The Hard Deck Smokehouse & Rec Room — Restaurant in City of Cold Lake

Edit: I’ve been contacted by the restaurant and it turns out that I should have never been charged for the golf clubs, or an automatic gratuity.

I’ll preface by saying that we had a lot of fun, but I was not super impressed with the service.

We booked a party package ($400+), and when we came in nobody seemed to remember what package we booked, nor had anything really planned, or even knew I had already paid a deposit. We booked a package that included certain foods, the golf sim for 2 hours and five bracelets for the arcade. When getting the bracelets we were under credited and I had to go back and point out what party package we booked to get the proper amount. When we got there we were also told we would be charged for the golf clubs. This should really be included when booking a very expensive party package, or at least communicated on the booking form or verbally beforehand.

We started with the golf sim then moved on to the arcade, but for some reason our waiter did not want to give us a table in the arcade, even though they we’re available, rather wanting to put us on the far end of the pool tables. This didn’t make a lot of sense and seemed like poor planning, especially when it was included as part of the package.

When getting the bill I noticed that a $70 gratuity was automatically applied. Keeping in mind this was already a very expensive birthday party. I was planning on tipping anyways (set amount in cash) but this threw me off. Obviously I didn’t also give the cash. I really think you need to either change or advertise this policy, because unless explicitly stated you are not allowed to automatically add a tip. It doesn’t indicate this fee on the posters advertising the party packages, the booking form, nor was it communicated to me verbally when booking, or when we arrived for the party.

We really did have a lot of fun, but it was more in part to the arcade and the golf sim. I probably wouldn’t do another party here, but it seems like a good place for dinner, or trivia night. Everyone seemed nice enough, but it was a hassle at points to get what we paid for.

I recommend updating your party booking form, to explicitly state that golf clubs are not included in the price, and that a gratuity fee is automatically applied. I think being more transparent about these extra fees would have made the “big day” a more positive experience, rather than...

Top-Gun theme. Highly versatile atmosphere. You can be very comfortable here alone, with a date, with your Grandparents, with your drinkin buddies, girls night or with the family. The staff are fast, friendly and attentive. The owner runs a tight ship and is on the floor, personable and interactive. Everything is clean and freshly updated I'd say. The drink menu has all your favorites and prices like 20 years ago! Now, the food. I judge a place on 3 things: The main meat, Caesar salad and poutine. This place rivals Everything in every way Big, clean, tender rack of ribs with BBQ and honey garlic sauce on the side for however you want to dip or pour it. The way it should be IMO. The Caesar was perfect and in a bowl separated from the rest of the food. The poutine was made with perfectly cooked seasoned fries with good gravy and real curd cheese. At no extra charge it came with individual dishes of coleslaw and baked beans. The all black dishes and Cutlery were classy, and I loved that the sides and sauces came in ready to go containers that you can slap a lid on and bring with you if you don't eat it all. Be ready for that because the portions are generous. Most of the choices on the menu came with meat upgrade options so you can have it your way. There are massive big screen TVs throughout the dining area and Bar if you want to watch sports. The music was satellite streaming service that I'm sure they would adapt to your request. There is a separate but connected section of the building that I didn't go to but I noticed they have pool tables and I heard them talking about having a large area for private parties. I can't think of anything this place is lacking and there is nowhere else like it in the area. I went there late at night and they still had full kitchen available. This is where it's at in Cold Lake. The food prices are more than reasonable for the quality quantity and presentation. I got the Fanboy half rack of ribs with a Caesar salad and poutine upgrade and a drink for under 40 bucks....

Update June 2023: Smokehouse previously Memphis Blues. Menu is about the same as previous, food not quite as good, some items like po'boys missing. Our table ordered chicken alfredo, clubhouse & fries, jambalaya, kids chicken fingers & fries, appetizers (wings, cornbread, cod bites, thai chicken). Everything was okay but nothing to write home about, not likely to return. Con: menu no longer has description of meals/dishes making it difficult to know what you're getting. For example, the jambalaya was previously described as "made with rice, shrimp, sausage and pulled chicken. Served with mixed greens and cornbread." The new description is listed with the mains that indicate that the dishes come with beans, cole slaw and i think cornbread. It then says you can sub for caesar or tossed salad. Turns out that's only for the "meat" dishes. The jambalaya actually came with mixed greens, strawberry vinaigrette and a cornbread. The alfredo included a garlic toast which wasn't indicated either. All to say, the new menu sucks. The restaurant was also very noisy even though there was only 11 people in restaurant. Waitress was excellent.

3 years ago: First time we went with family and had the Elvis platter, second time we had the jambalaya and seafood combo. Elvis platter is better than "Famous Daves"; jambalaya was fantastic; seafood combo fresh and cooked to perfection. Place is super clean. Discounts offered to military, police, fireman, etc. Cons: street signage...