In case you didn’t know, Louisiana is all about having a good time. Most people think that sort of thing is confined to the southern portion of The Boot (the toe, if you will). But we up here in our corner know our way around a party and its libations, namely: Beer.
So what’s the best beer? Well, depending on the answer, them’s could be fighting words. So we’re just going to stick with where to find it. And in Bossier Parish, there’s no shortage of options — local hometown breweries, stores stocked with a freezer full of imports, a bar lined with taps like some sort of glorious fence posts on a horizon. It’s enough to bring a tear to your eye.
Enough set up, let’s get down to the drinking.
Flying Heart Brewing — We’ll start at the top, as Flying Heart is the only local brewery and tap house in Bossier. Situated in the middle of the downtown re-envisioning in the East Bank District, in what was old Fire Station #6, Flying Heart brews its own craft beer and provides a funky, hand-built atmosphere. Its beers range in all sorts of brews, but if you stop in you have to try the Milkmaid Stout. Take it from someone who has sipped a Guinness in Ireland, only a few blocks away from the factory — it’s as close as you can get to that level of heaven.
Riverview Restaurant and Brewhouse — The newest restaurant at Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City has two huge things going for it: First and foremost, it has a delirious selection of beers (30 on tap alone), and, secondly, a stunning view of the Red River. Framed by dark woods and rustic decor, it all paints one heck of a scenic picture. Plus, food. Lots of food. Like, all the food. And it’s all delicious. Seriously, go spend an hour (or three) hanging out in this place.
Twisted Root Burger Co. — Only the second burger joint of its kind in Louisiana, Twisted Root Burger Co. won’t overwhelm you with quantity, but what it does have is quality. A curated selection of local and state-wide brews line the bar, which looks like a B-52 wing by the way. The restaurant itself came out of a repurposed old gas station on Airline Drive and pays homage to the area’s military history. It also has an outdoor patio with games for you to enjoy while you sip a cool glass of hops and munch on one of their dozen unique burgers.
Daq’s Wings and Grill — Okay, so you’re not into the restaurant scene so much or the pure taproom concept. I got your back, because there’s a perfect mix of sports bar and restaurant with Daq’s Wings and Grill on Old Minden Road in Bossier City. With a dozen TVs dedicated to sports and 25 beers on tap, Daq’s also boasts bar food galore — burgers, wings, more fried goods than you can shake a stick at — and it has tons of atmosphere. Located in an unassuming old Burger King restaurant, the dark woods, neon signs…and did I mention the TVs?…All combine for a great place to relax and have a drink after a long day.
The Cellar Wine and Spirits — Maybe you’re not a going-out-to-drink type of guy or gal. That’s cool. Bossier still has you covered with The Cellar. Just outside city limits on Airline Drive, the spirits store has a massive selection of imports, domestics, and niche beers to choose from. And if they don’t have what you’re looking for, the great thing is they can order it, so you can sit out back on your porch or watch a movie at home with friends and your favorite brew.