Ruin Bar
2930 Bristol St a111, Costa Mesa
(714) 884-3189
Recent Reviews
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Food & Drink:
We visited Ruin Bar for a nightcap..they were both bold, creative & full of character. The presentation was fun & the flavors layered, making each sip into a little adventure. I loved the detail behind each drink.
Service:
The bartenders were friendly & welcoming despite the crowd. They made sure orders were correct & helped guide us through the menu when we asked.
Ambiance & Vibe:
Ruin Bar is eclectic, quirky & moody in the best way. It feels like stepping into a vintage curiosity shop with artsy touches, hidden corners & unusual décor. The indoor-outdoor setup at The LAB adds to the charm. It’s definitely atmospheric. There was a line around 10pm even on a weekday, & seating is limited, so it can feel energetic and a bit chaotic—but that’s part of its appeal. You order at the bar, grab your cocktail, & then find a spot or stand.
Value & Price Point:
For craft cocktails in a unique space, the price felt reasonable. Given the vibe, creativity & attention to detail, it felt like you’re paying for the whole experience, not just a drink.
Overall Impression & Tips:
Ruin Bar is a must for anyone who loves a drink with personality. Come with patience (there might be a wait), get there early if you want a seat, & be ready to enjoy somewhere that feels more like a hidden world than just a bar.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
$5 for a can of soda is absolutely insane
Great ambiance here but our bartender was terrible. She wouldn't make a suggestion for drinks, pointed at the QR code when we asked and ended up making a mediocre margarita from a mix when we decided to pass on the listed cocktails. Many other better speakeasies in the area...
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 2
Awesome ambiance, great cocktails, friendly staff.
The gin honey cocktail is delicious!
The place is tiny, so make sure you grab a spot on time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great specialty cocktails
Have gone twice. Each time I got an a drink that was either overly salty or overly sweet. Depending on when you go, you can get a snooty bar tender that will scoff at you telling them the drink is bad. Then they taste it and reluctantly agree. When everything is on point this bar is great but the inconsistency when I have visited warrants 3 stars.
A really exotic place to have a cocktail or two. Great atmosphere.
🌟 Welcome Experience
From the moment we stepped into Ruin Bar, we were transported into a world of moody vibes and cool underground energy. The lighting, the music, and the crowd created an atmosphere that felt both electric and intimate—like we’d discovered a local secret. It was the perfect place to unwind and sip something special. 🎶🕯️
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🍸 Delicious Drinks
Every cocktail was a work of art! The Rye Old Fashioned was bold and smoky with just the right touch of sweetness—classic perfection. The Inca Ruin brought a creative twist that had us intrigued with every sip, while the Bees Knees was light, citrusy, and oh-so-refreshing. Each drink was balanced, flavorful, and made with serious craftsmanship. 🍯🍋🍹
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🙌 Outstanding Service
Huge shoutout to Kim and Jess, the dynamic duo behind the bar! These two bartenders were absolute legends—welcoming, fast, and full of personality. They mixed drinks like pros and made everyone feel like regulars, even if it was their first time there. Their good vibes truly elevated the whole experience. 🙏💫
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💬 Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Ruin Bar is more than just a bar—it’s a vibe, a flavor, and a memory all rolled into one. If you’re craving cocktails with character, crafted by two of the best bartenders around, Kim and Jess will take great care of you. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just out for a good time, this spot is a must-visit. Cheers to unforgettable nights! 🥂💃🌙
Amazing service, Jessica! Thank you it was an amazing drink
Ordered an ESTOY ENAMORADO 18 at Ruin Bar—one sip in, and the sweetness of pineapple, the smoky depth of mezcal, and the subtle heat of chile liqueur blended seamlessly with the smoothness of lemon and coconut cream. It felt like a little tropical adventure in a glass. And the aftertaste? Like a gentle tap on the shoulder from the Mexican breeze, leaving behind a quiet kiss. 🌵🍍🔥 #RuinBar #SlightlyTipsy #OneSipWonder
Restaurantji Recommends
Super cool atmosphere but the saged and confused was the only balanced drink. Nothing was terrible, but ive had better drinks at chain restaurants. Probably not bad for a fun date night stop
Such a unique bar with some really amazing drinks. They did such a great job designing the space and made every seat an intimate spot. One of the tables is even in an old cable car. We had a great time here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cool place nice design, drinks could use some work
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Outstanding in every way.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I missed my flight and wound up here. The people here are extremely helpful, welcoming, and lovely. And the atmosphere has to be seen to be believed. 💜
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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