Fun little spot! Would definitely swing by again. You just go in and order your drinks and find your own seat. They whip up the drinks super fast! Came on a Saturday afternoon and was such a cozy area to sit outdoors and enjoy drinks with friends :) Tucked in the corner with a vintage, maximalist, whimsical vibe. I got the bees knees and the estoy enamorado and both were a tiny bit sweet for me but still really good! read more

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A very special bar, from the drinks to the decor. I really like that they are open during the day and also late at night, with mixed indoor and outdoor seating (though the outdoor seating is a bit worn). Vibes are always good. If you have some time while browsing The Lab during the day, I recommend stopping by for a drink! It's also nice to include in your barhopping itinerary in the evening since there are a number of breweries around too. I've had mixed experiences with the bartenders. Luckily, the gentleman manning the bar during my most recent visit was very friendly. Drinks are always great. I've tried a variety of drinks from the menu here, but my favorites are: -Love in Drunk, a lovely cocktail with cucumber and grapefruit flavors that create a fresh watermelon taste when mixed together -Bee's Knees, short but strong and sweet -London Mule, very herbal thanks to the gin and very refreshing read more

I've been wanting to go to Ruin Bar for yeeearrsssss, let me tell you. I met a friend on a Thursday afternoon around 3:30. It was empty at that time (obviously) which was nice because I could really take in the decor. It has a tiny interior with a dark ambiance. As it was still daytime, my friend and I elected to sit outside in their (again tiny) patio. The patio chairs and table outside were a little shaky and could've used a shim, so beware before putting down your drink. Next time I return, I will make sure to come at night so I can enjoy the dark atmosphere inside. Their menu showcases interesting and unique cocktails. I'm talking finishing-a-cocktail-with-palo-santo-smoke type of unique. I ended up ordering a Last Word, which I hadn't tried before. Delish. That cocktail has now ended up on my regular rotation. As an alternative and moody bar, Ruin fits perfectly in The Lab. read more

Super duper cute place to have a drink. Drinks were tasty and strong. Fast and friendly service. Would love it even more, if it was roomier. It's so small, you can easily bump into people. But it's a place that I'd definitely like to go back read more

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

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The ruin bar is a speakeasy in the lab at Costa Mesa. It has a really cute patio feel with twinkle lights. Otherwise, the inside is dark and intimate which holds to the speakeasy vibe. The bartenders here are phenomenal especially Jess she makes great conversation and makes some great cocktails. Big fan of the cocktail list here! I really enjoy the halo halo and love in drunk. My hubby loves the espresso martini here. This is a great spot for drinks especially for a late night cap on the weekends. read more

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I love Ruin Bar! The decor and seating options are what make this bar really special. Many seats are couches, discarded carnival ride pieces, and comfy stools. There is always a fun piece of art to look at and drinks are delicious. read more

