Narrative Fermentations

4.5 (130 reviews)

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Closed • 3:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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Narrative Fermentations - Tasting Flight - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

Narrative Fermentations - Beers to go - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

Narrative Fermentations - FROOOOT - Blackberry, Passionfruit, Mango, & Vanilla Sour - Smoothie - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Narrative Fermentations - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

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The back patio, with fried chicken. No wait them are fried pickles!

Larry C.

Came here last weekend for their craft fair, and enjoyed a nice hazy IPA and a my wife had a nice sour. We also had great wings & fried pickles from Worlds Fried Chicken which doesn't seem to have their own Yelp page. And got to see some adorable pups up for adoption. We hung out in the industrial side parking lot where the fried chicken was. The tap room up front looked nice and cozy, but the fried chicken was calling.

Brian L.

Went here before a soccer game with a friend. They make some tasty beers. They have seating in the front of the business which is A/C and they have seating in the back where they brew their beer. There is no A/C back there but lots of additional seating. They sometimes have food trucks or food vendors behind the brewery that can be accessed by walking through the brewery and out the back roll up door. Nothing too fancy in regard to the ambiance. Just solid brews.

Emile T.

I was feeling like getting drunk and drowning myself in grief and walked into this bar. The beer selection was good. The bartender cut me off appropriately. The bar was dim enough for me to hide my tears, but bright enough to show off my fit. Snazzy bar.

Ellen S.

Great local spot for catching up with friends and trying interesting sours and beers. Came here on a Saturday afternoon on a whim and it was packed! It was chilly that day, but it didn't seem to stop the crowds who were in the open warehouse area where there are a lot of tables and picnic tables/benches and outdoor seating. Tried the sour which was absolutely delicious. We also ate at the food truck (will review it on their site). The location had ample parking. There's TVs as well so you can watch a game. If you do go and it's chilly, bring layers!

Shins T.

I came on a Saturday afternoon with my fiancé and sister and we ordered 2 rounds of drinks. I ordered the Michelada ($9) both times. I liked the chamoy and tajin rim and did not mind the beer. They have ~12 beers on tap and a variety of canned beer. The crowd is definitely on the older side compared to other breweries I've visited. There are two separate sitting areas - one right by the bar that is air conditioned and the other with the barrels of beer with no A/C. There are TVs throughout and the Giants game was playing when we visited. Folks from the other tables were all wearing Giants gear so this must be a go-to viewing spot for baseball games. Service could've been friendlier, but this is a brewery after all and not a restaurant. Easy to access off of Alma. There is plenty of parking behind the building if the parking strip in front of the building is full.

Nick M.

They had a Birria food truck in the back that was actually bangin. Birria can be big time hit or miss. Went there for the shark sour, one of the best I've had. Servers were nice, offered samples. Ambiance is nice, industrial area. Live music on a Sunday. No complains

Mike S.

Came in on a Saturday afternoon and this place is a hidden gem. Super good beers and its nice they are not all sours or IPAs. There are about 12 beers to choose from on tap, but they also have cans. They can also give you a crowler or any beer on the menu. The bar tenders are friendly and nice and it is air conditioned, but also there is a warehouse in the back where they brew and it opens up to the back lot which creates a nice breeze. There are also games and a golden tee. Parking can be tight in the front, but plenty of parking in the back... never would know this existed if not for Yelp!

Leisha P.

We were in San Jose and this place is awesome. Cute decor, the bartenders were amazing and easily answered any questions about the beers. PB&J sour was absolutely delicious, would definitely gladly return when in San Jose.

Danny K.

One of the coolest local breweries in San Jose. Constantly rotating selection of creatively-imagined craft beers from Pilsners, IPA's, sours and stouts. This is both a blessing and a curse. If you find a brew that you like, chances are that it won't be available for more than a month or two. For instance, there was a rice lager that I really liked and would probably have been a signature beer for them, but they let it circulate out. Haven't seen it since. The location is south of downtown San Jose in a relatively safe area. There's plenty of parking and seating most of the time. They usually have a choice food truck such as Smashburger in the parking lot as well. They post the rotating food popup on their Instagram page. Much of the tap room is crafted out of wood, including the bar and tables. There are board games available to play with friends. It's a great spot to hang out with friends and visitors from out of town.

Aly A.

