Love Docent Brewing! Talk about one of the most beautiful breweries in OC - this place is gorgeous. Comfy couches, a big wooden bar and rustic decor make for a great atmosphere. Huge selection of beer, always friendly service and really great merchandise too. We've bought T-shirts and sweatshirts and they are good quality. Can't wait for them to open their new location in Laguna Hills. read more

Docent Brewing - A delicious brew - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Still no Super Tonic. Kinda bummed out! Megan and Erik were really helpful with describing other choices. A better experience this time. read more

Good light hoppy beers! Not many places do them well, but Docent never lets me down. Their Hoppy Blond or Hoppy Pils are always the best around! Yes, they have good IPAs too, but those are not hard to find like the hoppy pils. Love this atmosphere here, you can always find a place to sit. Its super dog friendly. Here is my secret. I book a site at Doheny Campground. You can jump on the riverbed trail right outside the campground. It will take you directly to the Docent. Its about 1.5 mile bike ride down the trail, no need to worry about cars. Heck, I even bring back a few growlers for the campfire at night! read more

Docent Brewing - My dog hanging out inside - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

See all

Situated in an industrial area where auto mechanics and warehouse workers work which is a suitable place to be for a brewery. Looking for the brewery even at lunchtime was challenging behind warehouses. Finally saw it by asking around. The Cubano Sandwich was decent. Just a tad bland of pork, ham, cheese (?), pickles. They forgot to add the mustard though. And a side of Potato Salad which was decent as well. The Rube beer was pretty good. The restaurant is informal and rustic. A nice outdoor seating is beside the brewery along the waterway. read more

See all

The most flavorful and delicious IPAs. I love them all!!! But my absolute favorite is Rabbit Hobbit. The food is incredibly tasty as well. read more

Docent Brewing - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

This is a great place to go if you can find it. My wife and I almost didn't. Our GPS kept telling us to turn left into a parking lot, only it wasn't a parking lot. It was a lane on the side of a warehouse with forklifts and trucks clogging up the lane. Finally, after several attempts to find Docent Brewing, I parked and asked a woman in a store where Docent Brewing was. Turns out I was supposed to turn into that lane on the side of a warehouse. But she was kind enough to let me park in her lot. Turns out that there was a small white sign pointing down that alleyway that was blocked off by a truck. Docent Brewing is at the very back of the warehouse. Our persistence paid off. It is a great and atmospheric brewpub with a pleasant ambiance where great beers are being brewed in large tanks on premises. I got a Red Rye Rube and it was delicious. A first-rate beer. For a sandwich, my wife and I got the Cubano with orange and coriander pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and Docent IPA mustard. Only there was barely any mustard on it and I had to go back and ask for more. The potato salad served with the Cubano was delicious. The reason for the 4 vs. 5 score was the Cubano was just okay. It really wasn't much of a sandwich. I'll definitely return for the first-rate beer and next time around I'll know where to go. read more

See all

Beer selection was average other than no hazy IPA's. I ordered a couple snack items, deviled eggs and sesame salad, both were mediocre taste, salad was definitely snack size. Two parking areas, one in the front, other in the rear, both are free. Staff were friendly, however I'm not sure I'd go back, too many other options in SD. read more

I like this brewery. Came here with friends after a bike ride. The staff was friendly. I had the 8.4% stout, which was good. Here's the tap list- https://docentbrewing.com/beer-2/ My favorite thing about this brewery is the location. It's right off the San Juan Creek Bike Trail which is a nice artery to get to and fro. Be responsible and safe of course read more

See all

My friends and I were excited to stop by Docent last Saturday 1/3 around 8:40 PM to grab a quick bite and a pint of Double Nickels. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. It took about 10 minutes for us to be greeted, as the server was busy chatting with regulars. When we politely asked if the kitchen was still open, the gentleman with the long beard responded, "Why would I keep our kitchen open when we close in 20 minutes?" We apologized and explained that Apple Maps showed the restaurant closing at 10 PM. I even tried to show him so other customers wouldn't run into the same confusion, but his response was, "I don't make the rules for whatever people write online." At that point, it really felt like we weren't welcome. The tone and lack of customer service completely killed the vibe, which was a bummer since we were genuinely looking forward to closing our night at Docent. Next time, we'll just make the drive to Carlsbad. Super bummed. read more

Docent Brewing - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Variety of beer styles, seltzer's & wine if you don't want beer. The food menu is good with counter service ordering and self service pickup window. There is a ton of seating inside and out with picnic tables around the back of the lot. A great place for people to hang out with family and friends. read more

Docent Brewing is a super fun, cute spot for beers! They have adequate indoor and outdoor seating and a fun vibe and location!