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

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We are always looking for new speakeasies, Tiki, bars, and other interesting bars to explore. I always search on Yelp and Google for new places, and somehow Ruin Bar has eluded us for years until now. Ruin Bar is located in The Lab which is a small outdoor mall area in Costa Mesa which has a variety of small shops and places to get food and drink. The parking lot is actually pretty big, but has a reputation for always being full. We arrived at 5:30pm on a Thursday evening and got one of the last few available spaces, so I can only imagine what it is like later in the evening and on weekends. I wouldn't quite say it is a speakeasy, but it has many speakeasy vibes. The location is not 100% plainly identified and we had to ask the host at an adjacent restaurant where it was. When I try to think of how to describe it, I think this is the kind of place you would find in a postapocalyptic world. A small abandoned looking space obscured by overgrown vegetation and filled with a random collection of knick-knacks inside and out. It has the greatest vibe and totally works. There is a small outdoor patio that makes you feel like you're deep in the woods. The seating and tables are an interesting collection of totally different things. When you walk inside, it is almost like entering a museum. There is so much to see, so many things on the walls, things above, and different small seating areas. We had an early dinner at one of the restaurants here at The Lab and arrived at Ruin Bar around 6pm so it wasn't very busy yet. This worked much to our advantage, as I think we got the best seats in the house inside the ski tram. It is definitely the most intimate place to sit with four small seats inside, a very small wood table on the side which can hold a few drinks, stringy curtains, and lights above which rotate colors when it starts to get dark outside. There was some great music from the 70's and 80's being played. To get drinks, go to the bar at the back and place your order. The bartender(s) will make them right next to where you order, and call out your drink when it is ready. I started out with the Halo Halo which is a play on a popular Filipino cold desert. It comes in a large schooner glass and has a great purple color. You can taste the macadamia, coconut, and ube flavors with the rum there nicely in the background. It also has some creaminess from the oat milk. It comes with a spoon and is topped with has a variety of sweet items including fruity pebbles, two cherries, two sour watermelon slices, a papaya slice, coconut flakes, and I think the other topping was a date paste of some sort. This adult milkshake-like cocktail is definitely unique! My girlfriend started with An Incan Ruin, which had a nice red color and was garnished with a lit piece of Palo Santo wood of that had a nice aroma. It was well balanced and had some complexity. To start the second round, I ordered the Yesterday's Feelings drink which is served in a blood bag with a straw. It was a nice light lemony vodka drink, and there was a slice of kiwi fruit in the bag. Her second drink was the Love In Drunk which was a nice pink drink with a cucumber garnish. It was also a nice light vodka drink, and the grapefruit and guava flavors were there nicely in the background. It also had a little fizz. We decided to share one last drink and ordered the Estoy Enamorado. I usually don't like the strong smokiness of Mezcal, but some places are doing a great job of toning that down and this one is an amazing cocktail. The mint leaf garnish starts you off with a great aroma. The orange sherbert does an excellent job of adding a nice light orange flavor and some creaminess. Combine that with the coconut cream and the smokiness of the Mezcal is toned down to the absolute perfect level. There's also a little spiciness from the Ancho Reyes Chile liqueur. This cocktail is one of the best I've had in a while, and I can't wait to have another one soon. Kim and Jess were excellent bartenders and so friendly. They were totally up for chit-chat since we got there early and it wasn't super busy yet. If you have never been here, definitely add Ruin Bar to the top of your list of places to visit. read more

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Located at The Lab in Costa Mesa, the Ruin bar is nestled in a quiet grove of trees. Our party visited on a recent evening when the spot was packed. The line was enormous, extending to the courtyard, and we patiently waited our turn while gazing at the whimsical and bizarre items strewn throughout the bar. Amongst the collection of strange things were sculptures and a gumball machine, which did not seem to be functioning. I ordered the Hula Hula cocktail, which arrived with many curious additions that were not part of the ingredients on the menu. The goblet was layered with coconut, gummy bears, cherries, breakfast cereal, and other sweet treats. I enjoyed the drink itself, but not the extra toppings. read more

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

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Ruin was a cool vibe, very limited seating and a small space but fun decor and drinks. Average price wasn't too far off a normal bar and I especially liked the various types of moscow mules. Both the Angeleno and the Italian were a fun twist on the classic drink. Would come back but be prepared to stand and probably not great with a huge group. read more

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

What can I say...? This place was evaaahhhh--reee--thing we wanted and more. Visiting from AZ and we try to make it a point to try new speakeasy bars and this bar was everything. We came on a Friday when they opened at 2 and had the bar to ourselves for awhile. Highly recommend that if you have never been here. It's smaller than I thought it would be based on reviews and photos but it's such a vibe in here. My fiancée is a photographer and we had a field day shooting in here. The bartender was amazing. Amazing with recommendations and even suggestions for other locations in different cities. Every cocktail we had was delicious and very balanced. It was a hot day out and this hit the spot! read more

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Stopped by while waiting for a dinner reservation nearby and was happy to come across this cute, quirky spot. The ambiance is playful and unique with a cozy and intimate feel despite the small space. Ordered the Baby One More Thyme and Estoy Enamorado which were both delicious and well-balanced. Worth a visit if you're in the area. read more

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

've been to Rune Bar countless times, and it never disappoints. I absolutely love their cocktails and the beautiful design -- it's truly one of the most unique bars in Costa Mesa and all of Orange County. Whether you're sitting inside or out, the vibe is always amazing. The bartenders are fantastic, and it's the perfect spot to enjoy great drinks and even better company. Such a gem! read more

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

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The love in drunk is my absolute favorite drink of all time. Love the atmosphere and the area. Favorite bar is all of Costa Mesa.

