When prostitution was banned after World War I, then-mayor Martin Behrman aptly claimed, “You can make it illegal, but you can’t make it unpopular.” In the following years, as prophesized, for each legitimate brothel that closed, a new underground business opened to fill the void, providing ladies and liquor to the people who once sought entertainment in Storyville. In this context, George Jackson opened the Jackson Inn in 1939. To this day, stories are still told at 218 South Robertson of the upstairs rooms and the ladies they housed – both of which were rented by the hour.
The Jackson Inn would operate through several generations before being sold in the final years of the 20th century. It would later become Matranga’s before falling into disrepair and finally closing its doors in early 2005.
After a lengthy three-month renovation, Handsome Willy’s, named after an old pimp who used to ply his trade on the premises, would open on April 16th of 2005. Surrounded by the bustling Tulane, Charity, and University Hospitals, things were on track for bringing the tradition of good times back to 218 South Robertson. The old upstairs brothel was renovated to a hostel, and Handsome Willy’s rented rooms to nightly guests from around the world. Local music magazine AntiGravity moved its offices upstairs as well, and plans had begun for the reopening of the restaurant next door.
Then Katrina hit. Handsome Willy’s and the surrounding neighborhood were severely impacted by the storm. It took another arduous renovation to bring Willy’s back to life, but in late November of 2005, the bar opened its doors again for business.
Willy’s was one of the first businesses in the CBD to reopen after Katrina. Unfortunately, the hospitals and office buildings that had once brought patrons to the bar were empty. Somehow, though, Willy’s was able to squeak through these tough times with the support of our very loyal customers. As the neighborhood began to slowly come back to life with the reconstruction of the medical infrastructure, Willy’s was there to help take people’s minds off of the hardships they were facing.
In the years since the storm, Handsome Willy’s has cemented its status as a place for great drinks, delicious food, and excellent music in New Orleans. Our customers are our family. Our place is our home. All are welcome.