This Horror Movie-Themed Arcade Restaurant in Iowa Is Perfectly Macabre in All the Right Ways

Gamers of Iowa, are you ready to explore a killer new destination? Monsterama Pubcade emerged from the darkness and crawled onto the Des Moines, Iowa, scene in 2022. Monsterama is a horror-themed arcade in Iowa that also doubles as a killer bar and eatery. Festooned with a macabre decor that pays homage to some of the most famous and beloved horror movies of all time, the arcade is home to obscure video games and pinball machines themed after horror icons ranging from the Creature from the Black Lagoon to Count Dracula. But what isn't scary is the delicious food, which provides Monsterama's horror-loving gamers all the sustenance and energy they'll need to play well into the night. Of course, the arcade doesn't stay open past midnight—because who knows who or what would come out to play at Monsterama Pubcade at the witching hour?

Monsterama Pubcade was founded by the owners of Lucky Gal Tattoo, Michele and Chris Pruisner, who are Des Moines natives and lifelong residents. Lovers of the Southside neighborhood, the Pruisners wanted to create a unique and fun place where the community could gather. Chris has a lifelong love of monsters, as well as all things spooky and quirky. They leaned hard into his interests, sprinkled on a touch of retro nostalgia, fired up the electrodes, and Monsterama Pubcade rose up from its slab.

Once the doors to Monsterama Pubcade finally opened, horror-loving Iowans were invited to come play—if they dared. This arcade is home to some of the most famous monster-movie-themed video games of all time, along with some you may never have heard of. The horror-themed decor goes above and beyond, with vintage movie posters, toys and collectibles, life-like figures, and a massive King Kong-sized hand reaching down from the ceiling above the bar.

You're likely to work up an appetite after playing all the games here, so Monsterama doubles as a bar and eatery. The food definitely isn't scary, though: You'll find many offerings with options ranging from burgers and classic pub grub to playful twists on comfort favorites like the Ooze of Doom. Though you may pick up a Transylvania vibe from Monsterama, you'll be reminded that you're still in Iowa when you see the size of the Tenderloin of Terror. You'll definitely want to wash down your meal with something good, so keep an eye on the frequently changing drink menu. You might be able to get a specialty cocktail with a special stowaway: Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water!

Have you checked out Monsterama Pubcade for their creepy games and delicious food? Let us know what you thought of this eerie horror-themed arcade in Iowa. If you're planning to visit, you can find out more about this offbeat location by visiting Monsterama's website and or checking out the arcade on Facebook. Monsterama Pubcade would be a perfect place to end a road trip to some of Iowa's spookiest places.

Craving more creepy adventures in the Hawkeye State? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.