A unique and vibrant spot offering a diverse selection of drinks, from creative new mixes to timeless classics, plus both wine and beer list. We were warmly welcomed and the fun began the moment we placed our order and watched our drinks being beautifully crafted with care and flair. Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are enchanting, creating the perfect setting for creativity, connection, and good vibes all around. I was having such a wonderful time, I forgot I was in the middle of OC on a Sunday night. I'll be back to be be transported! read more

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Ruin Bar is a small, hipster-y, speakeasy bar located beside Habana. Seating is cute limited and it's got some funky seating outside. The drinks are tasty and strong. We liked the cocktail Prom Date. Workers are super hipster. Inside they are playing Shrek on the television. I think I've said everything that needs to be said here. read more

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

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Ruin Bar is located at The Lab in Costa Mesa next to Habana. The entrance is directly to the left of the main entrance at Habana but because it all kind of looks the same, you might miss it like we did. They have indoor and outdoor seating, but there isn't much throughout and might be standing room only if it gets really busy. We ordered the espresso martini ($19) and the paloma ($17). The espresso martini was very cold (a positive) and was really good! The paloma was also refreshing and the sparking grapefruit soda really accentuated the grapefruit flavors in the drink. We ordered at the counter and they made our drinks while we waited. When we went there was only one person making all the cocktails which was very impressive given there was a long line and we didn't wait too long for ours. read more

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Popular bar with speakeasy vibes. Got the massive ube drink that I didn't realize would be so large. There was a lot going on with the drink and it honestly tasted like a dessert in a drink. Love the cocktails and vibes. Fun place for a date or small group gathering. read more

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

omg what a FUN and vibe speakeasy/bar (sorry don't know the difference lol) my friends came here on a friday night and it was busy!!!! it's part of the anti-lab mall so parking may be difficult depending on the time you go. the space is pretty small so finding a table may be difficult and it gets crowded when trying to order drinks. other than that, LOVED the decor of the place its such a cozy and cool vibe with a dj playing music on the side. they had cool projections of different music videos or movies and had some anime shows playing. the bartenders were super friendly and pretty quick in making the drinks! if you order any of their canned drinks, they do pour it out into a glass which was nice! price of drinks were average/what you kinda expect with a range ~$18-25 (very rough estimate btw) overall, would come again with friends and would recommend to go after dinner if you're in the area! read more

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

I really love Ruin! The ambiance is so fun: dark, moody, romantic. The eclectic wall decor and seating really transports you. Drinks are great! Service can be a bit slow if there is a line (I've only ever seen one bartender working), but drinks are crafted to perfection so it evens out. Definitely on the pricier side ($18-$20 per drink), but if you come during happy hour a few are around $13. read more

Totally hipster, but to be expected. We had an awesome time. We were there right when it opened & sat in the gondola enjoying some tasty cocktails. It's certainly about the experience. Overall bartender was great! Ambience had a happy vibe. There is a really nice outdoor patio. So, would be great with a small group of friends. read more

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Cute spot with fun drinks! Almost like a speakeasy in the way it's decorated and that it's easily missed even though prominently visible. I had walked past it several times thinking the door was a back door to the nearby Habana restaurant but was I wrong! Parking right on the on site lot can be tricky on weekend evenings but there's also street parking around. The bartender was knowledgeable and made some off menu mocktails that were spot on and the menu drinks are also good. The place is small so it gets full very fast, great for dates and small groups given the layout, or you could go in a big group and essentially have the place for yourself, just be there early! read more

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What a cool spot! There's so much to look at in such a small space and the vibe was speakeasy. All the old collectables are scattered around to sit in and take pictures with and were so nostalgic. I sat in an old water ride (I think) and we definitely took pics of the piano and coaster. The drinks were massive and the bartenders made these masterpieces. I wanted to try them all. I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area again. read more

My favorite craft cocktail bar in Costa Mesa! The vibes are immaculate, the service is great. I take all my guests from out of town here and use it as a go to date night spot! read more