Docent brewing in San Juan Capistrano is a chill, low key spot for a drink and a bite. The space is a large, warehouse style brewhouse with indoor sofas and outdoor picnic tables. On weekends and special occasions they have live music outdoors. The drinks are seasonal with some standards such as a house lager and some cider options. Food is high-end picnic style with sandwiches, pickled items like veggies and eggs, and simple sides. Ordering is dine inside at a cash point and you pick up food at a second window inside, so they keep it simple with tableside service, Our group tends to ride bikes along the canal that leads to Doheny Beach and meet at the picnic tables for a weekend daytime hangout. Overall it is a very chill spot with room for groups and space for well-watched kids and dogs (you're near a drainage canal) to have a nice drink and bite. read more

We've been twice and both times were a great experience. This is a nice brewery with great food options. Service is excellent and friendly. I really like all the seating options here, from the bar to leather couches to the outdoor area, you can find a comfy spot. read more

Docent Brewing - Food Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Our local go to spot for a brewery. Tacos are amazing ; especially the chili Verde ones. Also, who doesn't love a good grilled cheese and tomato soup? I love the chill atmosphere and happy people that congregate there. read more

Docent Brewing - I maybe be "Handful" but so is the name of this beer! - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Sup par bar food the salads had so much dressing in it we got the kale salad and the chicken salad and couldn't it was too saturated. The service is good though ambience is OK read more

Finding myself back at Docent Brewing a few times now while passing through San Juan Capistrano, I realized I hadn't yet Yelped this place. By my own ratings criteria, any place I look forward to going back to is 5 stars. & so it's 5 stars for Docent Brewing. While it is essentially the standard industrial brewery & taproom setup, it's an inviting spot to stop by for some beers. Parking nearby hasn't been tough as there are a good number spaces near the entrance. Inside, the long bar spans across a tall, airy space. With a cozy seating area to the side. Though there is a kitchen serving up pub fare, which is certainly a plus, it's the beers that bring me back. Quality level of every beer I've ever tried here is high. Much of the beer menu is undeniably hops-centric (which I like), but there are other styles to round out the selections. Service has been consistently professional & efficient, even when it has been pretty busy to order a beer. Enjoying beers at Docent Brewing has been a good experience a few times now. & I know I look forward to beers here again any articular time I'm around this way. read more

The food here is a blend of pub food with a Korean/Asian twist. I love their Beerwurst. Also ordered their Korean Reuben and that too was good! But this place is a brewery so if you are into it, try this place as a local watering hole besides the good food. Good! Service - really just order and get texted when the order is ready Ambiance - rustic brewery feel. Quite unique and is in the middle of a business area. So a hidden gem. Verdict - yes. Give it a shot for sure read more

See all

Docent is my favorite brewery in the San Clemente / Dana Point / Laguna area. We come here once per year to visit my daughter and her husband and Docent is a required stop. The building is designed to take maximum advantage of beautiful California sunny days with lots of natural light to illuminate the concrete, wood, and stainless steel materials the proliferate inside the high-ceilinged room. On our second visit, we had some time to kill before a later light out of LAX and enjoyed sitting upstairs and playing some tabletop shuffleboard. The beer menu is full of solid recipes with some mild surprises. This is not a stunt-brews kinda place. And Cali in general is light on my favorite genre (barrel aged stouts) which proliferate in Texas. But, the Super Tonic and Luna were enough to keep me happy while my lovely and I hung out biding time until our late flight. I'm a merch-bearing fan of Docent, which is fun in Texas. If you're looking for some local brews in San Juan Capistrano, Docent is highly recommended! read more

See all

Best pineapple cider I ever had! Nice space, good beers, good food and reasonable prices esp for the beers (food prices are ave California food prices). read more

Docent Brewing is a cool place that hits every mark in my books. The brewery is located away from hustle and bustle so it lets you relax. It's planned and decorated in a way that make you feel as if you were in more than one place. You can stay downstairs and make yourself comfortable on big sofas or armchairs, or you can go to their loft that has its own charm and nice ambiance. There are also many tables with benches and umbrellas outside so you can enjoy nice weather. They serve great beer and pub styled foods. You can pair lager, ale, IPA or kombucha with tasty sandwiches, bowls and salads. We enjoyed all above mentioned aspects of this brewery (friendly service included), therefore we will be coming back here for sure. read more

See all

What's up with getting tastings at this location??? Went yesterday and the bartender informed me they only give two tastings for the two of us with an attitude... any other brewery (including Docent Carlsbad & San Clemente) will allow you to taste more than one each. In addition, there was no one inline..., Also, the Cuban sandwich was undercooked... I'm done with this location.. read more

