Joystix Rockade

Joystix Rockade

Reviews Summary

This pizza place consistently earns 5-star reviews for its delicious, high-quality pizza with unique flavors and crispy crust. The nostalgic arcade atmosphere with well-maintained vintage games and pinball machines adds to the fun, family-friendly vibe. Customers rave about the owner's exceptional hospitality, personable service, and attention to detail. The reasonable prices, clean environment, and great music enhance the overall experience. Many call it a hidden gem and the best pizza in town, with specialty items like wings and cheese bread also receiving high praise. A must-visit for great food and retro entertainment.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Prizes

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Prizes

Contact Information

Address

716 Main St

Keokuk, Iowa 52632

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5-8PM
Friday 5-8PM
Saturday 5-8PM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

Fun place with a good selection of vintage arcade games many for just $0.25 per play. The pizza is all unique and very good. The owner is a super nice guy and gave us good tips on how to beat some of the games, plus he has great taste in music that adds to the fun and laid back vibe of the place.

Great pizza! Owner awesome, friendly and A++ service! Unique and cool atmosphere! Old school arcade game! Must stop!

Such a unique and fun atmosphere! All of my children loved it and it was super reasonably priced. My 11 year old at a whole medium pizza on his own, but the rest of us shared two pizzas per person. It felt like we barely waited at all because we were too busy playing the arcade games. All the kiddos said it was the best pizza they had ever had.

My partner and I have gotten pizza from Joysticks a couple of times, and each time the food is so good! I love this style of pizza, it has real cheese and herbs. Simply delicious. It's worth mentioning the food is also very affordable, cheaper than the local big chains, and 4x as yummy. Highly recommend!

Joystix is the best pizza I have had in Keokuk, and a fun experience. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly with cool rock and roll decor and an impressive collection of classic arcade games. The prices are very reasonable and you can tell they take pride in the quality of the pizzas - good ingredients, seasoning, and crust. The taco pizza was the best we've ever had. The pepperoni pizza and cheese sticks were also very good.

We were greeted outside by the owner due to us looking at the decor. We came in & just to smell the dough, w/ the awesome 80's / alternative rock music & the semi lit arcade room w/ the fans brought a wave of nostalgia to myself. Games from when I was a kid to high school can be found here! Pizza was very very GOOD ! ( reasonably priced ) & the owner would come out in between making pizzas to make sure everyone was taken care of & having a great time. Highly highly recommend if ever in SE Iowa. Hidden gem.

Very consistently good pizza with such great flavor unlike anything else in town! Pete?s customer service is also top tier & unrivaled. There's nobody in town that does business like he does!

Found the coolest place to hang out at on my last night in Iowa. Rock music, 80s music videos and arcade games, super friendly owner/staff and amazing pistachio ?? pizza! Will definitely come back when in town again!

The pizza is amazing and a great price. We all loved the cheese bread. The service is top notch as well. I fully recommend!

Great service, great food and great atmosphere. Passing through town and stopped in with the family to grab a bite. Would definitely come back!

I was visiting Keokuk on business and being from Chicago I had a hankering for a good pizza. Took a chance here and have to say I was very impressed with the quality and taste of my pizza. Owner is very friendly and even gave me some quarters to play games with while I waited for my pizza. The experience was very nostalgic for me. I definitely will be back on my next visit and looking forward to trying a specialty pizza next time.

Everything about this place was awesome. Really good vibes and the owner is a cool guy and checked on us several times. The pizza was incredible - one of the best I've had in my life. The vegan cheese was super creamy and the ingredients were super fresh. We got a ton of toppings and the crust (which was really good) held up well. Pics don't do it justice! Highly recommend!

Ordered 3 pizzas in advance. Probably the best pizzas I have had in a long time. my pepperoni and bacon pizza was gone in about 15 minutes. My kids loved their bacon, tomato, and black olive pizza. definitely worth the price for additional toppings, but single topping would be just as fantastic. 10/10 would eat again. Will be back to arcade as well!

This place ROCKS!! The only thing more awesome than the games is the pizza! If you're looking for a good Vegan pizza they HOOK IT UP with the veg!! I was actually full and satisfied after just two slices! Pete is the coolest and super interactive making sure you're having a good time and helping out the newbs (me) with the games. Basically I think I'm moving in. Take all my money!

