Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe

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

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.

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.

White Russian was excellent. Vibes were great! Would come back here in a heartbeat

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.

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!

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!