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A late-night spot to blow smoke, and blow off steam

ryan evans, the times leader, wilkes-barre, pa.
·4 min read

Jul. 17—WILKES-BARRE — For 12 years The Crimson Lion Lounge and Cafe at 37 East South St. has been providing a cool spot for Wilkes and King's students to hang out, socialize, and blow off some steam between coursework, exams, and part-time jobs. And while the business has had a few hurdles to jump in the last few years, they're still dedicated to downtown and its residents.

Owner Mike Pasquini, 38, opened the hookah and coffee lounge 12 years ago with the intention of providing a "late-night spot for mainly students not yet 21 to be able to come and hang out and over 21 would have an alternative to the bars."

And things were going good.

"The business has always been well-received by the community as we have always maintained a relaxing coffee shop atmosphere," Pasquini noted.

Then January of 2020 rolled around and brought with it change. Specifically, the federal smoking age being raised to 21 instead of 18.

"More than anything, the federal smoking age being raised in January of 2020 slowed business more than even the stoppage during the pandemic," Pasquini said.

Of course, just a short two months later, the pandemic would indeed shut down almost every downtown business until at least June of that year. Being that Pasquini is the primary operator at the Crimson Lion, his staff, made up of folks who work other full- and part-time jobs, were largely unaffected by the shutdown.

During those tumultuous months, Pasquini had high praise for the Diamond City Partnership. "DCP was an excellent resource for keeping me posted on grants. I applied for them and they helped me through the shutdown," he said.

As the year rolls on, Pasquini is working to adapt to the 21+ smoking policy and get business back to what it was pre-pandemic and pre-federal law change. Pasquini remarked on the challenges and rising to them, saying, "The one-two punch of that law and the shutdown was very tough, but I survived and I am grateful for that."

Currently, The Crimson Lion has a unique array of offerings sure to satisfy those looking for a relaxing night out.

Hookah is the focal point, and there's a variety of shisha to pick from as well as a nicotine-free tea-based option. The Crimson Lion also offers locally brewed coffee from Caffe Fresco, who Pasquini noted has an "excellent cold-brew," as well as a cheese charcuterie board, which has been a hit since it was introduced. There's also ice cream cups from Giff's Ice Cream Shop and other assorted beverages and teas. For those who like to imbibe, The Crimson Lion offers a BYOB policy of one six-pack or a 750mL bottle of wine per two customers.

There's also a variety of board games for patrons to choose from, classic Nintendo 64 games for you nostalgic gamers out there and Pasquini said, "We will also be doing trivia night again on the first Wednesday of the month as the new semester approaches." So, there's no shortage of ways for the local collegiates to get downtown, chill out, and enjoy what The Crimson Lion has to offer.

Pasquini, a lifelong Wilkes-Barre resident, looks beyond his own business and into his hometown.

"I hope the city maintains a college-focused vision, which can only hope small businesses downtown. That approach is fundamental to any sort of long-term recovery," he said.

Pertaining to his own business, he offered gratitude.

"Our regular customers have kept us going and we are extraordinarily grateful for them. It definitely would not have been possible without their support," he said. "I am also very thankful for the information that DCP has sent out during the lockdown on grants."

And though he'd like to see something done about the 21+ smoking law, Pasquini is still dedicated to his business, and to downtown Wilkes-Barre.

"I have always wanted more options beyond bars, and I have always strived to make that my identity as a chill, late-night coffee and hookah lounge," he said.

The Crimson Lion is open Monday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight with last call at 11p.m. Stay up-to-date with the lounge and cafe via their Facebook account @ TheCrimsonLionLoungeandCafe or through Instagram @ the_crimson_lion. The store's phone number is 570-208- 2909.