5th Review: The Crooked Cue - $$ - $$$

SpoonfulofReviews back with yet another review- this time not on ethnic cuisine, but North American favourites from a local establishment with a long history: The Crooked Cue. 

The Crooked Cue is located in Etobicoke/Mississauga area on Islington Ave. Major intersection: Islington Ave. & Bloor st. The Crooked Cue is a restaurant/pub/pool hall with a bit of an upscale elegance about it. Because it is located on Islington ave, a rather busy road- there is no designated parking area and few legal parking spots on the street, so parking can often be a bit of a difficulty especially for larger groups of people. Upon entering the doors to TCC past the double glass doors are a pair of stairs going upwards, carpeted with brass railings. Once you've reached the second story of TCC, on your immediate left is a bar and 6-9 pool tables. On your right is a formal/comfortable dining area, complete with a fireplace, comfortable leather seats and lounging area, as well as several tables that seat 4-6 people comfortably. This establishment would be perfect for larger parties of people as it is a spacious yet cozy environment, complete with a second more elaborate bar, and 4 huge flat screen televisions, on which they usually air major sporting events.

The server was attentive and friendly asking our choice of beverage upon giving us menus to look at. The menu items had many familiar dishes such as chicken wraps, chicken tenders and fries, souvlaki entres, nacho and potato wedge appetizers etc. Though the menu items seem to contain regular items you might find on menus at other Canadian restaurants, the items fit the setting and theme of the restaurant well. I also particularly liked that the menu featured a short bio about the TCC and it's somewhat unorthodox history. Unfortunately I was unable to get any photos within the establishment as my phone had died just after I snapped the above picture.

After placing our orders we waited for approximately 25 minutes to receive our meals which were well prepared and featured large portions. I ordered a chicken wrap with a side of sweet potato fries which were very tasty though the wrap was a little on the dry side.  TCC offers comfort food, and that seemed to fit well with the atmosphere created within the establishment.

Upon finishing your meal, you're welcome to take a shot at your pool shark skills as there must have been at least 30 pool tables in a section off to the side of the dining/lounging areas. Going rates are $15 an hour per table. Even if you aren't a pool shark it's a great form of entertainment offered by this establishment and again, fits well with the history of TCC.

My only criticism would be that TCC wouldn't be a "family" oriented establishment in that, families with small kids would perhaps be more comfortable at establishments that cater to younger children. TCC definitely caters to an older crowd, of young adults to much older people.

SpoonfulofReviews.blogspot.com - Overall Rating (out of 5 stars) for The Crooked Cue:

Service:    ¶¶¶¶  

Food:                     ¶¶¶ 1/2 

Experience:         ¶¶¶¶