beer

[ncfunk]

Hey All, where is the best (i.e. cheapest) place to buy several cases of Abita Amber in New Orleans? I usually go to the Sav-A-Center on Carrollton, but it's kind of hit and miss, and not terribly inexpensive. Any suggestions?

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now! What about the large grocery store across from Tipitinas? They seem to have a good beer selection, and inexpensive prices.....

[FastFred]

And all along I thought you wanted to buy me one.

[Orleansnj]

Seriously - if you have a car - just drive across the lake to the Abita brew pub. it's fun, they have kinda good food and they have all of the beer !!!

[pgh_girl]

Seriously - if you have a car - just drive across the lake to the Abita brew pub. it's fun, they have kinda good food and they have all of the beer !!!
How far away from the FQ is the brewery? I think about going every year but I don't rent a car.

[Orleansnj]

How far away from the FQ is the brewery? I think about going every year but I don't rent a car.

Seriously - it's like 35 miles....not that far at all. And, it is a very, very nice drive because you go across the lake etc.

[pgh_girl]

Sounds nice - I might have to do that this year

[Orleansnj]

Sounds nice - I might have to do that this year

here's a link to their site

http://www.abita.com/visit/brewpub_home.html

[bluesgirl]

I went on my first trip to NOLA after K. It was a nice drive. I picked up a friend in BR and we went to the brew pub, and then turned around and drove to Lafayette for the Medicine Show.

[jolie]

If you do go to Abita Springs. Check out the USC Museum http://www.seeya-downtheroad.com/ShortStories/UCMMuseum.html within walking distance of the Brew Bub. Also if y'all happen to be comming on Wednesday 5/2...come see me we will be having a crawfish boil on Bayou Lacombe (about 25 minutes from Abita Springs)

[dumbtourist]

here's a link to their site

http://www.abita.com/visit/brewpub_home.html

O...thanks for that post....now I have a new adventure for fest. Their site says they are open till 10PM...sounds like the perfect place to go when leaving the fest for a fun evening away from the 1/4...

[stlbarb]

Seriously - it's like 35 miles....not that far at all. And, it is a very, very nice drive because you go across the lake etc.

its a beautiful area and the brew pub has great food. but my experience has been that the breweries/wineries are not the cheapes source for their product.

grocery stores have reasonable Abita prices. some stores will have more variety than others but have never had a problem finding turbo dog or amber.

did that cheap liquor store in Slidell, just off the lake, reopen?

[mightyradgumbo]

I smell Roadtrip.....I might be interested in taking a drive and will have a vehicle, anyone? Bueller? Bueller?:D

[Zydekitten]

I smell Roadtrip.....I might be interested in taking a drive and will have a vehicle, anyone? Bueller? Bueller?:D
Oooh, I'm up for it!!! I've never been up to the Abita Brewery and have always wanted to go . . . :D

[festivalgirl]

I smell Roadtrip.....I might be interested in taking a drive and will have a vehicle, anyone? Bueller? Bueller?:D

We've always wanted to go but neither of us want to be the DD. Can we hire a car? Should be Abita Red Ale time o' year. :cool:

[stlbarb]

I smell Roadtrip.....I might be interested in taking a drive and will have a vehicle, anyone? Bueller? Bueller?:D

we try not to use the word 'smell' when referring to a roadtrip.

2nd thursday looks like our only open day. we could make a whole day on the north shore. Lunch in abita springs, thrift store shopping in Slidell on the way home (not the most direct route). we have car(s) also.

[Headless Hornman]

If you do go to Abita Springs. Check out the USC Museum http://www.seeya-downtheroad.com/ShortStories/UCMMuseum.html within walking distance of the Brew Bub. Also if y'all happen to be comming on Wednesday 5/2...come see me we will be having a crawfish boil on Bayou Lacombe (about 25 minutes from Abita Springs)

The museum director is also Bobby Lounge's manager. I need to get over there and check it out.

[eat_mo_crawfish]

As far as good prices for booze, Dorginac's on Veterans Blvd. is hard to beat.

[Orleansnj]

yep - all comments above are good. Abita doesn't price gouge at their store - and the grocery companies do stock up - but maybe you want to call the Save A Center on Carrollton, if that's where you shop - and order a few cases ahead of time and see if they will do that. Sometimes grocery stores will do stuff like that because it helps them plan. You might want to do that early next week or like 10 days in advance of when you need it in order to be polite....it would be a win-win for everyone involved.

