Opening its first space in San Juan Capistrano in 2017, Docent Brewery launched its second location earlier this month smack dab on San Clemente’s main drag.
“We’ve got deep roots in San Clemente,” says Bryan Giesen, co-founder and head brewer of Docent Brewery, whose parents live in the coastal enclave. Gelsen explains that idea of opening in San Clemente came to fruition fortuitously after the owner of the space’s former restaurant, the now-shuttered Village Mediterranean Rim, tacked a note onto the home door of Docent co-founder Scott Cortellessa. The note explained, in part, that he thought Docent would make a great business in the old Mediterranean spot.
“The project came together through kismet, really,” he says. “Two months after signing the lease, we worked hard to put our sheen on the new Docent and got it open.”
While the new location will have the same beer menu as its San Juan Capistrano space — which includes a variety of pale ales, IPA, and a coffee-oatmeal stout — its larger kitchen means more room for more dining options. The new Docent will feature items exclusive to the San Clemente spot like smashburgers (everything on the burger is house-made) and tacos, including birria, al pastor, and chile varieties.
Patrons can also look forward Docent’s fermentation-inspired fare, like the signature pork belly kimchi bowl, an umami-packed dish highlighted by a deviled egg.
Docent Brewery is owned by Bryan Giesen, Brian Hendon, and Scott Cortellessa. Opens at 11 a.m. daily.
Find it: 123 Avenida Del Mar (at North El Camino Real), San Clemente
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