The RUIN

Absolutely fantastic! The cocktails were just as amazing as the service. The atmosphere was great, though I do wish they had a wider food selection for Christmas. That said, I can’t really complain because I’ve never had such a delicious hot dog in my life—it's all thanks to that perfectly grilled bun! 😆

The Ruin's season's drinking Christmas pop-up is amazing! We came for the Christmas atmosphere but absolutely loved it. The entire bar was decked out, and the details were carefully crafted to create the most picturesque and memorable place for perfect pictures. The bar had a bit of an island vibe when it came to music and bartender attire. We had expected Christmas music to be playing but it wasn't while we were there. They had a Christmas menu, and all the drinks were around $13, which is definitely pricer than expected, but once we got the drinks, it was relatively reasonable because you could definitely taste the alcohol. It was busy but still very enjoyable, and we were able to find a seat within a few minutes of arriving. We loved the vibe.

Ruin is such a cool spot with an amazing vibe! The bar is aesthetically pleasing, and this time, they had a fun “Mutiny on Main” pirate island theme, which added to the experience. I had a Miami Vice—a perfect mix of strawberry daiquiri and piña colada—and my partner enjoyed a lovely Pinot Noir, served in a small carafe to pour into a wine glass, which was a nice touch. We also ordered the chips and queso, and everything was brought to our table after ordering through a QR code system with our table number. Super convenient! The place was very lively and packed on a Saturday night, but the energy made it a great stop after a show. We’ll definitely visit again!

Honestly one of the best experiences downtown lately. We were taking my niece out for a fun day and stumbled upon this gem. So clean, very modern and comfortable. We loved the interior and felt comfortable enough to stay for a while. Ari was our bartender and she was fantastic. Super friendly and made us some outstanding drinks. We tried a few house cocktails. The weeeezy street is A+, but she made us a few custom cocktails that were probably some of the best I’ve had in a long time. Perfect for a night out with friends. Try their meat and cheese board. Great way to offset the cocktails.

New favorite cocktail bar in Salt Lake. Great rum collection. Enjoyed the Rum Clubs pairing curated by Cole. Tostones with guac were superb! Will be back.

This place was such a vibe!! We went on a slow day, but it was still really cool! They had a great drink selection. Even non alcoholic drinks! We didn’t try the food, but I don’t think it’s a place you go to for food.

Incredible night at The Ruin. Great drinks, lively atmosphere and not an exaggeration to say the best food I’ve ever had in a bar. Chef Kevin Finch (Arthur restaurant) is in the middle of a residency. Chicken for two, escargot, and just incredible burgers, chicken sandwiches and small plates.

Stopped here on a Saturday before catching a show at the Eccles. To start off, as it has been mentioned by many others, the interior design is quite beautiful. You can tell they really invested a lot into the interior decor, which I can appreciate. It was early enough in the evening that the bar was actually quite empty, so they had signs on the tables indicating that there was currently no table service so you had to order at the bar, which was not a problem at all! As time passed and the bar started getting more and more full, the signs became a moot point as people kept coming in and seating themselves, then expecting/awaiting service. I'm mostly glad we got there at the time we did because you could very easily tell that this bar gets incredibly busy as the night goes on and I didn't want to be here for that. Our visit here was a quick one, but as far as food and drinks, they were great! I would highly recommend the Espresso Martini. I had three of them and they were consistently delicious. I especially would like to shout of the French Fries because they were great and seasoned so well! Also, the true hero of the French Fries was actually the serrano aioli - I will tell you ahead of time, you will want more of this sauce!! I was truly surprised by how much flavor was packed in this $7 order of fries. I will literally come back just to have this little side dish again! Ps. I didn't have one of these, but I heard about 5 different people order them and could overhear raving reviews - their spicy margarita is apparently a hot commodity. Whenever I could hear one being ordered, the servers would follow up with a "how spicy do you want it?" because apparently they can make them obscenely spicy. Just a little snippet of information - do with it what you may!

