Entry No. 66 — the Des Moines file — filed under: speakeasy

The Operating Room

Founded by a local orthopedic hand surgeon, this medical-themed barcade puts bartenders in scrubs and covers its black walls with hand-painted medical terminology, symptoms and diagnoses. The drink list leans into the gimmick with craft cocktail slushies and shots served in syringes, while the game floor keeps a rotating lineup of recent pinball like John Wick and JAWS alongside arcade classics, all on a tap-to-play card system instead of coins. Minors are allowed with an adult until 7:30pm, after which it goes 21+.

The move: Order two syringe shots and a cocktail slushie, then go head-to-head on the newest pinball cabinet you have never played before.

📍 Before you go 21+ after 7:30pm. About 12 miles west of downtown.

• 📍 West Des Moines
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Big night
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 5515 Mills Civic Pkwy #130, West Des Moines, IA 50266

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