Entry No. 72 — the Des Moines file — filed under: arcade-play
Monsterama Arcade
A monster-movie-themed pubcade where the gaming and the decor lean into classic horror, anchored by pinball tables like Creature from the Black Lagoon, Godzilla, and Dungeons & Dragons. Beyond its roughly dozen pinball machines there are pool tables, darts, and retro cabinets, plus a full bar and food menu and regular pinball tournaments. It is family-friendly until 8pm, then flips 21+.
The story
Tucked into a south-side strip mall on SW 9th Street—right next to Lucky Gal—Monsterama Arcade doesn't bother catering to the slick, corporate barcade trend. It leans straight into creature-feature kitsch, building a neighborhood spot around glowing backglasses, retro monster decor, and classic arcade cabinets.
The play floor anchors around roughly a dozen pinball tables with a heavy horror lean—*Creature from the Black Lagoon*, *Godzilla*, *Ghostbusters*, and *Dungeons & Dragons* all make appearances alongside classic video cabinets, pool tables, and darts. To keep you at the controls longer, the kitchen serves pizza, calzones, and hot dogs, backed by a bar menu that puts mocktails right alongside standard drinks.
What it's like
Walk into Suite 1 before dusk and you'll find families sharing calzones and kids working the flippers. But keep an eye on the clock: at 8:00 PM sharp, the house flips strictly 21-and-over. That is when the daytime crowd steps aside for local pinball tournament players eyeing high scores on *Creature from the Black Lagoon*. You didn't hear it from us, but if you want a game of pool and an uninterrupted run on the machines without waiting behind serious league players, hit the floor right around opening on a midweek evening.
The move: Play the Creature from the Black Lagoon table, then rack a game of pool with drinks before the 8pm 21+ switch.
📍 Before you go Hours vary by day (some midweek days noon-8pm); 21+ after 8pm. Check ahead.
- 📍 Des Moines (south side)
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Big night
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 3108 SW 9th St, Suite 1, Des Moines, IA 50315
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- South Des Moines Sculpture Park — Combine two south-side oddities by checking out the homemade 30-foot UFO sculpture before ducking into Monsterama for pinball.
- The Haunt — Keep the horror theme rolling by moving from Monsterama's monster-movie pinball tables to a speakeasy tucked inside a haunted attraction.
- Up-Down Des Moines — Compare south-side monster pinball with the East Village's massive 80s/90s quarter-arcade layout.
- Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe — Trade Monsterama's loud arcade buttons for quiet tabletop strategy at this downtown game lounge.
Good to know
When does Monsterama switch to 21+?
At 8:00 PM daily. Families and under-21 guests are welcome during daytime hours, but the venue strictly flips to adults-only at eight.
Where is Monsterama located?
You'll find it on Des Moines' south side at 3108 SW 9th St, Suite 1, right next door to Lucky Gal.
What games are available to play?
Expect around a dozen pinball machines featuring titles like Creature from the Black Lagoon, Godzilla, Ghostbusters, and Dungeons & Dragons, plus retro arcade cabinets, pool tables, and darts.
What is on the food and drink menu?
The kitchen serves pizza, calzones, and hot dogs, while the bar offers a full lineup of drinks alongside non-alcoholic mocktails.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · kineticist.com · Yelp · members.dsmpartnership.com · littlevillagemag.com
last checked: 2026-06-23