Craft Beer In New Orleans: Best Places To Buy

New Orleans has a thriving craft beer scene, with several breweries and taprooms to explore. The city's first craft brewery, NOLA Brewing, opened in 2008, and since then, the craft beer scene has been rapidly growing. If you're looking to sample some unique craft beers, there are plenty of options to choose from. From the Irish Channel-based independent microbrewery, Miel, to the family-friendly Port Orleans Brewing Co., there's something for everyone in New Orleans. For those who want to explore the city's breweries, the NOLA Beer Bus offers a hop-on-hop-off shuttle service that transports you safely and responsibly from brewery to brewery. So whether you're a local or a visitor, grab a pint and discover the diverse and exciting world of craft beer in New Orleans.

Brewery tours and pub crawls

New Orleans has a thriving craft beer scene, with a growing number of breweries and taprooms to explore. If you want to experience as much of the local beer as possible, a brewery tour or pub crawl is a great option.

Brewery Tours

New Orleans Brewery Tours offers a 7-mile beer hop in a luxury van, with a designated driver and guide. The tour includes three breweries: Urban South, Port Orleans, and NOLA Brewing. You'll learn about the brewing process, the history of brewing in the city, and, of course, sample some local beers. You can also book a private tour with door-to-door transportation, which includes six beer samples and behind-the-scenes access to the brewing floors.

The NOLA Beer Bus is another popular option, offering a hop-on, hop-off-style shuttle with multiple routes throughout the city. With unlimited day passes, you can customise your own brewery tour, hopping off at the stops you want to visit. The shuttles run Friday through Sunday and can be booked in advance.

Pub Crawls

For a more informal pub crawl, you can also create your own itinerary using the NOLA Beer Bus, hopping off at locations such as Brieux Carre, on the edge of Frenchmen Street, which features unique beers and a lovely courtyard. Parleaux Beer Lab, a microbrewery in the Bywater neighbourhood, offers a constantly rotating selection of beers, which you can enjoy in their spacious garden. Second Line Brewing in Mid-City has a large, family- and dog-friendly outdoor patio. Miel, an environmentally-focused, independent microbrewery in the Irish Channel, serves seasonal beers in their taproom and outdoor space, which is also dog- and kid-friendly.

For a more lively atmosphere, the Bayou Beer Garden, located near Bayou St. John, hosts crawfish boils and other events in their large outdoor garden. Bratz Y'all, in the Bywater neighbourhood, has a small indoor area but is best enjoyed outdoors, with games and live music.

Best breweries and bars

New Orleans has a thriving craft beer scene, with several breweries and bars to choose from. If you're looking for the best places to buy craft beer in the city, here are some top recommendations for breweries and bars to visit:

NOLA Brewing Company

Located in the Irish Channel neighbourhood, NOLA Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery that offers over 20 beers on tap, along with wine, spirits, and cocktails. They also serve wood-fired pizza and host various events, including live music and comedy nights. NOLA Brewing Company is a great choice for families, with a relaxed atmosphere and both indoor and outdoor seating available.

Port Orleans Brewing Co.

Conveniently situated on Tchoupitoulas Street near the Port of New Orleans, Port Orleans Brewing Co. is committed to serving the local community with excellent craft beer. They offer a large taproom, an expansive outdoor space, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Their on-site restaurant, Avo Taco, serves tasty options like tacos and guacamole. Port Orleans is also dog-friendly, making it a great spot to hang out with your furry friend.

Miel

Miel is an independent microbrewery located in the historic Irish Channel neighbourhood. With a focus on environmentally friendly production and local ingredients, Miel offers seasonal beers in their taproom and outdoor space. The area is both dog and kid-friendly, and they also have a Cider Club that offers curated bimonthly selections. You can also find dry cider and mead made on-site.

Second Line Brewing

Nestled in Mid-City, Second Line Brewing embodies the spirit of New Orleans in their beers. They feature a large outdoor patio that is family- and dog-friendly, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a brew with your four-legged friend.

Parleaux Beer Lab

Tucked away in the Bywater neighbourhood, Parleaux Beer Lab is a microbrewery that offers a selection of constantly rotating beers. You can enjoy your drink inside or head to their spacious garden, which features swings, board games, patio furniture, and hanging lights.

Calliope Beer Works

Located in the Riverbend section of Uptown New Orleans, Calliope Beer Works is one of the newest brewpubs in the city. They offer a variety of house-brewed creations, including unique options like the Black Saison and the Rye Pale Ale.

Zony Mash

Zony Mash is more than just a brewery. In addition to brewing solid beers, they regularly host food pop-ups and live music weekly, making it a vibrant spot for entertainment and good drinks.

The NOLA Beer Bus

If you want to explore multiple breweries, the NOLA Beer Bus offers a hop-on-hop-off shuttle system specifically designed for brewery hoppers. With multiple routes, GPS tracking, and onboard refreshments, it's a safe and convenient way to visit several breweries in one trip.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, these breweries and bars offer a diverse range of craft beer experiences that showcase the vibrant culture and spirit of New Orleans.

