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Backpocket Pin & Pixel

3.3 (49 reviews)
ModerateBreweries, Arcades, Pizza
Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Backpocket Pin & Pixel Photos

Business Info

BACKPOCKET PIN & PIXEL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Happy hour specials
Good for kids
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

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Reviews With Photos

Mikhala F.

Only played duckpin bowling and drank here - here's my thoughts: The concept of the Johnston community hub here is SO awesome - I would have loved this when we were growing up! It's awesome to have multiple businesses in one spot that are centrally located. My family was staying at the hotel in this hub on a recent trip home, so this was walking distance and a great option for hotel goers and out of towners. The place is HUGE with some great amenities and decor! I didn't eat here, but they were able to accommodate ~12 of our family members and they shared service was good. We got a round of Old Fashioneds that were delicious, and played two rounds of their duckpin bowling. This was SO much fun and a really nice amenity to offer! It's so casual without having to rent shoes and do the big walk up thing that normal bowling requires. We had an absolute blast with this. It's great to have in Johnston for a date night, family outing, or company happy hour!

$4.50 flights on Wednesday
Dawn M.

Busy night with limited seating is a good problem but service at the bar is a little slow. There wasn't consistency in staffing. I think there was trivia happening but it wasn't explained and wasn't a priority, I could hardly make a drink order let alone ask a question. After the rush we were able to order an appetizer. The brisket was good but the fries were cold, so not a great display of service tonight. The space is large and open so it does get loud. It's good for a group as table settings are bigger tables. The game section looks fun and if there is a next time, maybe we will give them a try.

Beer flight w/flight card
Mark O.

Wednesday are the day to come- if you're a beer fan--flights are half-price. I'm certain I was undercharged the most recent time I was in here--the entire flight was $4.50. $9 doesn't seem like much to charge for five beers. Perhaps I'm mistaken (and I'll take it), but want to throw it out there as a warning so no one thinks I'm posting #fakenews. They certainly have beers for every taste--orange creme ale and the Forever True are two of my personal favorites. I would skip the food. I've had the pizza, tacos, and chips/dip and all have seemed a bit off. It's hard to put your finger on it--but the chips seem to be more of a pita/tortilla hybrid. Maybe it would be better with some tzatziki or hummus, but serving salsa or elote corn dip doesn't seem very suitable with them. I've never had an issue with service here--the bar staff has always been friendly and responsive. Stay for the beer, go down the street to Flame or China Cafe first for dinner.

Classic Burger
Hannah V.

It was not busy at all when we came on a weeknight. We were seated right away and then it took awhile for anyone to come up and get us menus and then to take our order. We started with cheese curds and they were alright. Then I ordered a pepperoni pizza with hot honey. I enjoyed the pizza. Everyone else seemed to like their food as well. We didn't try out anything from the bar or do any activities, but there seems to be plenty to do here inside and out when it is nice. They had fire pits, patio chairs, booths, inside bar, many arcade games, and duck pin bowling. Seems they also have trivia and a beer group to be apart of. Overall, service could be better but I should come back when it's nice out and get the full experience.

Kristyn M.

A beautiful building in the Johnston area. The building is on a busy Merl Hay and the perfect setting for a good time. We walked into the building and there is some roped offsides that direct you to wait so that you can be seated. Being a Thursday evening, we weren't expecting the crowd that was there. They were hosting a party and there was a big enough "after work" crowd that was enjoying the drinks. We "bellied up" to the bar. Tracy is bartending tonight and was very nice and informative. We went over all the options and got to try a couple things. I settled in on my sour and he got my husband onto another brewed beer. Tracy was very attentive and was helping anyone within moments of noticing them at the bar. We chatted with Tracy about food options and specials throughout the week. They have space to rent, and they cater to groups and parties. Then on top of the renting of the space they and drinks and food. They have duckpin bowling. We didn't partake that night but it was fun to see. We also wandered over and checked out the arche that was tucked around the back. For not as big as it is, it has a lot going for it. We enjoyed our drinks and I think we will be back soon.

Emily B.

Service wasn't that great. Food was just alright. The menu looks good but when we got our food our appetizer was really the only thing we liked. We went on a Saturday afternoon & it wasn't too busy. Loud as to be expected atmosphere. The bowling was fun & cheap for what it is. The only downfall was having to wait for ball retrieval. I had higher hopes but worth checking out at least once, maybe you'll love it! They had a ton of beers on tap to choose from. Small bar seating available or booths/tables. Also has an arcade but we didn't check that out. Kids probably love it!

Beer Flight
Todd B.

4.67* (out of 5) Food: n/a Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4* Service: 5* 01/24/2023 Backpocket Pin & Pixel Stopped here to meet a friend after work this week and was impressed with the beers and the atmosphere. If that isn't enough to capture your attention, they also have an attached arcade area with lots of fun entertainment. The beer selection is good, it is served cold - and if you like sampling different beers, their beer Flight (see picture) is a pretty good value (5 samples for $9). This place is definitely worth a stop after work or for a casual stop out before or after dinner. The have a pretty good selection of 'Bytes'...so will have to try the food during a future stop. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

Pretzel stout is fun
Cody M.

I have driving past this too many time so we finally stopped for a beer. I was in shock when I seen how awesome the food looked at other tables. I will be stopping back for happy hour specials as they seemed like a good deal most days. The bar tender was really nice and so was a couple of the beers they had on tap. I was really interested in duck pin bowling on my next trip back I hoping it will be with a few friends so we can try that out.

Jaci S.

For sure go for a drink! Food, we give like a 2/10 - pizza was super thin & extremely oily. When I picked up my slice the oil dripped through my fingers. The pretzel bites had little to no flavor & tough, I thought the cheese would rescue it, but, it was so peppery it wasn't delightful either. We couldn't finish our steak tacos. They were super dry & I wish there had just been a sauce or something. I love pickled cucumbers & onions & it just fell short for me also. Drinks were incredible, games were so very fun & atmosphere was incredible to be in watching the bball games. A tip: When you first enter, you'll need to use QR codes for everything. It is wonderful you can keep a tab open, and you can see when you can make bowling. I think our wait was 117min, and we just kind of decided we weren't going to see that through. Maybe another time. You can have the host help seat you, you just have to be able to find them (and also scan another QR code to be on that list) While getting sat someone sat themselves in our location, so we had to go to our third seating option (totally okay, as that seems to be the norm) but, once sat we were on our own & you order food from your phone & pick it up yourself. A genuine question as someone who serves. What is the point of tipping at a place like this, and who am I tipping? I respect tipping on drinks because they still serve you them, however, on ordering & picking up my own food? Thoughts?

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4 years ago

Food and service was just average. Ambiance ok, you seat yourself and order everything on your phone, no servers. Bowling was fun.

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Page 2 of 2

Ask the Community - Backpocket Pin & Pixel

Review Highlights - Backpocket Pin & Pixel

“We got a round of Old Fashioneds that were delicious, and played two rounds of their duckpin bowling.”

Mentioned in 4 reviews

Read more highlights

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