I love my craft beers I'm kinda picky actually . So when in San Jose I looked up breweries near me and this one showed up highly rated and it looked good . Decided to stop by to pick up a 4 pack . They have plenty of parking it does not look like much or it would not catch your eye driving by but inside it's huge . They have plenty of seating inside . I was not sure what beers to get I asked for 2 samples and decided on a hazy can of Cosmic Bloom . They have cans to go or you can get a growler of any on tap beers . Overall this was a convenient stop for me I was able to enjoy my time with friends with a beer of my choice. Great location highly recommend.

Terry C.

We discovered this spot through their peanut butter and jelly sour beer, which sadly they no longer brew. This time, we visited because my wife has gotten turned on to fresh hop IPAs, which are hard to find because they require that the hops be added within 24 hours after being picked. My wife liked hers and they had enough non-IPA beers for me. The beers were good. I would prefer a bit more variety, such as some sours, or dark ales, or more than one stout, but I can only drink two beers at the most anyway. The bartender said they are going to release a sour soon, so we'll check back for that. What made it one of my most enjoyable nights out in a long time was the friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere. We brought our card games and ate good food from the food truck and listened to an interesting variety of music from a decent sound system. There was indoor seating, but we sat out in the brewery warehouse area which was open to the outdoors and had a big TV. There was also a patio area, and both it and the warehouse were pet friendly. Narrative has a Facebook page on which they post their events and food truck vendors. They appear to have a good variety throughout the week. We will definitely be back.

Cyrille B.

Beer is good. I liked their Hazy IPA. Brewery was nice place to hang out. They have a food popup.

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Dan B.

Elite 25

654

1396

1256

4 years ago

My kind of local microbrewery!...though I wish it were more local to me. A couple of friends and I arrived at Narrative Fermentations on a recent Saturday afternoon following a hike in Calero (about 20 minutes south of here). We wanted good beer plus a little food; and NF delivered the goods (the latter via a food truck from Scratch Cookery). Chill vibe? Check! - Off the crowded main drag; easy parking; and plenty of spots to sit inside and out. (Note: The frontage has the best sun exposure but zero character; however behind-the-scenes it was all good). Friendly staff - Check. We were first served at the bar by one of the owners, who was excited to tell us about the beers. Beer quality - Double-Check! - I was very pleasantly surprised after purchasing a flight of 4 tasters. Highlights were the "Chaos & Caffeine": a delicious, smooth, imperial milk porter on nitro. Their "You Got to Pils" was a wonderfully quaffable, hopped pilsner...sooo good, and only 4.6% abv! And the "Soar like an eagle" IPA had a terrible name but a wonderful, dank, citrusy nose and flavor. I was sad they didn't have any of these in cans, but I bought a few 32 oz crowlers to take home with me. As for weaknesses, the lack of bathroom space was a big one - Just a single-room toilet & sink, so there was always a short line. And the aforementioned frontage was was way too meager - how about some canopies, or strung lights, or maybe better visual blockage from the street? Overall assessment - I'm a fan and hope to come back! read more

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Chanel H.

Elite 22

706

267

189

4 years ago

I love Narrative Fermentations! It's such a cool vibe in their taproom. The staff is really friendly, it's a huge space with plenty of seating (perfect for large groups!), lots of parking, and they always have rotating food trucks out in front! I always check their IG @narrative_fermentations to see what's going on before going. :) They have an amazing selection of beers, including sours and smoothie beers! My favorite is their Froooot series and sometimes on the weekend, they'll make slushie beers from the slushie machine. I've been a fan for a while because you can find their beers at local grocery stores and other taprooms, but it's so much fun and worth coming to the taproom to try their selection on tap! read more

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Jemma B.

Elite 21

331

445

4 years ago

I can't believe I've only just found this place when we used to come to this building all the time when it was Silicon Valley Brewing. These guys took over the place when SVB closed and do a delicious array of beers. The ones I LOVE and highly recommend trying are the coffee stout and the fruit smoothie beer. It literally tastes like an alcoholic fruit smoothie. So good. So easy to drink. Staff are lovely people. There's a big seating area out the back now as well as the few tables by the bar, so can hold more people now. Prices are on par with the other breweries in San Jose. Definitely check this place out. read more

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Adriana M.

Elite 23

157

5 years ago

This place is so wonderful and the staff is super friendly. Great atmosphere - family friendly and dog friendly. I have brought my dogs here several times and had a good time meeting other dogs and their owners. There is plenty of space in the back and it is well ventilated which is a great plus. Food - They usually have a pop up food vendor and every time I've tried one - it was a hit! Tio's Pizza and The Griddler are my favorites. Happy Hour - I had to plan a work meet up and I thought Narrative was perfect for our casual info night. The staff was super accomodating, attentive and easy to work with. Don't hesitate to reach out to organize a meet up or reserve a few tables for an event. What a gem! I look forward to returning very soon. read more

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Mckynzie R.

