The Beer Traveller

First stop in Louisiana was Abita Brewing Company.  I recognized the name, but didn’t know exactly what they brewed. It was a neat little place that didn’t quite fit the area where it was located.  The interior was nicely decorated w/ talented murals.  A gift shop was off to the left & a bar slightly farther.  The bar had a flat screen sitting dead center behind it.  Further in were tables/eating area w/ another room off to the right, also for eating. This was the type of place I could easily sit myself down & drink for the remainder of the day. Unfortunately I was only here for some quick sampling & than had to keep going.
I forget what I ordered for lunch, but I remember it being decent.  The beer on the other hand was delicious.  The manager made her way over & introduced herself.  She was very nice & informed the bartender there would be no-charge for additional samples.
I rated the Amber & Golden as only Drinkable, but these tend not to be my favorite styles of beer.  Their Light had way too much flavor (i.e. it was good) for a light beer & was given a Likable.  The Turbodog (drk brown ale), Purple Haze (raspberry wheat), wheat (seasonal), Jockamo IPA, & Andy Gator (10% barley wine) were all very Likable.  The Restoration Pale Ale & Abita Select (German wit) were both Exceptional.
I decided to get a T-shirt as a gift for somebody from home & was rung up.  It was than that Trip, a gentleman I had been speaking with earlier, reached over & grabbed my bill.  He informed me that this would be his treat & he was a complete supporter.  Thanks Trip from Virginia (not that there’s a whole bunch of Trips). 
If you find yourself in New Orleans, this is worth the 50 minute drive north.  Take the opportunity to stop in for lunch & some quality brews before heading back down to party town.