Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe — Restaurant in Des Moines

This is such a cool company! I canceled my plans today to come to their pop up and I see myself canceling others in the future! Such a positive vibes place with some great people and games!

A year later: Been to their brick and mortar location several times now. The owners are super cool, definitely very knowledgeable of the board games. They'll give suggestions on what to play if you ask- don't be shy. Tony introduced my girlfriend and I to "Wingspan" a year or two ago now. We've got every "span" game now and have had countless wingspan date nights. One of the things I like the most about the brick and mortar spot is that you can make it what you want. I've spent mornings and afternoons studying there and drinking coffee. Spent evenings playing board games. It's just a super positive queer friendly environment not centered around alcohol, but genuine fun. Also the achiote lime chicken sandwich is to die for, I think about it everyday, definitely give it a try. Love rook room, definitely a weekly hang out type place. So happy to see Annelise and Tony's dream be realized. If you're even thinking about checking the place out, definitely go you won't be disappointed! Just make sure to get there early if you want a big table. This place is in...

Good concept but not for my husband and I.

Good: Game selection

Bad: Small tables Out of stock food items Customer service

Went on a Thursday for my husband’s birthday at 11:00 am. Started at a 4 person round table. After selecting the game we wanted to play we had to move to a 4 person rectangular table as just one player board would fit on it. After game setup on the new table there was no room for any drinks or food.

The tables are too small for most modern board games.

We saw at least 4 staff members in the area we were in. Not one of them said a word to us. No hi how are you doing. Just nothing.

We were going to have lunch here but the one thing my husband wanted was out of stock. The menu seemed heavily drink focused. The drinks are trying too hard to be clever.

I appreciate what they are trying to do. I understand that more tables means more income but it does not offer a good experience...

Im purely salty because the website talks about "stuffed sandos" and appetizers... and there was none of that. The QR code IN the place links to a menu with some chips and dip, which Im sure is great, but that doesnt help if you are hoping to go to a game room AND a café. Ill update when the website us updated with a current menu. Staff was very pleasant, cool spot otherwise. Edit: I talked to one of the cooks and apparently it was just after kitchen close and my kid sucks at communication. The cook taking the time on his break to explain it to me tells you all you need to know about the customer service. Thats worth 5...