Ruin is such a cool spot with an amazing vibe! The bar is aesthetically pleasing, and this time, they had a fun "Mutiny on Main" pirate island theme, which added to the experience. I had a Miami Vice--a perfect mix of strawberry daiquiri and piña colada--and my partner enjoyed a lovely Pinot Noir, served in a small carafe to pour into a wine glass, which was a nice touch. We also ordered the chips and queso, and everything was brought to our table after ordering through a QR code system with our table number. Super convenient! The place was very lively and packed on a Saturday night, but the energy made it a great stop after a show. We'll definitely visit again!

Ambiance is on 100, with darker loungey vibes and cool booth seating which makes for an excellent special occasion bar. The menu consists of curated cocktails, select wine and beer options, and bar bites. I opted for an espresso martini, which wasn't on the menu but was clearly made by a pro. It was perfectly frothy on top and well-portioned. The only downside to this establishment is the drinks are very much on the pricier side. My friend ordered a mocktail and got charged the same amount as one of their more expensive cocktails. I heard whispers of this place closing down soon and it saddens me! They've treated me well. I've had fond memories here and hope their legacy lives on in one shape or another!

Stopped here on a Saturday before catching a show at the Eccles. To start off, as it has been mentioned by many others, the interior design is quite beautiful. You can tell they really invested a lot into the interior decor, which I can appreciate. It was early enough in the evening that the bar was actually quite empty, so they had signs on the tables indicating that there was currently no table service so you had to order at the bar, which was not a problem at all! As time passed and the bar started getting more and more full, the signs became a moot point as people kept coming in and seating themselves, then expecting/awaiting service. I'm mostly glad we got there at the time we did because you could very easily tell that this bar gets incredibly busy as the night goes on and I didn't want to be here for that. Our visit here was a quick one, but as far as food and drinks, they were great! I would highly recommend the Espresso Martini. I had three of them and they were consistently delicious. I especially would like to shout of the French Fries because they were great and seasoned so well! Also, the true hero of the French Fries was actually the serrano aioli - I will tell you ahead of time, you will want more of this sauce!! I was truly surprised by how much flavor was packed in this $7 order of fries. I will literally come back just to have this little side dish again! Ps. I didn't have one of these, but I heard about 5 different people order them and could overhear raving reviews - their spicy margarita is apparently a hot commodity. Whenever I could hear one being ordered, the servers would follow up with a "how spicy do you want it?" because apparently they can make them obscenely spicy. Just a little snippet of information - do with it what you may!

A fun spot with a pirate theme and a giant skeleton in front that really sets the mood. The drinks lean heavily on rum, as you'd expect, and they were solid. The cocktails are playful and strong enough without being too sweet. There's some classic bar food to go along with the drinks -- nothing fancy but hits the craving. Service was friendly and laid-back but it fit the casual, relaxed vibe. A good place to kick back and hang out for a bit.

I was recently there when they had an all star chef and that night was 5 stars food etc Last night was not that visit - we went to grab a quick cocktail on our walk home from the symphony. I asked if they had any cold sparkling water (no) on this warm night and we want two very dirty gin martinis - she asked what gin I wanted. I asked what they have. She pointed me to a corner of the shelf that had four gins, two of which were apparently empty bottles on the shelf. I said I'd take monkey 47. She said I'll have to see if we have more in the basement, she went several minutes later came back said no on that one. I started to choose another gin or somebody else said well they do have Hendricks as well. It's at the other end of the bar. I said perfect. I'll have Hendricks in my gin martini's. I swear to God, I did not order a drink called Satan's semen. What arrived was a salty concoction that was basically undrinkable. I looked at my date we kept looking at each other. I said there's no olive juice in this. They've added salt or pure brine. sadly, I had already tipped and closed out my bill with a generous tip so we just left the half touched gin's Drinks that we couldn't figure out what tasted like pure salt brine, not olive brine. https://www.liquor.com/recipes/dirty-martini/ I'll try again, but I might ask if they have the actual ingredients to make a dirty martini as they may need to check the basement for that as well given their lack of gins.

