Just went here the other night with some friends and it was such a fun little bar! We ordered mezcal drinks from the menu which were so yummy. And we sat in an old gondola/ski lift thing while we drank them! Loud music but we loved it. read more

Ruin Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I love this bar! I love the patio/garden area outside. We sat in the old carnival ride seat and it was private enough but mostly just really cool. We loved the decor of both inside abs outside. The drinks were delicious and the bartender was knowledgeable abs friendly. They require you to order food now when you're drinking but they have small appetizer style plates t choose from. There isn't a lot of variety, but you definitely want to come here for the drinks. The music they were playing seemed to be 2000s pop punk which is my favorite so that made everything even better. This place is a fantastic way to start a night out! read more

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I was disappointed. It was so much smaller than I thought it would be. Drinks were mid. Service was ok. Ambiance blew chunks. How were there no seats in a bar. read more

Ruin Bar [RB]. (3 stars). "`The Twilight Zone' was the brainchild of Emmy Award-winner Rod Serling, who served as host and wrote more than 80 episodes of the original show's 150-plus episode run. It's a strange mix of horror, science-fiction, drama, comedy and superstition. Serling introduced each episode, and many of the black and white episodes concluded with a surprise ending." - Wikipedia Where does one go for a drink after a lovely dinner?? Why, to the Ruin Bar, of course??? RB's logo says, "Ruin Social Equity". "Social equity is a concept that applies concerns of justice and fairness to social policy. Since the 1960s, the concept of social equity has been used in a variety of institutional contexts, including education and public administration." - Wikipedia Neither one of us had been to Ruin Bar and since it was close to where we were, we decided to check it out. After getting lost twice, my Yelp app led me to a mall which doesn't look like a mall from the main road. In hindsight, that makes sense, since RB is located in The Lab Anti-Mall!! After parking in the lot and roaming around aimlessly, I finally found RB in the back of the mall. Upon finding RB, we both looked down at our feet to find a 2-headed cat tile floor mat, to which we stared at each other quizzically!! How whimsical and different I thought. The words "This is a Bar" were emblazoned across the archway of the entrance which tells me I'm not the only one who didn't recognize RB as a bar!!?? As we entered the bar, all I could think about is the Twilight Zone!! Even the kitten in the TV had those black and white swirly eyes!!?? There are numerous murals and photos of cats and monkeys with a buffalo head mounted atop a faux doorway. The interior of RB is quite small. It may seat about 20 people?? There are 3 pianos that front the bar which would have been prettier to look at if the piano keys were visible vice covered. The bartender, while talented, is the host, cashier, and bartender thus allowing for an extremely long wait time. The cocktails sounded lovely but because I still had a long drive back to SD, I opted for a beer. The mini ski lift car that we sat in was pretty cool!! --- My company was priceless!! 5 stars!! It was fun to explore RB and while I can't say I would go out of my way to come back, it was definitely eye-opening and unique. The motif definitely reminds me of garage sale meets Jumanji meets the twilight zone meets cat lady... I thought about taking more photos but just looking at the photos through my camera was dizzying enough. There were people smoking cigars right outside the doorway which made it a little tough to enjoy our drinks. So much for the 20 foot rule... If you do venture to RB, park in the lot that Gypsy Den fronts. Walk all the way to the back of the mall passed Urban Outfitters and you will see RB. There is a small sign in front of RB. Restrooms are available in "The Lab" right across the parking lot. If you do use the head, (well I can only speak for the women's head since I wasn't drunk enough to use the men's head), check out the cool signage that is reflected onto the mirror. Bob Dylan lyrics... read more

Ruin Bar - Very unique bar... - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Well I very impressed with this place. After I failed picking out two other places. My date, she suggested this place. I don't think I would have found it on own. She has been telling me for weeks now to try a espresso martini. So I ordered one. I like it but with few drinks already and it being less expresso and more Liquor. I know I shouldn't finish it. So I switched drinks with her. she had an ipa, which I never had before. I really like the ipa and I want to try more now. To find my go to ipa. The place is great and chill vibe. It's very small,but I don't mind standing. But they could use more seats. Overall I love the place and would definitely go back. read more

