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    Docent Brewing

    4.4 (498 reviews)
    ModerateSandwiches, Brewpubs
    Open • 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Docent Brewing Photos

    Business Info

    DOCENT BREWING ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Docent Brewing

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    Reviews With Photos

    My dog hanging out inside
    Mike G.

    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!

    Jonathan H.

    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.

    Selection board
    John I.

    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

    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.

    Food Menu
    Danise O.

    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.

    I maybe be "Handful" but so is the name of this beer!
    Mandy E.

    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.

    Front of the building
    Rob C.

    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

    SUPER TONIC (COFFEE OATMEAL STOUT)
    Loren B.

    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!

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Best brewery in South OC! Hand Down! Service is always amazing and the live music on Thursday evenings make it even better!

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Truly great beer. I had an IPA and a trippel. Both were amazing examples of each style. Keep up the good work!!

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great variety of beers, good prices, love the food, sandwiches, pickles! All good with the great beer, did I say that already?!

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Delicious craft beer at all sorts of % rates. Goes fabulous with their wonderful menu

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    4 years ago

    Anytime I'm down in San Juan it a must to go and grab a couple of double nickels to go, plus there Ruben sandwich is amazing

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    2 years ago

    Love it here! Good beer, excellent food. Indoor & outdoor seating is a plus too. Staff is fun & nice as well, def a favorite spot in town!

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Friendly folks here Suds are mighty tasty. Prices good.Very nice outside space w/plenty of picnic tables. We like this spot alot

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    4 years ago

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    Page 4 of 13

    Ask the Community - Docent Brewing

    Do they fill growlers?

    Yes

    Is this place family/kid friendly?

    We are kid and family friendly.

    Hi are you guys open for dine in?

    Hi Liana, Yes we are and we have created an outdoor section as well. Hope to see ya soon.… 

    Are dogs allowed?

    As of yesterday because of health code violations apparently, only service animals are allowed.

    Is wine offered?

    Yes we offer wine.

    View All 11 Questions

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    Finally made it to Station Craft. We have been eyeing this place for years but it always seems…read morepacked, so we just drive past. Today, on a Saturday at 12-ish, as a family of 4 we were able to get seated right away. Our server was attentive and offered/brought waters right away. We were seated inside which was open and spacious but loud enough to make it family friendly. The tables were far enough a part that you did not feel like you were on top of each other. Next time, we might ask to sit outside so our young boys can watch the cars drive by. We learned that the kitchen is nut free (always double check as this could change), which was amazing since our son has a severe nut allergy. He was so excited to learn this as he can be limited at other places due to cross contamination or the wrong oils. Then when the food came out and it was delicious - it sealed the deal. It is now in the top of our list of places to go. The kids cheeseburger is good size and not a smaller version as some places do. The chicken tenders were panko crusted which was so crunchy. My husband and I shared the smoked carrot and chicken tacos and we enjoyed them both. The beer was also very good with my husband and I each trying a different kind - an IPA and a Pale Ale. We are so glad we finally stopped in and so should you!

    Station Craft is so wholly inoffensive from top to bottom - decor, layout, food selection, beer…read moreselection, everything. Nothing particularly terrible and nothing notable either. Which is why it's getting 3 stars from me. The food is fine. It didn't make me sick, and I could eat it. That's about all I can say. The service did what it was supposed to but neither warm nor necessarily speedy. If I were a local, this would be a safe place to bring friends. I don't think it's worth the time to go out of my way to come here.

    Photos
    Station Craft - Partial interior before it packed out.

    Partial interior before it packed out.

    Station Craft - Fish and chips and a Smash Burger.. Yummy

    Fish and chips and a Smash Burger.. Yummy

    Station Craft - Half of inside dining area

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    Dublin 4 Gastropub - 32 dollars worth of abomination

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    4.3(980 reviews)
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    We had a reservation for two (which was easy to get)/resy credit and were seated in the cute,…read moresomewhat private booth. The bar/pub atmosphere is lively, a bit crowded, and warm with some seats at the bar and tables for groups. Shoutout to Sam, who was very sweet, checked in on us, brought our orders out hot and fresh, and even gave us a small dessert at the end to celebrate an anniversary! We had the Dark Star Oatmeal Stout with our order of the brie fondue, corned beef reuben, and lamb burger. The brie fondue, to my surprise, was not 100% brie, but rather had a whipped and lighter texture. I thought the amount of bread/pears were enough, and we actually kept it to dip our sandwich/burger in. The presentation was beautiful and it was a great appetizer. The corned beef reuben was so good - the meat fell apart but wasn't fatty, the bread was toasted (one side was a bit too crispy but wasn't burnt which I'm fine with), and the fries were skinny and crispy. I only tried a bite of the lamb burger, but it was juicy and gamey. Yum! Price-wise it's a bit high for pub food, but it was still excellent. This would be a good spot for a date or if you want to go to a more fancy pub/bar!

    Solid beer but the patrons and the staff are stuck up, and full of themselves…read more The bartender was telling the couple next to me that he works at the best bar in the state, not this bar, but another one, and can make them whatever they want. In general the people there all give you a strange look like you don't belong there which is weird for a roadside dive. Maybe I stumbled into gods gift to this green earth, and I just don't understand how sophisticated everyone here was, but I had a beer here and I had the same beer down the street. Good food, good beer... pretentious, spoiled brats.

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    Dublin 4 Gastropub - Pretty table setting.

    Pretty table setting.

    Dublin 4 Gastropub - Short Rib Panini. It comes with a side salad.

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    Dublin 4 Gastropub - Fabled Fried Chicken. Thick battered chicken with spectacular jalapeño cheddar cornbread, potato purée, and smoked bacon collard greens.

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    Docent Brewing - sandwiches - Updated September 2026

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