How It Works | The Rook Room Des Moines Board Game Cafe & Pop-Up Events

You’re at the Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe. It’s a first and only for Des Moines. We’re a full restaurant, bar, cafe, and game space all in one! Learn more on our About Us page.

How does it work?

It’s simple! Sit, stay, and play a while. As a game lounge and cafe, we encourage you to get comfortable, order something tasty, grab a game from our game wall, and have fun.

How do I order?

There are several ways to suit your needs! We recommend using the QR code on the front of your Table Tower. That will have the most up-to-date menu and specials on it. You also have the flexibility of closing your tab whenever you want – no waiting around for staff.

If that’s not your style, you’re also welcome to order at the Cafe bar or from the table by pressing that button on top of your Table Tower to signal a staff member.

Do you have paper menus?

We sure do! Want to go old school? Signal a staff member by pressing that button on the top of your Table Tower. When you’re ready to order, press that button again, and a staff member can take your order.

How can I find more information about allergies or dietary restrictions?

Our front-of-house, kitchen, and management teams are all trained to be experts in finding you some answers and doing our best to keep your experience safe and happy. Feel free to call a staff member to address any concerns and get your questions answered. Just hit the button on your Table Tower.

I need more room on my table. How do I clear my dishes?

We know, games AND food take up a lot of table space. Once you’re done with your trays, plates, glasses, or anything else, we’ll get those for you. Our staff is constantly bussing finished tableware when they see it. But if you need it gone ASAP so you can get right to gaming, feel free to press that button on your Table Tower.

Do you offer carry-out?

Yes! We offer carry-out, pickup, and delivery. However you want your delicious Rook Room food, we have a way to get it to you. To order carry-out, pop up to the Cafe bar and we’ll get you started.

What is that button on my Table Tower?

Our staff members are wearing super-cool watches. When you press the button, a staff member will be notified of your table number. It might take us a second to get to you, but we’ll be over as soon as possible!

What are the flip cards on my Table Tower?

It’s a great system for making friends…or not. Keeping it on the GREEN, LET’S PLAY side will signal to others that you’re open to people joining you. Turn those strangers into new friends. If you’re already set with the friends you need or in the middle of a game, the RED, NOT TODAY side tells people that you’d prefer not to have anyone join you.

How do I get a game?

Walk right up to the wall of games and choose whatever you like! Our games are categorized by play style – Strategy, Cooperative, Family, Classic, Party, Gateway, Children, and 2-Player. They also have a Weight Rating on them. A 1 will take about 10 minutes to learn. A 5 could take two hours or more. Please take just ONE game at a time.

Where do I return my game?

When you’re done with your game, we kindly ask that you return it to the purple cart on the far right end of our game wall. That helps us keep track of what’s being played and make sure there are no missing pieces. Thanks for your help!

What is a PlayPass?

We have PlayPass hours after 4 PM. It’s $5 and is essentially a cover cost to come in, stay, and play during our busiest times. Mondays are PlayPass-free, meaning you can come in and play without paying!

Why do you have a PlayPass fee?

Great question. Full transparency, we aren’t trying to nickel and dime you. The PlayPass fee helps us maintain our library of games. As you can imagine, with food and drinks in the mix, games can get damaged pretty easily. That’s fine – that’s what they’re there for! The PlayPass helps us maintain and get new ones. Additionally, most restaurants rely on fast table turnover with lots of food and beverage orders to make a profit. Here, we want you to stay and play as long as you like without ever feeling like you need to order anything – so our PlayPass fee helps cover costs even if you want to play all night and never order!

What is a Parking Pass?

We want to make parking as convenient as possible. There’s plenty of nearby, free street parking, but if you’d like the convenience of a parking lot, there are several nearby public lots as well. The public lots cost $5 per hour, but with our $5 Parking Passes available for purchase, you can park as long as you’d like without racking up a big bill. Order a Parking Pass from our menu, ask a staff member, or see the host on your way out.

Do you have memberships?

Aww, you love us that much? We sure do! Yearly memberships are $160 (that’s only about $13 a month!). If you’d like a membership for the whole family, it’s $160 + $100 per each additional family member. We’re constantly working on new, exciting perks for members, but for starters, your membership includes: free entry during PlayPass hours, discounts on food and beverages, member-exclusive gifts throughout the year, and even access to some member-exclusive quarterly events. Want to become a member? Order a membership off the menu or speak to a staff member.