The Operating Room West Des Moines is a video arcade located in West Des Moines, Iowa, a suburb on the western edge of the Des Moines metropolitan area. The region’s entertainment scene has grown alongside its population, and dedicated gaming rooms like this one offer a focused alternative to the larger entertainment complexes in the metro. As a standalone arcade rather than a barcade or family entertainment center, the venue operates on a schedule that caters to after-school and after-work play as well as longer weekend sessions.
The arcade is part of a broader Des Moines-area gaming scene that includes bar-arcades, family entertainment centers, and pinball-focused rooms spread across the metro. Visitors planning a trip can browse nearby venues through the arcade finder directory or use the interactive arcade map to see how this location fits into the regional landscape. Whether stopping in for a quick session of classic titles or settling in for a longer evening of modern cabinets, the venue offers a straightforward option for arcade enthusiasts in the western suburbs.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | West Des Moines, IA |
| Phone | +1 515-226-3333 |
| Hours | Mon: Closed · Tue–Thu: 3–11PM · Fri: 3PM–1AM · Sat: 11AM–1AM · Sun: 11AM–11PM |
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 from 483 Google reviews |
| Best For | Video arcade play in a dedicated gaming environment |
What Players Say
With a 4.4-star average across 483 reviews, The Operating Room West Des Moines carries one of the larger review footprints among dedicated arcades in the Des Moines metro. A sample of that size generally reflects an established venue that has been operating long enough to build a repeat crowd and a recognizable reputation. The headline score places it comfortably above the typical three-and-a-half-star floor that public review aggregates tend to average, which is consistent with a destination that players return to rather than visit just once.
Because no review summaries or highlight quotes were captured for this venue at the time of publication, this section draws only on the available rating data. Prospective visitors are encouraged to read the most recent reviews on Google and other platforms for up-to-date impressions, including any changes in machine lineup, hours, or pricing, before planning a trip.
Games & Machines
As a categorized video arcade, The Operating Room is built around coin- and card-operated video cabinets rather than full-service hospitality or amusement rides. Standard arcade fare at venues of this type typically includes classic stand-up video games, modern fighters and racers, rhythm titles, redemption machines, and pinball. Many arcades of this format keep a mix of retro cabinets alongside newer releases, giving visitors a chance to revisit older favorites while sampling current-generation hardware. Some locations in this category also host rotating cabinets tied to release windows, special events, or community tournaments, which can change the floor from month to month. For an exact current machine list, including any rare or specialty titles on the floor, the venue’s official website is the best reference.
Visiting
The Operating Room is located in West Des Moines, Iowa, and can be reached by phone at +1 515-226-3333 for current conditions, holiday hours, or group inquiries. Doors are closed on Mondays, with afternoon-to-evening hours Tuesday through Thursday (3–11PM), a late shift on Friday (3PM–1AM), and weekend openings at 11AM running into the early morning hours on Saturday (1AM) and an 11PM close on Sunday. This pattern is well suited to school and work schedules during the week and extended play on weekends.
Because the venue is listed as a video arcade rather than a barcade or family entertainment center, guests should expect a gaming-focused environment without the added amenities of a full restaurant or bar attached. Food, drink, and age policies are not documented in the available record, so visitors should confirm directly with the venue or check the official website before arriving, particularly for younger players. For those interested in booking a private event, birthday party, or group session, the venue’s website is the appropriate starting point for availability and pricing.
Other gaming options in the same metro include Monsterama Pubcade, Up-Down DSM, Clawz Entertainment, and Ricochet. Arcade owners and operators who want to manage their presence in the directory can do so through the listing claim page.