[dumbtourist]

Don't they make a Strawberry Beer also....thought I saw past conversation regarding that somewhere on this forum...would it be in season during fest?? Inquiring minds want to know.....

[mkraus]

Well, my friends and I talked about going to Abita on the Monday after first weekend (Before piano night). As a homebrewer it sounded like a great idea. But unfortunately we now have a reservation at Commander's Palace for brunch instead. I've been giving them grief non-stop.

1) More expensive
2) Less beer
3) Less adventure (We've all been to CP before)

But most importantly:
4) I need to put on long pants and shoes (not my normal Teva's) to eat there.

Anyone who's willing to drive, I'll buy the beer on Monday for lunch. (Shouldn't be too expensive - you have to drive me back).

[Lester_leaps_in]

Don't they make a Strawberry Beer also....


Yuck!

[Orleansnj]

Well, my friends and I talked about going to Abita on the Monday after first weekend (Before piano night). As a homebrewer it sounded like a great idea. But unfortunately we now have a reservation at Commander's Palace for brunch instead. I've been giving them grief non-stop.

1) More expensive
2) Less beer
3) Less adventure (We've all been to CP before)

But most importantly:
4) I need to put on long pants and shoes (not my normal Teva's) to eat there.

Anyone who's willing to drive, I'll buy the beer on Monday for lunch. (Shouldn't be too expensive - you have to drive me back).

you also need a jacket and tie - it is required....if you don't have your own - they will give you one there .... :)

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now--- If a daytrip to the brewery on Monday after 1st weekend (before Instruments A Commin') gets off the ground, I would love to tag along.... I have always wanted to tour Abita, and it would be fun to have some company. Let me know your mind, Matthew

[ncfunk]

you also need a jacket and tie - it is required....if you don't have your own - they will give you one there .... :)

A jacket and tie in New Orleans?!? Blasphemy! I'd have to be dragged kicking and screaming into a place like that, no matter how good the food is!

[Orleansnj]

A jacket and tie in New Orleans?!? Blasphemy! I'd have to be dragged kicking and screaming into a place like that, no matter how good the food is!

I don't kid about stuff like that..... it's actually a great place and I highly recommend it - esp. if you haven't gone before.....just 'go with the flow' and it will all be okay.

Besides, if you're going to be there for a while there is time for more Abita tours - maybe the Thursday before second weekend?

[Mardigrasbaby35]

Seriously - it's like 35 miles....not that far at all. And, it is a very, very nice drive because you go across the lake etc.

OKAY - here is one problem with going to the Brewery in Abita - you really need to get SOMEONE ELSE to drive - in lawschool we used to go on the Abita Tour at least once a semester, that means i've been about 6 times - HOWEVER, b/c of the AWESOME hospitatlity room that they have with all of the current brews tapped and complimentary, i have yet to know HOW they make the beer;) .....its a great time, but driving isn't probably such the good idea :D

[ncfunk]

I don't kid about stuff like that..... it's actually a great place and I highly recommend it - esp. if you haven't gone before.....just 'go with the flow' and it will all be okay.

Besides, if you're going to be there for a while there is time for more Abita tours - maybe the Thursday before second weekend?

Can't do it...too many other good places that let you be who you are to deal with that. But then again, I'm particularly averse to dressing up, whether on vacation or not. I put on a tie for weddings and funerals, and certain job interviews, but that's about it.

I don't think the jacket and tie would go too well with my cargo shorts and sandals anyway.

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now NC--- Just to make sure you dont misunderstand, you dont need tie and jacket for Abita (no dress code there at all) you need the tie and jacket for Commanders. By the way I agree, although I have heard Commanders is excellent, I dont want to have to dress for a meal in New Orleans. There are just too many great places where casual dress is just fine to worry about a place where i have to change clothing.

[ncfunk]

Hey Now NC--- Just to make sure you dont misunderstand, you dont need tie and jacket for Abita (no dress code there at all) you need the tie and jacket for Commanders. By the way I agree, although I have heard Commanders is excellent, I dont want to have to dress for a meal in New Orleans. There are just too many great places where casual dress is just fine to worry about a place where i have to change clothing.

