By Cyote Williams

DINKS
3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 1000, Des Moines
www.dinkspickleballdsm.com
Dinks is central Iowa’s largest establishment dedicated to pickleball, with 13 professional indoor pickleball courts, open 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Can’t get a court at Dinks? Don’t worry pickleball fanatics, there are plenty of locations around the city to get your fix.

THE OPERATING ROOM
5515 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 130, West Des Moines
1631 S.W. Main St., Suite 105, Ankeny
www.operatingroomarcade.com
With two locations in the area, the The Operating Room only operates on one thing: having a good time. A newer take on the growing barcade scene, The Operating Room locations have the modern games you crave and drinks you’ll want to taste, all while being a family-owned Iowa-based business.

PUTTS & PINS
6920 EP True Parkway, Suite 105, West Des Moines
https://puttsandpins.co
Recently opened in the Jordan Creek area, Putts & Pins offers a unique twist on the classic game of mini golf, with miniature bowling lanes for the less adventurous. The kitchen features a menu chock full of tasty items, and a full-service bar will help give you the courage to go for a hole-in-one at every wacky turn.

UP-DOWN
500 E. Locust St., Des Moines
www.updownarcadebar.com/des-moines
For those who grew up loving arcades, Up-Down in the Historic East Village brings back that classic arcade feel while providing unique, videogame-inspired cocktails and pizza creations that satisfy any craving, all while being a great place for a first date, a night out, or if you just want a taste of nostalgia.

GAMEDAY
3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 1220, Des Moines
www.gamedaykcsf.com
The list of games to play at Gameday is long, wide-ranging, and sure to please the barcade enthusiast in your life. Those not interested in the games can hop over to the bowling alley. If neither of those pique your interest, there’s still a solid selection of drinks and food waiting to be tapped into.

SMASH PARK
6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines
www.smashpark.com/west-des-moines
There’s no shortage of activities for those in your life with a competitive edge. At Smash Park, you can find pickleball, axe throwing, darts, table tennis, shuffleboard and arcade games. Find out who among your friends is champion at the wide selection of games. That’s not all. Enjoy a menu that ranges from brunch to dinner and drinks to wash any of it down.

RICOCHET
400 Locust St., Suite 105, Des Moines
www.ricochetsocial.com/locations/dsm
It’s hard to believe how many games the owners of Ricochet have managed to fit inside the walls of this downtown Des Moines bar. Enjoy activities like darts, ping pong, bags, Jenga and pool to name a few. The wrap-around bar makes it easy to get a drink, and the games make it even easier to have a great time.

BIG DOG BILLIARDS
4510 N.E. 14th St., Des Moines
www.facebook.com/bigdogbilliardsdsm
There are almost too many tables to count inside Big Dog Billiards. Take a shot at one of the many tables inside this pool hall to hone your skills, develop your new hobby, or just to have fun with friends. Take a lesson, order a drink and something to eat, and get comfortable.

THE THIRSTY SPORTSMAN
4808 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines
www.facebook.com/thethirstysportsman
This southside Des Moines bar has a classic dive feel to it with plenty of pool tables to get your game on. “Where beer, fun and games are always on tap.” You’ll also find darts and bags, with TVs stationed in plenty of places to catch the game while you slot home the 8 ball. n