Featured Photo by Great Raft Brewing

4 Top Louisiana Breweries To Experience Along The Red River

Louisiana may not come to mind when fans of craft breweries and craft beer are asked about where their favorite brewery experience is located. And even if they do think of Louisiana, they often may choose a New Orleans brewery. While New Orleans does have great breweries, many other areas in Louisiana offer epic brewery experiences that should not be forgotten about. If you’re interested in checking out some of these places, a great place to start is along the Red River Valley. In addition to a surprisingly high number of breweries, you’ll discover brewery tours, beer festivals and events, and a vibrant craft beer scene at these top brewery experiences along the Red River.

5 Ways to Get Outside on the Turtle River

A great place to start is in Bossier City in the northwestern corner of the state. Here you’ll find Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, a popular brewery set in a historic fire station with a passion for craft beer, craft pizza, craft cocktails, and community. The atmosphere at Flying Heart is vintage, rustic, and relaxed, and they even welcome kids and dogs. You can choose one of their carefully crafted beers from either their six year-round beers or their rotating variety of seasonal brews. Pair it with one of their craft pizzas, made fresh on thin, NY-style dough, or other choices like German pretzels, chicken wings, and crawfish rub, for a mouthwatering combination. The brewery offers indoor and outdoor seating, and corn hole boards, providing a top brewery experience for everyone who steps through the door.

5 Ways to Get Outside on the Turtle River

Great Raft Brewing in Shreveport, LA is another great brewery experience in the Red River Valley. If you’re seeking a true Louisiana brewery then look no further than this authentically southern brew experience striving to complement the lifestyles and cultures of the state with their creative crafting and brewing. Great Raft Brewing believes in creativity and southern style when it comes to beer, which is why their products reflect the same spicy, bold, flavorful taste of Louisiana’s cuisine. While you’re there, you can choose from their long list of beers, including flagship, seasonal, barrel-aged, and specialty, or from their various series such as hop series and Belgian series. With all the events the brewery hosts, there is also a good chance you will be able to attend one during your visit, like live music, pint night, or a free brewery tour.

5 Ways to Get Outside on the Turtle River

Huckleberry Brewing Company is a great stop for their flagship and seasonal beers and community oriented, friendly environment. This mix of unique craft beer and a sense of adventure in the heart of Louisiana creates a relaxing and casual atmosphere to sit back with great company and enjoy your time together. Some great recommendations for what to try include the Riverboat Razz, a delicious and fruity ale, the Three Card Stout, and the unique seasonal choice, Huck’s MargaWheatAh. Huckleberry Brewing Company also hosts Thursday night trivia, weekly drink specials, live music, and serves up great wings, brats, and tater tots.

5 Ways to Get Outside on the Turtle River

Another great brewery in Shreveport is the Red River Brewpub. This Louisiana brewery is popular for serving brunch, lunch, and dinner alongside their many craft beer choices on tap including lagers, ales, IPAs, and more. Founded in 2012, the Red River Brewpub continues to be a hotspot in historical Shreveport attracting craft beer aficionados and local historians alike. You can enjoy local or imported beers from their full bar, great pub style food, frequent live music events, and their unique drive-in movie nights. If you’re unsure what to order, their crowd favorites include the River Monster, the Heliopolis, and the Hay Ryed. Visit on a Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday for happy hour, or check out the High Gravity Glassworks glassblowing workshop located in the brewpub any day of the week for a unique experience before rewarding yourself with a cold beer.

Content Writer and Social Media Coordinator. I paint, listen to music, and play with my dogs a lot. When I’m not doing all that, I love to read and try new things.

Maeve Miller

Writer , River Travel Magazine