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    Discretion Brewing

    4.2 (459 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Discretion Brewing Photos

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    DISCRETION BREWING ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Live music
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Discretion Brewing

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    Hops.
    Dave S.

    Let's update. I haven't drank here since Covid started. It's still great, some smooth tasting brews and the food is still delicious. I don't get out this way much anymore but Discretion Brewing is a must stop for me. Last word...relax.

    James F.

    We've been here a few times and, even though they have the narrowest parking spots on planet earth, they have a fun vibe and some tasty, creative brews. I also really dig their outdoor space. Last weekend, we dropped by again because we were in the neighborhood (at Target). We really enjoyed our conversation with the bartender and one of the brewing assistants. They were willing to make recommendations, pour samples, and talk about the beers. I haven't eaten much here, except for the olives- which make the perfect, salty beer snack- but heard a few compliments on the food from other patrons on their way out. Another great brewery in the Santa Cruz-Capitola area that's worth checking out.

    Beer Menu
    D.wight L.

    Pretty darn solid brewery in Soquel/Santa Cruz area. More inland, so more locals than tourist. Looks like they invested and built the facility for themselves with a metal barn-like building for the tap room and brewery, equipt with solar energy to power their operations. Their outdoor area is much more impressive than their indoors and seems 85% of the action happens out there. There's table seating, counter seating and communal benches, most are under a cover. Lots of dogs and locals, you can just feel the buzz of the community here. I only did a quick sampling of several beers here as I had plans to eat in the neighborhood for dinner. But they do have a small menu with appetizers and sandwiches that looked really promising, and the pics prove that I'm going to have to try some on my next visit for sure. I loved their website before I even ventured in. It has their story in a concise manner and the way they describe their beers are very entertaining if not poetic and creative, which I have to pound my chest and nod to. Like they describe their Shimmer Pils as having "a shimmery depth, like light on a fathomless sea.' Lol. And their Ten Million Flower's Kolsh is called so because it took ten million flowers for bees to make the honey that goes into this brew. If James Joyce and/or Walt Whitman lived in this town, I could see them being patrons here. Their beer flight you can choose up to six from their current tap selection, which I think was around 16 taps. That's a lot, like it was hard in making a decision and it would probably take me at least 6 visits to get a full grasp/opinion on their body of work. They also have brews in cans in a fridge that may not necessarily be on tap. I went last summer and their current line up is much different than what was being offered on my visit. So FYI things are in a constant state of flow here, hope you're flexible and adventurous. If you get cans to-go, you can mix and match whatever flavors you want, which I thought was a nice bonus. I really liked 2 light brews I tried. The above Pils and Kolsh were remarkably light and crisp and clean. I liked the Kolsh a tad more, had more depth and uniqueness. Liked their Mosaic hopped Pale Ale as I like a strong hop presence, but I often don't want the malt and gravity of IPA's. I did try a couple of IPA's as well as most of my buddies are into them, and I had to bring something back. Also tried a Black Lager and that was pretty much true to style. I also bet that my tasting would have evolved and been more complete with some bites of food, but that'll just have to wait for the next out. Digging their style and their efforts, so an inevitable return is on queue.

    First of all the beer is really good, I especially like their hazys. Bit what surprised me was the incredibly good food! The ribeye sandwich was tender, juicy and flavorful. I want to know where they get that bread! The salami and burrata flatbread with the grilled zucchini was on point. Sauce so tasty and again the crust! Plus its on the large size. We also had the anti pasta plate, with those savory Italian cookies that I dipped in the light and airy buratta I was in heaven. Highly recommend stopping in for a bite!

    Barrel-Aged Good Faith, ABV 9%, IBUs 65 Pillowcase
    Rossana C.

    Very cool place to go with friends! My first time here and I really liked. The service is great, everyone was super friendly. I went there with my boyfriend and we had some beers. I got their Pillowcase, and it tasted super delicious. For food, we got their Pepperoni Pizza and Bruschetta Caponata. The pizza was pretty good but I didn't like the Bruschetta. It was cold and I just didn't like it. It's very different but maybe you can order and like it. Overall everything was great! I really want to come back in the summer. I think it's amazing to be at their patios enjoying the sun while having a beer. I'm looking forward to it!

    Alicia F.

