Backpocket Dubuque — Restaurant in Dubuque

Backpocket Brewery & Taproom isn't just a place to grab a pint—it's an entire experience. From the moment you walk through the door, you're hit with the lively hum of conversation, the faint clang of duck pins, and the gentle chime of retro arcade games. This place has mastered the art of combining a top-tier craft brewery with the kind of nostalgic entertainment that makes you want to hang out all day.

For any beer aficionado, the tap list is nothing short of a liquid wonderland. With a constantly rotating selection that seems to stretch on forever, Backpocket offers a breathtaking array of beers, from their signature stouts and crisp lagers to adventurous sours and hazy IPAs. The sheer number of options ensures that no matter your preference, you'll find something new and exciting to try. It's a testament to their brewing passion and a genuine paradise for those who love to explore the full spectrum of craft beer.

Beyond the taps, the real magic of Backpocket lies in its commitment to a good time. Tucked away in a corner is a meticulously curated collection of old-school arcade cabinets. The glow of the screens and the familiar sounds of classic games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong immediately transport you back in time. It's the perfect way to spend a few quarters and rediscover the simple joy of high scores and pixelated glory.

And then, there’s the duck pin bowling. This isn’t your typical 10-pin alley; it’s a more relaxed and charming version of the sport. The smaller balls and pins make it accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of skill level. It's less about strikes and spares and more about laughing with friends and enjoying the unique, rhythmic clatter of pins being knocked down. The lanes provide a central, social hub that perfectly complements the beer and arcade, creating an environment where a competitive spirit and casual fun coexist seamlessly.

Backpocket is more than just a brewery; it's a destination. It's a place where you can savor an incredible craft beer, challenge your friends to a game of pinball, and knock down some duck pins—all under one roof. It’s the perfect spot for a casual date, a group outing, or a...

The facility is wonderful and a very neat place to have a party. I do have a couple of comments/suggestions: I was NOT aware that there wouldn't be a waitress or someone assisting with the party. There was a manager with red hair that REALLY helped us out!!! If it wasn't for her, the party would have been a disaster. I was NOT aware that guests would have to go to the bar and get their own drinks. There were only 2 bartenders, and they were really struggling to keep up, but there were long lines! We were in the small event room. We were told the room was for 40 people. There is NO way that small room holds 40 people! It might hold 20 comfortable tops! Unfortunately, I can't remember the Manager's name that helped us. She was kind enough to secure the seating area outside the party room, as well as the tables on the other side of the wall. The food. The servers come bring the food out then disappear. No one came back in to see if we needed anything! We need more tortillas right away. I went and asked for them twice and it took forever for someone to come and bring more. Do you offer refilling of the food during the duration of the party?

I have recently been there for another party this past weekend and we encountered the same issue during that party. We ran out of tortillas in the matter of 10 minutes. This was not a big party at all.

I think this is something that you should look into to ensure that this doesn't occur in the future.

Thank you. Appreciate your...

Save yourself the trouble and just go to a Dave and Busters instead. The arcade is located in the basement area and is smaller than you think it is. Very crowded and very loud. We likely misunderstood our reservations, or maybe they were poorly explained over the phone, but reserving the "Arcade Nook" is much less glamorous than it sounds. None of the staff were terribly helpful on directing our group on where to even go once we entered the building. Reserving the tables in the arcade was a massive mistake considering there's no separation between your reserved space and the rest of the general public trying to play the games. Not to mention, there is no way to order food or drinks without having to go upstairs and try and grab the attention of one of the overworked bar tenders IF you can even pick them apart from the crowd as they did not have uniforms or anything to indicate they were employees. We abandoned the arcade space reservation and took a table upstairs only to then learn that all food and drink must be ordered at the bar. Again, not a common thing so it took us some time to figure that out. Perhaps there were signs and we didn't see them but for future patrons, I will warn you ahead of time. Will not...