Aztec Graphics

4.5 star rating
35 reviews Rating Details

Category: Framing  [Edit]

1439 Garnet Ave
(between Gresham St & Haines St)
San Diego, CA 92109
Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 272-7760
Hours:

Mon-Sat 10:30 am - 7 pm

Sun 12 pm - 5 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
$45 for $100 Certificate

Ste L. said: "Excellent!  Owner Stephen knows his stuff and has a good eye. He his helpful and friendly. He helped me (a lot) to get three pieces of art framed and…"   read more »

Review Highlights   

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"They have a huge selection of prints and artwork." (in 9 reviews)
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"The customer service here rocks." (in 4 reviews)
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"The business is family-owned and operated, and the owners..." (in 2 reviews)
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35 reviews in English

  • Review from Lesley C.

    •  
    • 39 friends
    • 58 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/9/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal

    This review is only for the customer service of Aztec Printing, not the actual printing as we have not gotten our prints back yet.  It has been 2 weeks so we expect them any day now...

    Top notch for sure. Both mother and son were super knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and it honestly felt like they really had an interest in our pictures turning out great. It was a bit expensive although we used our Yelp gift certificate which helped a lot, but you have to remember that framing is always expensive. But I didn't feel like I was being taken advantage of or that they were selecting the most expensive mounting and frames. I felt like I got honest and trustworthy help and I'm excited to see how our pictures turn out.

    I have been to Michael's and taken advantage of their coupons too. In comparison I felt the price was the same but the customer service was lacking. The person at Michael's obviously could care less in helping me choose frames or in trying to save me money. They seemed like they just didn't care.

    We only went to get things framed but there were a ton of prints available to buy framed or not. There's a specific picture I have my eye on that I will be purchasing when we pick up our pictures.

    Support small business! Especially this one!

  • Review from Greg B.

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    • 11 friends
    • 139 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/7/2012

    All 3 original Star Wars posters have been framed and couldn't be happier with the work.  They all look terrific and the service is top notch.  What I liked the most is that for each poster I was asked if I was absolutely sure I wanted to mount/frame them because the value would go down (again, these are ORIGINAL STAR WARS MOVIE POSTERS that hadn't seen the light of day since the 80s, two of which had never so much as been on a wall).  That, I think, shows the level of care and professionalism that they put into their work.

    Highly recommend and thanks for the terrific work on the posters.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      12/22/2010

      My family has been in possession of the ORIGINAL posters of the ORIGINAL Star Wars Trilogy films… Read more »

  • Review from Mick G.

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/23/2011

    These guys have been here for years, and with good reason.

    They are good.

    From poster prints to framing, this is a great store.  Huge selection, varied applications, custom work as well ...

  • Review from Gabrielle S.

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    • 5 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Chula Vista, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/6/2011

    I love this place. They have something for everyone. Posters, frame work, ect.

    I went here to see what they had because I needed some artwork to decorate my apartment. Turns out they had Andy Warhol posters. Well, they won me after that. Only $7 for each poster. I was on a budget so I came out with quite a few.

    I've been a customer ever since !

  • Review from Kristen G.

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    • 15 friends
    • 54 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/6/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal

    I left my mother's cherished Woodstock tickets with Aztec and I came back to them beautifully, professionally, and creatively framed.  I had some heart palpitations leaving family heirlooms of such value, but I was assured by Barbara that they would be taken care of like her own - and they were.  Family owned and fantastic.

  • Review from Lucas K.

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    • 19 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/6/2011

    Been going to them for about 7 years now.  At one point I switched over to Aaron Brothers as it was a more convenient distance to my house--major mistake.

    Pros:
    * Professionals who really understand their craft.  Unlike the big chains who seem to hire low-wage, unskilled employees, these guys know their business
    * An eye for art.  It's not enough to just be able to put a wood frame together, but actually help you pick out the colors and textures that will suit your project.
    * Prices aren't rock bottom, but way, way more for your money than Aaron Brothers or the other places.  Aztec did a frame for $170 that AB quoted over $400 on.

    Cons:
    * Not a lightning fast turnaround
    * Shop is somewhat small, so inventory isn't expansive
    * Parking can get an issue on Garnet.

    4 stars overall and an easy recommendation.

