Two Robberies Target Dandy Crown Bar in River West
In a shocking turn of events, the Dandy Crown bar and restaurant located on Milwaukee Avenue has been the victim of two robberies within the same week, leaving both patrons and staff in a state of fear. This iconic establishment in the River West neighborhood was bustling with customers when these incidents occurred, drawing attention to the ongoing concerns surrounding safety in small businesses across Chicago.
The Incidents
The series of unfortunate events began late Monday night when a masked assailant entered the establishment. Surveillance footage revealed the intruder approaching the bartender and brandishing a knife, demanding money. After realizing that the cash register was empty, the robber resorted to snatching personal belongings; he left with the purses and mobile phones of both the bartender and a female patron.
The subsequent robbery, which occurred on Wednesday evening just after 8 p.m., escalated in violence. Video from the incident shows a man dressed in black and wearing a baseball cap casually entering the bar. He initially pretends to be waiting for someone but soon starts rummaging through an employee’s purse. When the employee confronted him in an attempt to retrieve her possessions, he violently flipped her over a chair and fled the scene.
A Community Response
Pony Lawson, a neighbor and regular at Dandy Crown, witnessed part of the incident and attempted to pursuit the fleeing robber. “We were upstairs playing pool when we heard a crash,” Lawson described. “After witnessing someone run out, we rushed outside to catch him. He was parked right across the street and tried to run us over as we tried to block traffic.” His concern for the bar’s staff and its owners was palpable as he added, “They’re some of the nicest people I know, and it’s just unfortunate they have to endure this.”
Ongoing Investigations
Local law enforcement is actively investigating both incidents, though no arrests have been made at this time. In light of the recent violence and the stress it has imposed on staff and guests, Dandy Crown was forced to close its doors on Thursday. The owners emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone involved and are set to introduce new security measures.
Additionally, the owners expressed frustration regarding the lack of sufficient action from city officials in addressing the ongoing safety concerns that small businesses like Dandy Crown face regularly. Since opening in 2023, this establishment has been the victim of five break-ins, illuminating the struggles faced by local vendors in maintaining a secure environment for their patrons.
Recent Incident Overview
| Date | Type of Incident | Description |
|---|---|---|
| August 11, 2025 | Robbery | Bandit with a knife stole purses and phones. |
| August 13, 2025 | Robbery | Theft turned violent involving stolen purse. |
As the city grapples with escalating crime rates, the story of Dandy Crown serves as a reminder of the critical need for improved security measures and support for local businesses.
