SOO Blaster — Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie

I've given the place a few tries before writing this review. They've all been after Greyhound games because of the location, convenience and 25% off with the Hounds ticket.

When you walk into SOO Blaster, the first thing that hits you is how cavernous the space is. It's absolutely monstrous. It's clear that the intention was to have three distinct spaces within - the games, the bar and the restaurant - but it all just blends into one.

My understanding was that they were going for a local "Dave and Buster's". The only problem is, they forgot most of the games. The selection leaves you underwhelmed and wanting for much more after about an hour. There isn't any buzzing, singing, bells and whistles liked you'd expect in arcade. Heck, there often aren't any people playing on a weekend night. All you can hear is the music blaring from the bar.

The food is average. It's your general bar food. Nothing to complain about but nothing to come back for. The price, for the quantity and quality, might keep you away. $12.99 plus tax and tip for 4 average sized and average tasting potato skins. Thankfully I had the 25% from the Hound game.

My one positive experience came during the WTF Comedy Festival last summer. The place was busy, the entertainment was fantastic and it had a good atmosphere going. As an event location, it has had it's other successes as well (haven't attended, just heard through the grapevine).

Overall, it has potential. But what Soo Blasters needs to decide is what the hell it actually is. Is it a family restaurant? Is it a gaming hub? Is it a sports bar? Is it a club? Is it a concert hall? Because it's trying to be everything at once and it's quickly becoming...

I was excited to see that this place was near our hotel while visiting recently! When we tried to visit on a civic holiday it was closed, so we decided to go back the next day, but it was also closed. We made a third attempt and walked in to a very large, empty and unwelcoming space. There is a huge open area with an old entry desk and several broken game machines in the corner. No one was present. We left thinking it wasn't a real open business. We tried again when we saw a few kids enter. Upon actually entering the space was large and there were very few people. The staff was friendly but also not very welcoming. The food was not very good, it seemed like it was all made from pre-prepared packages or something. The games often stole credits without allowing you to play games, and the staff kept coming over and fiddling with the doors an hour before close - since we were the only ones left we thought they were trying to close and felt rushed to get through our credits. If this place tried a LITTLE harder it could be awesome, I think, but it's like they don't...

Nope and nope. We were staying in the hotel, so, after a long day, we figured we'd hit up Soo Blaster for some games, food and drinks. Bought a play card then went to find a table. Regrets. They were having an event......so it was utter mayhem trying to get someone to take our order. My husband got his drink....and after waiting 15 minutes, had to go to the bar to ask for mine. Then we opted to.order our food all at once to avoid waiting. An appetizer and main course. It showed up all at once. I got a crispy chicken.....which...turned out to be a frozen chicken cutlet warmed. Then they shut the games down for the night due to the 'event'. Naturally we did not have tickets, so we were asked to leave. We had to get our money back for the game card and go. Lastly, the way the manager or owner spoke to his staff was absolutely deplorable. He has no business being in charge of anyone. Outright in front of everyone. The poor girl looked so flustered. They are obviously not organized for an event of middle aged women dressed as Spice Girls listening to...