MACY IS AS OUTSTANDING!! She treated all of my military friends with nothing but kindness!!! This was our second time and we will be back! THANK YOU MACY AND AMELIA!!! Godbless you guys read more

The Operating Room - My friends and I - Arcades Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Could've sold food. The games were fun and over all a good vibe. Bartenders were very friendly.

I highly recommend this spot for some fun. Recently was visiting due to my Mother's death in September. I took my nephew to play some games and just get our mind off of things. We had a blast for sure. Everything was clean. It wasn't crowded with some frat game options. I would definitely come back and play. Thank you! read more

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We stopped here with my sister-in-law, hey boyfriend and get daughters before they left town and enjoyed the stop. Not being a huge arcade fan myself, the highlight of the stop for me was the Peanut Butter Cup Slushie (see picture). It was delicious and I highly recommended it. They also had a reasonable selection of tap beers (see picture), of which we sampled several. If you are into arcade games or want to entertain some teenagers for a few hours, this is a good stop. There were a few 20-something couples there, but other than the alcohol, it seemed tailored to the teenagers and younger. It would likely be a different atmosphere later in the day when only 21 and over are allowed. read more

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Used to be one of my favorite places but the prices are just not worth it anymore. $12 plus tax for a "large" slushie is crazy, when it's maybe 20 fl ounces. The games are also pretty expensive. read more

This is a great arcade in Ankeny! We first came during Covid and have been coming at least monthly since. I like the variety of games and they're almost always all working, which is a huge plus. I don't really utilize the bar, but the concept is great. I like that you can order Fongs and have it brought over as well. See Ball is still my favorite fair game as a kid and I can play it whenever I want! read more

Wow! Bright lights, action, a bar! We met here for a party and they were AWESOME! The place is clean, well put together and just oozes FUN! Staff was very friendly and accommodating. They have ALCOHOL SLUSHEES! And "tiger blood" slushee for the kids. There are even several seated games where you are "part of" the game. And the artwork on the wall goes quite well with The Operating Room name. They have cards that you put money on to play your games. Street parking out front, lot parking in the back. Marcy'sDinerTantrumScale-3/5 NoScreamingKids, but just a busy, fun, LOUD place! read more

Finally!!! Ankeny gets a fun place for kids, teenagers, and adults to hang out. They have lots of fun games like the 4 player PAC Man game and the Halo Fireteam Raven game. My only complaint is that the Halo game is only 2 player vs the 4 player version at their West Des Moines location. Of course there are lots of new and a few old school arcade games. This place looks and feels bigger than the original. It has an open floor plan (no wall separating the arcade areas) that gives it a wide open feel. More tables to just drink and chat with friends. The bar and drink menu appears to be the same. They have slushee alcoholic drinks and a full bar. Come in with the family before 7:30pm. After that it is adults only fun! A great place for a date night and show your significant other who is the PAC Man king or queen. read more

I love coming here to play pin-ball! I don't really drink, so the bar is a little unfamiliar to me. But, the servers are friendly when asking for something to drink. I will say if you're looking to come play games, the last couple of times I've been, a lot of the games have been closed off for not functioning and needing service work. It does get crowded quick, but over all an enjoyable bar to come to. read more

For some reason I was imagining a Dave and Busters feel. Yeah, not that at all. Open normal hours for family, then they do have adult time in the later evening. Costs to play the games are nominal, all done through a card that you have to get. Beats the old days of lugging quarters around. Games were modern, all clean, staff was friendly, no issues there. No direct food on property, but does work with Fongs to have food brought in. Not my cup of tea place, but could be yours. My official feeling....ehhh. Not for me. read more

What can I say I feel like a Pinball Wizard just walking into this place! I love the Operating Room in West Des Moines, but this one might even be more to my liking! Yes it's fun! Yes it's wild! Yes it's got crazy lights! Yes it's got beeps and blongs? And Yes it's way better than visiting a real Operating Room.. Although if you did get sick the staff could probably save you with the Medical Drawings on the walls.. OR heck they could just inject you with one of their fruity shots.. or order you some pizza from Fong's or heck... Just remind you that have that sweet Pong machine, the Wizard of Oz pinball, or Giant Pac-Man.. The staff rules and it was great setting up an event with Katie the manager here.. All the bartenders were great as well! And I love how clean they keep the place.. Some barcades are a Germ a phobes nightmare... Not this place though! This is a top score all around! read more

I am so happy that Ankeny has finally gotten an arcade! It is so much fun!!! A great place to hang out, get some fun drinks (syringe shots and alcoholic slushies, plus beers,etc) There are new games as well as old school games like pinball and carnival games. It was a great place for date night. I love that there are multi player games as well! Staff is awesome and the place is very clean and really well laid out, so you can move around and still have tables to set your drinks. You can also order in Fong's pizza, which is great! This will definitely be a place I will frequent! read more

Great times can be found here with a large selection of pinball machines and various other arcade games and machines. Upscale modern arcade. Unique to itself. Both this location and the West Des Moines one are top notch. Helpful and friendly staff. Good choices on beverages whether you just enjoy a beer or something a little wilder. Make sure to check it out as you go old school in the modern day! FUN! read more

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Great place, lots of local beer options, and awesome slushy drinks. They have a wide variety of games, and a whole wall of pinball machines. And even though it is mainly an arcade, is actually a decent atmosphere to just hang out and have a drink with friends even if you don't want to play a ton or any games. Great place. Been to the WDM place multiple times for work events as well so this is also a great place to reserve for parties or events. Tremendous addition to Ankeny! read more

