2 Best Restaurants in Side Trips from New Orleans, Louisiana

This low-key and unassuming restaurant turns into a St. Francisville hot spot on Friday and Saturday nights. During the day, locals and tourists flock to "the Mag" for sandwiches, pizza, steaks, and Southern and Mexican dishes. At night, go for cocktails or dinner; on Friday evening there's a live band.

This was the site of Abita's original brewery until 1994, when the company found a much needed larger space up the road. Today, the Abita Brew Pub is a lovely setting for indoor and outdoor meals chosen from a surprisingly lengthy menu of traditional comfort food and regional favorites including pasta, salads, burgers, and entrées like jambalaya, barbecue ribs, and pecan-crusted catfish. These dishes all go well with the beer—a full selection of Abita is on tap, including seasonal brews and a few guest additions.