Beer Around The NFL: New Orleans Saints
Throughout the fall we have been taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to the finest beer shops. One thing is for sure, football fans are drinking very well. And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout, then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the New Orleans Saints.
WHAT TO DRINK
Abita Turbodog: New Orleans' best-known microbrewery produces this dark brown ale, characterized by its chocolate, coffee, toffee and roasted malt notes, with nutty, toasty undertones. Available around the country, but especially at home. abita.com
NOLA Hopitoulas IPA: Besides a clever name, this west coast-style IPA from New Orleans Lager & Ale makes use of six different hops and six different malt types. Grassy, citrusy hops are balanced with caramelized malty flavors. nolabrewing.com
Bayou Teche Bière Noire: Christened with a nod to its French ancestry and the bayou's Creole culture, this schwarzbier pays homage to café noir (black coffee). Bitter and smoky, you might feel like you're sipping a demitasse. bayoutechebrewing.com
WHERE TO DRINK IT
The Avenue Pub: This craft beer mainstay boasts 42 taps, 17 of which are available by the growler, plus more than 100 bottles and even a canned beer (Crispin Browns Lane). This is New Orleans, so it should come as no surprise that it's open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Expect to find a fair share of local beers here, including Covington, NOLA and plenty of Abita. 1732 St. Charles Avenue, 504-586-9243, theavenuepub.com
Cooter Brown's Tavern & Oyster Bar: This one is impressive for sheer volume – some 400 beers, more than 40 of which are available on tap (plus 20 more at the back bar, open for weekend games). The selection is international at this 35-year-old mainstay and the atmosphere is definitely NFL-friendly, with 17 flat screens and two eight-foot drop downs scattered around the bar. 509 South Carrollton Avenue, 504-866-9104, cooterbrowns.com
d.b.a.: It may be something of a chainlet, considering it has locations in New York, but this longtime standard is still as local as it gets. A respectable beer list, with plenty of local craft brews and fine imports, plus live music every night. It also serves up an extensive list of whiskeys for when you need something stronger. 618 Frenchmen Street, 504-942-7371, dbabars.com
WHERE TO BUY IT
Stein's Market and Deli: Since when is a Jewish-Italian deli the best place to buy beer? Well, strictly speaking, there are beers stores with more vast selections, but on pure atmosphere and service, Stein's wins out. Besides, you might want to pick up a sandwich to go with that six-pack. 2207 Magazine Street, 504-527-0771, steinsdeli.net
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