Aztec Brewing Company History

The original Aztec Brewery was started in 1921 in Mexico during Prohibition. When Prohibition ended, the brewery was moved to San Diego. Its core beers were branded ABC - Aztec Brewing Company. In 1948 the brewery was purchased by the Alts Brewing Company of Michigan. The Aztec brand was later retired and disappeared from San Diego.

In 2008, we rediscovered the brand and began bringing it back to life. Inspired by those who brewed before us, in 2011 the new Aztec Brewing Company opened a small production brewery with tap room in Vista, California. Paul Naylor joined the team as our Head Brewer and his creativity and dedication to excellence has helped us produce numerous award winning brews.

2021 marked the 10th Anniversary of the revived Aztec Brewery. It also happened to be the 100th Anniversary of the opening of the original Aztec Brewing Company in Mexicali. So we celebrated with a series of special vintage style brews that tapped into our historic roots. Several of these old style beers have joined into our rotating line-up of what is on tap.

This year, 2025, we look forward to our 14th year in business. We will continue brewing our customers favorite beers as well as creating small batches of unique beers. Music continues to be a strong part of our business. Be sure to come taste the variety of beers we have on tap as well as enjoy the artistry of local musicians.