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There are times when you want a fine steak with a good red wine, and there are times you just want to jam a greasy burger down your food hole. For the latter, there is the High Life Lounge.
SCENE

The High Life Lounge looks like the ultimate 1970s rec room. The wood-panelled walls are covered with old beer signs for brands like Ballantine, Olympia, and of course, Miller. The bar's menus boast that the High Life serves no beer that was created after 1979.

Old TVs around the bar play vintage beer commercials, which are often animated. There is also a Silver Strike Bowling machine and a pool table.

The High Life has the feel of a dive bar, but it draws a lot of young professionals from nearby lofts and apartments in the evening. During lunch you will find a good mix of blue collar workers and office types.

FOOD

The food at the High Life is good, but not so good for you. Sandwich baskets range from $3 to $5 and include your choice of fries or tater tots. The menu also includes broasted chicken, meatloaf, Mom's pot roast, liver and onions, and chicken pot pie. There is an interesting selection of appetizers, including bacon-wrapped tater tots, deviled eggs, a velvet Elvis dip and fried chicken gizzards. If beer isn't your thing, you can get cans of retro sodas like Hillbilly Holler or a glass of Tang.

Wednesday night is Soul Food and Music night, with specials on chicken-fried steak and malt liquor, with great R&B tunes playing on the stereo.

Our burgers were served hot and fast. They aren't Angus burgers by any means, but they are better than McDonalds or Wendy's. One basket came with an abundance of fries, but the other basket seemed a bit skimpy on tots.

SERVICE

Our food was served quickly, and our waitress was attentive to our drink levels. The bartenders are friendly, fast and knowledgeable.

BOTTOM LINE

The High Life Lounge is a great place to meet with friends for some cheap food. You're not exactly getting the champagne of burgers, but they're suitable for enjoying with the champagne of beers.

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