BREWPUB

ABITA BREWPUB 72011 Holly St., Abita Springs (985)892-5837; www.abita.com A friendly atmosphere, 14 Abita brews on tap, and plenty of eats make this a destination for both locals and traveling beer scholars. Down-home favorites such as baby-back ribs are braised in beer and served with steak-cut fries. Reservations required for parties of more than 4. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSE 527 Decatur St. 522-0571; www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com This airy, two-story French Quarter spot is largely dominated by the burnished copper tanks in which the restaurant cooks up its special house brews, including the light, crisp, Pilsner and the robust Red Stallion. Baked and fresh oysters, as well as heartier fare like the smoked and slow-roasted Brewhouse ribs, make an excellent match with the microbrews. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

GORDON BIERSCH BREWERY RESTAURANT 200 Poydras St. 552-2739; www.gordonbiersch.com Guests can see how the magic is made inside this restaurant featuring a state-of-the-art brewery that produces hand-crafted, Bavarian-style lagers. The dishes are prepared fresh from scratch, using local ingredients and served in a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere. Dine inside, at the bar (which features plasma-screen TVs for sports viewing) or outside on the patio. Reservations recommended. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$

LAGER'S INTERNATIONAL ALE HOUSE 3501 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 887-9923 Lager's offers a full menu to go with its 75 beers on tap and 125 bottled choices. The crawfish Banditos piles crawfish tails on fried whole wheat tortillas stuffed with melted cheeses, green chiles and sour cream. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $