Monsterama Pubcade operates as a video arcade on SW 9th Street in Des Moines, Iowa, contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for retro and indie gaming culture. The venue’s “pubcade” branding suggests an environment where classic arcade play and a social atmosphere intersect, drawing in both dedicated gamers and casual visitors looking for a unique night out.
As one of several gaming-focused destinations in Des Moines, Monsterama Pubcade serves the metro area alongside other arcades and entertainment venues. Its location in Iowa’s capital makes it accessible to residents and visitors alike, while its presence on the local scene reflects the broader revival of pinball, classic cabinets, and modern indie arcade titles across the Midwest.
The RetroArcade.com directory tracks Monsterama Pubcade alongside other arcades across the United States, helping players locate nearby venues through the arcade finder and the interactive arcade map. Operators who want to keep their listing current can use the claim your listing tool to update hours, contact information, and machine lineups.
At a Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 3108 SW 9th St, Des Moines, Iowa |
| Phone | +1 515-528-2015 |
| Hours | Monday–Tuesday closed; Wednesday–Thursday 3–10 PM; Friday–Saturday 11:30 AM–11:30 PM; Sunday 11:30 AM–7 PM |
| Rating | 4.8 out of 5 from 223 Google reviews |
| Best For | Video arcade enthusiasts, retro and indie gaming fans, casual drop-in sessions, weekend social outings |
The Scene
Detailed player-review breakdowns are not summarized in this listing at the time of publication, so individual themes and verbatim quotes cannot be reproduced here without speculation. What the record does confirm is that Monsterama Pubcade carries a 4.8 rating out of 5 from 223 Google reviews, which signals strong, broadly positive reception from the local gaming community and a stable reputation among recent visitors.
Because no aggregated review highlights are available, prospective visitors are encouraged to consult the venue’s website and recent Google reviews directly for the most current sense of the on-floor atmosphere, crowd size, and overall vibe. As reviews are collected and resummarized over time, this section will be updated to reflect the dominant sentiments expressed by recent patrons. The high rating already on file suggests the venue is well regarded by those who have made the trip.
Games & Machines
As a video arcade, Monsterama Pubcade centers its offering on coin-operated and token-based play typical of the format. The specific machine lineup, current rosters, and any themed collections are not enumerated in this directory entry, so visitors seeking details on particular titles, pinball tables, or specialty cabinets should consult the venue’s website or call ahead before making the trip.
What the “pubcade” name implies is a hybrid social-gaming environment where the arcade floor and a hospitality setting overlap, but the exact balance between bar-style amenities and traditional arcade features is best confirmed in person or through the venue’s official channels. The category listed for the venue is “Video arcade,” which establishes the core focus without further detail.
Visiting
Monsterama Pubcade is located at 3108 SW 9th Street on the south side of Des Moines, with phone contact available at +1 515-528-2015 for visitors wanting to confirm details before heading out. The venue operates on a midweek afternoon schedule and expands into late-night hours on weekends: doors are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open from 3 PM to 10 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, open from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and open from 11:30 AM to 7 PM on Sundays. This split schedule rewards both after-work drop-ins and full weekend sessions.
Age policy, food and beverage specifics, and party or event booking details are not listed in this directory entry and should be confirmed with the venue directly. For visitors comparing options across the city, neighbors on the Des Moines scene include Up-Down DSM, a similar bar-arcade hybrid worth a look in the directory. Operators of Monsterama Pubcade who want to update the listing — including hours, contact details, or machine lineups — can do so through the claim your listing page.
Readers planning a broader arcade crawl across Iowa can browse the full directory through the find an arcade tool or explore the interactive arcade map for nearby venues. Additional Des Moines gaming destinations are catalogued alongside Monsterama Pubcade to help visitors plan a complete night out.