Abita NOLA Solidified the Beer Scene in New Orleans
The grand opening of Abita NOLA—Abita Brewing Company's tap room in New Orleans at 2375 Tchoupitoulas St.—launches the Northshore brewery's first foray into New Orleans.
Beer enthusiast Neil Kohlman noted the state-of-the-art brewpub's presence solidifies the Tchoupitoulas thoroughfare's notoriety as "the city's "Brew Alley," centering a series of breweries including Port Orleans, Miel, NOLA, and Urban South.
With a generous outdoor space, formerly a dog run at the previous incarnation as a coffee shop, chairs, tables, and benches allow for comfortable access to large screen TVs and live music. The spacious indoor area comfortably absorbs the large brewing vats, as well as a long bar with a dog leg that opens into a generous gathering area along Tchoupitoulas.
"The bar offers 20 beers on tap, with newer micro brews being created on-site, including Bourbon St. Pecan and Hops on Tchoup," said Abita Beer Guide Kaitlin Mizell. "Abita's mainstay brews such as Amber, AndyGator, and Strawberry being shipped in kegs from the flagship Covington facility. An additional four taps have non-alcoholic options available including King Cake Soda, Hop Water, Vanilla Cream Soda, and Root Beer."
Mizell confirmed while there are no plans to offer food service, Abita did expect to have regular food trucks on site for hungry patrons.
More to Come
Chef Shon's food truck Fusion Eatz by Shon fed the excited crowd with passed Zydeco Eggrolls, Shrimp Po-Boy Sliders, Mini-Crab Cakes, Shrimp and Grits, and Bread Pudding for the event. Regularly a presence outside the Abita's Covington location, Chef Shon admitted, "Abita's really trying to get me to be here. We are going to see if we can work it out." When asked about servicing both North and Southshore locations, she conceded, "It's a lot, but I'd love to be able to do it."
Nanci Zhang & The Blank ( Jason Marsalis on drums, Martin Masakowski on bass, Joe Ashlaron piano, and Aaron Narcisse playing saxophone) dazzled with jazz and blues standards. The five-person group had ample space to perform while still allowing patrons to circulate with impressive acoustics—surprising in a space as large as the brewery requires.
Abita NOLA is on a parcel of the 1st Street Raquet Club, abutting a neighboring parking lot, open event space, and the racquet club facilities suggesting opportunities for partnerships and expansion.
"We are excited to have Abita here, and there are so many possibilities for events and growth here," said 1st Street Raquet Club co-owner Michael Semmes. "With the adjacent open space accessible for party guests, the elegant patios, illuminated gardens, and open tennis court illustrated the elegant options. Some fun things are in the works and we are looking forward to see what this new year brings with Abita here."
Abita NOLA is expected to be open Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. #abitabrewing #abitaneworleans
