Walking Tour New Orleans Craft Breweries & Beer Flights

Exploring the Walking Tour of New Orleans Craft Breweries & Beer Flights

Imagine strolling through a city famous for jazz and Cajun cuisine, but instead, you’re savoring the flavors of New Orleans’ vibrant craft beer scene. This tour promises a lively, authentic experience—guided by someone who knows the ins and outs of the local brewing culture. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, social way to taste the city’s best beers while soaking up some neighborhood charm.

What we love about this tour is how it combines beer tasting with storytelling—you’ll learn about the city’s history and Mississippi River life from your guide, making each stop more meaningful. Plus, the opportunity to try beers directly at three different breweries provides a genuine taste of New Orleans’ brewing craftsmanship. A potential drawback? The tour’s two-hour duration is quite brisk, so if you’re a slow sipper or a serious beer enthusiast, you might wish for a longer experience.

This tour is best suited for groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or anyone wanting a fun, social outing that combines local flavor, history, and a little bit of walking. If you’re curious about craft beer, love exploring neighborhoods on foot, and want expert guidance, this could be a memorable highlight of your NOLA visit.

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Key Points

• Authentic Beer Sampling: Enjoy flights at three distinct breweries, each with its own vibe and specialties.
• Local Culture & History: Your guide shares stories about New Orleans and the Mississippi River, adding depth to your tasting experience.
• Neighborhood Walk: The tour includes a walk with drinks “to go,” offering a chance to see local architecture and hear stories along the way.
• Food & Beer: The final stop combines regional food with craft beer for a well-rounded taste of local flavors.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and storytelling.
• Accessible & Flexible: The tour is wheelchair accessible, allows you to reserve with flexibility, and offers full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

A Deeper Look at the Experience

Walking tours through New Orleans usually conjure images of music, haunted tales, or historic cemeteries. This one flips the script—focusing instead on the city’s emerging craft beer scene. Starting at the iconic Abita Brewery’s taproom, established in 1986, you’re stepping into one of the oldest craft breweries in the southeastern U.S. As you sip your first flight here, the guide shares insights into Abita’s history and its role in shaping local brewing culture. The reviews highlight the guide’s friendliness and knowledge, making the first stop both welcoming and informative.

From there, you’ll head to Funky Beer, a brewery named after the owner’s parents’ beekeeping hobby. Here, the beers tend to be off-the-wall and innovative, offering a contrast to the more traditional brews at Abita. The guide’s stories about the neighborhood and the brewery’s unique character are a favorite among visitors, with one reviewer noting, “We loved the way the guide kept the energy lively and the stories fun.”

The third stop is NOLA Brewing Co., which was founded in 2008 after Hurricane Katrina, filling a void in local beer production. This brewery’s history is intertwined with the city’s resilience, and you’ll find a variety of beers, often paired with regional snacks. The tour’s final segment wraps up at NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co., where you can enjoy a slice of hand-tossed Creole-Italian pizza alongside your craft beer.

Throughout the tour, you’ll walk approximately half a mile, carrying drinks “to go” from one brewery to the next. This setup allows you to see the neighborhood’s architecture, hear stories about river life, and experience the city like a local. The guides are praised for their personable approach and deep knowledge, often answering questions about the brewing process, local history, or recommendations for the rest of your stay.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Meet at Abita New Orleans Tap Room
Your adventure begins at 2375 Tchoupitoulas Street, the hub of the oldest craft brewery in the region. The tour kicks off with a 30-minute beer flight at Abita, where you’ll sample a variety of their signature brews. Visitors often comment on the inviting atmosphere and the guide’s ability to share insightful stories about the brewery’s history and brewing process.

Walk with drinks “to go” to Funky Brewery
This short walk (about 10-15 minutes) takes you through the lively neighborhood. Funky Brewery’s name reflects its creative beer lineup, which includes more experimental options. The guide will explain the significance of local ingredients or brewing techniques that make Funky’s beers stand out. Reviewers love the ‘fun and offbeat’ vibe here, describing it as a “brewer’s playground” that offers something different from the mainstream.

Next stop: NOLA Brewing Co.
Established in 2008, this brewery was created as a response to Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, and it now plays a major role in the city’s craft beer scene. Here, you’ll enjoy another 30-minute tasting of regional beers, paired with regional snacks, including perhaps some Creole-Italian bites. Visitors often note the passion of the staff and how the history of the brewery adds depth to the experience.

Final stop at NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co.
About a half-mile walk from the previous brewery, this spot offers a relaxed setting to conclude your tour. You can enjoy a slice of pizza or other regional snacks, bringing a satisfying end to your afternoon. The guide’s recommendations for local dining afterward are widely appreciated, helping you plan the rest of your visit.

The Value of the Tour

When considering cost, this two-hour experience offers a well-rounded taste of New Orleans’ craft beer scene, local history, and neighborhood culture—all guided by a knowledgeable local. With three breweries plus regional food, the price breaks down to an affordable sampling of the city’s brewing diversity, plus insider tips and stories. The tour’s flexibility—allowing you to reserve without immediate payment and cancel 24 hours ahead—adds to its appeal.

The tour’s small group setting ensures a friendly and engaging atmosphere, perfect for socializing or meeting other travelers. The wheelchair accessibility is a plus for those with mobility concerns. The experience provides a solid introduction to the local craft beer scene, making it a worthwhile addition to your NOLA itinerary if you enjoy beer or want a relaxed, authentic neighborhood experience.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for beer lovers, especially those curious about local breweries and craft beer culture. It’s also great for groups and celebrations—bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthdays, or just friends wanting a fun day out. If you’re interested in learning about New Orleans’ neighborhoods, architecture, and river stories while sampling regional brews, you’ll find this tour a perfect fit.

Travelers who prefer a more leisurely pace or extended tasting may want to supplement this experience with additional visits or longer brewery tours. Conversely, those on a tight schedule will appreciate the efficient layout that hits three key breweries in just two hours.

FAQs About the Tour

Is the tour suitable for people under 21?
No, participants must be 21 or older with a valid ID or passport to enjoy the beer tastings.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including visits to three breweries and a short walk between stops.

Are the breweries accessible?
Yes, the tour provider states that it is wheelchair accessible, making it accommodating for travelers with mobility needs.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, and don’t forget your ID or passport if you plan to drink.

Is food included?
While the tour includes regional snacks at the final brewery, it does not include a full meal, but the pizza or regional bites are a nice complement to your drinks.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Abita New Orleans Tap Room at 2375 Tchoupitoulas Street. The tour does not end at the starting point—expect a different ending location near the final brewery.

Final Thoughts

This walking tour offers a thoughtfully curated look into New Orleans’ craft brewing landscape, paired with stories about local culture and river life. The guides are praised for their friendliness and expertise, enriching each stop with interesting anecdotes and context. The combination of tasting, walking, and storytelling makes it a lively, authentic experience—perfect for those wanting to see more of the neighborhood than just the usual tourist spots.

While it’s not a comprehensive brewery tour for serious connoisseurs, it strikes a good balance of variety, education, and fun. The small group size and flexible booking add to its appeal, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just exploring the city’s evolving craft scene, this tour can be a highlight of your New Orleans visit.

If you’re looking to discover local flavors beyond the typical tourist attractions, this experience is well worth considering. It presents a genuine taste of NOLA’s lively, creative spirit—through beer, stories, and neighborhood charm.

Note: Always check availability and current health guidelines before booking, and remember to bring your ID if you plan to indulge.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby