needs it. I don't add salt or pepper to anything because I like to taste the flavor for what it is. All in all, if you're in the area, stop by and enjoy. It's solid. read more

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

Comfortable bar food with homey feel. Good for lunch, dinner, or drinks and conversation.

The ICubs were delayed, so we shuffled the grandkids here to join the rest of the fans and grab some lunch. Solid kids menu, and of course, the great adult options. This time around I got the grinder (great) and slaw (very good). My wife got the Black Bean Burger - tasty, with a mound of avocado. She also opted for the Sweet Potato Fries-a great upgrade. The kids got the tots version of the cheeseburger and fries and the chicken strips with applesauce. They both scarfed it all down. Solid service and very reasonable prices. read more

See all

Definitely a hole in the wall place. The decor and overall vibe is super nostalgic. Our drinks were cold, and our food came out within 10 minutes of ordering. Grilled cheese was great, as was the hot beef. read more

I worked for a company based out of Des Moines for about four years and was in DSM quite a bit. Every time I was in town I went out of my way to go to this bar. The beer sign collection alone is worth the stop. It's like a step back in time. The wait staff are always super friendly and it does give big neighborhood tavern vibes. I'd recommend the Velvet Elvis dip. read more

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

High Life Lounge - Patty Melt with Brown Gravy and fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This place is always a grand slam for a meal, service and ambiance! Best cheeseburger fries anywhere! Lunch special meatloaf is just how your granny made it!! read more

Lovely lounge and dive bar with lots of eats and Miller high life everywhere. And high life, PBR, and Hamms all on tap! YES. Damn good! I had the regular cheeseburger, it was alright, normal bar food but they had better more famous options that obv would be more fun. I would def be back!! Bartender was also super cool and friendly! read more

See all

This place was freakin awesome. I felt like I walked into a snapshot of the 70s/80s when I got in because everything is old, wood, and classic. Great dive bar to meet locals and have a great conversation. Now on to the food. First off, can you believe that chicken isn't fried? It was probably some of the best chicken I've ever had -- highly, highly recommend. I had never had chicken pot pie, but was told it was a must. I never want to have it again if it's not here because the bar is too high now. The taters and smokies were amazing as well. Service was phenomenal and very home-y. 10/10 recommend this place!!! Can't wait to come back! read more

See all

If you're looking for a nostalgic bar, much like the bar in your grandparents basement, this is THE PLACE! I loved all the nostalgic decor, the staff was so helpful and friendly and just the overall vibe of the Highlife Lounge has to be experienced! This is one of the most typical Midwestern hangouts I've ever visited. The menu is so eclectic and nostalgic from the bacon wrapped smokies, to the meatloaf. There's honestly something for everyone. This should absolutely be on your must-do list in Des Moines! read more

See all

Great local bar and homestyle food. I had the beef stroganoff, I dish I ate often as a kid. It was a generous portion. It was creamy, but that stroganoff flavor. Still yummy. My brother had tje boasted chicken that included two sides. It looked nice and crispy. The prices were amazing. I had a ginger beer. We were too full to have dessert. The decor is a throwback to the 1960s bar decor. Lots of fun to look at. They have outdoor seating. read more

See all

The food is delicious and is brought to you by wonderful friendly staff who are always there with a smile. You can beat the price of nowhere in town and the hospitality is superb spot on. You'll find your car taking you back time again and again for lunch and dinner. Or , a cold beer and a game to celebrate on tv . read more

Fun retro atmosphere! Delicious food and great service! We had the bacon wrapped tots - YUM! - and broasted chicken - best chicken we've ever had! read more

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

Classic "dive" bar in the best sense of the word! Good service, great food, awesome beer selection. Being a regular here would be very easy. Enjoy! read more

This is what I picture a "dive bar" being. Just great service good food and an easy going environment. Pizza puffs baby and a Hamms or a Highlife to wash it down. read more

Nice local place for a decent meal while in town. Service was great! Old school vibe and aesthetics.

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! read more

High Life Lounge - Having an awesome time at Miller High Life Lounge! - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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. read more

High Life Lounge - Afterglow of a good meal and great conversation. - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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. read more

High Life Lounge - a woman at the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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. read more

High Life Lounge - Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

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

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. read more

High Life Lounge - Grain Belt - a tavern beer - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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. read more

High Life Lounge - Hot brown - was good! - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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!!! read more

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! read more

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. read more

See all

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. read more

Really great food. We don't get here too often, but love it when we do. The prices really are reasonable as well. Thumbs up.

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!! read more

High Life Lounge - 2 Piece - Breast & Thigh with Baked Beans and Potato Salad. Bottled Shlitz as well! - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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

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!! read more

High Life Lounge - Bar area with the Champagne of bottled beers! - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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 read more

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

If you enjoy "have to visit", bucketlist quality locations - when in Des Moines look no further that High Life Lounge. The slice of history combines Midwest supper club with trendy hole-in-the-wall bar. Nothing but love to the menu of midwestern comfort food and basic brews - I had Grain Bin draft for the first time ever and it will be a "drinkable" winner for an old school American Pilsner in my book from now on - we had deliviled eggs to start and broasted chicken with thin onion rings and coleslaw. All were great - we also had to try their TANG based shots and enjoyed several different flavors - all reminded me of my college days and helped escort me to the next level - our afternoon late lunch turned into a destination experience and we moved from the High Life Lounge to its sister establishment EL Bait Shop tap house (reviewed separately) - which I also recommend for its MASSIVE 200+ on tap craft brews from the region. Amazing outdoor lounger which must be awesome at night - but it was too damn humid to sit outside for us. winners when in IA - you have forever changed my opinion of Des Moines to the positive and I will be back again soon to explore more! read more

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. read more

High Life Lounge - Hot beef sandwich!.....Yahtzee! - Dive Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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

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 :-) read more