Paul Newman, Jackie Gleeson and Tom Cruise: names synonymous with the pool table.
“Look at the way he moves, like a dancer… It's like he’s playing the violin or somethin’,” says Newman’s “Fast Eddie” Nelson, about Gleeson’s character in the 1961 film The Hustler.
That and its sequel, The Color of Money, were films that defined both cool and pool.
Gleeson, who played Minnesota Fats in The Hustler, despite his “fat fingers,” had finesse—he could dance the table and effortlessly call a corner. Cruise—in the sequel, 25 years later—could do exactly as his name said: cruise the table. …and Newman, in real life, did everything he ever wanted: acting, racing cars, salad dressing, donations, philanthropy, pizza and more.
But enough about movies; there’s a new billiards and booze spot in the center of the Springs: Crooked Cue Lounge.
The People Behind the Pool Hall
Four names: Ohmes, Campana, Frye and Stull-Quintana.
Maegan Ohmes is the manager of the billiards lounge and so much more. Ohmes is both an owner and operator and brings a rich industry history with her. Ohmes was a drink-slinger at the original STIR Coffee & Cocktails located on the line between The Old North End and the Patty Jewett Neighborhood. And before Crooked Cue, she was the general manager of Supernova downtown, but she’s been in the industry since she was a teenager.
“My first job was at 15. Funny enough, I worked at the Tasty Freeze behind Safeway near the original STIR,” says Ohmes. “But my first real deep dive into the service industry was definitely at STIR.”
And like Newman, Crooked Cue is doing everything it’s dreamed of, offering pool play, table-top shuffleboard, darts, drinks, pizza and more—brought to you by restaurateur Joe Campana, Cork & Cask owner and operator Lucas Frye, and Shannon Stull-Quintana, director of operations for Campana’s restaurant empire, with Ohmes front and center.
20 Years in the Making
“Joe [Campana] has been holding on to the idea for a pool hall for nearly 20 years,” says Ohmes.
Campana is behind many concepts in Colorado Springs, including two STIRs, The Rabbit Hole, Supernova, Bonny & Read and Shame & Regret—and he collaborates with co-owners like Frye of Cork & Cask and now Ohmes of Crooked Cue.
“Joe Campana has wanted to open a pool hall since he was 15 years old,” adds Stull-Quintana. “But he is a passionate pool player in his free time, when he has free time.”
“He invested with his business partner at Cork & Cask, Lucas Frye, and Maegan Ohmes, who was the general manager at Supernova Downtown, prior to opening up the pool hall,” continues Stull-Quintana. “They wanted to bring an elevated pool hall experience to downtown. One of their goals is to bring the pro tour to the Springs, and another is to simply get more people to enjoy the game of pool, regardless of their skill level.”
What to Eatzza?
“I love the Chicken Bacon Pesto Pizza,” says Stull-Quintana. “The sauce is made in-house and is so good! The dough is amazing and the flavor on this dish is to die for! There are also great vegan and gluten-free options as well as their delicious meatballs which you can get regular or vegan!”
Quintana’s favorite drink? The Cue T. “It's a well-balanced, refreshing, beautiful cocktail!”
“Yep, The Cue T is the best, without a doubt,” adds Ohmes.
“We also carry local draft beers by Bell Brothers Brewery. We love supporting our neighbors and local crafts,” continues Stull-Quintana.
What’s Next?
“I don’t know; the sky’s the limit,” says Ohmes.
Pool halls have a storied history, but when Ohmes talks about Crooked Cue, she speaks with words new and novel like “fresh basil, fresh lime” and “easy and refreshing to sip.”
So, what are you walking into with Crooked Cue Lounge? A rich history of billiards play, and a seasoned background of industry experience. What’s better than that?
Website: https://www.crookedcuelounge.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @CrookedCueLounge