Ruin Bar
About This Spot
Stepping into Ruin Bar feels like entering a tucked-away sanctuary where every detail invites a slower, more intimate kind of joy. Located just off Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, this small space offers a quiet refuge from the rush of the day, framed by a vintage-inspired decor that sparks curiosity and conversation. The low hum of carefully curated music blends seamlessly with the ambiance, crafting a place that feels both relaxed and thoughtfully alive.
Ruin Bar’s pace is unhurried, encouraging you to linger over expertly considered cocktails that tell stories with every sip. Whether it’s the brisk brightness of a cucumber mule or the subtle warmth of a smoky mezcal blend, their drinks invite you to savor their complexities — a slow discovery rather than a quick fix. The bar’s thoughtful interior design ensures that every interaction at the counter or cozy corner spot feels personal, from the old cable car booth to the artful lighting that casts a gentle glow.
The scene here is quiet enough to hold meaningful conversation, yet vibrant in its own understated way, blending vintage charm with a quietly hip edge. It’s not a place for crowds or bustling parties but for those who appreciate subtle energy, good music, and a knowledgeable bartender ready to craft something just for you. Each visit unfolds like a shared secret—one filled with moments of calm, connection, and, perhaps, a little tropical whimsy in a glass.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Takeaway
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Fast service
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Great cocktails
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Live performances
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Food
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Spirits
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Wine
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Locals
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 06:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Tuesday | 06:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Wednesday | 06:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Thursday | 03:00 PM - 01:00 AM | |
| Friday | 02:00 PM - 02:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 02:00 PM - 02:00 AM | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 02:00 PM - 02:00 AM |
The Grampy Chronicles 22 Nov 2025
The Ruin Bar is small. The drink menu is unique and the decor is pretty cool. This is not a place for large groups and the drinks do take a bit of time to make. We came here midweek and we were pretty much the only people in the place, but that was fine with us. We had some really nice cocktails and took some super social media worthy photos. Overall this is a nice spot for some day drinking and there are some nice food options at The Lab as well.
Morgan Serrano 13 Nov 2025
Staff is very knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. The vibes at Ruin are super hip and relaxing with the coolest vintage decor that works! Menu is constantly being updated with fun new drinks - get there early for a seat! Parking in the front or the the back works well. Bartender JC is rad - will make you a custom cocktail!
Mjay 10 Nov 2025
Great music everything from alternative techno to hip-hop Reggaeton the vibe was great. Very relaxing. Music was loud enough to where you can speak and not have to speak loud in the drinks created were amazing.
John Cheng 27 Oct 2025
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
Ian Patrick 25 Oct 2025
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.
Sarah West Brown 23 Oct 2025
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.
Laurie Morrison 17 Oct 2025
Super unique, moody bar with tons of character and fun cocktails. Great for an intimate date or girls night out. Small space big on an imaginative vibe.