We're a bar and nightclub in New Orleans @ 218 S. Robertson st. Check out www.handsomewillys.com for more info.
We like to throw parties. In just over 2 years in the business, we get better and better with each passing jam. No doubt one of the highlights since we've been at this was our street jam the "BlockBurner".
..218 S. Robertson st. was once a bar/club and notorious cathouse called the Jackson Inn, as well as Matrangas, located in what was once Black Storyville.
The Storyville neighborhoods were once the most prosperous prostitution districts in the country. White Storyville stood next to the French Quarter on the other side of Rampart where the Iberville Projects now reside. Black Storyville was on the the other side of Canal because black johns were not permitted in the white area.
This historic section of town was once home to many brothels, clubs, and parlors where Jazz music legends such as Louis Armstrong, King Bolden, and Jelly Roll Morton grew up and honed their craft.
When prostitution was made illegal during World War I and Storyville was shut down, it was the catalyst for many of these musicians to leave New Orleans for northern cities such as New York and Chicago. Prostitution was now illegal, but remained popular. Many of the brothels moved underground. One of these new underground houses of ill repute emerged at 218 S. Robertson st. around this time and operated there for decades.
Black Storyville has long been paved over in favor of parking lots, Government buildings, and hospitals, and few reminders remain of this era. 218 S. Robertson is one of the last remaining bridges of this area to the cities past.
218 S. Robertson st. is now Handsome Willy's. Willy's is a laid back, chill, good timey joint located in the CBD one block from Claiborne, in between Tulane and Canal, in the medical district.
Willy's has one of the nicest, big pimpin' courtyards in the city, w/ a bbq grill that is regularly fired up, and an outdoor ping pong table that is lit up so one can play anytime.
Willy's also has a vast menu of tasty dirty south cocktails, regular DJ's dropping tunes, satelite television, wireless internet, boardgames, books, magazines, Atari and Super Nintendo game systems, and much more.
Willy's has quickly established itself as one of the dopest underground spots in the city by providing a unique place and atmosphere for folks to enjoy themselves while being entertained.
S. Robertson st. is the traditional truck parade route on Mardi Gras day, and the parade rolls right passed Willy's front door. And next year when the Endymion parade returns to it's traditional route, along Canal st., Willy's will be the ideal spot to see the action.
Long a neighborhood tradition to watch the parades at Jackson Inn on Fat Tuesday, Willy's aims to continue this tradition for years to come.
Willy's is also the closest open bar to the Super Dome. In the post Katrina era, Willy's was the first bar in the area to reopen following the storm. Quickly becoming the number one spot for pre and post game parties this year during the Saints triumphant return to the city.Handsome Willy's specializes in throwing intimate dance parties that feel more like being at an old school house party than being at a club. On any night you will some of the best DJ's in the city setting the tone and vibe with their music.
We are always looking to host parties, so if you have one you want to throw, holla at us. Read blog for more info.Handsome Willy's prom night 2007 party
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