Yep, I noticed that (just got off on a tangent when the coat and tie was brought up)...I'd find it hard to imagine a brewery with a dress code

[stlbarb]

I don't kid about stuff like that..... it's actually a great place and I highly recommend it - esp. if you haven't gone before.....just 'go with the flow' and it will all be okay.

Besides, if you're going to be there for a while there is time for more Abita tours - maybe the Thursday before second weekend?


COMPLIMENTARY TOURS of the Abita Brewery are available every Saturday and Sunday!

Tours are given every Saturday at 1:00pm and 2:30pm and Sundays at 1:00pm.

http://www.abita.com/visit/tours.html

i called and due to liability issues they cannot give tours during the week while they are bottling, etc.

the Brew Pub is open, and houses the gift shop also.
Hours: Monday-Sunday; 11am - 10pm
985-892-5837

http://www.abita.com/visit/aboutus.html
http://www.abita.com/visit/maptobrewpub.html

i have not found mocrobrewery tours to be that different from each other.

[Orleansnj]

you are so funny......I guess I take things for granted. I went to Abita way, way, way back in the day when they were small and prolly didn't need to concern themselves with liability and all that (or no one had suggested it to them).

but they are a great group there - and the brew pub is a great place to hang out.

[stlbarb]

you are so funny......I guess I take things for granted. I went to Abita way, way, way back in the day when they were small and prolly didn't need to concern themselves with liability and all that (or no one had suggested it to them).

but they are a great group there - and the brew pub is a great place to hang out.

i'm totally up for a trip to the brewpub - i dont need another lecture on top/bottom fermentation, etc. Monday is a possibility but its usually a veg-out day. but the BF leaves wednesday and he may want to go (he's never been to Abita Springs). Thursday May 3rd is also a possibility.

[Orleansnj]

i'm totally up for a trip to the brewpub - i dont need another lecture on top/bottom fermentation, etc. Monday is a possibility but its usually a veg-out day. but the BF leaves wednesday and he may want to go (he's never been to Abita Springs). Thursday May 3rd is also a possibility.

hee hee hee. My gang leaves Tuesday and the husband leaves Wednesday....so Thursday may be a go.....but isn't that Fan Fest? Geeze - I gotta tell you - I just can't keep all of this straight any longer..... (not that I really could to begin with LOL).

[stlbarb]

hee hee hee. My gang leaves Tuesday and the husband leaves Wednesday....so Thursday may be a go.....but isn't that Fan Fest? Geeze - I gotta tell you - I just can't keep all of this straight any longer..... (not that I really could to begin with LOL).

i doubt i attend fanfest.

[Orleansnj]

truth be told - me either. I might be too pooped to pop at that point...but I'm never too pooped for an Abita.

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now--- I didnt know that brewery tours were only given during weekends, I am a little less inclined to make a day trip up there monday, but if a group is going, it might be fun to take a drive on up anyway, and get lunch, and buy a couple of Abita T-shirts for gifts. It is apparently just a 1/2 hour drive from the Quarter. Matthew

[rosetree]

Hey Now--- I didnt know that brewery tours were only given during weekends, I am a little less inclined to make a day trip up there monday, but if a group is going, it might be fun to take a drive on up anyway, and get lunch, and buy a couple of Abita T-shirts for gifts. It is apparently just a 1/2 hour drive from the Quarter. Matthew

You might just get to the south end of the Causeway in 1/2 hour from the Quarter. The trip to Abita will be closer to 1 hour each way. (the causeway alone is 25 miles-give or take). I'm not knocking the trip, just don't think that it will be just an hour or two out of your day....

[Orleansnj]

You might just get to the south end of the Causeway in 1/2 hour from the Quarter. The trip to Abita will be closer to 1 hour each way. (the causeway alone is 25 miles-give or take). I'm not knocking the trip, just don't think that it will be just an hour or two out of your day....

u haven't driven with me yet - LOL. ;)

[stlbarb]

Hey Now--- I didnt know that brewery tours were only given during weekends, I am a little less inclined to make a day trip up there monday, but if a group is going, it might be fun to take a drive on up anyway, and get lunch, and buy a couple of Abita T-shirts for gifts. It is apparently just a 1/2 hour drive from the Quarter. Matthew

you must drive like the BF. its more like an hour.

its a lovely area and makes a nice afternoon.