    Add Discretion Brewing to your list when visiting Santa Cruz. Discretion carries 16 delicious brews on tap, has their own parking lot, ample outdoor seating, indoor seating, heaters for when necessary, clean bathroom, and sweet merch! What more can we ask for in a brewery, really? After a long day of drinking, I really don't remember what I had...(it was a good day). I want to say it was the good faith, strong ale paired nicely with a pepperoni pizza. I am seeing some not so great reviews on the Italian kitchen situation but I didn't have any issues with it. I typically don't expect much from a brewery kitchen in general. Will definitely go for a flight next time!

    The vibe was cool...music was great (mandolin/guitar). Glad we got there early to park. Meatball sandwiches didn't disappoint. State of Gold Lager and Shimmer Pils tasted good.

    Outdoor covered seating with heat lamps
    Audrey S.

    High on my list of Santa Cruz breweries. Discretion's outdoor area is very spacious and weather-friendly. The beer and food are both very good. Service was helpful. We grabbed a seat out under the pop up tent outside. On a cold night they had plenty of space heaters and there was room to space out while still staying warm. We ordered a stout and a bourbon barrel aged tripel. Both were great, but the tripel was the winner. So delicious, and strong without tasting overly so. Appreciate the vegetarian food options. We had the veggie antipasto and it was yummy and healthy. A very solid choice for a beer out in SC.

    Vegetarian flat bread
    Karen F.

    We're visiting from out of town, but if we lived in Santa Cruz we'd be regulars here. Have been here twice in the last two years and had the same experience both times; friendly staff, good beer, good food, nice ambience and a pretty outdoor seating area. Last time we were here we accidentally came on a free movie Monday, which was a fun surprise. Check this place out, you won't be disappointed.

    Morgan M.

    It had a vey calm atmosphere. I have been here a few times and I have always had good food!

    Good choice Daddy! Big Dipper Golden Ale!
    Rawley D.

    My last review was in 2015. And another great time out! Best craft beer in Santa Cruz county!

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    4 years ago

    Great pizza. Great beer. Great people. Just altogether a really nice place. Definitely visit.

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    Great beer! Love the outdoor seating area. We had the stuffed zucchini and pizza it was delicious. We will definitely be back!

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    Page 4 of 12

    Discretion Brewing Reviews in Other Languages

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    4.2
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    I don't know why any one should whine about this delightful…read morerestaurant. The four of us had a large pear pizza, lasagne, a big salad, and an interesting apple pie dessert. When the pizza was served a bit on the cool side, the waiter heated it up and improved it a good thirty percent. True, the narrow aisles present a challenge to the busy waiters, but overall, the place is charming!

    Had dinner here today with friends who wanted to check out my son's newish town (first year at…read moreUCSC).... Pros- flavors of each dish were quite tasty. We had six people in total and all together ordered the short rib ravioli, seafood stew, spaghetti and meatballs, roasted beets, French onion soup, potatoes with dip, a salad and a pizza. My favorite bite was the lasagna. The top had nicely melted and crispy cheese... very good! I also enjoyed the crispy potatoes with dip. The French onion soup didn't have a lot of color, but it still had a very distinct and tasty flavor. Outside of the food, the restaurant has a great outdoor area that's dog friendly! There is also a nice sized private parking lot. Oh, and if you pay in cash, there's a discount! Cons- I was craving spaghetti and meatballs, it just sounded so good to me! This was I think it's the first time I've ever ordered it at a restaurant (usually make it at home!) while I thought the dish had good flavor, I felt the pasta was slightly overcooked. It was not al dente... the meatballs also didn't have a lot of color, so that was disappointing. The seafood stew a friend ordered was small. She said it was good, but we overheard someone at a different table say that the stew used to be huge and it currently is not... Coloring... typically color equals flavor, so it was odd that several dishes had little coloring, but they did still taste good! Some things I didn't care as much for, but we all enjoyed the flavors of each dish...

