Horrible place, first I waited for a cocktail for more than 15 minutes, then I asked for a check to pay and they brought it to me 20 minutes later when I asked for it for the hundredth time. Horrible service 😔
Just wanted to share a pretty frustrating experience I had last night at the REC Room in the Avalon Mall – a place I’ve enjoyed and supported for over six years.
A few months ago, management made the decision to raise the cost of bowling from 45 credits per person (a little over $10) to 70 credits per person (just under $20), which was steep but manageable for an hour of bowling. I wasn’t thrilled, but I rolled with it – I enjoy the space and wanted to support a local entertainment option.
Fast forward to last night: I went to the REC Room with a friend and paid 140 credits ($40) fully expecting to get our usual hour of bowling in. We finished our first game – which lasted around 7 minutes – and got a message saying our time was up.
Confused, we asked staff what was going on, and were told that the pricing had changed overnight. It’s now 70 credits per person per game, not per hour. So $20 each for 7 minutes of bowling. No signs. No notification. No heads-up when we bought the credits. Staff said they only found out when they arrived for their shift and that people had been complaining about it all day.
Honestly, this feels like a slap in the face to loyal patrons. I’ve visited the REC Room over 30 times in the past six years. I’ve celebrated birthdays there, brought out-of-town guests, and recommended it to countless people. But last night marked my final visit.
To see such a drastic and sneaky change, with zero communication or consideration for customers, is just unacceptable. I get that prices change, but doubling the price and slashing the experience without notice is the kind of move that destroys trust.
All good things come to an end, I guess. Just thought others should be aware before they waste their money like I did.
Tristin Clarke
Used to come here every once or twice every few months for a date night. Prices have remained the same for the cost of the bracelets, but nearly every game that used to cost 4-6 credits now costs 10 credits! I used to be able to go in here, spend 30 bucks, and play 30-40 games in an hour or two. Now, I'm lucky if I could play 15-20 of those exact same games!!! It's beyond ridiculous considering most of the games that cost 4-6 credits before hand only gave like 10-20 tickets at most, so now they cost more credits for the same crappy return? They've also modified a lot of games which used to require skill, like the ball drop ones, where now its complete chance.
Another issue is the amount of broken machines! I mean seriously- there are machines there that were broken the last time I went around 9 months ago, and still down! Some games were luckily good ticket returns for what they cost, but I'm sure they'll be increasing in the next few months too.
They certainly know how to gouge the most money from someone!
Debbie
Experience and food was subpar. Only reason we went was because of open table bonus points. This restaurant lacks lustre, has a poor menu and lacks good customer service. Hostesess x 2 on their phones most of the time, eating at their podium and unable to effectively communicate when we asked questions due to language barrier. Our server was lovely and tried her best to communicate. She was very attentive. Live Music feature was great but it's a VERY noisy atmosphere so it's a shame good talent was. It heard properly. We had the vegan soy noodle bowl and calamari. Nothing great and not likely to order it again. Sangria was heavenly.
Chris Duffy
Excellent experience here yesterday with the family. It was very busy in the arcade and the restaurant, but we were met with friendly and efficient service. Food was excellent for mall restaurant food, much better than expected. The goat cheese and pear dip was incredible, as well as the cocktails we had. Kids meals were great for the price. Highly recommend the lettuce wraps, which our server recommended making as a salad, it was a great meal. Big selection of games for the kids (and parents), there was really something for everyone.
Benjamin S
This is a great restaurant as well as a great venue for anyone looking at dinner plus entertainment. However, the setup for comedy shows can be a bit awkward. The layout in 2022 for Kenny versus Spenny was far better than this time around. Bar seating was a very nice choice and didn't feel too overcrowded when they first hosted the event either.
The fries, impossible burger, lettuce wraps, goat cheese pear dip, and nachos are always very good food options. The servers and bartenders are also excellent at providing meal recommendations and customizing if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. Not to mention they are normally fast, and managers will usually check on you to see how things are going, which is much appreciated.
The games floor can be pretty chaotic at times, especially on the weekends, but of course that's to be expected. It's always manageable in terms of flow and movement too, so there are no real issues there. If you are looking to grab a quick beer or some food that is on the lighter side, the Shed is a great option while you are on the go.
For anyone bringing kids, always check in advance whether or not they will be open to the public, as they do host private and paid events. The recent Kenny versus Spenny show had made for a lot of disappointed families and children. There could definitely be a better setup with regards to signage for private events to ensure people know well in advance; but, following their social media page is a plus for staying in the know.
If you're looking for quality service either at the bar or at a table in the restaurant, you won't be disappointed by any staff member. A big shoutout to Chelsey, Kaitlin, Aries, Carlo, Jeff, Ishika, and Hailey for always making the outing as enjoyable as possible!
