The High Life Lounge Is The Best Retro Restaurant In Iowa

Des Moines is a unique city that’s truly underrated. While many people dismiss all of Iowa as a flyover state, we know about the quirky gems that are hiding around every corner here, and Des Moines is truly the capital of it all – especially when it comes to food. Not only will you find a Zombie-themed Burger Bar and a Chinese Food Pizza Parlor, but you can also step right back into the 1960s with a visit to the coolest retro restaurant in Iowa.

The High Life Lounge is one of Des Moines most interesting bars, and when you step inside, you’ll be transported to another era.

Google Street View

High Life Lounge

This retro restaurant in Iowa is designed to make you feel like you’re in a 1960s era beer hall!

Facebook / High Life Lounge

Everything from the furniture to the fixtures is straight out of the 60s, and you might feel like you’re on the set of a sitcom.

Google Local / The High Life Lounge

Even the food is true to the era. Try their delicious broasted chicken…

Google Local / David Higgins

… an old fashioned cheeseburger basket…

Flickr / Jeff Mathias

or a homestyle ham and cheese sandwich.

Google Local / Lawrence Hansen

They even have green bean casserole!

Facebook / High Life Lounge

The retro memorabilia on the wall is fascinating, and if you ask the staff, they can tell you the history behind a lot of these vintage treasures.

Google Local / Chris Jeffrey

Grab a seat at the bar and make yourself at home. You’ll really love your visit to the Champagne of Bars.

Google Local / Jeff De Moss

Check out the full history of the bar, as well as their menu, on their website. You’ll find this hole-in-the-wall retro restaurant at 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, and they’re open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week. This is the perfect place to grab an old-school brew with some homestyle comfort food for lunch or dinner.

Google Street View

High Life Lounge

Facebook / High Life Lounge

Google Local / The High Life Lounge

Google Local / David Higgins

Flickr / Jeff Mathias

Google Local / Lawrence Hansen

Google Local / Chris Jeffrey

Google Local / Jeff De Moss

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