The Howlin' Wolf was founded in 1988 by brothers Jack and Jeff Groetsch in the Fat City section of Metairie, named after the legendary Chicago bluesman Chester "Howlin' Wolf" Burnett. As its reputation grew, the venue relocated to 828 South Peters Street in the Warehouse District, and the Groetsch brothers later sold the business to Howie Kaplan.
When Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, the Howlin' Wolf was damaged and the city left reeling. Kaplan relocated the Wolf one block downriver to 907 South Peters Street - a larger former music hall that became the venue's permanent home, with a capacity of 1,200 for the main room and 120 for the adjoining Den. The exterior is wrapped in a mural by the artist Michalopoulos depicting New Orleans neighborhood scenes that has become one of the most recognizable facades in the city.
The interior is every bit as distinctive. The main bar was carved from mahogany salvaged from Chicago's Lexington Hotel during its demolition. Over the years the Wolf has hosted Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, the Foo Fighters, Jimmy Page, and hundreds of others. The smaller Den next door hosts its own varied programming of local and touring acts.