▲
I was excited because after an absence of about 15 years, this would be the perfect opportunity for my reintroduction into the leather world. Way back, I use to be very much into the leather scene and had frequent visits to the DC Eagle. Back then the Eagle had a very good restaurant and the Leather Rack was upstairs. I wasn't going to pick up other guys, but to enjoy the food, company, and comradeship of other leather guys.
What I experienced on September 11th was totally unexpected and has left me with a sour feeling about the DC Eagle and its owner.
After setting up my notebook and having about 3 or 4 guys look at the photos and chat around the bar for about 30 minutes, the owner came up to Jim who was manning the bar. The owner began to verbally abuse my friend. He accused Jim and my rodeo group of using his bar, drinking his free beer, and not bringing in more customers to his bar. He further accused us of attempting to draw customers away from his bar. It was obvious that he was quite drunk as he continued to blame Jim, The Capitol Area Board of Clubs, and our rodeo group for his lack of customers.
To the 3 of us standing there, his arguments didn't make any since. Jim was trying to counter these odd slanders; however, it is very difficult to respond intelligently to arguments that are illogical, especially when any responses are bounced back and ignored.
After a bit he left to wander around other parts of the Eagle only to return later and begin his accusations anew and with more force. At several points, it appeared that he might even start a fight with Jim and possibly me as he kept looking in my direction while he yelled at Jim. My partner had been worried about my safety in going there because the Eagle isn't in a very good part of town. However, during these altercations, I was more concerned for my safety inside the bar than out on the street.
Another customer commented to me that he didn't come to the DC Eagle much anymore because it was no longer a friendly place. From the fact that there were only about 15 people in the entire place, I would assume that many other people feel the same way. It was becoming apparent to me that the real reason bar goers are going elsewhere is the general attitude of the owner.
Now I have to say that this was my only real experience at the DC Eagle in many years and I may have just hit a very off night. But it appears to me that if there really is a problem with lack of customers at the DC Eagle it is most likely the direct result of the attitude of the current management. I for one, do not intend to go back to the DC Eagle for a very long time. I have enough problems with my life without having to listen to such uncalled for harrassment, especially toward a volunteer and in front of customers.
Cowboy Frank