C Rose
First of all, The host didn’t speak to us nor smile. Nachos were soggy and had way too much lettuce on top. Not pleasant. I asked the server if the pulled pork was spicy and was told no but it was indeed spicy so I could not eat it and all the server did was offer to bring me a box to bring it home. I saw what looked to be a manager walk around to tables but he never once stopped by ours. Out first and last time dining at Rec Room.
Ian Stamp
I was attending a birthday party with my child and had a coffee from Tim Hortons with me. I was asked to leave or have my coffee confiscated - no outside beverages allowed. I understand the rule, but feel as though the enforcement in this case was excessive. I saw a few other people walking around with coffees from Tims... Not me though!
Opentable Diner
Fries are good, nachos were decent and the sangria is delicious (and dangerous). Service was okay but they didn't take my scene card :(
Simon Bridger
I lost my hat and asked the staff if any of them had seen it and perhaps picked it up. Expect for one polite employee, not one made any effort to help, or even respond. The staff are uninterested and unwelcoming, the arcade is filled with overpriced and broken machines, and the place is absolutely filthy. Seriously, the entire floor is a greasy slipping hazard. Don't waste your time or money here.
Cold food, small burger patties, cold poutine One serving of popcorn for 2 people Waitress distracted, manager got me a refill never replaced straw, servers all over the place doing nothing when asked for a take out tray pawed off to another server, Was there for a total of and hour and a half for a meal Won't be back Thanks!!!
Damion Dawe
Games with kiddos stellar, food is ok for pub grub style, staff were fantastic bringing out popcorn when I asked, tips are included in the bills and there will be a tip option again when paying if you wish to double tip.
Opentable Diner
It was amazing! As always :) thank you to all the staff for making it such a great experience.
Bob Hollett
Cold, noisy, and poor selection of menu. Like eating at a bowling alley. Some staff seemed to be just going through the motions. Had burgers before a movie. Burgers were overcooked and very dry. More lettuce on burgers at fast food restaurants. Asked for mustard and relish, they don't carry that!!?? Got some ketchup in a cup on the side, presumably for the fries. Had to put it on the burger because it was so dry. The burger was supposed to have House Sauce, but had very little. Also, they don't supply salt and pepper on the tables. Overpriced and will not be going back.
Chad
Won't be going back here. Food was just not good. Had several dishes with the family and we won't be returning.
Horrible place, first I waited for a cocktail for more than 15 minutes, then I asked for a check to pay and they brought it to me 20 minutes later when I asked for it for the hundredth time. Horrible service 😔
REC Room Avalon Mall – Drastic Bowling Price Hike Overnight (St. John’s)
Just wanted to share a pretty frustrating experience I had last night at the REC Room in the Avalon Mall – a place I’ve enjoyed and supported for over six years.
A few months ago, management made the decision to raise the cost of bowling from 45 credits per person (a little over $10) to 70 credits per person (just under $20), which was steep but manageable for an hour of bowling. I wasn’t thrilled, but I rolled with it – I enjoy the space and wanted to support a local entertainment option.
Fast forward to last night: I went to the REC Room with a friend and paid 140 credits ($40) fully expecting to get our usual hour of bowling in. We finished our first game – which lasted around 7 minutes – and got a message saying our time was up.
Confused, we asked staff what was going on, and were told that the pricing had changed overnight. It’s now 70 credits per person per game, not per hour. So $20 each for 7 minutes of bowling. No signs. No notification. No heads-up when we bought the credits. Staff said they only found out when they arrived for their shift and that people had been complaining about it all day.
Honestly, this feels like a slap in the face to loyal patrons. I’ve visited the REC Room over 30 times in the past six years. I’ve celebrated birthdays there, brought out-of-town guests, and recommended it to countless people. But last night marked my final visit.
To see such a drastic and sneaky change, with zero communication or consideration for customers, is just unacceptable. I get that prices change, but doubling the price and slashing the experience without notice is the kind of move that destroys trust.
All good things come to an end, I guess. Just thought others should be aware before they waste their money like I did.
Used to come here every once or twice every few months for a date night. Prices have remained the same for the cost of the bracelets, but nearly every game that used to cost 4-6 credits now costs 10 credits! I used to be able to go in here, spend 30 bucks, and play 30-40 games in an hour or two. Now, I'm lucky if I could play 15-20 of those exact same games!!! It's beyond ridiculous considering most of the games that cost 4-6 credits before hand only gave like 10-20 tickets at most, so now they cost more credits for the same crappy return? They've also modified a lot of games which used to require skill, like the ball drop ones, where now its complete chance.