Listen, I understand that Utah isn't known for its coffee but my gosh it's so hard to get a good espresso martini out here. Ruin is the one exception to that rule. I've never ordered anything else here but it's honestly good enough to warrant a good review. Also shout out to the bartenders for not making you feel like the worst person in the world for ordering them! (Now I know not to order one during a rush, but some people look annoyed on a Wednesday afternoon, not here though!)

Stopped here for an afternoon cocktail while wandering SLC. The place has a some pretty cool decor with leather, wood, and neon. I had an old fashioned and it was pretty good. My friends also enjoyed their drinks. One had the Bluebell which was Vodka, Blueberry, Basil, and Citrus. I tasted hers and I lifted it as well. Another friend who is obsessed with espresso martinis got one of those and said it was really good.

Here for all star weekend festivities hosted by Hennessy. Ambiance is great and they have a beautiful spot. They aren't serving food unfortunately but the service is great and the DJ is amazing

Update time for sure as ruin that was once in sugar house has some great real estate on main street downtown. Classy place that is never really busy so it makes it nice to chill and have some drinks. Espresso martinis are delicious and well made. We usually stay for one drink and bounce as table service is slow. Sitting at the bar, service is much better. They have a small food menu that I haven't tried yet. But it looks good. Great place to pop in for a drink and perhaps stay longer.

Used to be a really cool night spot with great drinks & amazing food, but kn my most recent visit, the drinks were fast, but the kitchen was extremely slow to get food out to customers. We ordered a side of fries from the QR code menu, the fries specified that there were roasted mushrooms on top of them, served with an aioli. After getting THE SMALLEST ORDER of plain fries (about $1 worth), it took 20 minutes to get that out, asked my server that this was not what I ordered, sent them back, and it took ANOTHER 20 MINUTES for me to finally get up & tell me server to cancel that order & for my tip back. Idk what happened to this place, but that instantly killed the vibe of the night. Completely inexcusable to have inadequate cooks in a busy bar kitchen. ABSOLUTELY WEAK. Avoid going here.

My new favorite bar in SLC. Fabulous service. The cocktails are top notch and the pricing is fabulous! I wish there was more parking but that is not their fault being downtown! I would love an option like this closer to the mall in Sandy! CLEAN BOUJEE BATHROOMS FABULOUS MUSIC FANTASTIC SERVERS. I found my new fav spot

This 21 and over facility offers great cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for a night out with friends. There was a private party being set up in the front of the bar and it was hard to tell if the people setting up were patrons or staff. I stood at the front waiting for my ID to be checked for a long time before I realized that they people scurrying about weren't Ruin However, the owner Amy was on site and took the time to chat with us, which was a nice touch and added to the overall welcoming atmosphere of the bar. The bartenders made us some of the best drinks. The menu was good and they referenced the wine list but were out of many of the wines on the list. Overall, I would highly recommend Ruin Bar to anyone looking for a great night out. The relaxed atmosphere, excellent cocktails, and friendly staff make for an unbeatable combination. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind after a long day at work or a fun night out with friends, Ruin Bar has everything you need for a great time.

I freaking love love this new location!! It has such a cool, intimate, and trendy vibe where just all the cool people go!! ;) The food is fantastic! Must try the wings!! I think the best part was the blue cheese spread!! #drool #putthatoneverything The staff is a amazing too! The only reason I gave it 4 stars is that there were no other options that I noticed that if you didn't drink could get besides water. A little bummed out, but maybe in time as I know they did just open up the last few weeks! I will definitely keep going back..totally love love this place!

This is the cutest spot to get a drink while wandering around downtown SLC, the seating areas are super cozy. It's a very intimate spot for date night too. And!!! And they throw fun events, such as vintage fashion shows. I can't wait to go here again with friends.

Came in last night and got a really nice surprise. THE BEST Buffalo Chicken leg / dish I've ever had. The staff is super friendly and the chefs are super creative and the food shows. Come here for some drinks and snacks. And if you're lucky they will have the buffalo leg special.

