Bywater Brew Pub is a brewery, pub, and restaurant located in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. The restaurant features a Viet-Cajun menu styled by chef Anh Luu. Anh is a native New Orleanian whose parents emigrated to the United State from Vietnam. Luu grew up cooking with her mom, who naturally merged Louisiana and Vietnamese flavors in the dishes she prepared for her family. That Viet-Cajun style of cooking is the latest in culinary innovation in New Orleans, and is born directly from the home kitchens of New Orleans’ Vietnamese population.
At Bywater Brew Pub you’ll find Luu’s take on crawfish etouffee – nacho style. This version is super creamy, a bit cheesy, and poured over fried wanton chips. You’ll also get the best cracklins outside of Cajun country paired with pickled veggies. The menu also offers amazing lemongrass lettuce wraps, pho in a burrito, yaka mein, and ube breadpudding topped with an ice cream sunday for dessert. The atmosphere is casual and live music is also provided. Luu has also crafted a delicious vegan menu for those who prefer to keep it all plant based.
The brewery features five beer brewing tanks serving up a wide variety of house crafted beers. Try a lager spiked with New Orleans Chicory Coffee, a Hefeweizen with notes of banana and clove, or a deeply decadent Chocolate Stout. The pub also features a full bar, and delicious house crafted cocktails. I recommend the Thai 75, the Mai Thai, or a boozy Cajun Vietnamese Coffee that would make the Irish jealous.
Bywater Brew Pub is located at 3000 Royal Street, and is open 4p-9m Monday and Thursday, and Noon-9pm Friday through Sunday. Have questions? Give them a call at (504) 766-8118 or visit their website.
I sat down with chef Luu for a chat. Sit in on our conversation.