Another issue is the amount of broken machines! I mean seriously- there are machines there that were broken the last time I went around 9 months ago, and still down! Some games were luckily good ticket returns for what they cost, but I'm sure they'll be increasing in the next few months too.
They certainly know how to gouge the most money from someone!
Experience and food was subpar. Only reason we went was because of open table bonus points. This restaurant lacks lustre, has a poor menu and lacks good customer service. Hostesess x 2 on their phones most of the time, eating at their podium and unable to effectively communicate when we asked questions due to language barrier. Our server was lovely and tried her best to communicate. She was very attentive. Live Music feature was great but it's a VERY noisy atmosphere so it's a shame good talent was. It heard properly. We had the vegan soy noodle bowl and calamari. Nothing great and not likely to order it again. Sangria was heavenly.
Excellent experience here yesterday with the family. It was very busy in the arcade and the restaurant, but we were met with friendly and efficient service. Food was excellent for mall restaurant food, much better than expected. The goat cheese and pear dip was incredible, as well as the cocktails we had. Kids meals were great for the price. Highly recommend the lettuce wraps, which our server recommended making as a salad, it was a great meal. Big selection of games for the kids (and parents), there was really something for everyone.
This is a great restaurant as well as a great venue for anyone looking at dinner plus entertainment. However, the setup for comedy shows can be a bit awkward. The layout in 2022 for Kenny versus Spenny was far better than this time around. Bar seating was a very nice choice and didn't feel too overcrowded when they first hosted the event either.
The fries, impossible burger, lettuce wraps, goat cheese pear dip, and nachos are always very good food options. The servers and bartenders are also excellent at providing meal recommendations and customizing if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. Not to mention they are normally fast, and managers will usually check on you to see how things are going, which is much appreciated.
The games floor can be pretty chaotic at times, especially on the weekends, but of course that's to be expected. It's always manageable in terms of flow and movement too, so there are no real issues there. If you are looking to grab a quick beer or some food that is on the lighter side, the Shed is a great option while you are on the go.
For anyone bringing kids, always check in advance whether or not they will be open to the public, as they do host private and paid events. The recent Kenny versus Spenny show had made for a lot of disappointed families and children. There could definitely be a better setup with regards to signage for private events to ensure people know well in advance; but, following their social media page is a plus for staying in the know.
If you're looking for quality service either at the bar or at a table in the restaurant, you won't be disappointed by any staff member. A big shoutout to Chelsey, Kaitlin, Aries, Carlo, Jeff, Ishika, and Hailey for always making the outing as enjoyable as possible!
First of all, The host didn’t speak to us nor smile. Nachos were soggy and had way too much lettuce on top. Not pleasant. I asked the server if the pulled pork was spicy and was told no but it was indeed spicy so I could not eat it and all the server did was offer to bring me a box to bring it home. I saw what looked to be a manager walk around to tables but he never once stopped by ours. Out first and last time dining at Rec Room.
I was attending a birthday party with my child and had a coffee from Tim Hortons with me. I was asked to leave or have my coffee confiscated - no outside beverages allowed. I understand the rule, but feel as though the enforcement in this case was excessive. I saw a few other people walking around with coffees from Tims... Not me though!
Fries are good, nachos were decent and the sangria is delicious (and dangerous). Service was okay but they didn't take my scene card :(
I lost my hat and asked the staff if any of them had seen it and perhaps picked it up. Expect for one polite employee, not one made any effort to help, or even respond. The staff are uninterested and unwelcoming, the arcade is filled with overpriced and broken machines, and the place is absolutely filthy. Seriously, the entire floor is a greasy slipping hazard. Don't waste your time or money here.
Restaurantji Recommends
Cold food, small burger patties, cold poutine One serving of popcorn for 2 people Waitress distracted, manager got me a refill never replaced straw, servers all over the place doing nothing when asked for a take out tray pawed off to another server, Was there for a total of and hour and a half for a meal Won't be back Thanks!!!
Games with kiddos stellar, food is ok for pub grub style, staff were fantastic bringing out popcorn when I asked, tips are included in the bills and there will be a tip option again when paying if you wish to double tip.
It was amazing! As always :) thank you to all the staff for making it such a great experience.
Cold, noisy, and poor selection of menu. Like eating at a bowling alley. Some staff seemed to be just going through the motions. Had burgers before a movie. Burgers were overcooked and very dry. More lettuce on burgers at fast food restaurants. Asked for mustard and relish, they don't carry that!!?? Got some ketchup in a cup on the side, presumably for the fries. Had to put it on the burger because it was so dry. The burger was supposed to have House Sauce, but had very little. Also, they don't supply salt and pepper on the tables. Overpriced and will not be going back.
Won't be going back here. Food was just not good. Had several dishes with the family and we won't be returning.
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