Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe is Des Moines’ place to play. With hundreds of board games and jigsaw puzzles, delicious food, unique signature cocktails, crafted coffees, a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, one-of-a-kind events, and more, we’re the place to be for fun.
Our space is built for everyone. So whether you want to come in and play games all day or stop in for a coffee and business meeting, we have something for you. Here for the games? Game newbies and game veterans alike will find something in our constantly-growing collection of 800+ games.
On top of all of that, we also run one-of-a-kind ticketed game-related events, offer private event rental space, and will travel to you for any event needs.
Let’s play, Des Moines!
Justin Scholl
Really fun atmosphere with an incredible selection of games. We were there for trivia night and had so much fun. Really good food and an awesome beer selection. Awesome and friendly staff
… moreLindy Huynh
Food is incredibly reasonably priced, I was genuinely in awe when I ordered. I had a meal with a soda for $6. They have free wifi, a beautiful interior with plenty of seating, and a very impressive selection of board/card games. There is free two hour parking right outside which is insanely convenient in Des Moines. I would highly recommend.
… moreClarissa Sutton
Such a fun place to visit and find new games! The atmosphere can be a little loud at busy times but is overall enjoyable. The food and drinks are always a treat and the people are great! Cant wait for my next visit.
… moreSebastian Gomez
White Russian was excellent. Vibes were great! Would come back here in a heartbeat
… morejames kepford
This is a great place for either family time, a hang out, or for a date. Unless your there after 4pm then playing the games are free, after was only $5 at the time. Good unique snacks and drinks. Not a place for a meal but great snacks/hold overs. Menu can seem a little pricey but seeing as they will bring you your food, drinks, and refills, plus it is free/cheap to play. I’d say it is very reasonable. Great choice of games too. Couldn’t find chess, but could have been already taken though. Also ask them about parking.
… moreTravis Green
The Rook Room absolutely nailed their grand opening this week in downtown Des Moines! The space is a total vibe — fun, welcoming, and packed with personality. Whether you’re into board games, puzzles, escape room-style adventures, or just hanging out with great people, this place has something for everyone. You can tell the team poured their heart into every detail. Already looking forward to coming back and bringing friends. Huge win for DSM — congrats, Rook Room crew!
… moreDalton Roth
Great board gaming spot for anyone, from a first date to getting the lads together. Admission is sometimes free, and prices of food and drinks are agreeable. The level of care for the board games’ health is VERY noticeably great, which is a big draw for us to come back and try new ones. We only found maybe a single token missing, but it was a very easily replaceable one, and otherwise the box felt almost new. Definitely a new favorite hangout spot!
… moreK.R. Biggs
These reviews might be confusing because Rook Room used to be a pop-up event. But as of mid 2025, they have a permanent location! I was there opening night, and while they had some understandable hiccups, they knocked it out of the park. Good food, inventive drinks, and a legendary game collection. What more could you want? And there is a patto for those who don’t want to deal with crowds! A must see location.
… moreZeth Finch
We’ve struck gold here in Downtown Des Moines, this place is a treasure. The atmosphere is great, food delicious, and the staff? Wonderful!
I’ve come several times to sample out boards games before puchasing, or even to try stuff I wasnt sure about. This bussiness was such a brilliant idea.
I wish you nothing but many years of success! Thank You, Rook Room!
… moreDanielle B
Very cool business! I love that they are local and also make printed puzzles of local artists work! The puzzles are very high quality, and have a glossy finish. The food here is to die for and the drinks are delightful! I absolutely will be coming back! The co-owner was the one treating at the door and helped make our first time here very easy and seamless.
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