Great atmosphere! The cozy, dark, moody decor is on point. Lots of seating, multiple gathering areas and easily accessible bar and bathrooms. The Asian Chicken salad, on the Specials menu, was delicious. The chicken was warm with great flavor, the salad had perfect crunch and texture with a nice dressing. Great portion. ($17) I do wish they had more on their appetizers menu. I am not a pickle fan and was craving something with crunch other than the chips or pickles that were offered. Perfect spot to bring a group of friends or to have a date night. Will come again. read more

See all

Great little brewery in SJC. A menu loaded with fantastic, creative and tasty craft brews and a cider or two. Casual atmosphere with leather couches, chill crowd and attentive, friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's out of the way in an industrial park, but worth the search. read more

I had hosted my husband's 50th birthday party here some years ago, so when my god daughter requested a couples shower to celebrate the news of their baby boy, we all agreed a brewery would be fun. We looked at several breweries, but Docent SJC was the one. I worked with Casey who was so responsive and accommodating. She answered all my questions, presented menu options and was very flexible when we changed from the outdoor location to indoors in case it was too hot in August. Their room and food pricing is extremely reasonable and they allowed us to bring in our own desserts. They have a wide range of beverage options, beer, wine, kombucha, ciders. The sandwich platters went over very well as did the quesadilla options and the arugula salad. The day of, the staff were so helpful. They have a great drink ticket concept that worked well for all of our guests which numbered 28. The room can hold up to 45. Only considerations for the space is that it is upstairs, in case you have disabled attendees, might be difficult access and room can be a bit warm, but you can open windows and they provide a fan. We also had a slide show that we were unable to show, but that was on me for not inquiring earlier. We received feedback from our guests that this was a FUN shower, different from the typical baby shower. The consensus was that this was hands down a great and memorable afternoon. Our thanks to everyone at Docent! read more

When we visit San Juan Capistrano, this brewery is always a MUST. We are from dry and dusty Arizona and we are very thirsty for great beer. This trip we get the great pleasure to have RACHEL as our bar tender. What a kind soul, knowledgeable and so friendly. The tostadas and the bowl are alway a favorite. This trip we throughly enjoyed Uncle Bert Scotch Ale and the Super Tonic. We even brought home a Crowler!! Oh Yum! If in the area do yourself a favor and make a stop at Docent and ask for Rachel. Tell Rachel that Jimmy and Randi from AZ sent you!! read more

See all

Food was the bomb! SO said it was a 10/10 for the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. I had the hero and it was delicious other than the Swiss cheese. I'm not a fan of Swiss and there is just with or without it, no substituting with one of the cheeses they put on their grilled cheese even. They must pre-make their sandwiches and then just press them when they're ordered. You must wait in line to order food and beverage at the bar and then also go pick the food up at the kitchen yourself. Don't ask me to tip if I'm the one coming to you for the food and then drink and you done have to even leave you 3'x3' space. Seating downstairs and outside is available but the couches and chairs are more than worn. Kids running around downstairs definitely killed a lot of the ambiance here for me. There is OVER 21 seating in a loft upstairs but it is less accommodating for just a couple unless you want to sit on short metal bar stools at a counter facing various views-like the stairway. Huge conference sized table upstairs but there was a larger group there so we just grabbed to large leather chairs to try and eat at. I had their Red and it was delicious! Full bodied and smooth from start to finish. My SO loved the MACRO DOCE IPA so much she even bought a crowler to take home. She had never done this before in the dozen or so breweries I have taken her to. Wineries - yes, but buying beer to take home, this was a first. read more

Docent Brewing - Hero sandwich and crisps. So crisp they tore my small mouth up a bit. - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

First timer at Docent and wish I had known earlier there was such a quality brewery in South OC! They offer plenty of bar stools and table seating inside the brewery as well as additional tables outside. Staff was patient and informative when we asked for beer and food recs. I read from other reviews that parking was hard to come by in the surrounding industrial park, but we visited on a Saturday evening and were fortunate to quickly find a space. We sampled 1/2 pours of the Grandpappy (Imperial Stout) Self Titled (Saison), Press One (IPA) and Trite and True (German Style Pilsner). The total amount equates to about 2 pints which is a good serving size especially since the ABV tends to be higher. Both of my picks, the Press One and Trite and True, were smooth to the last drop. I'm not a big fan of West Coast IPAs, but the Press One was so much better than any I've drank in the past and there was no bite or bitterness at all. To eat, we ordered the popular Korean Ruben and it lived up to the hype even though we were told they had run out of an ingredient - the homemade kimchi. The only miss was the Deviled Eggs, but you can't have it all. Docent Brewing is a haven for beer enthusiasts and aficionados and is an overall great place to gather with friends and family, so I recommend a visit if you find yourself in or around San Juan Cap! read more

