Joe Englert: Washington bar owner

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Joe Englert moved from Pennsylvania to D.C. in 1984 to write about nightlife as a freelancer for local newspapers. When there proved not to be enough of a scene, Englert decided to help create one. He opened his first bar, the 15 Minutes Club, on 15th Street Northwest a couple of years later.

Although that bar is now closed — a result of gentrification — he now runs many well-known watering holes across the District, including Dupont Circle’s Lucky Bar and Capitol Hill’s Pour House and the Capitol Lounge.

In the past year, Englert has joined forces with several people, including employees and bartenders, to open at least eight new bars on the redeveloping H Street Northeast.

He says he’d like to see the number of bars on the street eventually capped at between 15 and 20 and hopes ethnic restaurants move into the area.

You run a free shuttle for your patrons because, you say, public transportation is not the best along H Street. Does any part of your reasoning have to do with the perception that the area is not safe?

Perception is not reality. The reality is, it’s just more the perception. I don’t think you have anything to fear coming down here.

What do you say to critics of gentrification?

If you only have pizza takeouts and check-cashing places, you’re ultimately just depriving residents of a diverse marketplace.

What has the response been from the community about all that you’re doing on H Street?

Ninety-nine percent positive. You either go out or you don’t. Our goal is to be a non-distraction. Our goal is to be anonymous.

What is your vision for H Street?

If the zoning’s done right, there will be bookstores, coffee shops, great things to do.

A lot of your establishments, including the recently opened Rock and Roll Hotel, seem to feature music. Do you have a favorite band?

The Pogues.

- Courtney Mabeus