Such a fun interior and even more fun cocktails! The specialty cocktails are a little expensive and aren't part of happy hour but they are so good! The last good thing is so smooth and the FK blenders is very Mai tai - esque! Highly recommend read more

Ruin Bar - On the left The Last Good Thing and on the right FK Blenders. - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Bohemian type bar in the middle of the Lab campus - lots of crazy art and music! Attracts an interesting crowd. You can play the piano or sit in a gondola while sipping your drinks. Very loud and lots of energy. Drinks are pricey, but this place is more about the experience. Fun date spot for sure. read more

Ruin Bar - Moscow mule while acting like I know how to play the piano - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

loved the cat imprints. very intimate. decent drinks however the wait is terrible. they seem understaffed for the # of people going there

Horrible service from a bartender (Asian woman in a knit bucket hat). My friend asked for the menu and she answered with such an attitude. She continued to be unfriendly throughout the entire interaction. Never smiled, spoke condescendingly. It seems like she hates her job. We almost left without ordering. Don't come unless you want your day/night RUINed. read more

They never answer the phone it's impossible to call and get someone to speak to for an event. Not sure why the high reviews if they cannot even pick up the phone! read more

It's been a while since I've posted. Not really been motivated since I left Rhode Island. But this place! Eclectic ambiance and great cocktail! Highly recommended but beware of parking space shortage read more

Ruin Bar - F.G.T.R.T.D - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Great little vintage bar to grab a drink. Prices are reasonable and staff was very friendly. read more

Ruin Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The BEST in the west when you are single on Valentines day. It is the true meaning of "cosy" and charming. $5 glass of red wine for valentines night was the towns best deal. My favorite is the mini tramway sitting because it allows you or gives you the illusion of being in a private area. So much to explore in such a tiny place. It is a must! to visit! Especially if you are hopelessly romantic in the closet like I am. (lol) read more

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I am a little late to the game but I recently visited Ruin Bar for the first time. There is no sign outside and I did have some trouble finding it, but it is next to the entrance to Habana and there is a neon sign that says "This is a bar". I guess in hindsight that should have made it easier for me to find! The ambiance inside is very kitschy and eclectic. It is reminiscent of Kitsch Bar, but even more overdone. The bar is made from pianos, and you sit on the piano seat. There are also all different kinds of tables and chairs, no two the same. My one complaint is that some of the stools are too uncomfortable to even sit in. But they do have plush chairs as well. If you like cats, come on in because there is a wall of framed cat portraits. The drink menu has funky names and no descriptions. I wish it listed what was in each drink so that I didn't have to waste the bartender's time asking what I should order. But the bartender was very nice and friendly. You can choose from beer, wine, craft cocktails made with infused spirits, mules, and beer cocktails. The latter is something that you don't often find, and I really enjoy them. It is various beers infused with a hint of spirits and juice. Ruin isn't your typical bar experience in many ways, and that's a good thing! read more

The bar is tiny, but it makes you feel like Alice in the wonderland. I love their cozy interior and the little garden. +++ I'm not a vodka person, but I have to say that they made the best Moscow/Jamaican Mule here. I can sip on their Mule with pineapple juice and brown sugar all night long. Love it ! read more

Ruin Bar - Ruin Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Cute hidden gem bar. Lots of interesting decor, good music, and the bartender is super chill. Menu has a lot of creative concoctions, names, and such~ I went simple and got a vodka soda for that night. Was amused because there was a drunk girl sitting at one of the pianos facing the bartender, telling him stories while whining and he would just keep doing his own thing while still somewhat listening. Only reason I took away a star is because the seats (at least the stools) are uncomfortable to sit at. read more

Ruin Bar - Vodka soda, piano is the table facing the bar :) - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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The drinks were super tasty! Best espresso martini I've had, delicious. Great decor and the ambiance was a good time!

Cool vibe but bartenders are somewhat unfriendly as mentioned in another review. Would come back with different bartenders!

