Abita Brewing Co., one of the South’s oldest craft breweries, has officially opened a second location in New Orleans. Big congrats. The new brewery, located at 2375 Tchoupitoulas St., brings the iconic Louisiana brand closer to its urban fan base. Watch a preview above. From the press release:
“We’re thrilled to officially open the doors of our New Orleans brewery,” said Heidi Guerra, vice president of marketing at Abita in the announcement about the opening. “This location gives us the chance to bring our beers directly to the heart of the city, making it even more convenient for locals and visitors to enjoy Abita.”
A major step for Louisiana’s first craft brewery
Founded in 1986, Abita Brewing started in Abita Springs with just 1,500 barrels of beer in its first year. It quickly gained attention for its use of artesian spring water. With 79,000 bbls produced in 2023, Abita ranked as the 33rd largest craft brewer in the nation by the Brewers Association a couple of years ago. Back in 2015, the brewery completed a three-year, $30 million state-of-the-art expansion of the brewery that increased its capacity to 400,000 bbls. The brewery utilizes a 200-bbl Steinecker brewhouse and Krones packaging line. The company offers contract brewing and co-packaging services. Abita also notes its uses only the finest ingredients — British and North American malted barley, German and American yeast strains, Pacific Northwest hops and the pure artesian water of Abita Springs. From the press release:
“Just like the brewing process at the Northshore location, we are using the same pure, artesian spring water for all of the beverages made here on the Southshore,” said Guerra. “Our commitment to quality and staying true to our roots is what makes Abita, Abita.”
Opening a second brewhouse in the heart of New Orleans marks a major shift for the Covington-based brewery. The smaller-scale operation in the city lets Abita test new recipes and brew taproom exclusives. The Tchoupitoulas brewery features:
- 7-bbl brewhouse
- 30+ beers on tap
- Limited-edition and one-off brews
- Rotating food vendors
- Regular events like trivia, comedy, and game day parties
- Spacious outdoor area
- Watch the video above to see it all!
While the system is smaller, the possibilities are broader. This site focuses on experimental brewing and gives locals a new way to interact with the brand. From the press release:
“We’re brewing on a smaller scale here, which gives us the freedom to experiment and craft innovative beers that you can only find at this location,” said President Troy Ashley. “It’s an exciting new chapter for Abita, where creativity and tradition meet to offer something special for our fans.”
Staying true to core offerings
Though innovation is the focus, fans can still find their favorites:
- Amber – a smooth Vienna-style lager
- Turbodog – a dark brown ale with roasted malt flavor
- Purple Haze – a raspberry wheat beer and best-seller
- Jockamo I.P.A. – a bold hop-forward classic
- Strawgator and AndyGator – higher-ABV favorites
A strategic return to the Southshore
Abita’s expansion brings the brand full circle. Though it started 43 miles away, New Orleans is where many fans first discovered the brewery. The Southshore opening makes it easier for both locals and tourists to enjoy Abita without crossing Lake Pontchartrain. The move also signals Abita’s continued investment in Louisiana’s craft beer scene. The brand, which has long participated in the state’s food and music festivals, now has a deeper physical presence in New Orleans. For Abita, the second location isn’t just about convenience. It’s a hub for experimentation, culture, and connection. And it’s a sign that, nearly 40 years in, Abita still has plenty of fresh ideas brewing.
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