New Orleans has experienced a craft beer explosion in recent years. Whether you're a local or visiting the Big Easy from out of town, you're going to want to try some of the best breweries in the city.
Lucky for you, Hoodline's done some number crunching. Using both Yelp and our own super secret methods, we've established a list of breweries in NOLA that get beer just right.
1. NOLA Brewing Co.
Topping the list is NOLA Brewing Co. Located at 3001 Tchoupitoulas St. in Irish Channel, it's the highest rated brewery and taproom in New Orleans, boasting 4.5 stars out of 84 reviews on Yelp.
This brewery and taproom brews up beers on the premises. You can score a sampler flight of its draft brews in the taproom, including its Hopitoulas American IPA, Irish Channel American stout, Tangerine Wheat blonde ale or Green Wave kristallweizen, among others. (See its full taproom menu here.)
You can also tour the brewery portion to see where and how the magic happens.
Yelper David F. reviewed it on April 22, writing, "Great brewery with a cool vibe. I love the darker beers and they have a great selection of porters and stouts. The upstairs patio was a great place to chill and watch trains go by and congregate with friends."
2. Urban South Brewery
Next up is the Lower Garden District's Urban South Brewery, situated at 1645 Tchoupitoulas St. With 4.5 stars out of 74 reviews on Yelp, the brewery has proven to be a local favorite.
It brews its beer on-site and serves it up in its spacious, kid- and pet-friendly taproom. With both year-round and seasonal beers, there's a variety of brews to try out, including the Charming Wit (a white ale with coriander and orange peel), the Paradise Park (an American lager), and the Coop'd Up (a lacto-soured farmhouse ale). (See its beer menu here.)
There are also food trucks that park near the premises, so be on the lookout for something tasty to go with your suds.
Raymond C. reviewed the spot via Yelp on March 26, saying, "Towards the tip of the city, this is a gem for anyone looking for some cool and unique craft beers. I knew it was a brewery, but was not expecting such a huge seating area. ... There are a bunch of arcade machines, pool/foosball tables and board games to play with over a couple beers."
3. Parleaux Beer Lab
Over in Bywater, check out Parleaux Beer Lab, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 51 reviews on Yelp. You can find the brewery at 634 Lesseps St.
Though its selection of beers is rotating, depending on when you visit you can score beers like the Philosopher's Stone (a Czech dark lager), If It Ain't Baroque... (a Vienna-style lager), The Sun Also Sets (a West Coast IPA) or the Strange Charm (a Sour IPA). (See the full drink menu here.)
Emily M., who shared her visit on May 14, said, "Tucked away in the Bywater is a converted warehouse that offers a variety of rotating home-brewed taps with indoor and outdoor spaces for imbibing. [T]he beer is fantastic! They offer up to a dozen different varieties at any one time, ranging from dark and bitter to light and fruity."
4. Second Line Brewing
Finally, there's Second Line Brewing in Mid-City, a local favorite with 4.5 stars out of 50 reviews. Stop by 433 N. Bernadotte St. to hit up the brewery and beer garden next time the urge strikes.
It's got a selection of beers made on the premises, including the Route 47 Red IPA, the Batture Blonde Ale and the West Coast IPA.
Yelper Renee B. said, "I love this neighborhood brewery. They have a great selection of aromatic brews and they are kid friendly. I love the outdoor space and the heaters above the tables. You can even play a board game or Connect 4 while you enjoy the fresh air ambiance and cool music selection."
