Sep 27, 2024 - Food and Drink

Popular cocktail bar La Ruina is closing its doors

Madalyn Mendoza

A tall cocktail glass sits on a bar with a menu behind it. — A Ramos Gin Fizz from La Ruina. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios

La Ruina, the vibrant tropical cocktail bar that revitalized a once-dilapidated space on Austin Street, is closing.

Why it matters: The bar became a downtown favorite, known for its expertly crafted cocktails, lively events and beautifully designed space.

The latest: La Ruina announced its closure via Instagram on Friday but didn't share the reason behind the decision.

The last day of service is Saturday.

Flashback: Bar industry veterans Olaf Harmel and Gerry Shirley opened La Ruina in September 2022 after selling The Modernist, another beloved cocktail bar.

They purchased the historic Robitzsch Brothers building, which was a grocery store in the early 1900s, in 2019 and renovated it throughout the pandemic.

What they're saying: The comments on the closure announcement were filled with sadness, memories and love for the bar.

La Ruina's replies hinted that something new might be on the horizon.

What's next: Louie's Icehouse, described as a neighborhood bar, will open in the space in mid-October.

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Popular cocktail bar La Ruina is closing its doors

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