Continuing from dinner at Habana we noticed a small space adjacent to the restaurant with a feel of a makeshift workshop utilizing found goods and ornaments entangled with shrubbery. This tiny nook utilized this space incredibly well and though convincingly small this bar had huge character and charm. I'm talking about perhaps one of my new favorite bars in OC, Ruin Bar. Outdoor Space Ruin Bar feels like someone looked at the empty space next to Habana and said, "Bet." When you first enter Ruin Bar you're shown a small outdoor courtyard. On the right are a few seats along with an old vehicle used as seating that probably lived as an attraction in a theme park yesteryear. The left side has a small deck with lighting and a tree to help add to the ambiance. It feels like a respect to what was and simply making it their own without disturbing the history. Though this space can get cramped it never felt stuffy. Even as the night progressed and more and more people arrived the space always felt open, a hard trick for a tiny speakeasy. On the large black doors making up the actual entrance for the bar you'll see the menu of drinks they have available. Above the same entrance, a custom made neon sign that states, "This is a bar." A little on the nose but cheeky. Indoor Space Coming inside feels like an eclectic menagerie of museum pieces, antiques, vinyl record shops, and Gypsy caravans. The walls are black, the lighting low, and the music stellar. I walked in and they were playing Blackstarr, which I complimented the bartender for the taste in good music. By the time I got my first drink and left they had Post Malone & Justin Bieber's "Deja Vu" playing. Somehow, both fit the atmosphere perfectly. Though lining up here to get a drink felt almost like lining up for the keg at a frat party I never felt stressed. Sure, it got real loud once the night turned late but I enjoyed all of it. Drinks Though they have beers and can do almost any typical cocktail it seems a lot of their menu had to do with different mules and old fashions. I tried my friends and it was tasty, strong without overpowering in alcohol flavors. The drink I got was the Brazilian. Essentially their take on the classic Brazilian drink, a caipirinha, this refreshing drink has cachaça (alcohol made from sugarcane), lime, and an actual stick of sugarcane with it. It was clean, sweet, and gave a buzz that sneaks up on you like someone giving you a hug from behind. So good I stuck with the drink the whole time. They also create seasonal drinks and that evening it was a pumpkin spice espresso martini. Something for the fall lovers. Overall Ruin Bar to me felt so much like all the best parts of the Arts District and west LA migrated into a compact space to give a character and intrigue to an area more associated with curfews and suburbs. Perhaps it was the company I was with or just the vibe was immaculate when I came here but the only thing this bar did was the opposite of its name: Ruin Bar made my night and I can't wait to return. read more

Ruin Bar - This place is indeed, a bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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It's a small bar at The Camp with eclectic decorations. There's so many weird and interesting statues, trinkets, posters and elements to feast your eyes on. I love how different it is from every other bar atmosphere. It makes people feel warm and friendly and experience a different dimension. I love bubblegum flavored dessert especially ice cream so when we asked what are their new offerings that night and the Bar tender mentioned they have a bubblegum infused vodka, I knew I had to order it. Hands down the best vodka I've had! The bubblegum flavor was really infused nicely into the alcohol. It was blended well. It's not a forced flavor where you taste the vodka and some chemical flavoring in different sips. Tip: eat first before coming here. They do not serve any food. Maybe that's why their cocktails are sooo good because they only focus on drinks. read more

Ruin Bar - Bubblegum infused vodka - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Ruin in Costa Mesa is the maximalist fever dream of your dreams--a place where nothing matches, everything sparkles, and somehow it all works. It's giving thrifted glam, queer magic, and main character energy in every corner. The vibe? Imagine Chappell Roan's closet exploded inside a vintage store and got curated by a very stylish ghost. Think mismatched velvet chairs, funky stools, a stray baby carriage or two, and mirrors everywhere--because yes, you need to see yourself from all angles while sipping your custom cocktail and channeling pop star energy. The drinks? As fabulous as the décor. Creative, delicious, and totally customizable depending on your mood (flirty, mysterious, unhinged, or all three). Whether you want something smoky in a coupe or fruity with a floral garnish, the bartenders get it. Ruin is a whole mood. Campy, cozy, cool, and so Chappell-coded. Like if "pink pony club" were a lounge and not a bop. Go ahead, wear the feathers. Order the sparkly drink. You belong here. read more

Cool hidden gem inside the lab. Right Nextdoor to Habana is this cute little bar with a cool eclectic vibe. Nothing like hearing a little Metallica while having soul train reruns of the Jackson five playing on the wall above the bar. Got here before our dinner reservations for Habana and the cocktails we had were great! I had the sage and confused and husband had the bees knees. Mine was a great blend of smoky sweetness with the freshness of the sage on the nose. Liked it so much went back after dinner for another cocktail. This time I tried the drunk in love. Not sure which I liked more. Both were great. The drunk in love I wish I had before dinner only as it was so light. It was so well balanced. Service was super nice and friendly. Definitely make a stop in here if you get the chance. read more

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A tiny bar with a giant atmosphere, plenty to look at as far as decor and nick knacks. This place is great for an intimate date night and pre dinner drink. The service could take a bit long since it's a tiny place but be patient and nice and you will enjoy yourself. read more