3 years ago

Great beer but horrible service. Came here 10/7 with a group of 4. I ordered 2 beers and the bartender asked open or closed and i said we have 2 more to order and he motioned his hand for us to talk faster which was so rude. Then he asked opened or closed which my friend did not hear and said yes then the bartender aggressively said open or closed. Safe to say we closed and won't be back anytime soon. So sad to see the service go down like this. read more

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Wilmer E.

2 years ago

Love this brewery! Hole in the wall type of place. Great selection of beers and a cool atmosphere. Only downside is one of their employees (tall guy with grayish hair). Not sure if he's a manager or what but he is often rude with his fellow employees and customers. read more

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Erik L.

3 years ago

The beer is ok. I get this is a new spot, but damn how can it be so cruddy? I asked to get my table wiped down and the bartender handed me a dry, dirty terry cloth towel. This place needs a deep cleaning. And I don't know if it's related, but I was there 24 hours ago and still feel nauseous. Avoid. read more

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James Z.

4 years ago

Great beer and rotating selection. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Definitely will be coming back in the near future. read more

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Daniela F.

2 years ago

Narrative has always been such a gem! Definitely a 5 star brewery, but unfortunately I took a star off on my review because of one of their employees. Their employee (tallish guy with white hair/beard) comes off rude at times. My friends and I love coming here! read more

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Victoria R.

3 years ago

First time visiting and have to say it was a great place to hang out. It was a hot day in SJ getting to an air conditioned brewery was a golden find. Good beer and friendly staff. Mox Nox was what I recommend. We will be back. read more

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Ivan Z.

120

5 years ago

Beer is ssooooooooo good! One of my faves right now. I've had many of their beers, and there's only one I didn't like. The Coconut one. I love coconut too! Had high expectations. But it wasn't good. To me! You may like it. It's a cool spot, with amazing beers. read more

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Adam V.

222

1249

4 years ago

Great Atmosphere and great beers, tried a flight of 8 tasters (no misses). The standouts were the Claw IPA, Presley stout - tasted like a banana split v delicious, and Frooot - a slushy style beer drink, flavored like a guava smoothie, fruity and enjoyable. Def Recommended! read more

Narrative Fermentations - Beer Flight - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

Narrative Fermentations - Menu - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Jo P.

2 years ago

Causal fun brewery with great beer to hang out any tiime. We've tried few in the neighborhood and this is by far the winner. Rotating food venues and live music on weekends. But recommend you bring your own noms. So far we haven't been impressed with food rotation (pizza, burger, filippino). Slow service, medicore food and expensive. read more

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Linda B.

2 years ago

Narrative is the best hidden brewery in San Jose. There is nothing I dislike about this place. The brewer, bartenders, service, food trucks, and of course, the beer. It truly is a place where everybody knows you name. As they serve you the best beer you've ever enjoyed. They really know what they're doing here. read more

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Megan T.

5 years ago

They have a small yet excellent selection of beers. Their Hazy is smoother than other hazies I've tried. They currently have a DJ and local cooks making delicious and creative beer foods. They have indoor and outdoor seating during the pandemic. Like another reviewer said, it is truly a hidden gem in San Jose. read more

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Tom H.

5 years ago

The beer is okay. The inside and outside are okay. The service is okay. The insulation falling from the ceiling is alright. The broken down madden machines and pga golf tour are a thing. It's just okay. I personally feel like they need to pick a direction to stand out. The food vendors are great. But that's not this place. Not bad. But not great. read more

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Melissa F.

Elite 23

138

760

5 years ago

I was trying to escape the heat one Saturday and gladly stopped by Narrative for a few beers. Thankfully we snagged a seat inside - they have indoor and outdoor seating and usually a food truck. There is a good variety of beers to choose from. The Invasion IPA was good, but Better dhaze ahead was my favorite. It's very drinkable and for a hazy beer it wasn't too heavy or juicy. They also have lots of can options to-go! read more

Narrative Fermentations - The west coast IPA (left) and Better dhaze ahead (right) - really good and not too heavy for a hazy beer. - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Rose L.

3 years ago

Great beer! I got 3 IPAs and a sour, and all of them were solid choices. I took home a crowler of the blonde ale which is also delicious. read more

Narrative Fermentations - Cheeseburger - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Audel Jr C.