We stumbled across Ruin Bar while heading to Habana's for drinks. The decor was inviting and we liked the piano bench seating (prior to sitting down). Then things went downhill. This isn't a full craft cocktail bar. It's a "we made up some drinks, order off our small menu" bar. The names were quirky and the concotions sounded good, so we skipped the drinks we wanted and ordered off of their menu (after apparently annoying the bartender for asking about Chambourd...). The drinks were in the bottom 5 worst "craft" cocktails I've ever had. Unbalanced, unpleasant flavors poorly presented with a high price attached for good measure. Upon closer inspection, this bar can be summed up as the "rejected, misfit wannabe hipsters". The decor looks to be from random thrift stores (hard to tell from outside). The piano benches are a lawsuit waiting to happen. Drinks and service were abysmal (it took a good 10 minutes to flag down the barback/cashier to close out my tab. I was sitting at the small bar and it wasn't that busy...). I didn't finish my disgusting drink and begrudgingly paid $26 for the pair... read more

Ruin Bar - I'd rather choke down a Bud Light that drink this swill. What's the point of egg white foam if you can't shake and pour it correctly? - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Glad this bar was open. The bartenders are super cool and it is such a cool spot to chill, have a conversation, and take pictures. Totally recommend. read more

Ruin Bar - Ruin Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Beautiful ambiance. Amazing Staff. The bartender Jacob is a definite mixologist, and makes every drink memorable. I had several of their signature cocktails and could not choose a favorite. If you need a pick me up mid shopping spree, sit down shut up and taste the Rose. Don't forget to grab a few shots for the gram when you're here. The whole establishment is content wo read more

Ruin Bar - Saged and confused x It's a vibe - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

A very eccentric and cute speakeasy. The bartender recommended Saged and Confused and it did not disappoint read more

Ruin Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Love this little bar! They make a perfect whiskey sour so delicious. Unique table set ups give hipster vibes lol I dig. It's in the lab so super easy to access restaurants & bars nearby after read more

The mixologist is amazing! Love d the drinks and all the fresh herbs and garnish that they use. The ambiance is quaint and all though the space is not large the seating spaces are cozy and make conversation nice. read more

This is truly an awesome experience. Great spot great drinks and great music! You really can't go wrong stopping by and having a drink or two before heading out. It will really set the evening off to an amazing start. The bartenders will tell you the history of ruin bar and make you want to travel to the original ones! read more

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This was an excellent spot but I am very sensitive to scents and it had a very odd smell throughout the entire space so we had to sit outside. Other than that the cocktails were very strong and delicious and the vibe was good. read more

What are amazing bar! So many different things to look at... The aesthetics of this place is phenomenal! I love that never ending story is on repeat!!! Jacob and Nicole are the best! What a hidden gem! read more

Ruin Bar is a fun, funky spot to grab a drink with a close friend or two. It's a tiny place packed with all kinds of cool cat decor, funky chairs, pianos doubling as seating, an aerial lift, an auto rickshaw outside, and lots more. It's pretty cramped and difficult to find seating for more than four people so don't plan on coming here with a group. There also aren't many stable spots to put your drinks on. Our small group tried using what appeared to be the glass screen of an old tube TV set and our drinks almost slid off the curved surface. When we moved into the aerial car (fun spot to hang out), we had to hold our drinks the entire time. No biggie but it might be something to consider if you're choosing a drink that's meant to sip slowly. Speaking of drinks, Ruin Bar only serves beer, wine, and soju-based cocktails. I wish they had a full bar instead because this really is a cool spot to hang out and sip a well-crafted cocktail. Drinks are a bit pricey for using soju, but that's not shocking considering the location. The bar is difficult to find but that's kind of another charming thing about it. I walked by several times before finally spotting it, and the entrance is especially difficult to spot when the outer doors are close. Hint: it's right next to Habana. read more

What a cool place. So much to see on the walls. Did a really good job with the Decour. Very bohemian very eclectic. They have several seating arrangements throughout the small bar and outside. I feel very comfortable here with a nice mix of clients of all ages. The bartender was sweet and she did a good job making the drinks. If you want to try something cool and different, I would recommend this place read more