[jolie]

Abita is at least a hour drive from the FQ, but if you do make a day trip check out the UCM Museum http://www.seeya-downtheroad.com/ShortStories/UCMMuseum.html just steps from the Pub

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now Thanks for the heads up. I thought it was closer than that.... Dont know if people want to drive an hour each way for lunch, but I have no plans on monday afternoon, and thought it might be a good drive....

[jolie]

Oops looks like stlbarb, rosetree & myself were typing at the same time. The Causeway alone is 25 miles...and the the speed limit enforced. Still a beautiful drive!!!

[luvdancin]

[QUOTE=mkraus;53566]Well, my friends and I talked about going to Abita on the Monday after first weekend (Before piano night). As a homebrewer it sounded like a great idea. But unfortunately we now have a reservation at Commander's Palace for brunch instead. I've been giving them grief non-stop.[QUOTE]

I found Commander's Palace to be rather pretentious. I have had better food in other NOLA restaurants where I didn't have to dress to the nines to impress the blue hairs sitting at the table next to me. Tell your friends that there are more fun places to go.

[luvdancin]

you must drive like the BF. its more like an hour.

its a lovely area and makes a nice afternoon.

Hey, Barb--I could possibly be talked into going to the brewery, too. Believe it or not, in all the times I have been down there, I have never driven across the Causeway. It would be an adventure.

[Corona]

Yuck!
all the locals who have tasted this year's batch have said it's really good. Abita Strawberry Harvest....they're saying it's not fruity tasting at all but good stuff :) I also heard it sells out lightning fast...hoping there'll be some left by the time I get there!!

[mkraus]

As far as the dress code for Commander's Palace -you don't need the jacket and tie for lunch.

Yes, it is past it's prime. Yes it's a cool place to go to once. Yes, we have reservations for 12, and I'm the only one still on the Abita kick.

For MormonMatthew - I guess there is no tour, but as a home brewer, and someone who has been to breweries on many continents, I'd be more than willing to describe everything they do to make the beer you'd be drinking.

Again, if someone is willing to drive, I'll pay for their beer and food. Otherwise I'm gonna be stuck with the same group I've seen all weekend with shoes on. I hate shoes. Only reason I wear them to JF is b/c I wouldn't go into the bathrooms without them.

[Theotherone]

This looks like a good thread to put a plug in for our friend’s liquor store:

Elio’s Wine Warehouse
6205 S Miro St

This is off of S. Claiborne near Broadway. Here: http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=6205+S+Miro+St,New+Orleans,LA%2070118

Near the tipped over frosty mug (which I hope has been righted by now).

I can’t say he has the cheapest Abita prices but he has a very good wine selection in his newly remodeled (due to the Thing) and well-stocked store.

Last winter he opened a Mexican Restaurant (go figure – an Italian guy opening a Mexican place. But he’s a businessman and knows the market). The restaurant is reviewed here:

http://www.bloggingneworleans.com/2007/01/13/where-to-eat-felipes-mexican-taqueria/

Elio is a great guy and the staff is friendly. Throw a little love, and money, to the locals.

[festivalgirl]

Hmmmmm. We wouldn't say no to Abita Thursday.

[NeenAtlanta]

This looks like a good thread to put a plug in for our friend’s liquor store:

Elio’s Wine Warehouse
6205 S Miro St

This is off of S. Claiborne near Broadway. Here: http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=6205+S+Miro+St,New+Orleans,LA%2070118

Near the tipped over frosty mug (which I hope has been righted by now).

I can’t say he has the cheapest Abita prices but he has a very good wine selection in his newly remodeled (due to the Thing) and well-stocked store.

Last winter he opened a Mexican Restaurant (go figure – an Italian guy opening a Mexican place. But he’s a businessman and knows the market). The restaurant is reviewed here:

http://www.bloggingneworleans.com/2007/01/13/where-to-eat-felipes-mexican-taqueria/

Elio is a great guy and the staff is friendly. Throw a little love, and money, to the locals.


Love Elio's! Their prices are great. That's where we always bought the kegs for the PDKK crawfish boils during Fest.