This. Place. Is. Great! Nestled within Ankeny's ever-growing "We Also Have That Place You Like In Des Moines" District, The Operating Room delivers a less conventional option for those looking to enjoy a night out that doesn't specifically involves carbs, cabernets, and/or Coor's Light (thought all available). THE SPACE The Operating Room is not large, but they make very good use of the space. There is a balance between games and open space for seating. I find this as a great positive. A common misconception of some places similar to this is that you need to fill games in at every 24th inches. However, if you also want a lot of players/patrons...some can feel a bit claustrophobic. That is one HUGE perk I found with The Operating Room. It is open enough to still have fun without feeling pushed around. Additionally it's decently lit so you are able to get around without using your hands; just your eyes are fine. THE GAMES As the logo would imply, pinball is the main focus of this place. They have an extensive line of pinball machines arranged down the wall starting at the front entrance. Along with this, they have 'new twists' on old arcade classic such as: - Arcade Bowling (Family Guy-style) - Sleek Tabletop Pac-Man (Appears to be LED) - World's Largest Pac-Man (Exactly what you think. Pac-Man played on huge screen). It has a standing joystick set-up - Racing Game (Jurassic Park Style) - Bright, stylized versions of other carnival arcaders like Hoops & Skee-Ball - **Kind of Hidden** There's an arcade TMNT player in the back. Reminds me of the old school one, just updated. I will note that beyond pinball, this place is not really designed for the retro-centric gamer. What I mean by this is that you will not find Donkey Kong, the original Galaga, Mortal Kombt II, etc... There isn't a lot currently for that type of game play. Its main focus appears to be pinball, newer styled games. There is a row of bike riders though. This is not a good or bad critique. It's simply a note for those who are looking for a retro arcade. Currently they do not stray far past pinball on that regard. SERVICE The service was fantastic and friendly! I had a Diet Coke, but the process was very fluid. **Note: FREE REFILLS ON SODA** Ha OVERALL I have already recommended this place to family members! I had a fun time and it was a nice little break from the norm. It has great potential and look forward to seeing if they expand on the concept further as it grows. It is a great stop for anyone just strolling by or for a private event with work or friends. I highly recommend it. ADDED PERK THAT MAY BE OVERLOOKED Yes, you can drinks. Yes, you can food, but I think one thing that is great about this place opposed to other arcade bars... YES, YOU MAY BRING YOUR KIDS! I have li'l family member who got to play a pinball machine at a friend's huse. He has since wanted to try more! The Operating Rooms allows adults to be adults and still bring their kids to have some (to a certain time, 8:00PM I believe). I LOVE that idea. read more

Nostalgia! Nostalgia! This place is so much fun. It's got your basic staples, pinball skee ball, video racing games. For the carnival lovers it's got basketball shooting, down the clown (baseball throwing), and even a ring toss game. And I'm OBSESSED with the giant Pac-Man game! It reminds me of my childhood when I go to the mall with my parents. My mom would shop and my dad and I would load up on tokens and venture into the Wonderland of flashing lights. There is a full bar and they have several blended specialty drinks on hand. If you're looking for a little something different for a fun night out with friends, look no further. The arcade is where it's at. read more

This place was a ton of fun and have a variety of arcade games for people to pick from. Even if you don't like arcade games, you will still have a great time, the atmosphere is lively and chill. This place also serves food and obviously drinks (you will be ID at the door so make sure you have your license)! Also the staff is AWESOME. I may have lost my wedding ring in one of the games... Anyways this staff went far and beyond in order to get my ring for me. Even after I said not to worry about it, the manager even came in and got it for me. Not top many places would do that for you, but these guys did! They will always have a special place in my heart. read more

Flashy games and pinball machines galore! We went for Ring Toss and stayed for Ski-Ball. I wouldn't go for the prizes.

Stopped by for happy hour. Such a fun place! Drinks and games, perfect way to unwind after a long day with friends and coworkers!

My son and I visited on a Thursday afternoon. We are new to the area. It's in a great location! Fun environment, good drinks, and was very clean. read more

Clean, beautiful, creative and fun for our whole family. Ankeny needed this !! We love the slushy drinks, the pinball machines are super clean and all look new. read more

As if the West Glen location wasn't awesome enough! I love the open floor plan and all the cool games. They even have a kid-friendly non-alcoholic slushie available for the kiddos! Same awesome vibe as the original location but this location caters food from Fong's. How cool! If you're in the Ankeny area, it's definitely a place to stop by. Bring the kids during the day or have a date night! Highly recommend! read more

Made a first visit to the Ankeny OR after a few fun visits to WDM location. We typically go in the daytime to give our kids something to do on cold dreary days. The value on the video games is pretty decent, 20 each provides a few hours of gaming. The beer selection is decent and there is soda for the kids. Not a bad place to watch a game while getting in some family time playing basketball, skee ball or Mario kart. The Ankeny location is a little short on non pinball games compared to WDM but all the machines work, it's clean, and there's enough games to stay occupied for a bit. read more

We LOVE the Operating Room! We enjoy time here for a date night and also with our kids. Great service and so many games. Love!

Great time for your family or an adult night out! Highly recommend it!

Operating Room is hands down my favorite spot in town. It is our favorite location for a date night with my wife or an outstanding arcade to bring our kids during the day. Our kids are constantly asking when can we go back. The number of pinball machines, other games, and good drinks makes it a favorite for my wife and I. The quality of games and drinks makes it far superior to any other arcade or bar in town. read more