Louisiana’s Craft Beer Scene Is Worth Exploring Beyond the Big Easy
When most people think of Louisiana’s food and drink culture, they picture beignets, bourbon street cocktails, and Cajun cooking. But the state’s craft brewery scene has been quietly building momentum — and it runs deep into small towns and mid-size cities that rarely make the national radar. Whether you’re a local looking for a new tap room or a traveler passing through, these three Louisiana breweries deserve a spot on your itinerary.
If you want to browse the full picture before you go, the Louisiana craft beverage directory on PourDistrict is the easiest place to start. Below, we’re highlighting three real listings — each one offering a distinct experience tied to its community.
Broken Wheel Brewery — Marksville, LA
A Craft Beer Destination in Central Louisiana
Marksville isn’t a city you’d typically associate with a thriving craft beer culture, but Broken Wheel Brewery is changing that perception. Located in Avoyelles Parish in the heart of Central Louisiana, this brewery brings a local gathering point to a part of the state that doesn’t always get attention from the craft beverage crowd.
For enthusiasts who love discovering breweries off the beaten path, Broken Wheel is exactly the kind of find that makes regional exploration worthwhile. Marksville sits along the Cane River Country region, and a visit here pairs well with the area’s rich Creole and Native American heritage — making it a natural stop for anyone doing a deeper Louisiana road trip.
- Type: Brewery
- City: Marksville, Louisiana
- Region: Central Louisiana / Avoyelles Parish
Crescent City Brewhouse — New Orleans, LA
A French Quarter Brewery With Deep Roots
No roundup of Louisiana breweries is complete without representing New Orleans, and Crescent City Brewhouse is one of the city’s most recognizable names in craft beer. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, this brewery carries the energy and character you’d expect from one of America’s most storied neighborhoods.
New Orleans has long been a city built on hospitality, live music, and bold flavors — and Crescent City Brewhouse fits naturally into that identity. For visitors to the city, it offers a chance to enjoy locally made beer in an atmosphere that feels genuinely rooted in place rather than manufactured for tourists. For locals, it’s a dependable anchor in a neighborhood that keeps reinventing itself.
If you’re building a New Orleans itinerary and want to go beyond the cocktail bars, this brewery is a strong addition to the list. And if you’re curious what else the state has to offer, PourDistrict’s Louisiana directory covers breweries, wineries, and distilleries from Shreveport to the Gulf Coast.
- Type: Brewery
- City: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Region: French Quarter / Greater New Orleans
Care Forgot Beercraft — Cottonport, LA
Small Town, Serious Craft Beer
The name alone tells you something about the philosophy behind this place. Care Forgot Beercraft is a brewery located in Cottonport, a small town in Avoyelles Parish — just a short distance from Marksville. The name is a nod to a classic Louisiana expression, evoking the spirit of leaving your troubles at the door and enjoying the moment. That kind of intentionality in branding often signals a brewery that takes both its beer and its community seriously.
Cottonport sits along Bayou des Glaises in the Cajun heartland, and finding a craft beercraft operation here is a genuine surprise in the best possible way. For enthusiasts who make a habit of seeking out breweries in unexpected places, Care Forgot Beercraft is a rewarding detour. It’s also worth noting that having two craft breweries in the Avoyelles Parish area — alongside Broken Wheel in nearby Marksville — suggests a small but growing local scene worth tracking.
- Type: Brewery
- City: Cottonport, Louisiana
- Region: Avoyelles Parish / Cajun Heartland
Plan Your Louisiana Brewery Tour
From the iconic streets of New Orleans to the quiet bayou towns of Central Louisiana, the Pelican State has more craft beer happening than most people realize. Broken Wheel Brewery, Crescent City Brewhouse, and Care Forgot Beercraft represent just a slice of what’s out there — three distinct spots that reflect the diversity of communities and personalities that make Louisiana’s craft scene worth exploring.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a longer road trip through the Gulf South, or simply looking for something new in your own backyard, the best place to find your next stop is the full Louisiana directory. Explore every brewery, winery, and distillery listed in the state at PourDistrict’s Louisiana craft beverage guide — and start planning your next pour.