The best pizza place ever taco pizza is a must and there wings are out of this world i cant eat taco pizza from anywhere else its not the same its so good there and different a must in my book

Pete is an amazing guy who makes amazing pizzas and he's always down for you to throw a request at him and he's more than willing to accommodate. Best pizza around no doubt

First time visit. Our girls ball team had a blast! Pizza was excellent and we will definitely be repeat customers!

The pizza is crazy good. Totally worth the 45 minute drive for me. The restaurant atmosphere is competitive with the pizza places I loved from the 80's. I feel a little "cooler" each time I go there. SK

The best pizza in town hands down! Our family of 6 ALL love their pizza! We have dinned in and had so much fun playing arcade games. Just be aware it is a very loud to dine in and not a place I would go for conversation. We often use the carry out option. Great pizza and great service!

This place is amazing. Made a trip to Keokuk, IA for something different. Had a co-worker suggest a pizza joint, NOT THIS ONE, and was not impressed. We had to send it back because the pizza dough tasted un-cooked. Second time it was ok but not the best. I left the restaurant upset. The Airbnb we were staying at suggested Joystick. We walked down from the other business?s location to come to Joystick to play the games and make a better end to the night. Met the owner Pete Joy and we started to talk. He wasn

The arcade games were fun, the music was excellent, and the service was friendly. Not to mention the pizza being super yummy! Loved all of the artwork and pictures on the walls. Thanks for the stickers!

Joystix is the best business to visit in Keokuk! The pizza is unique, and delicious! The prices are competitive, and the game selection is classic and excellent! You really get that authentic retro arcade vibe! Pete and the crew provide excellent customer service, and they will never let you down! Go play Killer Instinct and get at some Pizza at the coolest business in Keokuk Iowa. 5/5 stars!

We ordered for a meeting and the whole group loved it! It was our first time ordering and we will definitely be back. Pete and crew are doing a great job! And to top it off they give you a punch card for medium and large pizzas!

What can I say? This place has been amazing for two reasons. On October 13th, after marrying Mrs. Ruby, ?????????? I had a surprise for her, Pete sold us an hour with Pizza, Beer, $20 in quarters, and some Loud but Great loud rock, Iron Maiden, Ramones, and The Cult. Food was killer and the feel of the place, for me, made it feel like I was on the date of my life as a 49 year old teenager! ?????? December 18th, my 50th b-day, my daughter picked me up and took me out for pizza and wings here. Then took me ho

My wife and I are quasi-vegan (she eats a plant-based diet for health reasons and I support my wife) and were about to starve to death in Keokuk until we found this plant on Google Maps. Joystix Rockade has a 5.0 star rating out of 102 reviews. Want to know why? Because this place is awesome! My wife and I walk in and the owner Pete Joy can tell instantly that we are the first-timers and made us feel so welcomed. Pete looks like a rock star from the 1980s that is trying to lay low in the Midwest. You will i

Awesome place?????????? Definitely a place to check out. Absolutely great food! The best customer service. Pete definitely knows how to treat his customers, and anyone who visits. Full of old school arcade games.. what a blast! A definite must go see!!

Great pizza, games, music, prices, and owner! Do yourself a favor and check it out. I'll definitely be back soon. It tasted better than it looks!

Very good pizza and great themed atmosphere. We were in town visiting family and are so happy we stopped in for a supreme pizza. When we are back in Keokuk we will definitely be making this a regular stop.

Best pizza in Keokuk!! We have ordered a couple of times and plan to order a couple more tonight. Delivery was quick and how all delivery people should act when representing their work place.

My son and I stopped here while visiting the area. Hand on heart...the BEST pizza we have ever eaten! Fantastic flavors with just the right amount of crisp on the crust. The arcade and pinball collection is really good and all seem to be well cared for. The owner, Pete, is very personable and friendly. He took the time to show us around and explain how things work with his place. Fantastic guy! My son and I have already decided to plan the 2 hr trip back to Keokuk just to experience this place once a

This place rocks! Absolutely delicious pizza and the atmosphere is just awesome! It's the best pizza in keokuk hands down! Tell ?em tow truck chuck sent you!

Are you ready for a wild ride? Strap in, because Pete?s Joystix Rockade is not your average pizzeria?it's a carnival for your taste buds! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the aroma of freshly baked dough and bubbling cheese, like a warm hug from your Italian mafia uncle. Let's talk about the pizzas: They're like Picasso paintings? but edible, each specialty is a masterpiece of flavor. Whether you're a traditionalist who swears by pepperoni, or an adventurous eater diving into PB&J chicken wing

Their pizza is fantastic. I enjoyed the pepperoni and sausage pizza. If you are looking for dairy free or gluten free, my wife said it was one of the best she has had. Great selection of vintage arcade games. Very clean and comfortable. Definitely check it out.