216

3 years ago

Okay spot overall. Lots of seating and they had smack burgers when we went which were good. There was music playing and live wrestling. I was disappointed when they did not want to fill my growler because they said "the line was too long". I understand that it was busy but there were only 4 other people in line. Don't think I'll be going back soon. read more

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Angel B.

5 years ago

Was extremely surprised by this little hidden gem! Very quaint and quiet to be honest. The beers are so unique and taste amazing! So happy I gave this place a chance. Mmmmm can't wait to go back. read more

Narrative Fermentations - Beer, sun and fun - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Ricardo F.

4 years ago

Just because I cannot leave no stars but as a first timer. Absolutely rude. Walked in and the bartender/waitress gave us so much attitude. We asked to see the sizes and of the different ounce glasses, and she spoke to us in a very condescending manner. read more

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Zed Z.

2 years ago

I've been coming to Narrative for almost a year now. Love the atmosphere. They always got something cool going on. My favorite is when they serve burgers along with beer always the perfect combo. Sometimes it does get packed I try getting there early around noon. Down side its only one TV in each room. Service is always great! read more

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Daniel G.

4 years ago

Easily the best brewery in San Jose for my money. They've got a lot of tasty IPAs and their sours are pretty on point. There's an IPA called Coconut Grove that is just *chef's kiss*. The set up and vibe is really good too, there's outdoor seating in front and indoor seating in the front with some benches in the back are. If you happen to be there when Scratch is there (usually Saturday) then you are in for a treat. Otherwise there's usually something fun going on or another food truck there to add to the delicious beer. Cheers! read more

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Monica T.

165

4 years ago

You wouldn't know this place existed unless you were looking for it. This a really chill place to hang out and have a drink. There is also a delicious smash burger you can order in the back! They also have a big selection of beers. I'm not a huge drinker but I tried the Froot cider and it was awesome, it didn't taste like alcohol at all - tasted more like a carbonated fruit punch read more

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Susan S.

4 years ago

We enjoyed the beer and the food truck at Narrative Fermentations. The food was Super Smash Burgers which are amazing! However I would hesitate to go there again unless they either turned down the DJ speakers or had seating outside. We went with a group of 6 and couldn't talk. The music was way too loud. It's not a concert or dance venue so keep the music in the background please. Or set up seating outside so people have the choice to be able to talk. Then we would come back. read more

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Pablo J. A.

3 years ago

Awesome selection...particularly their sour "Drip". Some of the friendliest staff we've come across at local breweries. Nice open air, warehouse feel in the back room. Had a particularly social musician playing acoustic guitar on the Saturday we were there. Special shout-out to to the smash burger food truck outside! Delicious! read more

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Beth J.

5 years ago

Very good beer and atmosphere. Staff was great :) read more

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Jockus T.

3 years ago

Good beer. Nothing insane just a good spot to drink beer and relax with a couple of friends. The service is quick and friendly. People who are regulars are very nice. read more

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Ray H.

350

3 years ago

There's a duo of brothers who sell nachos and wings and let me tell you, they were probably the best nachos I've ever had. They make everything fresh everyday and the cheese is FANTASTIC. There is a wide selection of beer and I have not had one that I did not like yet. read more

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Kayla H.

4 years ago

The best service with the best drinks and the best food pop ups! This is my go to brewery, I highly recommend!

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Anna S.

Elite 23

317

107

5 years ago

Came the other day with friends. They had a pupusa food truck in the parking lot, and a few barrel tables set up outside under a tent. The inside seemed a little small but the design was modern and inviting. I appreciated that they had a lot of board games for guests to borrow. They were serving Micheladas that day so I had to order one, and I enjoyed the quality of mix they were using, the beer was alright. My boyfriend got a few beers that I sipped on, don't remember any of the names. Overall it was definitely a good experience but nothing wow-ed us. read more

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Jennifer B.

3 years ago

Brandon was incredibly professional, friendly and patient with my very nervous pup today. As a fellow service industry person, I can really appreciate the customer service here. read more

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Luis S.

3 years ago

The drinks are good, the smoothie is to die for. The music is just way too loud. But inside was dead quiet. It was a little odd. The music sounded great but i couldn't even think straight. The dance lessons going on were a little cringy lol Recommend to just check what's going on each day before you decide to come . read more

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Alex F.

3 years ago

Such a fun spot to hang out with friends and be socializing! Beer selection is primo--I had a great sour and also a coffee porter tonight--and the open air is really comfortable. Pizza tonight took a while but was yummy. read more

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Jeremy H.

