Last summer, What Now San Diego shared the news about Docent Brewing building a new location in North County. The Orange County-based brewery is still working through construction hurdles in order to bring its third taproom to the San Diego area.
Docent Brewing, San Juan Capistrano’s first brewery, was founded in 2017 by Orange County residents Brian Hendon, Scott Cortellessa, and Bryan Giesen.
The outdoor-focused brewery recently opened its second taproom and kitchen in San Clemente. What Now Orange County shares an update from co-founder Scott Cortellessa that the needs of the new San Diego site proved to be more complex than originally anticipated which caused delays in the project.
Docent Brewing took over a 950-square-foot, former retail space on State Street in Carlsbad and will convert the unit into a 1,173-square-foot restaurant with an outdoor patio. Now, a food permit filing signals the project is set to move forward.
“The location was just an old T-structure cottage that they had to do a lot of work – extensive work – and studies to flip it to a restaurant-type operation. But they’ve finally got their permit and I believe they’re going to start hammering any day,” Cortellessa tells What Now OC.
Docent Brewing brews a variety of beer styles from IPAs, to The Rube Red Rye Ale, and Grandpappy Imperial Stout, all fit to be enjoyed while exploring the outdoors. While a menu for the new restaurant has not been shared, their current in-house menu takes inspiration from fermented foods with veggies fermented in-house to top their Mountaineer Rolls, sandwiches, salads, and bowls.
Docent Brewing in Carlsbad is projected to open in Fall 2023. If you’re unable to make the trek to San Clemente or San Juan Capistrano, get to know their beers by following on Instagram.