  • Review from Brandon K.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/23/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here

    Really great prices.  Other stores were quoting me 600 for a frame while Aztec Graphics quoted me under 300, which included a plexiglass and free hooks.  What a deal!  Recommend them to everyone.

  • Review from Jennifer F.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 34 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/23/2011

    I tried this place based on Yelp reviews and I'm glad I did.

    When I walked in I was a little skeptical because the person working seemed too young to be experienced, but I asked him a few questions and it turns out this is a family-owned business and he had been doing this kind of work for many years.

    This was a relief because I had a special framing order for something that was priceless and had sentimental value.  It was hard to hand something over to strangers with full trust that not only would they get the job done, but perfectly as well.

    The job was done one day ahead of the time they estimated, and was done exactly to the specifications we agreed upon ahead of time.

    I'm very pleased with the work done here and would bring all my framing here in the future.

  • Review from anne r.

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    • 6 friends
    • 29 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/6/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal

    We've been going here for over 10 years, and we have always been happy.  Had a wedding prayer framed, some of the kids artwork framed, I've bought a few framed prints.  We've always been very pleased with the quality and the value.  Thanks Aztec Graphics! Just bought the yelp deal so we will be back soon.

  • Review from Lizeth H.

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    • 11 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/28/2011

    The people that work there care so much about everyone's wants and needs so they're always eager to help. they are seriously the nicest, most genuine people I've ever met, especially the young gentleman Tim. He is young (and very handsome) but he's a pro so he knows about everything and much more than other people from other places I tried in the past. Me, my family and friends have used their services for a long time and we're always blown away by the results. I would never recommend any other place because Aztec Graphics is the best at framing and pricing. They also have a huge variety of posters and framing options.
    FIVE STARS without a doubt!!

  • Review from Chris C.

    La Jolla, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/19/2010

    Remember what I said about the lack of pre-20th century paintings? Well that was remedied by the awesomeness of the owner who kindly let me order anything from a huge collection of art catalogs at no extra cost. Very reasonable prices on framing, etc. and now my bedroom can bask in the glory of "The Fighting Temeraire" and a Kurz and Allison Civil War print. What more can you ask from a place like this?

    Also, they had a bargain bin where I was able to snatch up some posters of Manet, Eakins, and Cezanne works for $5 each. Heck of a deal. Upping this review to 5-stars and will probably be back if I get the urge/cash to rotate.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      4/9/2010

      You know when you get that craving for fine art? When you just have to fill up that gray space over… Read more »

  • Review from Pegah M.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 29 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/12/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal

    I bought a yelp deal for $49 for $125 dollars worth of framing. I took my canvas that I bought from a trip to South Africa. They did a wonderful job. When I brought it home, my husband loved it too. I am planning on taking more stuff there to get framed. I loved the mom and pop feel of the store and the personal service they gave me.

  • Review from Meghan G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    La Jolla, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/17/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal

    I recently had a print framed here for nearly 1/2 the price I was quoted WITH a 60% off coupon elsewhere (not even counting the additional savings I received at Aztec Graphics by using my Yelp deal), and I am so happy with the results! The business is family-owned and operated, and the owners are friendly, helpful, and really care about their customers. Barbara took a genuine interest in my project and helped me select the perfect frame and matting to complement the style and colors of my print. Thank you Aztec Graphics! I definitely will be back!

  • Review from Brittany T.

    •  
    • 43 friends
    • 17 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/20/2010

    Aztec Graphics is pretty awesome! They have an array of posters and art for a good price.. Anything from paintings, to music posters, to sport posters..
    ...however I was kinda disappointed in the sports poster selection. I really reaaaaaally wanted an LA kings poster, but they only had like 20 sport posters in all. They could definitely stock that section better. Besides that  minor let down this place is legit! I've gotten some sick posters. A huge Incubus poster.. Rage Against The Machine.. and Sublime! They were all under $20!

  • Review from Leni T.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 50 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/26/2010

    My frame broke on a picture my parents gave me and I had no idea where to take it.

    I was impressed that they were nice even though it wasn't something they usually do and it was a small job but they made it look new.

  • Review from Spencer C.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/18/2011

    Excellent job at framing some Dali posters of mine.   Recommend them for all your framing needs.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      7/12/2011

      Excellent job at framing some Dali posters of mine.   Recommend them for all your framing needs.