See all

Needed to find someplace nearby to continue working and grab lunch after waiting hours at the car service. This spot was perfect. Good Wi-Fi, extensive menu, and a large variety of beer. There is only a line to order food and drinks. If you order food, you'll get a text when it's done to pick it up on the other side of the bar. Their pours include tasters, half pours, and full pours. Love the option especially if you want to try something new or have a few different beers to share. There's plenty of outdoor sun, outdoor shade, indoor bar, indoor couches, and an indoor loft area to sit. The beer tenders were super kind and helpful with pricing recommendations for food and beer. Their IPAs were smooth and didn't taste like a double. I highly recommend the Kimchi Ruben sandwich. It was better than the Cuban. Also their arugula salad is really tasty. The only issue I had with this place was parking. Their lot fills up pretty fast, but there is street parking down the block. This isn't too big of an issue that would stop anyone from coming though. read more

See all

So happy with our experience, great beer and great food and awesome service. We had Press One and Sound and Color- IPA and a delicious brown ale. Our server Megan was so friendly, good suggestions on beer and food! We had the docent bowl ( pork belly) and the chili verde quesadilla. Amazing! Loved the music too! Will be back!!! read more

First time coming to this place and I was impressed. First off, I love the location. It has a nice view of the San Juan creek in the parking lot. The taproom itself is very spacious and I loved the decor. The bartender was very friendly and welcoming. I ordered three beers and they were all fantastic. I was brewery hopping so I had to limit myself. But there was plenty of beers on the menu that caught my eye. If it wasn't so far from me I would come here more often but it would be worth the drive anytime. I look forward to returning. read more

Docent Brewing - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Stopped into Docent Brewing today trying the new noise IPA usingMosaic hops. Love it what a great beer great service. Love coming here always a great time , excellent beer and kitchen amazing . read more

Docent Brewing - New Noise IPA 10/3/24 great selection!! - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

It's amazing! The ambience, the wonderful beverage's and the fabulous staff are absolutely wonderful! The food they do serve also compliments the beer beverages! read more

Always a great time!! My girl Megan is the best and makes sure we have great beer and service. She is fun, friendly and knows what we need to end our day. Cheers!! read more

Great food (moderately priced) and very spacious downstairs plus a cool upstairs area with enough parking. You can spot outlets in select parts of the brewery. Of the two beers I tried (coconut pecan imperial stout and the pilsner), really really liked the Beard Envy stout and the pilsner was ok. Selection when I visited in Jan 2024 leans pale ale and darks with fewer lighter, wheatier beers which are what I gravitate to usually. Came on a rainy Saturday. Got the chicken salad sandwich with an arugula side salad. Friend got the Korean Reuben (didn't try it). Chicken salad sandwich is kind of like a tuna salad (very different from like a California Chicken Cafe chicken salad wrap in that all the "salad" ingredients are mixed) and comes with copious amounts of guacamole on brioche. This was the bartenders recommendation vs. the chicken quesadilla, and every bite was stupendous. Arugula side salad also very well done and pairs really nice - preferred this over the sweet pickles. read more

See all

place was great. lot of room and lots of good beers and good. Definitely will go back again read more

We absolutely love Docent beers! I'm pretty certain that this is the only OC brewery that often has 3 stouts on tap. The food? Scrumptious! Their KOREAN REUBEN is simply the best spin on pastrami that we've ever had. Ambiance: WHO THE HELL IS TELLING PARENTS TO BRING THEIR KIDS TO A BREWERY? Seriously, will they install a ball room next? Come on parents, would you drag your kids into Swallows as well? I'm not going to give up pastrami and good beer but 10 screaming kids running around seems ridiculous at hipster prices. (The staff is friendly despite it!) read more

Buddy told me about this place and finally got the chance to check it out. Had the chicken salad sandwich and two beers. Food was delicious and so was the beer. Service was great! read more

Docent Brewing - Beer selection for the month - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

I stumbled upon this Brewery doing a Yelp search. So glad I stopped in. The Beers, food (Thursday Taco Chef's Special), and service was top notch. Definitely come check this place out you won't be disappointed. And if you order the Rabbit Habbit be careful, so easy to drink, but it creeps up on ya. read more

Docent Brewing - Double Nickels. Must try! - Sandwiches Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

I Always pop in when I'm in so cal. I'm a bit of a beer snob and these guys make a couple of my absolute favs. Food, although pretty limited is very good as well. Would love to see them expand their distribution though so I can buy from regular retail channels! If you love great IPAs, definitely stop in and grab a flight! read more

This is the kind of place you wish you knew about sooner! Instant fave. Welcoming & jovial staff! Will definitely be returning again. Am also very interested in checking the other locations. read more