If you're looking for a place that serves craft cocktails and has a speakeasy vibe, this is the place for you. Ruin Bar has become one of my favorite cocktail bars in OC. They're located between Buffalo Exchange and Habana in the Lab and could be easy to miss since it doesn't have much signage and is quite unassuming from the outside. Most of their seating is outdoors but they do have some seats along the sides of the interior building. You'll want to order at the bar and wait for your drink to be made then find your seating. They have very quirky and random seating options that include a small bus, stools, what looks to be a part of a carnival ride and some benches. Seating is first come, first served and there aren't any waiters to bring drinks over to you. The main bartender is definitely our favorite - a guy with a low ponytail/man bun and if he's making your drinks, you're guaranteed to have a great night. Their menu is mostly consistent but they do add in a few new ones every now and then whenever the bartenders concoct a new, fun drink. My favorites are the saged and confused and estoy enamorado. I usually end my night with estoy enamorado because I love the balanced mix of mezcal, orange, coconut and ancho reyes liquor. Of their classic cocktails, the main bartender makes a great penicillin. It really packs a punch! It's definitely a place better suited for smaller parties so I wouldn't recommend rolling up with a group of more than 5 people and expect to find seating near each other but it'd make for a fun date night or a small gathering among friends. read more

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I've been here before and I love this place especially for the ambience. I'll keep coming back for the good service and great drinks. read more

Ruin Bar - I ordered a whiskey sour and it tasted like sugar water. From the color alone you can tell it has barely any alcohol. - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Really fun vibe and even more fun decor! Very different than the other bars I've been to and it just stands out. The staff were friendly and very informative. I'd def come back, their dirty martinis are good! read more

Happened upon this cocktail bar while waiting for a table at Habana. The decor is half of what makes this place special. It's hard to describe like rustic, eclectic and designed by someone who collects curios at swap meets. I say this with love, it is really a unique looking spot. We tried a variety of whisky drinks. They definitely make a good cocktail and the variety of choices makes it a challenge to select one. read more

Esthetically charming! The lab is the place to go whenever I am feeling extra hipster. Thrift stores and great food but this hidden gem was a great surprise. I always wondered what hid behind the wooden doors between Buffalo and Habana. I found out the moment I came to the mall after 5. The cats, random TVs and great hip hop/ R&B jams is what drew me in, to go say to my self" it's ok to drink alone right at 5 lol" The place is kinda small but great for a date, if you run out of things to talk about the decor will with out a doubt be a convo topic! read more

Cocktails are tasty but if you're in bad luck you will be waiting a long time to get your drinks. The interior is unique but the place is also kind of tiny. Not a bad place to go for one drink. Cocktails are solid. read more

I'm not sure what the hype is about this place, is it the ambiance? I guess it's kinda cool they play old movies on the old TVs and have a ton of decor? The drinks aren't great though, esp for the price they're asking for. Drinks 2/5: I paid $13 for an old fashioned that I just threw half of it away. Something was just off about it. It's definitely not a fake old fashioned but something was just off about it. What annoyed me was it was $13 and they treated it like it was going to be some fancy old fashioned, it wasn't. Service 2/5: it's super slow here...there were maybe 6 people sitting down already with their drinks, 2 people ahead of us and it takes about 15mins per order to get to you. Meh. Ambiance 4/5: Okay, sure, it's cute here but it's as small as a closet here. The whole room can prob only fit 20 people in here and it'll be tight. You can't come in a big group and if you go on a date here, your first impression will be "wow, it's so cute here" and the other person will be like "huh?", BECAUSE IT'S SO DAMN LOUD IN HERE! read more

