Must-Visit Breweries in South Louisiana
Tour South Louisiana's Craft Breweries One Pint at a Time
At a Glance
- South Louisiana has many craft breweries with taprooms and tasting experiences serving locally inspired IPAs, lagers, stouts, sours and seasonal beers.
- Popular breweries in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette offer outdoor patios, food pairings, live music, interactive tours and family-friendly atmospheres.
If you’re visiting Louisiana, the majority of your time will be spent eating and getting ready to eat again. But whether it’s a fresh gulf seafood po’ boy or a platter of spicy boiled crawfish, the meal just isn’t complete without a tasty beverage to wash it all down. Fortunately, Louisiana has plenty of local craft beers to choose from.
The Rise of Louisiana's Craft Brewing Scene
In the past few years, Louisiana has made a name for itself in the craft beer world. Inspired by Louisiana products and culture, brewers throughout the state are proving that handcrafted is the way to go. Check out the Louisiana Libations Trail and discover the variety of hazy IPAs, dark porters, blonde ales and more that can be tasted throughout the Bayou State.
Breweries in Baton Rouge
A great place to start is the capital city of Baton Rouge, home to favorites like Cypress Coast Brewing Co. and Le Chien Brewing (the latter of which is dog-friendly!). Looking for a brewery that has it all? Check out Istrouma Brewery, which features a restaurant, farm, art gallery and drive-in movie theater.
Breweries in New Orleans
Further south in the heart of New Orleans is NOLA (New Orleans Lager and Ale) Brewing Company. NOLA’s beers are truly inspired by the city from which they come, with names like Hopitoulas, Hurricane Saison and Smoky Mary. NOLA also offers tours on Friday afternoons.
Breweries Near Lake Pontchartrain
Breweries Across Lake Pontchartrain in Abita Springs is Louisiana’s most established brewery, Abita Brewing. Abita's brewery is open for tours four days a week and is a popular destination for both visitors and locals to sample craft beer. As one of the top 14 largest craft brewers in the country, you’ll find flagship brews such as Purple Haze, Turbodog, and Andygator, as well as seasonal and specialty brews, like Creamsicle IPA and Mardi Gras Brock.
Mandeville husband and wife Josh and Jamie Erickson have a passion for good beer. They opened Chafunkta Brewing Company on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain where they are creating quality small-batch brews.
Breweries Near Lafayette
In Broussard, Parish Brewing Company concocts a beer made with Louisiana’s own Steen’s sugarcane syrup. Located in Broussard, right outside of Lafayette, the nano-brewery prides itself on creating “uncompromised, independent, craft biére.” Like their counterparts in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Parish opens its doors to the public for tours on Friday afternoons.
Not too far away on Highway 31 in the small town of Arnaudville is Bayou Teche Brewing. Founded by three brothers, Bayou Teche delivers a glimpse into the Cajun culture on Bayou Teche as well as finely crafted beers that have won several national awards.
A Louisiana brewery tour is a great way to explore Louisiana while tasting some of the state’s finest brews made by residents who have a passion for not only craft beer, but also keeping the spirit of Louisiana alive.
Jay D. Ducote is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A culinary personality, he's a radio host and restaurateur in Baton Rouge, and you might have seen him compete on season 11 of Food Network Star. You can find him online at JayDucote.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about Craft Breweries in South Louisiana
What are the best craft breweries in South Louisiana?
South Louisiana is home to a wide range of well-known craft breweries including Abita Brewing Company in Abita Springs, Parish Brewing Company in Broussard and NOLA Brewing Company in New Orleans.
Can you tour craft breweries in South Louisiana?
Yes, many South Louisiana breweries offer public tours, tasting rooms and behind-the-scenes experiences. Visitors can learn how beer is made, sample seasonal releases and speak with brewers about their ingredients and techniques. Some breweries also host events, food trucks, and live music.
What styles of beer are popular in South Louisiana breweries?
Common styles include hop-forward IPAs, wheat beers, blond ales, porters and stouts. Many breweries also produce experimental or seasonal beers featuring Louisiana flavors such as citrus, berries, coffee and local sugarcane products.
What is the Louisiana Libations Trail?
The Louisiana Libations Trail is a statewide drinking and tasting route that connects craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. Visitors can use it to explore local breweries, earn rewards through trail passes and discover regional beverages that highlight Louisiana’s food and agricultural heritage.
What makes Louisiana craft beer different from other states?
Louisiana craft beer often incorporates local cultural influences, especially from Cajun and Creole cuisine. Breweries frequently experiment with regional ingredients and flavors, creating beers that reflect the state’s agricultural and culinary identity rather than following national trends.
