Abita started it all—or at least that’s what I’ve been told about the ever-growing brewery scene in southeastern Louisiana. The iconic brewery, now found in liquor stores across the United States, got its start in the marshy landscape about 30 miles north of New Orleans.

Today, nearly 20 breweries call the city home, with more popping up each year in repurposed warehouses along Tchoupitoulas Street and in Mid-City. The brewery scene wasn’t something that registered with me when I first moved to New Orleans, but with my love of beer (especially a hazy IPA) in hand, I’m on a mission to try them all.

Abita Brewing Company

It’s impossible to talk about New Orleans brewery culture without first paying homage to the most iconic brewery in southern Louisiana—Abita. Technically based in Covington, Abita has become a local staple throughout New Orleans. My dad drinks Abita Amber, I prefer their Jockamo Juicy IPA, and my roommates are loyal fans of Purple Haze. Abita is well worth the short trip to the Northshore, but you can also find it in stores and bars throughout the city.

Zony Mash Beer Project

Zony Mash is one of those hidden-gem breweries that locals love. I first visited on a rainy Friday in June and was surprised to find the brewery housed in a converted movie theater. Tables, a bar, and rows of kegs fill the space, while a silent film—Stand by Me that day—plays on a screen in the back. The vibes were excellent, and the beer was even better.

Brieux Carré Brewing Company

Brieux Carré prides itself on being “as weird and as interesting as the city we live in.” I couldn’t describe the brewery—or its lineup of beers—any better. It’s worth trying more than one when you visit. The more creative the name, the better the beer. Some of my favorites include the brown lager You Ain’t Gotta Call Me Boo, Just as Bad as You Wanna Dunk, I Wanna Dunk Too; the hazy IPA 90’s Women’s Power Ballads; and the crisp What’s Cooler Than Being Cool? Rice Cold!

Faubourg Brewing Co.

Faubourg Brewing Co. sits on the banks of a winding canal, featuring expansive outdoor seating that’s perfect for sunny days. Visit in the spring or fall to avoid mosquitoes but still soak up the Louisiana sunshine. Fun fact: Faubourg has been operating on and off since 1907, making it the oldest brewery within New Orleans city limits.

Miel Brewery & Taproom

Miel Brewery & Taproom is one of several breweries along Tchoupitoulas Street in the Irish Channel. The rotating tap includes around 15 beers and hard seltzers, but be on the lookout for the Flor de Jamaica, a gose brewed with hibiscus flowers, or Surrealista, a rich IPA brewed with local honey.

NOLA Brewing Company

NOLA Brewing Company’s NOLA Blonde is a mainstay across the city, available on tap at hundreds of bars. The brewery opened in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and is credited with reviving New Orleans’ craft beer scene. Once considered the “brewing capital of the South,” the city lost many historic breweries to Katrina. NOLA Brewing focuses on traditional lagers and blonde ales, but their Hopitoulas IPA is a standout favorite.

Urban South Brewery

Urban South Brewery operates locations in both New Orleans and Houston, Texas. The NOLA location, set along the river on Tchoupitoulas Street, might just be my favorite brewery in the city. Their taproom rotates new beers often, but my go-to is the Holy Roller IPA. Whenever I travel, I bring home a six-pack of Holy Roller and a bag of Zapp’s chips for my family up north.

Port Orleans Brewing Co.

Another Tchoupitoulas favorite, Port Orleans Brewing Co. sets itself apart with a full food menu. While many breweries rely on food trucks or bar snacks, Port Orleans serves elevated pub fare—try the Cajun poutine or catfish tacos with a Vice Versa Hazy Juicy IPA or their Riverfront Lager.

Second Line Brewing

Second Line Brewing is a women-, minority-, and veteran-owned business that’s been part of New Orleans’ beer community for nearly a decade. They regularly host food trucks, but their crawfish and lobster roll events are local favorites. For beer, I recommend the Vacation Juice Hazy IPA or the Saison Named Desire.

Parleaux Beer Lab

Parleaux Beer Lab offers a rotating selection of small-batch seasonal beers, and I’ve never had the same one twice. The brewery’s courtyard hosts local food trucks and community events, making it one of the most welcoming places to enjoy a pint in the Bywater neighborhood.

Wrong Iron on the Greenway

While not a brewery, Wrong Iron deserves an honorable mention for its expansive beer garden and more than 60 beers on tap. It’s a great place to sample beers from nearly every brewery on this list in one spot.

Final Pour:
New Orleans’ brewery scene is as creative and full of character as the city itself. Whether you prefer a crisp lager, a bold IPA, or something experimental, there’s a taproom here waiting for you to pull up a stool and stay awhile.