4 years ago

I absolutely love this brewery and its owners. the amount;nt of love and the quality of their ingredients totally shines through! Ive yet to try a beer by them that i haven't been impressed by and i cant see that changing! they are doing great things and look forward to their expansion. cheers to great beer ! read more

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Tony H.

4 years ago

I'm from the east bay we have beer, Gilman brewery, fieldwork,, ghost town etc. there's always room for another kick ass beer joint!! Narrative can stand alone with there craft, superb product it's all good!! Super clean west coast style Delicious!! Go there you won't be disappointed! read more

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Wade N.

5 years ago

This is one of top 2 breweries in San Jose. I'd say on par with Hermitage. Glad to have another quality brewery in town. They have a nice seating area in front and back and the smash burger food stand was up and kicking out burgers the weekend we went. Go you won't be disappointed. read more

Narrative Fermentations - Happened to go on smash burger day! - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

Narrative Fermentations - Beer is tasty here! - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

Narrative Fermentations - They serve it in 5 Oz tasters if you'd like. - Breweries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Anders M.

3 years ago

Great beer, great music, great bartenders that provide great even though sometimes surprising advice. Overall a great place! (Feels like I am repeating myself ) read more

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Ganesh S.

3 years ago

The IPAs are juicy and top class. But the people who tend to the bar were extremely rude. This has been consistent. The parking is a bit tight, at least on Fridays and weekends. But the side streets, which are deserted, will come to your rescue. read more

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Gloria J.

5 years ago

What a great place this is. We were looking for a new place to grab a beer and a bite and came across this gem. The beer was really good, the food truck they had offering food was great and service from both (food truck & brewery) was amazing. I think we've found a favorite for a Saturday evening read more

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Page 3 of 4

101 E Alma Ave
San Jose, CA 95112
Fairgrounds
Directions
(408) 288-5181
Call Now
Visit Website
http://narrativefermentations.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Narrative Fermentations open?

Narrative Fermentations opens at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Narrative Fermentations opens at 11:00 AM on Saturday.Narrative Fermentations opens at 12:00 PM on Sunday.

What time does Narrative Fermentations close?

Narrative Fermentations closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Narrative Fermentations closes at 7:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Fri 3:00 PM - 9:00 PMSat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSun 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Narrative Fermentations take Bitcoin?

No, Narrative Fermentations does not take Bitcoin.

Does Narrative Fermentations take credit cards?

Yes, Narrative Fermentations takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Narrative Fermentations have catering options?

No, Narrative Fermentations does not have catering options.

Does Narrative Fermentations have a happy hour?

No, Narrative Fermentations does not have a happy hour.

Services

Is Narrative Fermentations by appointment only?

No, Narrative Fermentations is not by appointment only.

Indoor Amenities

Does Narrative Fermentations allow dogs?

Yes, Narrative Fermentations allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Narrative Fermentations have bike parking?

Yes, Narrative Fermentations has bike parking.

Does Narrative Fermentations have parking?

Yes, Narrative Fermentations has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Narrative Fermentations wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Narrative Fermentations is wheelchair accessible.

Ask the Community - Narrative Fermentations

What food truck is there on Sunday?

They usually have different schedule for food vendors that changes weekly, for Sunday the 30th noone for now, check their Instagram for updates. @narrative_fermentations

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Hi, is there any TVs to watch games like basketball, football, etc?

Hi Amy, we have a big screen in the front and back of the brewery for games, especially local teams!

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Do they have decent Wi-Fi there?

It's pretty spotty to be honest... It does work but I found it did cut out every once in a while

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Can we bring outside food?

Yes

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Are you dog friendly?

Yes

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•$$

Absolutely one of the most unique spots in downtown San Jose. Fox Tale Fermentation Project somehow…read moremanages to feel like an experimental brewery and community gathering space all at once. The fermentation concept is woven into everything from the beers and botanical mocktails to the food and it actually works incredibly well. The drinks are creative without feeling gimmicky, and the flavors are layered and thoughtful. The food was surprisingly memorable too, especially how vegetable-forward dishes still felt rich and satisfying. The atmosphere has this warm, artsy, almost hidden-gem energy that makes you want to stay for hours. What really stands out is that the place feels intentional. You can tell the owners care deeply about craft, community, and creating an experience instead of just another brewery. Easily one of the coolest and most distinctive food/drink concepts in San Jose right now.

