Visit the Best Breweries in New Orleans
New Orleans’ rich and ever-evolving culinary culture blends perfectly with the city’s brewpubs, distilleries, and microbreweries all working together to revitalize the NOLA beer scene. Once known as the brewing capital of the south, New Orleans is well on its way to reclaiming that title as it opens its doors to beer tourists eager to visit the best breweries the city has to offer.
It’s natural to associate the New Orleans alcohol scene with the elaborate cocktails and creative libations of Mardi Gras, but the city has exploded into a craft beer haven in recent years. NOLA’s first brewery opened way back in the 1800s, and in the years following Hurricane Katrina, the city has seen dozens of microbreweries popping up as part of a brewing renaissance in New Orleans.
From local brewpubs to national distributors and family-owned craft breweries, beer tourists and locals alike are sure to find a favorite brew among New Orleans’ best breweries. Of course, when it comes to the best drinking experiences, NOLA tour and activity operators have put their own unique twist on the local beer scene. Visitors can explore the spooky side of the city on a haunted pub crawl or take to the water on pedal barge and beer experience. Check out some of the can’t-miss breweries and beer experiences in New Orleans below.
Our Favorite NOLA Breweries
Urban South Brewery
Urban South opened its doors in 2016, ushering guests into a brand-new taproom and production facility with Southern values and family-friendly amenities like a kid’s play area. Urban South blends the heritage of European beer with new American styles to produce bold year-round and seasonal brews like their grapefruit IPA, lime cucumber gose, and Oktoberfest Märzen lager. Its warehouse-style taproom makes Urban South a great place to spread out and enjoy a cold beer (or two!) with friends and family.
You can visit Urban South on a brewery tour with NOLA Brew Bus. There’s no need to worry about a designated driver on these fun and convenient brewery bus tours that take you to some of the best breweries in New Orleans. Other featured breweries include Miel Brewery, Port Orleans Brewery, and more!
Courtyard Brewery
Located in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, Courtyard Brewery is a small-batch nano-brewery known for its experimental brews and wide selection of specialty craft beer from around the world. This family-owned microbrewery features a quaint atmosphere with delicious pours like Beligain dark ale, continental-style saison, and west coast pale ale. Get cozy in the courtyard and try something new!
Abita Brewing Company
Abita Brew Pub is a favorite spot for locals and visitors seeking the ultimate Louisiana craft beer tasting experience. Featuring a full-service restaurant, Abita hosts fun events, tours, and tastings. Head to the growler filling station to take your favorite beer home with you and learn about what makes Abita Brewing Company one of the best breweries in New Orleans (hint: it’s the pristine, unaltered Abita Springs water!).
Want to visit Abita Brew Pub on a guided tour? Get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process with Southern Style Tours! Enjoy transportation to the brewery and four delicious tastings.
Second Line Brewing
Founded in 2014 by a group of friends hoping to share their love of craft beer with their community, Second Line Brewing has quickly become one of the top breweries in the city. The women-, veteran- and minority-owned brewery is home to a spacious beer garden with plenty of room to spread out and grab a bite from one of their pop-up food vendors. The best part? The beer garden is dog-friendly! While you’re there, be sure to sample their Batture blonde ale, hazy New England IPA, or classic Czech-style pilsner.
NOLA Brewing Company
Located in the Irish Channel neighborhood, NOLA Brewing has a popular tap room with a rooftop bar so patrons can enjoy the views of the neighborhood. The brewery hosts fun events like tap room yoga and brewery tours, so there’s always a reason to visit and try something new. NOLA Brewing fosters a sense of community by giving back and hosting neighborhood cleanups. With an emphasis on local appreciation, this brewery is a great place to enjoy the New Orleans beer scene. Sample their Louisiana lager, lemon basil wheat, or Irish Channel stout, to name a few.
Glasses with different sorts of craft beer on wooden bar. Tap beer in pint glasses arranged in a row. Closeup of five glasses of different types of draught beer in a pub.
More New Orleans Beer Experiences
Looking for something more than a brewery tour? New Orleans plays host to many fun activities that celebrate the city’s vibrant beer culture.
Step off the beaten path and into the dark history of the French Quarter with a haunted pub crawl that touches on stories of murder, crimes of passion, and morose spirits.
Or, BYOB on a pedal bike barge that’s perfect for a unique take on a booze cruise! This cycleboat is the perfect way for friends and family to come together and enjoy a party beer cruise on a bayou river.
The best breweries in New Orleans are waiting for you! Bottoms up!