Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe

Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe in Des Moines combines a full cafe, a bar and a game space under one roof. The cafe serves coffee and espresso drinks, while the lounge pours beer, wine, seltzers and game-themed cocktails. The kitchen turns out snacks, apps, paninis, pastries and desserts, along with the house-special Stuffed Sandos. Its Game Wall holds more than 1,000 board games, puzzles and tabletop roleplaying games that guests can play.

You can stay as long as you like, or drop in for a drink or a meal without touching a game. The space suits game nights, remote work, meetings and date nights. Private and semi-private rentals can host parties of up to 140 guests across the cafe, mezzanine and patio, and the owners ask for requests to be sent through the online form. The business is co-owned and LGBTQ-owned, and it opens early on weekends.