I need to start off by saying I never had good vegetarian food. I hate vegetarian food. I am a meat…read moreeater and need it for every meal. Fox Tale Fermentation is a small place like a Japanese ramen shop. My high school classmate suggestion this place and I thought she was vegetarian. I asked her why this place; she wanted to try it out but she's a meat eater. I'm down to try new places so we went. When we went, it was really crowded for a Thursday dinner time. A lady saw my cane and offer her table to sit at so I felt seen. You pretty much order at the front counter; you pour your own water. Front counter was so nice to us as we try to order. We got the funk salad and kombucha. We didn't order a lot because we wanted to try the place. When we got to our table, it was near the door. Our funk salad came and it was hefty mf. It was a bowl of salad all right. So you know how I said earlier that I don't like vegetarian food? OMG I was amazed. The best salad I've eaten. The vinaigrette was so good; it was citrusy. My salad was cut into small pieces so it wasn't big that I need to cut it. The sweet potato was sauteed. The princess sauerkraut was so good. I don't like sauerkraut at all but it was divine. I never tried kombucha because I thought it was dirt tea. I was wrong. It has the fermented taste and I never knew. After trying it, it's not something I would order again. I liked how I was eating "healthy" food after I ate bad yesterday. I don't have that bad bloated feeling. It's very wheelchair friendly and restroom is unisex. The restroom is clean. The establishment is clean. I would go here again if I have a vegetarian visitor. This place rocks!

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Caesar salad

Arancini ($12/2)

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Spent Grain Miso Paste ($16)

Clandestine Brewing

4.4(135 reviews)

0.4 mi•Fairgrounds

•$$

This is a great beer spot for the SSJ area. Has ample indoor/outdoor seating and usually a food…read moretruck on site. Parking can be a bit tight... They have a great selection of beers on tap and great friendly staff also! If you're near DTSJ, it's worth a stop to come try it out! Cheers!

I came here one Friday evening, it was relatively busy but not too busy. Great place to hang out…read morewith friends and you can bring food from outside, or try a food truck that they have for the day. Pretty chill and laid back, there's indoor and outdoor seating. They have option of flights to try and give you tokens to use later for the flight as well. The flights let you try a variety of drinks they have. Overall, nice place to hang out and grab a drink.

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Barebottle Brewing Company

This location of Barebottle brewing is very large and clean. On the far left side is the bar, and…read moreon the far right side is a cozy section with couches, pinball machines, and games. The middle has many tables for patrons to sit at. We parked (incorrectly) in some random parking garage, but you're supposed to park right across the street; Follow the signs for restaurant and shops parking (that we somehow missed). After a short wait on a Sunday afternoon, the bartender allowed us to taste a few beers on the menu that caught my eye. The cider (for you non beer drinking folk) was dangerously delicious and I really enjoyed their "fruited sours" line. Definitely would come back to relax at this location.

CAN'T BELIEVE ITS BEEN 5 years since my first review here. Nothing has changed though, still a 5…read morestar spot. Would give it more if I could. The beers are so unique and flavorful. I love that they have a large focus on sours and now they even offer cider from a local cider house. You have to come check it out. Vibes are on point, such a chill spot. They also have pizza which is a major plus, especially because it is so delicious. Now I saved the best for last, the service is incredible. These people treat you like family. Such a warm and welcoming environment! S/O to Gabby, Cole, Rachel, and Matt! Thank you for being awesome. Very pet friendly!

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42 taps!

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Patio seating available

Floodcraft Brewing

4.1(174 reviews)

2.0 mi•Downtown

•$$

A brewery on the rooftop of Whole Foods? Totally random, but nice. It was a hit with my family…read morebecause the kids were able to get ice cream bars from downstairs to eat while the adults had some beverages on the rooftop. The kids really enjoyed watching the trains go by. This is an underrated gem. Ironically, the beer itself isn't very unremarkable. But sometimes it's more about the vibe.

One of my favorite breweries in the Bay! Floodcraft has a rooftop bar with affordable drinks…read moreupstairs with a ton of tables to sit at and enjoy the view. If you get hungry, there's affordable food from the Whole Foods downstairs. Great place to hang after work or school. You can even go on a date, get work done, and have a group hangout here. It's a great vibe!

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View from downstairs

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Other brother/seaside/8%abv/ Flood craft Brewing! :V)

ISO Beers

4.2(293 reviews)

1.6 mi•Downtown

•$$

Cool beer spot with a solid selection but what stands out is the local selection! They actually…read moreencourage you to bring your own food which is pretty cool, we were on our way to the Sharks game and were able to bring campus burgers inside and enjoy a nice meal before watching our beloved Sharks choke a lead into the 3rd period as usual... They also do mixed drinks! We ordered a few jaegerbombs and they made it no problem. Ambiance is pretty dim and lowkey and we almost thought it was closed walking in but I actually really liked it! Their bathrooms are pretty nice as well, and the patio is cool (I can imagine it being great for the summer months!). Can't wait to come back to fully explore the rest of the list, too bad I could only choose a few this time.

