Highland Underground

Tucked into the basement of the former Klein's Department Store — a Highland Park institution that closed decades ago — Highland Underground is a 1970s-themed cocktail and fondue lounge that doesn't want to be found easily: skip the big sign (there isn't one), watch for a discreet window placard and follow the neon glow down the stairs. Inside, gold velvet chairs, dark-paneled walls, crocheted afghans, and a mannequin "permanent hostess" in period attire set the scene, while the rotary wall phones hardwired between booths let strangers ring each other across the room — a genuinely weird design choice meant to spark "serendipitous interaction." The food menu is exactly one item: fondue (cheese or chocolate), which sells out, so arrive hungry and early. No TVs, no sports, no escape from actually talking to your date.

The move: Claim a booth, order the cheese fondue for two and two department-store-named cocktails, then dial a stranger on the rotary phone and see what happens — that's the whole move.

• 📍 Highland Park
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 3614 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

Hours: Added 2026-06-09 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

Verified 2026-06-09.