Wednesday
Feb022011

High Life Lounge

This past Saturday we had plans to visit a new BBQ place, but found out it was closed for construction. Close to downtown, we were trying to think of somewhere we could get some good food for lunch while watching the Cubs game. Duh! The High Life!

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Located at 200 Southwest 2nd Street in Des Moines, The High Life Lounge opened on Groundhog's Day, February 2, 2005 at 6am. And Amy has been there on subsequent Groundhog Day's at 6am for several years! It's a 60's-style corner bar complete with shag carpet, wood paneling and a formica bar. The decor is decidely vintage beer sign and pro bowler autographed photos. And of course, the star of the bar, Miller High Life beer.

We ordered up a pitcher and perused the menu, which features some old-fashioned favorites like Velvet Elvis Dip, Deviled Eggs, Spam sandwiches, and of course, their great cheeseburger basket for only $3.75.

They also feature several salads and a variety of entrees like Macaroni and Cheese, Mom's Pot Roast, Meatloaf, and one of Grant's favorites, the Hot Beef plate. Daily Blue Plate Specials are also available Monday through Friday.

We started out with an order of the Bacon Wrapped Tator Tots - tator tots wrapped with jalapeno slices and bacon then fried and topped with cheddar/jack cheese. Were they worth the $6.95 price tag? Eh, the jury's still out on that one, but they were pretty tasty.

For lunch, I decided on The Hot Ham and Cheese. I really like ham and this sandwich was piled high with smoky ham and lots of swiss and monterey jack cheese. Plus fries, of course - crispy and golden brown.

Grant ordered the 2 piece broasted chicken. Always a good choice, the broasted chicken at the High Life is always juicy and piping hot. With some mashed potatoes and cole slaw, what's not to love.

The High Life doesn't serve any beer introduced after the 1970's, so you'll find all your old favorites - Grain Belt, Pabst Blue Ribbon, even Schlitz and Hamm's. And be sure to try one of their famous Tangermeister shots (one of my favorites on those aforementioned Groundhog Day celebrations) made with 'real' Tang!

Only one block from Principal Park, the High Life is the perfect spot for a pre-game beverage or two on your way to see Iowa Cubs baseball. Situated close to the bike trail, cyclists fill up the patio all summer long.

Check out the High Life Lounge the next time you're looking for a retro corner tap, and you too, can live the high life!

The High Life Lounge

T200 Southwest 2nd Streete
Des Moines, IA 50309

515.280.1965

Bar Hours

Everyday 11am - 2am

Kitchen Hours

Monday through Saturday 11am - 10pm
Sunday 11am - 9pm

Happy Hour

Monday - Friday 3pm - 6pm

Menus and more information at www.thehighlifelounge.com