Ruin Bar

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 SpaceRuin 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 SpaceComing 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. DrinksThough 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. OverallRuin 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.

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.

Talk about horrible! Went yesterday with a group of 5 for a birthday day celebration we were just in town for one day since we live up in Northridge. We called to verify what time they open no answer. We checked what time they open they said 2pm on their hours and we also saw it on the door . We got there at 1:30 and waited outside until 2pm we kept hearing laughter and chatter so we were excited they might open at 2pm and we can get our drink on. But 2pm hit and not open. We still heard the woman inside laughter and talking. 2:10 nothing so now we been there waiting 40 minutes for it to open. We called to just make sure they open at 2pm but no answer. So we waited until 2:20 and still not open b it again we kept hearing the woman inside laughing loudly and someone else inside! Then 2:25 pm hit and we were so upset that we were waiting and could hear someone inside laughing and talking but couldn't come out to let us know what time they actually open. So they need to change the hours on their sign to reflect the actual time they open and or close the doors all the way so the public doesn't hear the entire conversation they are having while having fun inside at 2:30 we left disappointed and went to cowboy and poodles which was amazing service and great cocktails! This place is a NO!!!! Unprofessional

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!

Nicole is an excellent mixologist, service was fantastic, ambiance is great, playlist was a vibe (I didn't get the girl's name who created it, but kudos to her for her taste in music). My girlfriends and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience and night out at the Ruin Bar.

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.

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.

Been here many time and always a breeze. They make amazing drinks and have good drink specials. Ambiance is amazing and every time we go there, we see something new :). Staff is very friendly and make good drinks. Highly recommend this bar

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!

The unique little hole in the wall / speakeasy is adorable. Indoor and outdoor seating. Old roller coaster cars make up some of the seating for a unique twist and ambiance. So many types of drinks. On Fridays and Saturdays - live music I like Frenent snd it also helps with indigestion. I tried the Italian with Frenent, Montenegro, Orange sherbert, Lime juice and Ginger beer. Not only did I feel better but it was also very tasty as well. Service is great here and they always have good recommendations.