New Orleans Breweries – Part 2
We’re months past our trip to NOLA but the sights and sounds of the French Quarter are still fresh in my head. If you’re looking for things to do in NOLA, aside from beer, we highly recommend waking up early and going to wait in line at the famous Cafe Du Monde on Decatur Street. If you’re unfamiliar with Cafe Du Monde, they are the most famous beignet shop in the US. While you are there, don’t forget to try a cafe au lait if you want to double down on sugar.
After grabbing coffee and beignets and if it’s a nice day, make your way around Jackson Square to visit all of the shops and eateries downtown. Eventually you will bump into Bourbon Street, but you should hold off on those festivities until later.
Crescent City, Roadies and Brieux Carre
Crescent City Brewhouse is just down the street from your morning beignet and walk around Jackson Square. The brewhouse was opened in 1991 and has an old world feel. We were able to sample 5 brews, but both agree that the Pilsner and Red Stallion were the top candidates here.
After Crescent City, grab a to-go beer for the road. Yes, grab a beer or other adult beverage of your choosing and feel free to walk around the city as there are no open container laws. This is a treat for northerners; and we used it all weekend.
Brieux Carre Brewing Co. is just a half mile walk from Crescent City and should certainly be your next stop. The brewery wasn’t pouring flights when we were there, but the three half pours we drank were all above average.
“Hey, Must Be the Honey!” is a grape ale that is a can’t miss. The sweet honey ale is full of Sauvignon Blanc grape notes and aroma. Our other favorite pour of the stop was “The Ballad of Gilbert Turtle” which is a prickly pear and passion fruit sour. The beer sits at a 3.95 on Untappd, so we’re not alone in recommending it.
Lunch
NOLA is known for its Po’ boys; a hearty sandwich originating from Louisiana. They often contain shrimp, crawfish or roast beef. One of the defining characteristics is the French style Po’ boy bread which is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. If you’re not in the mood for a Po’ boy, try the Muffuletta. When the Italians immigrated to New Orleans they brought with them the recipe for large round sesame bread, cured Italian meats, a blend of cheeses and the all important marinated muffuletta-style olive salad which acts as a spread.
Bourbon Street
Ok, now that the suns gone down it’s time to hit Bourbon Street. The street is a non-stop rager of booze and music. There are several “spots” that blogs will tell you are must hit’s but to be honest you will probably have a good time everywhere. Find a bar with the groove that suits you and head on in. The one thing we do recommend finding is the Tropical Isle for a famous Hand Grenade. We’re still not sure what was in it, but you only need one of those to get you through the night.
