Crying Eagle Lakefront

Opened on October 31, 2025, Crying Eagle Lakefront represents a bold new chapter for one of Southwest Louisiana’s most celebrated hospitality brands. The two-story, 12,000-square-foot destination sits along the shores of Lake Charles, offering panoramic water views, three full-service bars, and expansive indoor and outdoor seating designed for everything from sunset dinners to large-scale events.

More than 200,000 guests visit Crying Eagle annually across its properties, and the Lakefront location has quickly become a cornerstone of the Lakefront district’s continued growth. Elegant yet approachable, the space balances architectural presence with warmth, inviting guests to settle in, stay awhile, and experience the energy of the waterfront.

Beyond its design, Crying Eagle is known for elevating the brewery-restaurant model. Award-winning craft beers, including Ready to Mingle, Louisiana Lager, Pistol Bridge Porter, and Hop Blooded IPA, reflect years of experimentation, refinement, and community feedback. Live music, art programming, special events, and culinary innovation continue to shape the brand into a cultural gathering place.

The Culinary Vision

At the culinary helm is Chef Lyle Broussard, Executive Chef, whose award-winning approach blends Southern comfort with coastal sophistication. His menu honors Louisiana’s culinary heritage while presenting it with polish and creativity.

Signature dishes such as charbroiled oysters, redfish on the half shell, and steak tartare showcase Gulf Coast ingredients prepared with precision. Sustainability also plays a role in the kitchen’s philosophy, most notably through the creative use of spent brewing grain in signature pizza dough, transforming byproduct into bold flavor. Each plate is thoughtfully composed, rooted in place yet refined in execution.

The Founders’ Legacy

Behind the vision is Eric Avery, Founder and President of Crying Eagle Brewing Company. Born and raised in Sulphur, Louisiana, Eric built his career on the values of faith, family, and perseverance. In 2016, he asked a simple but transformative question: “Why doesn’t Lake Charles have a brewery?” That question sparked a five-year journey that reshaped the region’s hospitality landscape.

What began as a local brewery has grown into one of the largest microbrewery restaurants in the country. The name “Crying Eagle,” derived from the Native American translation of “Calcasieu,” reflects the brand’s deep connection to the region.

Eric’s leadership extends well beyond the business. As an advocate within the Louisiana Brewers Guild and an active member of regional economic and tourism boards, he champions small business growth and community development statewide.

Crying Eagle Lakefront stands as the culmination of that vision – a place where great food, craft beer, and genuine hospitality come together to create lasting memories on the water.