$$
American
6201 Merle Hay Rd STE 110, Johnston, IA 50131, USA

More nearby: Johnston restaurants and things to do, Restaurants in Johnston
Listing last updated September 30, 2026
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on Google
Written March 9, 2026
Backpocket Pin and Pixel: Johnston's Premier Craft Beer and Entertainment Destination
Located just north of Des Moines at 6205 Merle Hay Road in Johnston, Backpocket Pin and Pixel offers a refreshingly unique dining and entertainment experience that sets it apart from typical Des Moines area restaurants. This innovative venue combines craft brewing excellence with made-from-scratch cuisine and family-friendly entertainment, creating the perfect destination for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
The heart of Backpocket Pin and Pixel is its commitment to quality craft beer, brewed by the dedicated team at their original Backpocket Coralville location. These Iowa-crafted beers pair perfectly with their scratch kitchen menu, featuring wood-fired pizzas, Korean-style wings, gourmet burgers, and creative mac bowls. Every dish is prepared fresh in-house and specifically designed to complement their beer selection, making this Johnston restaurant a favorite among Des Moines craft beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
What truly distinguishes Backpocket Pin and Pixel in the greater Des Moines dining scene is its entertainment offerings. The venue features duckpin bowling lanes where shorter lanes, fatter pins, and lightweight balls create an accessible, social bowling experience perfect for all ages and skill levels. The retro arcade, stocked with classic games like Pac-Man and pinball machines, adds nostalgic charm that appeals to adults while delighting kids.
With convenient Merle Hay Road access and ample parking, this Johnston location serves the northern Des Moines metro area perfectly. The bar stays open until 10pm most nights and midnight on weekends, while the kitchen serves until 9pm weekdays and 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Whether you're searching for family-friendly restaurants near Des Moines, craft
Backpocket Pin and Pixel is a unique arcade restaurant located in Johnston, part of the greater Des Moines metropolitan area. Situated at 6205 Merle Hay Road, this family-friendly venue combines casual dining with interactive gaming entertainment, serving the Des Moines community with affordable food and fun.
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Sign in to reviewAnswered from the details on this page for Backpocket Pin and Pixel in Johnston, Iowa.
Backpocket Pin and Pixel is listed as a Restaurant restaurant in Johnston, Iowa.
Google lists Backpocket Pin and Pixel at $ on its one-to-four-dollar-sign scale.
Backpocket Pin and Pixel is at 6205 Merle Hay Rd Suite 100, Johnston, IA 50131, USA. The map on this page shows the spot.
(515) 666-1281.
Yes. The Menu section on this page has the menu we captured from their site, with the date we captured it.
Google rating 4.3 of 5.
Restaurant places first, then the rest, closest first. Straight-line distance.
$$
American
6201 Merle Hay Rd STE 110, Johnston, IA 50131, USA

$Johnston
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Upcoming events within two miles, closest first

5k beer run as part of the 2026 Iowa Brewery Running Series.

5k beer run at Backpocket Pin and Pixel, part of the 2026 Iowa Brewery Running Series.
