Barcadium

Shady bartender stole gift cards from my friends purse. No thanks.
My friend left her purse here accidentally. We didnt notice until about an hour after we left. When we went back, the bartender was already holding up her bag, like here you go. Which we thought was great. But when we looked in the bag $ 700 worth of lowes gift cards were gone. (These were wedding presents). The bartender was unhelpful to answer questions to help us figure this out. Were other patrons there? she said she doesnt keep track of everyone. Well there was only 1 other couple there, and fortunately they were still there when we went back. So we talked with them. They indicated that no one else had been there the whole time they were there, and they even noticed the purse laying there. They had been there playing pin ball and games, pretty much keeping to themselves. Anyway, The cops came and they too had reason to believe it was the bartender too, as she was being shifty and unhelpful.
I hope she enjoys the bad karma, but we will never, ever go back here, and dont recommend this place to others. Beware, short, blonde, bartender prone to theft.

Barcadium is a divey arcade bar right in downtown Des Moines. Games are typically 25c to $ 1 per play and there are probably 15 – 20 games. The games are not as well maintained as I would expect with usually at least three games broken every time I go. The bar has a pretty nice selection and the staff is very friendly. Sunday has free play for select games which is always a good time.

This is a nice addition to downtown Des Moines. Yes, there are beaucoup arcade games inside, but the part I like is the sunny patio. It’s probably an ok casual date stop, but I think it’s good for hanging out with friends, and having a brew outside.

I had a blast yesterday at Barcadium! So many classic video games, skee ball, pin ball machines and other fun games and photo opts! As for the bar, it was great! I even got to try the new Tall Grass 16 bit Double IPA! A distributor dropped it off for the bar to try and they let me have it! How cool is that! Also tried a West Coast IPA I had never had!
The bartender was fantastic, even helped me carry out a round of drinks and waters to our table out on the patio where we were hanging out! The patio is great. We got some sun and then put up one of the very easy to use umbrella’s! Sometime those umbrella’s on patios are hard to work, but these were easy!
My group got a variety of drinks from Bloody Mary’s to beers, to cocktails, and every thought all the drinks were great! And Prices were great too!
We didn’t play any games, since the weather was so beautiful, but its would be a cool play to go spend some coin on Pac man or Donkey Kong!

We love it here. My boyfriend and I moved downtown recently and have taken many day — drinking trips; Barcadium without exception is definitely one of our favorite places to stop by. Jason is just an awesome guy to get a drink from and you can play any game you want without getting hassled by a dumb college kid. We can usually be found tossing back Corona’s on the Über — comfy couches playing Super — Mario, or those giant Jenga blocks with our friends.
Point is– it’s very casual, and more of a place I can enjoy on the regular. Cheers.

I’ve been to Up-​Down, and I finally got the chance to come here. I do enjoy the «Barcade» trend, and it’s nice to play some arcade games, even if you aren’t drinking. I like the fact that it had a more open atmosphere than Up-​Down, but that resulted in fewer games, which doesn’t hurt my feelings any. Nothing worse than bumping into people when you’re playing games or vice versa. There was also more seating, as this place does serve food. I think the only one thing that turns me off about this location is that the gay bars aren’t in the immediate area, and the parking on Saturday nights is next to nil because of the Court Ave. crowds… much easier to park in the East Village. My partner says the pinball machines aren’t working to their full capacity, which disappointed him, but I hope that they’ll be serviced and fixed eventually.
I have nothing bad to say about Barcadium, really… just the parking situation and the location (not completely their fault), but it’s a neatly decorated place and it’s a nice break from the totally overcrowded bars up the street.

I like the games and the staff was very nice. It’s not a bad place at all. Would I prefer a few different games, perhaps, but that is just personal taste. I’ll visit again.

I grew up in the 80 ’ s and feel right at home here! They have all of the old — school games and newer ones too. You want food? TV dinners are on the menu lol. They also have Tommy Morrow selling his Chicago Italian Beef sandwiches as well. Friendly service, clean, free games on Sundays. Check it out and get your game on!

Another barcade in Des Moines, and my opinion is keep ‘em coming! I’ve never been a pool or dart player but I do enjoy drinking and gaming with a little rampage! Nerds are all grown ups and we likes to drink!
The things that fill up my health meter:
On Sundays most all games are free! You really can’t beat that… oh wait you can they serve freshly microwaved pizza rolls!
Things that need an extra life:
Really a wii game at the bar to play Mario? Be retro but don’t force it try something else. 50 cents for pinball, and week drinks.
All and all this place is the Sunday hang out. On other days I give the very very slight edge to Up Down the other barcade in town.
It might be cool to see this place offer a kids only night on Mondays or Tuesdays.