The most fantastic pizza place on the planet hands down. It's not just the Perfection of the pizza, which is the best! It's the whole atmosphere. Late 80s style hard Edge. A huge collection of vintage arcade games! They offer the only completely vegan pizza for over a hundred miles.

Owner is super friendly & very passionate about his establishment! All the games are priced between $0.25-0.50 10/10 recommended checking this place out whether for date night, family night, or birthday parties.

There are a few arcades popping back up, but none I have been to share the same authenticity and edge that Joystix Rockade does! My daughter and I visited for the first time and were welcomed by the owner who is passionate for pinball, pizza, and his community. This place took me back to my childhood and the local arcades I'd hit up with friends. Again, can't speak highly enough about the owner?s passion and customer service. If we didn't live four hours away we'd be here every weekend. Oh, the medium two

This guy and place is fire and there's a reason this place is awesome AF. Peter was awesome AF. Staff was amazing and pizza almost made me do inappropriate things to myself. Definitely a 5 star kid friendly spot with amazing music that can have anyone chilling out just to music alone. Vintage soda machine WHAT! AND free water. Pool table. How dare me to not ever come back. Awesome simply awesome. This review is coming from the legit 2021 Hoboking king. King of train riders and travelers 21-22. Much Love

This spot is a beeautiful hidden gem of not only keokuk, but all of Iowa. Their pizza is phenomenal! They had options for meat eaters & vegans! (The vegan pizza was soooo bomb!!!!!) & affordable in my opinion for the quality you'll receive. For the arcade Vintage pinball machines (must be 16 or older to play) Old school multiplayer games. Cheap plays on the machines too. Punk rock skater vibes, good music plays all night, cool lighting. It's an awesome experience! Peter is the owner, and you'll surely run i

STOP READING AND JUST ORDER PIZZA ALREADY! Aside from being a solid, awesome dude...Pete has nailed the pizza biz! The games and arcade are great draws, the kids really like heading over, but for the adults who are hungry-the pizza is absolutely the best in town!

This place is amazing! Took our 3 teen girls and had a ball! The pizza is amazingly good and reasonably prices! The owen is so polite and very personable! We were greated as we went in, was told the rules of the place and had a great time! I honestly cannot say enough good things! And to be able to go somewhere that is amazingly clean and have the whole family happy is rare. This is truly an keokuk gem that everyone needs to go and see.

Best rockin arcade in the area, without a doubt! So many pinball machines it's hard to believe most of them work. But they do! Not to mention they have the game Tron, which I haven't played for like 25-30 years. And a lot of other classics too. Even if you had to drive a hundred miles it would be worth one trip at very least.

Delicious, creative, and filling. We love Joystix. Th pistachio pizza is our favorite. We love there are so many vegetarian options!

We had a private party for my daughter and we had a blast! Pete was very nice and made sure we had everything we needed. The pizza was amazing, honestly better than Pizza Hut and Dominoes combined! Would highly recommend checking this place out!

Mm mmm mmmmm this pizza is probably one of the most immaculate pizza place in the entire world. Just the fact that you can watch the employees work but watch them make the best pizza in town is superior to other places. Joystix also happens to make some of the best noodles, sandwiches and wings! Just the vibe of the place is enough to make someone want to come back to play Galaga, pack man or even play some pinball games. This place totally deserves any support you can bring and they will support you right

I really enjoy Pete?s pizza, however, I ordered the extra spicy BBQ wings. So good!!! If you like the heat with flavor, try it out, you won't be disappointed! Thx Pete!

A small group of us were in town over the holidays and decided to check Joystix out. Glad we did! It was a blast to play some of our favorite arcade games from our youth and all for a quarter! We also played some pinball, 50 cents a game. My husband loved the music playlist going, Metal to rock out to as we played games. Check this place out! And if u have questions the owner is super helpful!

Great selection of pinball, but what I was really impressed by was the owner. It was obvious he has a real passion for what he does, and is super knowledgeable about his machines, but even more impressively, he has a passion for every person that walks in the door. Never have I felt so authentically welcomed by an owner. He was always engaging and interacting with the folks in the arcade, and just seemed to have a genuine joy in sharing his passion with everyone. You can just tell the dude is a gem with a

The pizza, atmosphere and games are absolutely amazing. Most of the arcade games takes 1-2 quarters. The owner is almost always there and is and AMAZING person to talk to.