I honestly enjoyed my time at Ruin and enjoyed their drinks and the ambience. However, I checked my credit card statement and saw two separate charges which accounted for my two orders of drinks (one including a tip). However, by the next morning one of the employees had added an additional $8.58 charge to my credit card without my consent, assuming it was a nice tip for whoever it was. This is fraud... read more

Ruin Bar in Costa Mesa is a hidden gem if you're looking for an intimate spot with a chill atmosphere. Parking may be a little difficult, but it is well worth the wait. The bar is in a small spot next to Habana at the Lab. It can be hard to miss, but there are big outside doors at the entrance. The whole bar has a nice theme to it. Lots of small intricacies. The music is at the perfect volume, not too loud, so you can actually have a conversation without yelling. Drinks were solid, well-made, and worth the visit. I had a few whiskey drinks and all of them were great. The downside? Finding a seat was a challenge, and the wait for drinks was longer than expected. If you're patient and don't mind standing for a bit, it's a great place to unwind. Overall, a cool spot with a great vibe--just be prepared for a wait! read more

Really cool inside, but also really small inside. Seats are generally in pairs so good luck if you go in a party of more than 2. The drink choices aren't bad. I had the Baby one more Thyme. Liked it at first but tasted a little weird after 5 mins or so. read more

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

Very cool place! It supposed to give speakeasy vibes. Played good music, and the drinks were very good! I got the drink in love and one of the mules which were good. Drinks are on the pricier side. read more

We stopped to try a couple of drinks at Ruin when they opened at 2:00pm on a Sunday. It was nice and quiet because it was so early and we were helped by Nichole. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. She also made great drinks and you could tell she was passionate about making great cocktails. It was a really neat bar and the drinks we had were really good. read more

Ruin Bar - Love on Drunk and an Old Fashioned - Wine Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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A very unique small bar with limited seatings both indoor and outdoor. This is like a fast casual bar basically self serving. Customers order at the bar and pick up the drinks when they are ready. We tried three drinks and two sparkling waters. I don't think they offer free waters at all. A pisco sour like drink, a Mezcal cocktail and a ketel one martini. The specialty cocktails were very sweet and not as strong at around $20 each. They didn't carry grey goose but a ketel one martini was $26?! What kind of pricing is that?! They wouldn't charge $26 for a ketel one vodka even at 5 star luxury resorts or hotels! LMAO Although this is a very cute and relaxing local bar, bartenders were friendly. But I just can't with that ketel one martini pricing. Not a fan of overpriced self serving bar! We won't be back ever! read more

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Chill after hours spot. Limited seating inside. The vibes reminded me of some retro lounge. The drinks are good and average priced. Would come back to try more drinks. read more

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Huge Huge Huge fan of this place. It is a bit small and not too much seating inside, but managed to snag two seater right by the bar. There is outdoor seating as well. I absolutely LOVED the drinks. The bartenders were great and really quick with making drinks so don't get scared if you feel like the line is getting long. There were a few cocktails that were very unique and I really enjoyed! And the decor is really funky and eclectic. I loved it! That plus the DJ that night was playing all the throwbacks. You could definitely tell who were millennials cuz we were singing along to every song! read more

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The Ruin! Stumbled upon this gem! Calvin was the best host/bartender and I enjoyed the espresso martinis and my husband had the orange sherbet mezcal tequila drinks. Thank you, Calvin we will definitely be back again. Good vibes only! read more

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Food & Drink: We visited Ruin Bar after dinner 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 according to taste preferences. 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 & 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. read more

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

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If you're looking for a laid-back, late-night spot in Costa Mesa with great energy, Ruin Bar hits the mark. Tucked inside The Lab, this speakeasy-style bar offers a fun mix of classic and creative cocktails without the pretentious vibe. The staff is friendly, the crowd is a cool blend of locals both young and old, and the drinks are reasonably priced for the area. Their Espresso Martini is a standout, and they've got all the go-to classics like Moscow Mules. While the cocktail selection is solid, I do wish they had a more extensive selection of spirits--especially whiskey, bourbon, and tequila--for those who like to sip something neat. One big plus: it's open late (until midnight and even 2am on weekends), which is rare around here. That means it can get crowded, but the vibe stays chill. Highly recommended if you're looking for a no-fuss, good-drinks kind of night out. read more

This place was great, the vibes were amazing. The bar is a bit small but it's great when you find a seat. The Paloma was super earthy which was interesting and the service was great at the bar. read more

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

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