About
Welcome to The Operating Room West Des Moines, the newest gem in the heart of West Des Moines. Nestled at 5515 Mills Civic Pkwy #130, this vibrant arcade bar seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern entertainment. It's not just a hangout; it's an experience.
The first thing that strikes you upon entering is the clean, welcoming atmosphere, adorned with captivating chalk art depicting science and medical themes. This unique decor sets the stage for an entertainment venue that’s as much about the fun as it is about the ambiance. The friendly staff, ready to ensure you have a great time, only adds to the allure.
As for the games, prepare for a wide-ranging selection that leaves no stone unturned. From classic pinball machines to modern multiplayer experiences, enthusiasts will find something to satiate their competitive spirit. Cujoman 187 raves about the extensive variety, noting that you might even take home a pinball machine if your heart (and wallet) desires. Popular titles like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Mario Bros invite patrons to relive their childhood while newcomers discover retro gaming’s charm. With games priced between 50 cents and a dollar, it’s both affordable and entertaining.
Now, let’s talk food. The Operating Room serves up classic bar fare, and from the reviews, it’s clear they do it well. Melissa Fuller shared her delight with a perfectly hot pizza and chicken wings. Such comfort food pairs surprisingly well with their drink offerings, which include reasonable cocktails and refreshing alcoholic slushies. A particular crowd favorite seems to be the mango flavor, which is ideal for sipping while taking a break from the action.
The fun doesn’t stop there. As you engage in friendly competition, the atmosphere buzzes with laughter and excitement. Families, friends, and couples can all find joy here, as noted by Mike Hurt, who was thrilled to uncover this hidden treasure on a casual walk. The camaraderie in the space is palpable, making it the perfect backdrop for memorable moments.
So, if you’re seeking a place to unwind, grab a bite, and unleash your inner child, look no further than The Operating Room West Des Moines. With its unbeatable combination of fantastic games, delicious food, and an inviting atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it quickly became a favored locale for so many. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this is one stop you won't want to miss!
“ Awesome arcade bar! Lots of pinball machines a lot of which you can even buy but be prepared to fork out a lot of cash for one though! Some big multiplayer games also! ”
“ Completely enjoyed my experience here today with my fourteen year old son. Typical bar food, but done well. We ordered a pizza and chicken wings. It came out hot and fresh and tasted very good. Staff was very friendly and genuinely happy to serve and make sure we where having a good time. It was a little chilly in the building so if you are going durring the day when there are not a lot if people I would suggest a hoodie or something if you tend to get cold like I do. The game selection was good and we had a lot of fun playing games with each other. Will be going back for sure. ”
“ I am so glad we found this place. We just walked by on our way somewhere else and ended up spending over two hours here and loved it! The place is very clean, unlike a similar arcade bar downtown. Staff were very nice. There were a lot of different games, all worked great and a nice mix of modern and retro games. Lots of pinball, ski ball, a huge Pac man game, several shooting games, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, Asteroids, Tron, a Pac Man themed air hockey, Cruising USA, the list goes on. Prices for the games are between 50 cents and 1. Drinks are typical upscale bar prices. I would gladly pay these prices for a cool, modern, and clean barcade like this. The decor is so awesome too. The walls are covered in chalk writing of different science and medical drawings and info. There were plenty of seats too. We will certainly make this a regular hang out place! ”
“ Fun place with lots of arcade games and a bar. Friendly atmosphere. ”
“ So much fun! You can play for tickets or just for fun. Alcoholic slushies are tasty, I highly recommend the mango flavor! Cocktails are reasonable, and with 50 of play, you get an extra 10; good for 2 ppl to play for 2 hours. ”
“ This fun arcade has about all the games you can handle for a couple hours. Plenty of drink options- but NO, they don’t serve unsweet tea. It’s minus half star for me for that lol. But everyone else got all they could handle, and the champion of the night was not the guy who said he would win every game all night long! At the end though, we all had fun and won tickets. It’s about a quarter the size of the popular game arcade bar you might know of, but this place isn’t for kids, so you don’t need all the space! ”
“ This is a nice place to play arcade games, drink alcohol, and laugh and scream with friends. I was skeptical at first, but you can actually play games and win tickets, and then turn in your tickets for a prize! It is all on a special card and automated by an easy-to-use machine. For example, win a game of Soviet Union's Connect Four basketball and you will win 30 tickets. Some drinks are very fun to drink because they are in the form of a syringe, which you must inject into your or a friend's mouth. I feel this place is special because of the slushies, which are spiked. One such spiked slushie is named Ectoplasm, being drinken by my friend here pictured as well as being fed to Bart Simpson, also pictured. I do reccommend visiting the Operating Room all you travelers to Des Moines, Iowa if you want to have fun. If you want to get away from the noise, head over to Chicha Shack nearby! ”
“ This place is great. The machines are all clean and look well maintained. There were a couple that were down, but the selection was so good that it didn't bother me at all. I had a lot of fun playing pinball here. The staff was kind as well. I will definitely come back in the future. ”