Irish Channel neighbourhood

The Irish Channel neighbourhood in New Orleans has a rich history and is known for its vibrant craft beer culture. Nestled within the captivating Crescent City, this area offers a wide range of unique boutique breweries, each with its own distinct character and offerings.

One notable establishment in the Irish Channel is NOLA Brewing, a beloved local brewery that has been serving the community for over 16 years. NOLA Brewing showcases a diverse range of craft beers, including their famous Irish Channel Stout, a smooth and rich stout with notes of caramel and chocolate, perfectly balanced by roasted barley and American hops. NOLA Brewing also offers a year-round lager, inspired by traditional European lagers but tailored for those who appreciate American lagers. Their taproom, located on Tchoupitoulas Street, provides a lively atmosphere with live music, delicious New York-style pizza, and a variety of craft beers on tap. NOLA Brewing also hosts special events, such as their XVI Anniversary Belgian Quad release and their Bluegrass Pickin' Party, creating a community-centric space for beer enthusiasts.

Another must-visit destination in the Irish Channel is Miel, an independent microbrewery with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and local ingredients. Miel, which means "honey" in Spanish, incorporates honey into some of its brews, creating unique and flavourful craft beers. Founded in 2018 by Alex Peyroux and Janice Montoya, Miel offers a seasonal selection of beers in their taproom and outdoor space, providing a welcoming environment for both kids and pets. Their commitment to using local ingredients and drawing inspiration from Central American and Latin cultures makes Miel a truly special destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

Port Orleans Brewing Co. is another exceptional brewery located just west of the Irish Channel district. With the motto "brewed below sea level," Port Orleans Brewing Co. is dedicated to serving the local community with excellent craft beer. Their brewery room and outdoor patio are kid-friendly and dog-friendly, respectively, making it a great spot for families. Additionally, their on-site restaurant, Avo Taco, serves up tasty tacos, guacamole, and more, ensuring a delightful dining experience to pair with their beers.

For those looking to explore a variety of craft beers across the city, the NOLA Beer Bus offers a convenient hop-on-hop-off shuttle system. This designated driver service allows you to safely visit multiple breweries and taprooms across New Orleans, providing a perfect way to discover the diverse and vibrant craft beer scene that the city has to offer.

Riverbend and Uptown New Orleans

If you're looking for craft beer in the Riverbend and Uptown New Orleans neighbourhoods, you're in luck. There are several spots to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere and selection of beers.

One popular destination is Cooter Brown's, a multi-tap sports bar and Riverbend mainstay. Cooter Brown's offers a fantastic selection of craft beer and imports, with pitchers available. If you're looking for a more relaxed beer garden ambiance, you can head just outside the French Quarter to the Uptown district, where you'll find a brewery with a frequently updated tap list and a beautiful, ad-hoc beer garden. This brewery specialises in IPAs and Saisons, and also offers historic-based recipes like the "Interwar Stout" from the 1930s.

For those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, the Bayou Beer Garden is a great choice. Located just steps away from the beautiful Bayou St. John, this beer garden hosts crawfish boils and other events in its large outdoor space. It's perfect for groups, as you can order buckets of beer or taste a variety of craft beers. Not far from the Bayou Beer Garden, you'll find an Oak Street bar with an extensive selection of beer, ale, and Southern craft brewers. It's a small, neighbourhood gem, great for both watching sports and catching up with friends.

If you're looking for a microbrewery experience, you can head to Miel, an Irish Channel-based independent microbrewery that focuses on environmentally friendly production and local ingredients. Seasonal beers are served in their taproom and outdoor space, which is dog and kid-friendly. Another microbrewery worth visiting is Parleaux Beer Lab, nestled at the end of the Bywater neighbourhood. Here, you'll find a selection of constantly rotating beers and a spacious garden with swings, board games, and patio furniture.

In the Uptown district, you can also visit The Bulldog, which offers a dog-friendly patio, a seemingly endless menu of beer options, and award-winning pub fare. If you're looking to explore multiple breweries in one go, you can take advantage of New Orleans' brewery tour options, such as the NOLA Beer Bus, a hop-on-hop-off shuttle system that transports you safely from brewery to brewery.

The Beer Bus

If you're looking to sample the best craft beer in New Orleans, look no further than The Beer Bus. This unique transportation company offers a fun and flexible way to explore the city's thriving brewery scene. Whether you're a local or a tourist, The Beer Bus provides a world-class experience, showcasing the very best of New Orleans' craft beer culture.

On board The Beer Bus, you'll find comfortable seating and a friendly, knowledgeable guide. The bus offers a unique perspective on the city, allowing you to sip, sightsee, and celebrate in true New Orleans style. Whether you're a hop-head, a lager lover, or just along for the ride, you're guaranteed a good time. The Beer Bus is also perfect for private events, from birthdays to bachelor parties, offering a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests.

So why wait? Hop on The Beer Bus and embark on a craft beer adventure through the vibrant and diverse brewery scene of New Orleans. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon, exploring new flavours, meeting new people, and creating unforgettable memories. Cheers to that!

Frequently asked questions