This place is the bomb, always got some cool stuff you never see at Pizza Hut or dominoes like concerts, arcade games and more, definitely worth checking out plus super cheap and really good pizza. The way the pizza interacts with tastebuds is just immaculate.

With some great classic machines from the 80s and 90s and more pinball than you will know what to do with, this place has quickly become my go to spot when hanging out with friends. All games are a quarter, which makes it even better. The owner will make sure you know how to play each game and really cares about making sure people are having a good time. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Joysticks is the best pizza I've probably ever had

Amazing place for food and fun. Joystix is a unique restaurant that always leaves us looking forward to next time.

Randomly discovered this spot after eating at the Mexican Restaurant nearby. Very cool place! An even better find than the 200 geodes I found earlier that day. Very friendly and knowledgeable owner. It was the highlight of my trip from Minnesota......I'll be back for sure! (Also, nice, clean rest room - very important! ;-)

We are from Dallas, TX and were in town for a wedding. The owner showed us around the store and then opened his closed arcade to show us around. We had a blast even though it was closed. The owner was down to earth and genuine. I would plan a trip to just come to joystix!

First time having pizza from here & it was delicious! We ordered the cheeseburger, chicken bacon Alfredo & the cheese sticks! We definitely will be ordering here again.

They Don't Make them Like This Anymore, Place is cozy, and they Have a ton of Pinball Machines and some Classic Arcade Games. The Owner has tournaments and changes the games out to keep it fresh. Will be going back

Enjoyed the music and games. Pizza and wings were top notch!

You cannot go wrong here! Looking for a family outing? Date night? Stop by this hidden jewel to relive your days of throwing your hard earned allowance into a buzzing, shining pinball or arcade machine and get lost in your childhood! Attentively run, game contests every week, great music, and good people! What are you waiting for?!

Had a great time even my 10 year old had fun whooping me on street fighter. And I won 25 bucks beating the high score on galaga. Thanks PJ you got a great place going. I'll keep my ears open for that LA GUNS show!

This place is very awesome! Pizza really good and also the hotwings! Great atmosphere!! My grandkids and I had great time. Workers very friendly and helpful. Thanks guys!!

This place is awesome, if you have an opportunity, go here!! Wonderful atmosphere, great games, lots of pinball, and the pizza is really good!

Tried it for the first time tonight and loved it! Lots of great old school arcade and pinball machines. Great rock music and great people. I'll definitely be back ??

A major highlight in an otherwise terrible town. The owner was very friendly and welcoming (let me play the first few games for free) and the atmosphere is retro and refreshing.

80's hard Rock and heavy metal rocking while you play totally awesome arcade games. Great pizza, wings and atmosphere!

Amazing place! Nice vintage arcade games, free hand made pizza and so much more! Amazing shops in the top as well!

Best pizza in Keokuk! I can't wait to spend time in the arcade.

Great food, great service, very happy to eat there!!

By far the best pizza in Keokuk! Great value too. The Shrimp-zza is great.

Awesome pizza. Great prices. They even offer delivery to Hamilton. Will order again.

Had the Pizza last night. Hands down the best pizza I've had recently. The crust is amazing!!

Great place...great people and great games!!

The coolest games in town with great pizza taboot!

fire pizza and the owner is a real cool dude!!

Great pizza and a fun atmosphere

Fantastic pizza! 5 stars ?? would repeat!!

Owner Peter Joy awesome kind person Great place full of life. Bringing my friends up in June

The SkullFist pizza is 100% StoneCutter approved!

Thank you for everything and the Live Band you have there.Like GFM!!!!! Have the group come back will travel to see in a heartbeat.

Best vegie pizza I ever tasted??

I'm sorry about the 1 star review I just thought you guys were ignoring our phone calls and I feel bad because I called multiple times but I fixed it and you guys do have amazing food and amazing customer service and I'm sorry for the inconvenience I hope you guys are able to get everything back up and going

Great fun! Old school video games and music from the 80's! Pinball too!

Absolutely great food . The service was excellent. Thank you guys for the good experience

Great place, good za, wild atmosphere!

Awesome place to go to relive your childhood memories and put sone coin in a slot. Game on ??

Great Pizza and Great Games! The Owner Rulez!!!

The service was impeccable and the pizza was amazing!

Great nostalgic place to relive your childhood days in the arcade.

It's amazing!!! Greatest place on earth

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.