First experience was great. I myself am a cider gal, so I was able to try out the ciders before I…read morepurchased. My husband was also able to sample his choice of beer. We liked that they offered that. After I was done with my cider, I tried their margarita, which was really tasty and not overly sweet. This is a good cocktail to have for those who dont drink beer but are there with a group of friends who do. I liked that they had inside and outside seating, you could play games, or just hang out. Bathroom was clean which was appreciated.

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Front window

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Bar area

Strike Brewing

4.4(183 reviews)

0.9 mi•Fairgrounds

•$$

Had my 30th here on Sunday the 12th and it was perfect. Strike Brewing has a clean, warehouse vibe…read morewith two big TVs (perfect for the 49ers game that day), pinball, air hockey, and other games board games. The team was super responsive over phone and Instagram. Martin was our bartended day-of, friendly and attentive, and Ellia closed us out smoothly, she was great! They handled our ~35-person group with ease, let us bring potluck dishes and NA drinks, use their fridge for cake/food, and even let us set up our personal cornhole outside. There was a BBQ pop-up out front in the afternoon, and the beer list had something for everyone - both the space and bathrooms were spotless. Family-friendly, flexible, and fun, exactly what you want for a casual celebration. Big thanks to the Strike team for making my day a great one!!

I was in San Jose this weekend. I needed some craft beers around the area so when I yelped searched…read morethis place showed up. I decided to call just to make sure they had hazy cans to go. The staff on the line was very friendly and said to please go by. They had multiple options to choose from. Since they were so nice on the phone, I decided to give them a try. The inside looks like a warehouse it is very nicely decorated with lights on the ceilings and some games for entertainment. I had never been here before I just wanted to pick up some hazy can beers to go. I asked John for some samples of their hazy before I purchase.anything. John was very helpful by guiding me on what beer I should get. He was super friendly and attentive. After sampling a few beers, I decided to go with Poolside Hazy cans to go. Overall I really enjoyed the beer it was very delicious . The staff was super nice here . I would definitely be coming back to hang at the brewery next time or just to grab more beers to go .

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STRIKE BREWERY!! Best cure for those long days...

Shirts are in

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Mug club $100/1 yr

Out of the Barrel

4.3(254 reviews)

3.8 mi

•$$

One of our go-to places for craft beer as they have the best selection! Lots of cans to-go or can…read moredrink on the premise. Can get pretty busy and hard to find a table right away but usually a spot opens up

A couple of friends and I came here towards the end of a Saturday night. There were still people…read morehanging out, but it wasn't so crowded that you could not find a seat. I really enjoy this spot. It's super casual, open seating. They have some large picnic tables, high tops, and some lounge chairs to pick from. The variety of the beers they offer leaves something for everyone to enjoy. I've seen this place before, but I never stopped in. I think I should come by more often.

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IPA Flight Ig @jacklyn_huynh

Bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon (Foxglove 2022)

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IPA Flight Ig @jacklyn_huynh

DTSJ Brewing

4.9(51 reviews)

1.7 mi•Downtown

•$$

I've been hearing about this brewery for a couple of years now, especially because they have Ube…read morebeer! I finally got around to trying this brewery out because I saw that they had both an ube AND pandan seasonal beer available! I love that they consistently update their website with the types of beers they have on tap, so that can be useful if you're looking for a specific flavor! They also seem to have a rotating number of varying food trucks and food vendors, so it's great to stay updated on their instagram to know what food they'll be serving! Now onto the brewery itself! I was very surprised to find out that they were in the middle of a neighborhood so it can be kind of challenging to find parking, since it's all street parking. The inside was actually pretty small as well, with a couple of tables outside and some tables inside. However, it was very lively with one of the workers spinning some vinyl! It's honestly a great place to catch up with some friends with good food and even better beer! I ended up going on a day where they had a Filipino food truck, which paired super nicely with the beers we got! We got to try their Ube Illin, which was very vibrant and nutty, as well as their pandan beer called Một, Hai, Ba, Dô! Both were very full-flavored but not super overpowering where you can still taste the aromatics of the beer! TLDR; This place has unique flavors, delicious beer, and is a great place for chill hangouts!

