Mandeville, Louisiana, offers more than just scenic lakefronts and small-town charm—it’s also home to a dynamic and growing craft beer culture. From homegrown nanobreweries to established brewpubs, the Northshore has something for every palate. Even better? A short drive across Lake Pontchartrain opens up access to some of New Orleans' most iconic breweries, expanding your options for weekend outings and day trips.
So, if you’re a craft beer enthusiast looking for local flavor and laid-back settings, here’s where to start your tasting tour.
Old Rail Brewing Company – Mandeville, LA
Old Rail Brewing Company, also known as Spoke & Barrel, holds the title as Mandeville’s first and only brewpub. Located in Old Mandeville near the Tammany Trace, it combines small-batch brewing with a chef-driven menu of modern Southern cuisine. You’ll find a core lineup of beers alongside rotating seasonal brews, all made on-site with a focus on balance and drinkability.
With both indoor and patio seating, the brewpub serves as a popular spot for locals enjoying a post-trail drink, a casual dinner, or weekend brunch with friends.
With both indoor and patio seating, the brewpub serves as a popular spot for locals enjoying a post-trail drink, a casual dinner, or weekend brunch with friends.
Chafunkta Brewing Company – Mandeville, LA
This family-owned nanobrewery prides itself on crafting unique, small-batch beers in an inviting and approachable setting. Chafunkta Brewing Company keeps its offerings creative, with flight samplers available for those who want to try multiple styles. The brewery regularly hosts food trucks, live music, and events like Pups and Pints—making it a community hub as much as a craft destination.
Its laid-back, inclusive vibe reflects the best of Mandeville living: casual, connected, and full of personality.
Its laid-back, inclusive vibe reflects the best of Mandeville living: casual, connected, and full of personality.
The Barley Oak – Mandeville, LA
Overlooking Lake Pontchartrain, The Barley Oak isn’t a brewery, but its significance to the local beer scene can’t be overstated. This long-standing draught house features a curated list of local and regional craft beers, international imports, and seasonal specialties.
With a two-story layout, lakeside balconies, and hearty pub fare, it’s an ideal place to sip something new while enjoying one of the best sunset views in the area.
With a two-story layout, lakeside balconies, and hearty pub fare, it’s an ideal place to sip something new while enjoying one of the best sunset views in the area.
Abita Brewing Company – Abita Springs, LA
Just a short drive from Mandeville, Abita Brewing Company is one of the most recognizable names in Louisiana brewing. Founded in 1986, this brewery has grown into a nationally distributed brand without losing its local character.
Visitors can take a tour, sample a wide range of beers in the taproom, and relax in a space that blends rustic charm with modern touches. With flagship offerings like Purple Haze and Andygator, plus small-batch brews available on site, there’s always something to discover.
Visitors can take a tour, sample a wide range of beers in the taproom, and relax in a space that blends rustic charm with modern touches. With flagship offerings like Purple Haze and Andygator, plus small-batch brews available on site, there’s always something to discover.
Gnarly Barley Brewing Company – Hammond, LA
Located roughly 30 miles northwest of Mandeville, Gnarly Barley Brewing Company brings a bold and playful approach to craft beer. Its taproom, the Gnar Bar, offers an industrial-meets-inviting setting where guests can explore popular selections like the Jucifer IPA or the rich, malty Korova Milk Porter.
Gnarly Barley is known for experimentation, and its rotating releases keep the experience fresh for returning visitors. Food trucks and events frequently complement the tasting experience, making it worth the drive.
Gnarly Barley is known for experimentation, and its rotating releases keep the experience fresh for returning visitors. Food trucks and events frequently complement the tasting experience, making it worth the drive.
Urban South Brewery – New Orleans, LA
A quick trip across the Causeway brings you to New Orleans’ Warehouse District, where Urban South Brewery blends Southern tradition with modern creativity. This brewery is known for its bold flavors, experimental sours, and colorful can art.
Urban South’s spacious taproom welcomes families and groups, and regularly features food vendors, game nights, and pop-up markets. It’s a lively destination that mirrors the energy of New Orleans itself.
Urban South’s spacious taproom welcomes families and groups, and regularly features food vendors, game nights, and pop-up markets. It’s a lively destination that mirrors the energy of New Orleans itself.
NOLA Brewing Company – New Orleans, LA
Located on Tchoupitoulas Street, NOLA Brewing Company is a staple in the New Orleans beer scene. With a wide selection of year-round and seasonal offerings, including the popular Hopitoulas IPA and Blonde Ale, this brewery appeals to both classic beer lovers and those looking for new styles.
The rooftop patio, live music events, and in-house BBQ kitchen make NOLA Brewing a full-experience destination. For Mandeville residents, it’s an easy weekend stop that captures the fun, flavor, and creativity of the city.
The rooftop patio, live music events, and in-house BBQ kitchen make NOLA Brewing a full-experience destination. For Mandeville residents, it’s an easy weekend stop that captures the fun, flavor, and creativity of the city.
Second Line Brewing – New Orleans, LA
Tucked into Mid-City, Second Line Brewing is a neighborhood favorite known for small-batch beers with character. The brewery’s outdoor beer garden and relaxed taproom make it a great place to enjoy staples like their West Coast-style IPA or seasonal lagers.
Second Line places a strong emphasis on community and sustainability, values that align well with many homebuyers moving to the Northshore for its quality of life.
Second Line places a strong emphasis on community and sustainability, values that align well with many homebuyers moving to the Northshore for its quality of life.
Contact Allison Vencil
If you're considering making Mandeville your home—or simply want to be close to the region’s top lifestyle amenities—reach out to local real estate expert Allison Vencil. With deep knowledge of Mandeville’s neighborhoods and nearby communities, Allison can help you find the right home in an area that aligns with your lifestyle.
Whether you're drawn to the small-town feel, lakefront charm, or access to Louisiana's top breweries and cultural experiences, Allison will guide you every step of the way. Contact Allison Vencil today to take the next step toward homeownership on the Northshore.
Whether you're drawn to the small-town feel, lakefront charm, or access to Louisiana's top breweries and cultural experiences, Allison will guide you every step of the way. Contact Allison Vencil today to take the next step toward homeownership on the Northshore.