Possibly the WORST customer service I have ever experienced at a bar. I moved to the Costa Mesa area a couple of months ago and having the Lab-Anti Mall so close by, made me really want to visit this bar. Last night (10/28/2019), I visited the Ruin Bar for the first time along with 5 other people. For a Monday, I was /surprised to see that many customers. Nevertheless, the bar is intimate and cozy, I loved the décor and accents. On the other hand, the bartender, Joshua M, RUINed completely the entire experience. First, since he was the ONLY employee working last night, I understand how busy the bartender was, however, he was rude at explaining that ALL customers should come to the bar in order for him to verify their ID's. After we ALL come to the Bar to show our ID's and order our drinks, he didn't' even bother to look at the ID's. What a waste of time! His attitude was the worst part of the situation. SECOND, the bartender was taking our order, ONE drink at a time. Again, we are altogether six people ordering six drinks. THIRD, I asked for drink recommendations, he promptly disregards my question and continued to move to the next customer, once he turned back to take my order, I asked again for a recommendation, and he answers the question vaguely and continued being impersonal and discourteous. In order words, it was obvious he couldn't care less! FOURTH, after ordering a cocktail based on his recommendation (Friendly Pepper Upper), I didn't like my cocktail at all. He was so busy and made it so quickly that tasted like PURE COUGH MEDICINE. I almost puked! I promptly, told him I didn't like the cocktail he prepared for me and that I would like to switch it for a different one. He gave me the stink eye and said he will switch my drink after he attended 2 other groups of customers. I patiently waited by the bar for around 10-15 minutes. Once he finally finished up my order he said is $13 something dollars. Common bar etiquette states if the customer is not satisfied with the drink, the employee is encouraged to serve another drink that meets their expectations. Note, that I only had a sip of the drink, right in front of him at the bar area. The bartender, Joshua M, was very disrespectful and impolite, stressing that he needed to charge me for the second drink. I have honestly NEVER BEEN TO A BAR LIKE THAT! *Note to management: your business is very attractive, potential great cocktails but the customer service is simply TERRIBLE! Also, I suggest, you should have a waiter/waitress to serve in the patio area and assist the main bartender. That way customers, don't have to leave their seats (since you required ID for each person at the bar) and potentially lose our seats. read more

One of the cutest nooks in OC! A heads up that this is a spot that I wouldn't take more than 4-5 people (great for 3-4 ppl, 5 is kinda pushing it); the space is small and limited; definitely more for relaxed & casual convo since it can get loud. The elements that make this spot special is how well it correlates with the menu at Habana which is right next door. You can whet your appetite for dinner with a drink before or continuing savoring those Cuban flavors by going there after. It meshes well with the vibes at the Lab-- its' eclectic style being the most noticeable feature. The menu has some new items but mainly highlights tequila and rum based cocktails and the bartenders know their menu very well. 'Sage & Confused' is for the experimental while 'the Dandy' is for someone who would prefer a classic go-to. A great local spot if you're looking to go out with a friend or two! read more

Ambience is kinda cool inside has a dark chill vibe to it. Bar tender kinda rude when it wasn't even busy when I asked about learning how some of the drinks taste. Since I'd hate to send it back to Piss him off even more. I wouldn't return. Drinks ok. Kinda weak to my standards. Don't sit outside at night due to mosquitoes. Cute quick stop and go type bar read more

Here's what I love about Ruin Bar - it is easily one of the most unique places I've been. Like being in an antique mall, obsessed with cats and carnival memorabilia, Ruin Bar completely transports you away from the cookie-cutter and often stale atmosphere of that is Orange County. I have to give this place 5 stars because I've visited a few times now, and their menu keeps expanding and the whole operation feels like it's continually maturing. The bartenders at Ruin Bar are so nice and cool that it really does feel like you're at an oddly decorated house party with a bunch of friends. If I could offer any critique of Ruin Bar, it would be spacing and overall menu options. The decorating is absolutely mesmerizing, but it sort of hinders the seating availability for its patrons. Although I mentioned that the menu keeps expanding, for a place that serves exclusively drinks, it still feels slightly limited in options. I often tell friends and visiting family to check this place out because I have no doubt that you'll be impressed and intrigued, so I'll pass that advice on to you. If you've got 30 minutes to spare, swing by, grab a glass of wine and enjoy the intricately decorated and beautifully odd establishment, Ruin Bar. read more

Ruin Bar - Just a glimpse of the mesmerizing decorations at Ruin Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California