A hidden gem tucked right in the heart of the neighborhood. The perfect escape from the city noise,…read moreoffering a peaceful and inviting atmosphere to relax and unwind. Whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a friendly chat with the staff, the experience is always warm and welcoming. The drinks are simply outstanding, crafted with prime ingredients, always refreshing and full of flavor every single time. And the best part, the prices are incredibly affordable for the quality you get. Easily a 5-star spot!

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Ube and calamansi!

Ube Illin

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Triple IPA

Pour Decisions Craft

4.4(645 reviews)

6.2 mi•Santa Teresa

•$

Kris was AMAZING!! I had never had their coffee before only the cider (which is also great!) but I…read moresmelled the coffee and made a comment about how amazing it smelled and ended up w a banana laté and it was to DIE for! (And I don't even like anything but black coffee!) Can't wait to come back! (My first experience was with Abby and she is why I came back!)

Parking can be found in the plaza across the street where Safeway is…read more Interior had a lot of seating and even more outside. The staffs were really fast. The drink menu is very colorful but all four drinks we got were pretty awful. They even have beer on tap, not sure of the vibe they're going for since there's not enough TVs for people to be ordering beer to sit and watch a blank wall or people watching out the window. Banana matcha latte: 2.5/5, banana syrup and matcha mess Banana latte: 1/5, not even sure what this was Phin dripped coffee: 3/5, absolutely was not phin dripped and no condense milk was used Pandan latte: 3.5/5, extremely sweet but could be likable if you're into synthetic sweetness

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Hello em coffee beans

Korean Bagel

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Mango fizz. Another very refreshing drink with the sparkling water. Try to get mango chunks with every sip.

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6 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Tracy T.

534

2 years ago

Narrative Fermentations is easily one of our top two breweries in the area! We visit here often and always have a great time. The beer selection is consistently good, with plenty of options to choose from. They have plenty of seating, and it's always a bonus that they're pet-friendly--we never miss a chance to bring our French bulldog along. One of our favorite things about Narrative is the live music on Sundays. It's a bit like an open mic setup, where people bring their own instruments and play together. It's a laid-back vibe that makes the whole experience enjoyable. They have rotating food trucks that keep things fresh, and if you're into games, they've got a selection of board games. We usually bring our own, but it's great that they have that option available. The crowd here is friendly and welcoming, which keeps us coming back again and again. read more

Allen V.

Elite 26

231

119

1 year ago

Narrative Fermentation is such a gem in San Jose! Their beers taste amazing, and the overall vibe is super chill--perfect for hanging out with friends or just relaxing. There's plenty of seating for both small and large groups, which makes it great for any occasion. The service was fantastic, and the staff were super friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Parking is also a breeze with spots available in both the front and back. Another highlight is the rotating food truck lineup. Be sure to check out their socials to see which food truck is there before you go! I didn't get a chance to try the Fresh Catch Poke food truck this time because I had already eaten, but now I have a great excuse to come back and explore whatever food options they have next time. Highly recommend! read more

Jackie C.

2 years ago

I came through this weekend and had an incredible experience! From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, with rustic decor and a lively atmosphere. The staff greeted me with a smile and were super knowledgeable about their extensive beer selection. I tried a flight of four beers, including a rich stout and a refreshing IPA, and each one was perfectly crafted. It's clear they take pride in sourcing local ingredients, and you can taste the quality in every sip. I also appreciated the option of seasonal brews, which added a nice touch to the experience. Overall, this spot is a must try for any beer enthusiast. I can't wait to return and try more of their offerings! Cheers! read more

John P.

4 years ago

Great beer, using high quality ingredients, great service, lots of seating area, great gathering place and for families. Food trucks are very nice, allows them to expand the tasting with great food and awesome beer read more

Manuel L.

105

724

9 months ago

Back at Narrative Fermentations for more tasty craft beer and some great chats with the friendly staff. Highly recommend

Long B.

3 months ago

Great Beers and awesome selection of food trucks, the service was phenomenal, can't wait to come back.

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More businesses like Narrative Fermentations

Hapa's Brewing Company

Fox Tale Fermentation Project

Clandestine Brewing

Barebottle Brewing Company

Floodcraft Brewing

ISO Beers

Strike Brewing

Out of the Barrel

DTSJ Brewing

Pour Decisions Craft

6 Narrative Fermentations reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

6 reviews that are not currently recommended

Narrative Fermentations - breweries - Updated May 2026

Best of San Jose

People found Narrative Fermentations by searching for…

Trending Searches in San Jose, CA

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