      Read more »

  • Review from Adam V.

    •  
    • 37 friends
    • 201 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/16/2006

    This is one of the better poster stores I have come across in a long time. I am very biased, however, because there are a few things that I specifically look for at places like this:

    1. Cool greeting cards. (Check.) There was this collection of cards called "Kid Quotes" that cracked me up. In fact, most of the cards here were basically fancy packages for witty quotes. But that is fine by me.

    2. Rothko. (Check.) A surprising amount of poster stores have either zero or very few Mark Rothko posters. Aztec Graphics had plenty.

    3. Knowledgeable employees. (Unfortunately this is not a check.) The lady who worked here did not know how to pronounce "Basquiat." She even passive aggressively corrected me even though I pronounced it right. You know how people do that, say the same word you just said right after you said it, but over-enunciate it loudly instead of just flat-out telling you "No. Say That like This." I let it go at the time but it's definitely costing her a star now.

    AV

  • Review from Kristi S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Sunnyvale, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/6/2009

    Awesome place with a great selection and good prices. A lot of variety - there's art posters like Monet and Dali, as well as movie and celeb posters. Plenty of beach and city landscapes (a bunch of cities, not just SD).

    The customer service here rocks. Barbara was nice enough to put the poster in the frame for me free of charge, which saved me a hassle at home. She was also very friendly and wrapped up the poster/frame nicely so it did not get damaged on the way home. She even gave me a nail and hook!

    Bonus: Aztec Graphics is on a block with a bunch of other cool stores, so it's totally worth it to head over there. It's usually easy to find parking on the side streets.

  • Review from Daniel N.

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    • 9 friends
    • 219 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    tim bailey employee of the month

  • Review from Rainier T.

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    • 114 friends
    • 88 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/19/2011

    This place is great - they framed my professional certificate in an elegant dark wood border, and did it at prices much lower than Aaron Brothers. Plus they had a great selection of retro prints that look great on any wall. Recommended!

  • Review from Amy U.

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    • 22 friends
    • 12 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/10/2010

    This place is great. Not just your typical poster store to fill up those college dorm room walls, they have a very eclectic selection to chose from....tons of variety to please the masses.

    Its one of those places thats hard to walk out of without buying something because there's always something cool that will catch your eye. Ive bought several things from here and have been nothing but satisfied. They are super helpful and friendly and it doesn't break the bank.

    Cool shop, I definitely recommend checking this place out!!

  • Review from Tripp F.

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    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/30/2011

    I have bought many of pictures from Aztec and they always take care of me.  Now I finally bought my first piece of art and Aztec took great care of me and my Shepard Fairy!  Its fun shopping with them unlike Aaron bros or Micheals and they have great prices!

  • Review from Andy F.

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    • 1 friend
    • 14 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/10/2010

    I had a couple things framed here.  They were extremely friendly and offered great service.  

    However...

    I don't think of them as cheap. I think they are comparable to Aaron Brother and Michaels on price. I had two prints roughly around 18x24 framed without mattes for around $225 total. But, I would rather give them my business then some huge chain.  

    I just need to find a cheaper addiction then posters.  

    Oh, and I think it's annoying they ask for ID with a credit card.  It's a pet peeve of mine.

  • Review from H. B.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 45 reviews

    La Jolla, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/29/2010

    We've been here several times to have artwork and classic posters framed and have been happy every time. Staff is pleasant and helpful, prices are fair and the outcome is always terrific!

  • Review from Wesley G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    San Diego, CA

    1.0 star rating
    5/27/2010

    This place has not respect for art!

    I had a very expensive piece framed here, but just recently sold it! When I took the frame in to have it removed for shipping they handled it with no care at all. When removing the "archival" tape the began to rip the print without care. I had to stop them to explain the value of the print! Not even the worse part!

    When we turned the print over to inspect the pencil mark they used to cut the matt had come off on the print itself completly ruining the art! They tried to erase the pencil, but I am sure the buyer will be sending it back! They also claim to use acid free matting, but there was a distict yellowing where the matt was touching the print!

    They claim to be way less expensive than Aaron Brothers, but pay for the proffesionals to frame your valuable items! I have actually had two frame jobs by them and horrified to look at the other print!  