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    Indoor seating
    Indoor seating
    Indoor Booths seat 4 to 7
    Indoor Booths seat 4 to 7
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    Sugo Italian Pasta Bar

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    If you're in Santa Cruz and love authentic Italian food, you have to try Sugo Italian Pasta Bar…read more This place is such a hidden gem. I had the spaghetti carbonara and it was absolutely delicious--rich, flavorful, and clearly made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. They have a lunch special where you can add a salad for just $3 more, and it's so worth it. The cucumbers and tomatoes were incredibly fresh and tasted amazing. To top it off, I had the tiramisu for dessert and it did not disappoint--perfectly balanced and so satisfying. The atmosphere really makes you feel like you've stepped into a true Italian restaurant. When I walked in, I could hear people speaking Italian, which made the whole experience feel even more authentic. The staff were also wonderful--my server was kind, attentive, and gave great recommendations. Overall, everything about this place was amazing. I highly recommend it if you're in the Santa Cruz area!

    A small-ish dinner spot with excellent service and delicious food. Every dish we ordered was…read morefabulous! Hot bread - so yummy! We ordered: - eggplant parmigiana (my favorite) - cannelloni - gnocchi - mushroom flatbread - ravioli -Caesar salad - tiramisu (good, but the portion could've been larger) - crème brûlée (excellent- could've been a larger seeving) There's are only about a down tables but we made a reservation and were seated right away. It was a bit noisy(partly the table next to us, partly the kitchen which was close by), and partly the high ceilings. Highly recommend and would absolutely return!

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    Sugo Italian Pasta Bar
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    Spaghetti E Polpette
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    A Culinary Gem: Simply Authentic ​If you are looking for a…read moredining experience that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother, this charming spot is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you walk through the door, the intimate atmosphere sets the stage for a meal that is clearly crafted with love and tradition. ​The commitment to quality here is unmistakable. Because everything is cooked from scratch, the flavors have a vibrancy that you simply won't find in larger, commercial establishments. ​You can taste the freshness of the ingredients in every sauce and handmade pasta. The seasonings are spot-on--bold enough to be memorable, yet refined enough to let the natural ingredients shine. The food is simply ah-mazing! ​What truly elevates this restaurant is the attentive and friendly service. The staff treats every guest with a level of care that makes you feel like a regular on your very first visit. If you are craving authentic Italian, look no further. This isn't just a meal; it's a reminder of why we fall in love with great food in the first place. Highly recommended!

    Our best kept secret. Such an underrated gem that I feel no one knows about! The calamari is always…read morea hit. My two favorite dishes are the spaghetti alla carbonara and carbonara lasagna! Their portions are easily shareable between 2. Both times I've been here, the restaurant has been empty! Service is great. I love grabbing a seat on the patio and enjoying the lovely Santa Cruz air.

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    Dining area with choices of wines
    Dining area with choices of wines
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    Home

    Home

    4.3
    (384 reviews)
    0.6 mi
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    Wow. What a surprise. One of the best restaurant dinners I have had in a while. Visiting from LA…read morefor the weekend. Super creative dishes, great farm to table flavors, and good value for large shareable portions. The all California, mostly local wine list is amazing, and great pricing with many bottles at $50-60. A few small flavor misses on our selections (habanero ice too spicy for the oysters, abalone taste a little lost in the excellent riff on cassoulet) Fun, quaint atmosphere eating outside in the garden. I actually wish we had a 2nd reservation here this weekend so I could try more dishes.

    Very fresh food that is well prepared! Came with two friends and we shared two apps & two entrees…read more Started off strong with the crispy potatoes with green sauce which was freshly fried and very crispy indeed! The green sauce was light but paired really well with the potatoes. I loved how fluffy the interior of each potato was. We also had the steak tartar with house made potato chips. The potato chips were so light and thin, and the steak tartar was super soft and salty from the fish eggs. I almost forgot we were eating raw beef and thought it was raw fish. For entrees we had the lasagnette & beef cheek. The lasagnette's flavor was reminiscent of american chili. Not bad but not my favorite flavor. The beef cheek was my favorite dish of the night! Sooo tender and the sauce it was in was so buttery. The gnocchi it came with was really soft and almost tasted cheesy. The food was good and fresh, but I feel that every dish ran on the saltier side. I'd highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time for convenience. The place itself is so cozy and the vibes were so refreshing outdoors during sunset. The servers are attentive. Food takes a bit longer to come out but it's because everything is being prepared fresh. The place is pricy but it makes you full! My friends and I each paid around $47 for this meal.

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    Lasagnette ($30)
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    Beet Risotto Fritter with black lentils

    Discretion Brewing - breweries - Updated June 2026

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