CUA Bids Farewell to Hawk ‘n Dove Bar
Annie Backscheider, Tower Staff
October 7, 2011
Filed under News
Nearly every CUA student has fond memories, whether a little fuzzy or completely clear, of the historic Hawk ‘n’ Dove. Sadly, the bar and restaurant, open since 1967, closed its doors for good this past Monday in the wee hours of the morning. Last Saturday night, CUA students embarked on a final exodus from campus, celebrating their last Hawk ‘n’ Dove experience.
The Brookland Metro stop was filled with Catholic students of all years dressed up to celebrate their final night at Hawk, as they fondly call it. A bystander described the inside of the metro as “mad crowded.” Students were not bothered by the twenty-minute minimum wait to get inside Hawk ‘n’ Dove, as the place was packed. Each dance floor was completely full, and every table and chair was taken. Inside was standing room only, but that did not stop CUA students from having good time.
Both Catholic students and adults of different ages could be spotted dancing the night away, whether on a table or out on the dance floor. Students, ranging from freshman to seniors, could be found at Hawk nearly every weekend over the last few years. An exploratory freshman, Dan Byers, said that both he and his buddies would spend most weekends at Hawk.
Hawk ‘n’ Dove has been the “it place” for CUA students to spend their Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights, dancing and having fun with friends for years. Many students were saddened by its closing.
“It’s a shame that another ‘go-to’ club for Catholic students is being shut down,” said a junior. Without Hawk, the question is posed as to where students can spend their weekends. Hawk ‘n’ Dove was notorious for admitting an 18 and up crowd, which made it a popular site for students of each year. Students will have the option of My Brother’s Place, which occasionally accepts persons under 21, as well as house parties, but many students say it cannot compete with Hawk’s spirited atmosphere.
Byers explained that Hawk allowed him to have fun and enjoy time with his friends.
“Hawk ‘n’ Dove is a legendary cardinal place,” said Christine Banach, who studies Classics. “Hawk was a great place for students to meet, catch up, and dance.”
She also said that, most of all, she would miss “getting in for free” at Hawk.
As for those who cannot get enough of the legendary Hawk ‘n’ Dove, an online auction will take place this Friday. On the website Rasmus.com, students can bid for Hawk ‘n’ Dove’s furniture, lighting fixtures, and electronics, among other items. The auction gives fans of the bar a chance to take home a piece of history.
Hawk ‘n’ Dove has been around since the Vietnam War. The bar officially opened its doors on December 24th, 1967. The name of the bar originates as a symbol of unity between the supporters, Hawks, and protestors, Doves, of the Vietnam War. Despite, Hawk ‘n’ Dove’s long history, the owner was given no choice when he was outbid by a higher rent offer.
The new owner, Xavier Cervera also owns The Chesapeake Room and Molly Malone’s and is planning major changes for Hawk. He will only be accepting a 21 and up crowd, and plans to raise prices and remove the bar’s DJ nights. Cervera’s goal is to attract an older crowd and give the bar a more upscale atmosphere. The new changes to Hawk ‘n’ Dove will most likely succeed in attracting a different scene and Catholic students have to find a new hangout.
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