A recent spate of violent incidents at Columbia Heights bars this month might serve as a reminder that the newly-gentrifying neighborhood in Northwest Washington is still a bit of a work in progress. Three armed men robbed the Wonderland Ballroom on July 13, weeks after another man threw bricks through the windows of two bars a few blocks away.
The bar — known as “The Wonderland” to regulars — was still open for business at 1:45 a.m. when the masked robbers entered and demanded money from an employee. Police officers chased down one robber outside the bar, but two others escaped.
Less than a month ago, a vandal threw bricks through the windows of two other area bars, Meridian Pint and Room 11 Restaurant and Bar. Both are located a few blocks away from Wonderland.
A security camera at Meridian Pint caught the vandal in the act, but police said they are still searching for the man.
Still, the crimes apparently have not scared off customers. The night following the robbery, the outdoor tables and patio at the Wonderland were packed.
Bloomingdale resident Terry Howell heads to Columbia Heights for the bars and said he knew about the recent crimes. He decided to come to Wonderland anyway.
“You’re living in D.C.,” he said. “This is the reality of living in any area of D.C.”
Howell said he does plan to be more careful as he leaves area bars after midnight.
Room 11 partner Paul Ruppert said he spoke to his staff after the Wonderland robbery, reminding them to stay safe leaving the bar after work.
In 2008, development reshaped Columbia Heights with the DC USA complex, boasting a Target and Best Buy.
The stream of new residents is what keeps the Columbia Heights bar scene thriving, according to local bar-goers.
“There’s enough young people in Columbia Heights, they’ll go out to the bars, robbery or not,” Howell said.
Lou’s City Bar owner Terry Cullen said he studied the changing local demographics before opening a sports bar half a block from the Columbia Heights Metro station last March.
He owned bars in Georgetown and Bethesda, but Cullen said Columbia Heights has felt the safest. He places one security man at the front to check IDs.
“If I had the same size space in Georgetown, I’d have four men working security,” he said. “We, knock on wood, have never had any trouble.”
