Billy’s Topless: A Tribute to a Chelsea Institution

Billy’s Topless, a fixture in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood from 1970 to 2001, was far from a typical strip club. Described as more of a “neighborhood bar” with a “gemütlich” atmosphere, Billy’s was characterized by its casual ambiance, affordable prices, and respectful treatment of its dancers. The bar offered a unique blend of “sleaze and innocence,” where patrons, many of whom were regulars, came for the company as much as the entertainment. Let’s explore the unique character of Billy’s Topless, its eventual closure under Mayor Giuliani’s “quality of life” campaign, and the sense of loss expressed by many of its patrons.

Unlike the upscale clubs in midtown Manhattan, Billy’s Topless lacked the glitz and exorbitant prices of its counterparts. There was no cover charge, and a bottle of beer cost a reasonable $4. The bar even offered a free buffet, though it reportedly saw little action. One patron described the atmosphere as “no more illicit than if we had decided to go get hamburgers”. This unpretentiousness extended to the dancers as well. Billy’s, under the ownership of Milton Anthony, distinguished itself by forbidding breast implants, lap dances, and any touching of the dancers. This policy stood in stark contrast to clubs like Scores, which catered to a different clientele and emphasized a more manufactured form of sexuality.

The dancers at Billy’s were a diverse group, ranging from “gorgeous” to “boring,” and even some who looked like they belonged in a Diane Arbus photograph. Some were students, some were artists, and some were mothers trying to make ends meet. What united them was a certain “respectful dignity” that permeated the environment of Billy’s. There were no drink hustles, and the dancers were free to interact with patrons on their own terms, leading to genuine conversations and even friendships. One regular fondly recalled engaging in a sincere discussion about the band Joy Division with a dancer, highlighting the unexpected connections fostered within Billy’s walls.

However, this era of tolerance came to an end in the late 1990s with the election of Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani’s “quality of life” campaign aimed to “clean up” the city, and sex-related businesses became a primary target. New zoning laws prohibited such establishments from operating within 500 feet of residences, schools, or places of worship – a measure that directly threatened Billy’s existence. In an attempt to comply with the new regulations, Billy’s made the symbolic change to “Billy Stopless” by removing the apostrophe from its signage. The dancers were forced to wear bikini tops, much to the disappointment of many patrons who felt this detracted from the bar’s charm. Despite its efforts to adapt, Billy’s Topless closed its doors for good in 2001. The space was converted into a bagel shop, marking the end of an era for many of its patrons. The closure of Billy’s, and similar establishments, was lamented as a loss of the city’s “character” and a victory for the forces of homogeneity. Patrons missed the bar’s unique blend of grit and camaraderie, the absence of which contributed to a growing sense that New York City was becoming increasingly “boring” and sanitized. The story of Billy’s Topless serves as a reminder of a time when the city embraced a wider spectrum of experiences, even those deemed slightly off-color by some. The bar’s closure represents a broader trend of homogenization and the displacement of local establishments that gave New York its unique character.

What was Billy’s Topless?

Billy’s Topless was a topless bar located at 727 Sixth Avenue (at the corner of 24th Street) in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It operated from 1970 to 2001.

What was the atmosphere of Billy’s Topless like?

Billy’s Topless was more like a neighborhood dive bar than a traditional strip club. It was considered unpretentious and even charmingly “seedy” by its regulars. There was a small stage, a modest free buffet (usually just one dish kept warm on a Sterno can), and a “Cheers”-like atmosphere where the dancers and patrons often knew each other by name.

Why was Billy’s Topless considered unique?

Unlike other adult entertainment venues, Billy’s had no cover charge. The owner, Milton Anthony, also had strict rules: no breast implants, no lap dancing, and no touching the dancers. This added to the establishment’s reputation as an “old-fashioned” place that catered to “real people.”

Why did Billy’s Topless close?

The bar was forced to close in 2001 due to Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s “quality of life” campaign. This initiative introduced zoning laws that prohibited adult businesses from operating within 500 feet of residences, schools, or places of worship. Despite its long history in the neighborhood and lack of complaints from residents, Billy’s was unable to escape the impact of these citywide regulations.

How did Billy’s Topless try to adapt to the new regulations?

In an attempt to comply with the new zoning laws, Billy’s dropped “Topless” from its name, becoming “Billy Stopless” in 1998. The dancers were also required to wear bikini tops. However, these changes negatively impacted the bar’s character and income, and ultimately, it was not enough to save the business.

Was Billy’s Topless featured in any films or TV shows?

While Billy’s was not a location in any TV shows, it was featured in the 1998 film “Rounders,” starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton.

What happened to the building where Billy’s Topless was located?

After Billy’s Topless closed in 2001, the space was initially converted into a bagel shop. The building, which dates back to the late 19th century, has a long and colorful history. In the late 1800s, it served as a beer garden annex to the popular Koster & Bial Music Hall, a theater credited with introducing vaudeville to New York City. As of late 2023, the building was for sale.