River West Cocktail Bar The Dandy Crown Robbed Twice This Week

The Dandy Crown cocktail bar in River West has faced two robberies within three days, intensifying concerns about safety in the area. On Monday, a masked man brandished a knife and stole personal items from patrons, while Wednesday's incident involved another masked individual who assaulted a staff member to grab a purse. Co-owner Julia Shell reported that the bar has been targeted multiple times since 2023, underscoring a troubling trend for local businesses. Although Chicago has seen a decrease in violent crime this year, the incidents at The Dandy Crown suggest that small businesses remain vulnerable. Police have not made any arrests, and investigations into both robberies are ongoing.

Shell called for the city to enhance safety measures and hold offenders accountable to protect local establishments. She expressed that staff and patron safety must be prioritized, while the bar implements additional security measures. The situation reflects broader issues of public safety and the need for community support in Chicago.