Entry No. 67 — the Des Moines file — filed under: arcade-play

Backpocket Pin & Pixel

A craft brewery taproom in Johnston Town Center that pairs its in-house beer with a retro arcade and a row of duckpin bowling lanes. Duckpin uses short lanes, fat pins and palm-sized balls, so it is bowling stripped down to the social, competitive part with no heavy balls or rental shoes. The arcade mixes quarter-operated classics with pinball, and the kitchen turns out a full food menu.

The move: Split a flight of the house brews, then settle the night with a duckpin bowling match on the short lanes before hitting the pinball.

📍 Before you go Open daily 11am; family-friendly. About 10 miles northwest of downtown.

• 📍 Johnston
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Big night
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 6205 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23