When it’s too hot for a neighborhood stroll or another afternoon at the pool, head inside for something a little more nostalgic. Iowa is home to a growing collection of barcades and retro arcades where you can battle it out on classic pinball machines, relive childhood favorites, challenge friends to Skee-Ball (the game that brings back all the Chuck E Cheese memories), or discover games you’ve never seen before.
Barcades in Iowa are a great spot for anything from a date night to a family outing or weekend road trip. These spots deliver plenty of entertainment, along with food and drinks to keep the fun going and the competitive spirit at a healthy level.
Up-Down Arcade Bar — Des Moines
If you’re chasing nostalgia, Up-Down is hard to beat.
The East Village favorite packs more than 60 classic arcade games and pinball machines into one lively space. Expect everything from Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to NBA Jam, Frogger, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, plus six Skee-Ball lanes, Nintendo and Sega console gaming, giant Jenga, and oversized Connect Four.
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The atmosphere is energetic without taking itself too seriously, making it equally popular for competitive game nights and casual hangouts. Grab a slice of pizza, challenge your friends to a few rounds of pinball, and see who still remembers all those old cheat codes.
Note: This spot is 21 and over and open until 2 a.m. daily.
The Operating Room — West Des Moines and Ankeny
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a surgeon turns a pinball obsession into a business, The Operating Room is your answer.
The locally owned arcade bar embraces its medical theme from the moment you walk in. Bartenders wear scrubs, operating lights hang above the bar, heartbeat monitors decorate the walls, and even the artwork is inspired by medicine.
The real attraction, though, is the games. Dozens of arcade machines, pinball tables, Skee-Ball, and other classics fill the space. Instead of feeding quarters into machines, guests simply load credits onto a reusable game card.
Families are welcome during the day, but evenings transition into a 21-and-over atmosphere. Pair the games with craft cocktails, local beer, burgers, or pizza, and don’t miss the signature syringe shots if you’re feeling adventurous.
Spare Time Entertainment — Cedar Rapids
Looking for more than just arcade games? Spare Time packs nearly every indoor activity imaginable under one roof.
Along with a large Game Zone arcade, visitors can compete in laser tag, escape rooms, and luxury bowling before grabbing dinner or drinks at one of the venue’s restaurants and bars.
It’s an easy choice for families with kids, birthday parties, or groups where everyone wants something different. Better yet, even more claw machines are on the way with the addition of the new Claw Zone. Get ready to go head-to-head with the ever-frustrating claw.
Double Tap Beercade — Iowa City
Ahh, yes, pinball. If that’s what you’re into, this is the spot. Located in downtown Iowa City’s Pedestrian Mall, Double Tap is a mix between arcade gaming and a neighborhood craft beer bar.
Retro cabinets sit alongside modern games, pinball machines, Skee-Ball, and multiplayer favorites, making it easy to spend an entire evening hopping from one game to the next.
You can even join in on regular leagues and tournaments if you’re looking for a reason to keep coming back.
Ten Pin Alley & Vintage Arcade — Jewell
Part arcade, part museum, Ten Pin Alley & Vintage Arcade is a hidden gem for anyone who loves gaming history.
Open to the public the second weekend of each month, the collection features everything from familiar favorites such as Pac-Man, Asteroids, and Galaxian to incredibly rare arcade cabinets and vintage pinball machines that are difficult to find anywhere else.
The retro décor is just as entertaining as the games themselves, with vintage toys, lunchboxes, and other 1980s memorabilia lining the walls. It’s such a cool find in a small Iowa town and a stop well worth the drive.
Backpocket — Dubuque
Come for the pizza and craft beer (sense a theme here?). Stay for the games.
Backpocket combines a restaurant, brewery, and arcade into one fun destination. The game lineup covers just about every genre, including classic pinball, racing games, shooters, air hockey, and foosball, plus favorites such as Mortal Kombat II, NFL Blitz, Guitar Hero, Donkey Kong, and Galaga.
It’s the kind of place where one quick game easily turns into an entire evening, especially if you’re with a group of competitive comrades.
Ricochet Social — Des Moines
More than just a bar, Ricochet is a go-to downtown Des Moines spot for games, drinks, and friendly competition. Grab a craft cocktail, challenge your friends to ping-pong or shuffleboard, and stick around for a good time.
Planning a party? The venue also offers private event space, group reservations, and full weekday buyouts for gatherings of up to 300 guests. This is where you’ll want to be for a corporate outing.
Why barcades in Iowa are making a comeback
So, what gives with all these barcades? There’s something satisfying about playing games that don’t require an app or an internet connection. Barcades offer something increasingly rare: a chance to unplug while still having plenty to do. The focus is on spending time together with friends, family, and even coworkers instead of staring at separate screens.
Many venues also blend nostalgia with modern amenities, pairing classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines with cocktails, local beer, and a yummy food menu. The result is an experience that appeals to longtime gamers and first-time visitors alike.
Tips before you go
Before heading out, check each venue’s website or social media pages for hours and age restrictions. While some locations welcome families throughout the day, others transition to 21-and-over in the evening. Many also host trivia nights, pinball leagues, tournaments, and special events that can make your visit even more fun.
A few places still rely on quarters, but many have switched to reloadable game cards, so you can spend less time searching for change and more time chasing your next high score.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