    DO NOT LET THEM TOUCH VALUABLE ART!!!!!!

  • Review from Seasons K.

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    • 63 friends
    • 32 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    10/4/2008

    While living in San Diego I worked here for nearly 4 years. I have to say in all my travels, I have never found anything like it anywhere else. Best prices on custom framing around and a better selection of posters and art prints than you could find anywhere else. If you have a place in need of art and not tons of $, you can not do better than Aztec Graphics. If you have the $ you can have more pieces framed better for 1/2 the price... Can't beat it. The owners are lovely people to boot and being a small business owner myself I have to say it is always better to give your business to a mom and pop, than to some generic big box chain.

  • Review from ben j.

    •  
    • 34 friends
    • 55 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/31/2008

    Aztec Graphics is more than your local neighborhood framing shop.  They have a huge selection of prints and artwork.  They also do great custom framing at reasonable prices.  Pick a piece that is already finished and ready for take home or have them make your own!

  • Review from Chelsea S.

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    • 99 friends
    • 106 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/9/2008

    Lovely selection enhanced by excellent customer service and flexible prices. I'm especially fond of their greeting cards and prints here - there are some by local artists that are very San Diego and very beautiful. Of course, there's always the standard Endless Summer/sailing kissing his wife/Scarface posters, but if you decide to branch out you won't be disappointed. Great attention to detail and insight for custom framing as well.

  • Review from Jesse G.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/22/2010

    Went in to get a custom framing job done as a gift and was incredibly pleased with the final outcome. At first I was hesitant to go in because from the outside it looks like it would be more expensive than bringing it to a named brand store, but to my surprise it wasn't!

    Barb helped me out and go me exactly what I needed for my print, including custom matting, and a stock frame they had. Originally I was going to get a custom frame because my print was an odd size, but we discussed pricing and colors and came to the conclusion we could use a stock frame with some custom matting to achieve an awesome picture for less price. I was VERY satisfied with the outcome and the service, highly recommended! They have a lot of cool posters in there too, great place all in all, I'll be back with my next prints!

  • Review from Jason D.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Baltimore, MD

    5.0 star rating
    2/16/2009

    Great selection of art.  From Andy Warhol, to Peter Lik, as well as some local artists.

    Not overly pricey like a lot of art galleries.  Around $8-$12 for a medium sized print (unframed).  $20-$35 for a larger print.  

    My girlfriend got a 8x10 Warhol framed for $28.

    Friendly, helpful staff as well.

  • Review from benito d.

    •  
    • 97 friends
    • 245 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/1/2008

    All I've ever bought from here are movie posters, but every time I wanted one they either had it, could order it for me or their selection was so good I bought a different one.

  • Review from Paul H.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/4/2011

    After waiting patiently for half an hour, I was rudely greeted. Offered no help even when I asked for it. I have no idea how good their work is because I decided not to have them do any, and wont be back.

  • Review from S B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    FAIRFAX STA, VA

    5.0 star rating
    5/14/2010

    I highly recommend this shop for matting and framing projects. Barbara helped me pick out the matt colors and frame style.  Loved the results!!  Pricing lived up to their low price advertisement without compromising quality.  Proud to present the framed photo as a gift.

    I also had a photo mounted onto a wooden plaque (colorplax).  Cool technology.  The delivery time and results were PERFECT.

    Thank you Barbara and team!

  • Review from David B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/15/2011

    I needed some more items for my walls in my new place. I selected several items they had their (prints) and had them mounted and framed. Once agin, they did a great job.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      7/28/2010

      Great people, great service, great place.

      The price was MUCH lower than what Aaron Brothers first… Read more »

  • Review from Shannon B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/14/2010

    We recently had several thousand dollars worth of oversized framing done by Aztec framing. I started with two pieces to check them out first. During the time that they were working on them, Aaron Brothers had their 50 percent off sale, so I brought the next two pieces to see what it would cost if they did them. Although the sizes were a bit smaller, Aaron Brother's half price bid was more than I was paying at Aztec. When I got the pieces back from Aztec, they were really well done. Throughout the process of ultimately framing 6 pieces, the customer service was fantastic. I highly recommend this small business. Keep these guys alive. We need more like them.

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