When it opens in October in Saint Francisville, Bayou Sara Brewing Co. will be dedicated to being family friendly and a community hub. In addition to craft beer, the microbrewery and restaurant will have a full bar, pub food menu, games, and occasional live music.
The brewery at 11943 Ferdinand St. will also It mark a major milestone for co-owner and head brewer Steve McKinney. He recently told What Now New Orleans that he started brewing in 1995, while stationed at an army base in Japan.
“I was complaining to my mother about how much beer cost,” he said. “She heard from a neighbor that there was some home brew place down on Magazine Street. So, she went there, bought me a home brew kit, and shipped it to Japan.”
After taking a long break, McKinney began brewing again in earnest about a decade ago. Over the years, he has built up a catalog of mostly classic beer recipes, and a few newer styles. McKinney said that Bayou Sara will feature a variety of styles that will appeal to a wide range of craft beer drinkers. There will also be a full bar for those who want cocktails or mixed drinks. The opening food menu will be primarily barbecue and pub food, such as burgers, pulled pork sliders, pulled chicken sandwiches, and salads. There are also be a small kids menu.
McKinney said there will be occasional live music and there are plans to add events throughout the week, such as trivia nights and cornhole leagues, with the goal of appealing to everyone in Saint Francisville and beyond.
“It’s meant to be not just family friendly, but a family-focused type of atmosphere,” he said. “We want to create a place that’s a kind of community hub.”
