Throughout its history, Frankie and Johnny's has remained a constant in a changing New Orleans landscape.
It has weathered storms and stood the test of time, becoming a beloved tradition for many New Orleanians.
The restaurant's walls are adorned with decades of photos, and its rich history is ingrained in its very structure, making it feel like home to the owners, longtime employees, regulars, and many others who feel a connection to this enduring establishment.
Frankie and Johnny's sits proudly in New Orleans' West Riverside neighborhood, just a short walk from Tchoupitoulas Street—a historic stretch once lined with bustling wharves and seamen’s bars that catered to the city’s longshoremen.
Photo via the National WWII Museum, Circa 1943-45
Since opening in 1942, this restaurant has been a welcoming spot for workers from the docks, where generations of longshoremen came to unwind over hearty meals after long, strenuous days on the waterfront.
The role of the longshoreman defined New Orleans for centuries, with over 8,000 workers handling the breakbulk cargoes that flowed between the Mississippi River and the world. These men—who belonged to proud unions like Local 1418 and Local 1919—loaded ships by hand with sacks, barrels, and bales, a labor-intensive process that demanded skill, strength, and endurance. The work was dangerous, the hours grueling, yet it offered a sense of freedom and respect, with the union halls and local bars providing a close-knit community where they gathered, celebrated, and supported one another.
However, the landscape changed drastically with the advent of containerized shipping in the 1970s. As automation transformed the industry, it drastically reduced the workforce, and many of the traditional dockside establishments vanished along with the jobs. The port’s longshoremen’s culture, once integral to the city’s rhythm, became a part of its history.
Today, Frankie and Johnny's proudly carries on the spirit of those who still work along the river. While the dockworkers are fewer, they remain a cherished part of our tables, coming in for the same warm meals and camaraderie their predecessors enjoyed decades ago. Whether you’re an old hand on the docks, a local, or a visitor, Frankie and Johnny's invites you to experience a slice of New Orleans history—one that honors the labor, legacy, and resilience of our waterfront heritage.