By TR Robertson
Friday, November 11, was a memorable evening for Ron Adams, wife Kathy and son Kyle, as the owners of Prohibition Brewing Company celebrated eleven years of operation in Vista. A full house enjoyed a special anniversary menu, along with their popular regular menu, and the introduction of a new German Style Pilsner and the return of Ombibulious, an Imperial Aged Stout. As Ron searched for a name for the brewery and restaurant, wife Kathy suggested the name Prohibition Brewery and Restaurant. Ron felt the name had a catchy ring to it and the name stuck. Prohibition Brewing opened on 11-11-2011 at 11 am and stayed open the first day until 11 pm.
Their story started as a hobby in 2007 in a barn on Ron Adams property, brewing small batches of beer, never imagining that he and wife Kathy, and now son Kyle, would be the proud owners of one of the most popular breweries and eateries in North County. Ron had worked for twenty-six years as an electrical contractor, running his own business. Several years into brewing and experimenting with different beers, he and Kathy began to investigate the possibility of finding a place in Vista that would fit their idea for both a brewery and a restaurant. This would eventually lead to acquiring a building at 2004 E Vista Way, the former home of the D’elegantes Night Club and Restaurant. The building required some changes to turn the facility into what Ron and Kathy saw as the brewery and restaurant they wanted to open. One thing Ron was sure of, he did not want to build anything with money he did not have. He continued working as an electrical contractor and Kathy kept her teaching position in a middle school in the Vista Unified School District. A lot of the work in the brewery was done by the family, with the brewery installed in the building initially. They would open their business with fifteen employees, now employing forty-one people. Ron wanted to stress that the City of Vista was extremely helpful in working with them to go through the process to meet all the requirements necessary for opening a business in the city. He said he worked with the city to gain their trust to ensure them that their establishment would in no way be like the former business that was housed at 2004 E Vista Way. Ron said in 2011 Prohibition was the fifth brewery opening in Vista, joining Iron Fist, Backstreet Brewery, Green Flash and Mother Earth. Many have come and gone since then as Vista remains one of the craft brewery capitals of San Diego County and beyond.
There have been some additions to the building over the years. They added an outdoor patio area, which proved extremely important during the height of the COVID years when eateries were allowed to serve food outdoors only. Instead of having to build an addition to do this, Prohibition already had an outdoor area up and serving. Along with this they added an area for bands to play for various events, like the anniversary celebration. The family also purchased the building adjacent to Prohibition, a former fire extinguisher repair shop, and turned the building into their brewhouse.
The anniversary weekend included the band “7 Seconds to Vegas” playing the evening we were there. A special anniversary menu was offered to go along with their large regular menu. For the anniversary menu patrons could choose between Crab Cakes, Prime Rib, Macadamia Crusted Halibut and Short Rib Lasagna. Two new dessert items were added, Fried Peach Cobbler and Deconstructed Banana Cream Pie.
The Prohibition regular menu is quite extensive. A number of appetizers are offered such as Coconut Shrimp, Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos, Carne Asada Tacos, Wings, Nachos, and a house Pretzel with ProCo Cheese Sauce. There are classic salads on the menu as well as soups like Chicken Tortilla and a special House made Chili. The1/2 lb. burger list is long, highlighted by the Pro-strami Burger, the Baby Face Nelson, the Elliot Ness, the Capone, and the Frisco Burger. There are sandwiches with names like The Godfather, Tommy Gun Thai, a great French Dip, large North County Club, and a Cordon Bleu. You will not go hungry at Prohibition as the entrée dishes are massive. I had the Heff-battered Fish & Chips and substituted to die for onion rings for the chips. Also offered are main dishes like Avocado Enchiladas, Mahi Mahi Tacos and ProCo Mac & Cheese. You can also ask for Popcorn Shrimp or Chicken, Margarita Flatbread Pizza, or Pesto Chicken Alfredo. These are but a few of the great food choices offered. If you still have room for dessert, ask for their Fried Ice Cream with Cinnamon Churro or Chocolate Lava Cake. For the anniversary dinner my son had the North County Club, my wife the Prime Rib and I had the Heff-battered Fish with onion rings, delicious.
One special event for the weekend was ice cream being handed out made with a classic John Deere ice cream maker from the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum serving Lemon and Peppermint Ice Cream. Recently added to the walls of Prohibition are some pen & ink and pencil art pieces by Ted Wade, donated by Brooks Cavanaugh, of iconic locations around North County, such as the old Oceanside Pier. One unique wall scene in Prohibition, in keeping up with the name of the brewery, is a collection of photos and memoribilia of iconic personalities from the years of Prohibition from 1920-1933.
The food is tremendous, but the beer is even better. Prohibition has won numerous awards for their different beers including a recent Silver Ribbon at the San Diego County Fair Beerfest. Ron said they keep between 20-25 varieties on tap each month. Right now, they are pouring 21 varieties including choices like Haze Buds, Vista Way IPA, Gringo Loco, Dirty Blonde, Coconut Blonde, Elysian Space Dust and Vanilla Cream. My favorite is the amber Ruby Red. For the anniversary, a new German Style Pilsner was offered along with the return of their Imperial Aged Stout Ombibulious. They are always working on something new and bring out different seasonal beers.
Ron is an active Vista Chamber of Commerce member, just finishing his term as an Executive Board member. Kyle is now on the Vista Chamber Executive Board. Kyle has taken over as Prohibition’s General Manager. He is a 2005 graduate of Vista High School. He said they have used their brewery recently for the alumni reunions for the Vista classes of 1981 and 2001.
When asked about what is coming next to Prohibition, Ron said they have purchased their own in-house canning machine that will allow them to produce cans of their beers. Many of their beers are currently being served in restaurants like 127 West in Fallbrook, Brooklyn Boys Pizza, Cocina Del Carmen, Tony’s Sports Bar in Oceanside Harbor and at the Bread & Cheese Eatery at Moonlight. Cans of their beer can currently be purchased at a number of liquor stores as well. Ron said they have been fortunate to have a loyal following at the brewery and operating the brewery and eatery has been a great experience for the family. Kyle said taking over as the General Manager is both exciting and a little nervous for him as he begins as the person now in charge of the business.
If you have not stopped by 2004 E Vista Way for lunch or dinner or just to try the different beers they offer, you are missing out. I highly recommend you order something to eat, you will not be disappointed. Prohibition Brewing Company is open every day, Sunday – Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-11am. Call 760-295-3525 or go to www.prohibitionbrewingcompany.com for more information.