Food would get a 2 but the drinks, bartender, and the ambiance are what raised this score.

Stopped by while in Salt Lake for the night. Place is really nice. Seems like a great place to hang with family and friends for some amazing cocktails and snacks. I had an old fashion that was amazing. It was perfectly balance. In fact it was so good I had a second. My son went for the Hakushu Figment which was also amazing. Very complex flavor but very good. I hit Salt Lake once a year and this place is definitely on the list as "must visit"

Great cocktail lounge. The music is just loud enough to make it not awkward. There are tables for large groups.

The Ruin is one of the coolest bars downtown that specializes in quality craft cocktails. Their liquor selection is fantastic and they served many spirits I've never seen anywhere else in SLC. I ordered something rather bizarre off the menu and the bartender, Jason, was incredibly thoughtful, knowledgeable, and accommodating. He took a lot of time helping me figure out exactly what and let me try things I wasn't sure of.  He was patient, kind, attentive, but not obnoxious, helped me feel extremely comfortable and didn't make me feel rushed. I also love how they honor and preserved the history in this building. While I was there, I learned that the small seating area in the back of the building used to be a speakeasy and the staff was happy to tell me about it. With so much in this city changing, it's really cool that they balanced a modern bar with preserving the historical aspect. Looking forward to going again!

Stopped by Ruin for a drink while we waited for our reservation at Takashi. It's a neat bar with varying seating options. Our group opted for a booth towards the back. The drinks were great and made quickly. We also ordered a side of fries which were tasty. Overall a great bar to visit when in downtown SLC.

What a fun little bar. A friend and I went before we went next door to the Eccles to see Hamilton. Looks like they rotate out cocktails per season. I had really nice mezcal old fashioned. The staff are very friendly and recommend drinks to you. As a bartender, I love that. I will be going back.

Ruin is a great spot for a quick drink, networking event, 5 o'clock cocktail, or maybe even a snappy first date. I wouldn't consider it a great spot to spend an entire evening of wining and dining with friends. It's much smaller than the photos make it look. And the bar area was closed, so seating was very crammed. I was very surprised to see only three people working on a Friday night. The front door ID checker and the waitress were both very nice and helpful, but the bartender was...cold, quiet, and unfriendly. Our group left after a few drinks to find another bar with a more welcoming vibe strictly because we didn't enjoy interacting with the bartender. To order, we were required to go up and wait at the corner of the bar. With only one bartender working, lines were inevitable. It wasn't ideal. Here's what I tried: Ruin Mule: Ginger and lemon heaven. I really liked this cocktail! And the candied ginger was a fun addition. Bluebell: This drink is a blueberry Basil dream. If you like sweet cocktails, this is the one for you. Nick Caraway: I was surprised by how much I liked this cocktail. It's minty rum magic. Pretzels N Cheese: These were delicious! But I wouldn't call them pretzels. The bread was more like a slightly undercooked sourdough bite. The cheese was dreamy. But it could have easily been Velveeta mixed with beer. Overall, I'm glad I tried Ruin but I don't know if I'd make much effort to go back again.

Place is super classy and vibey. Service is excellent and the drinks are very refined. Had the pop up menu by Chef Kevin Fintch. The bread is amazing and the charcuterie board is amazing. My friend had the Chicken sandwich was so so good. I had the veggie tart ( Feuillete ) was really good too. The steak and trout sold out so come here early. Come eat and have a good time here.

First time in SLC and really liked this bar. Great music. Amazing service by the tall lady bartender. Drinks are good. Had a DJ come in spinning. It was a good time.

The ruin was a very cool bar, and had a nice patio, with a view of the live music across the street. The bluebell was tasty and sweet- I don't remember what the other drink we had was (something with honey) but the bluebell was better.

We popped in here on a girls trip to SLC. We were looking for a cool place for a couple of cocktails on a Saturday afternoon. This was the perfect place! We had some really good handcrafted cocktails. The Bluebell and the espresso martinis were both super good. We did not try any food, but would be a great place for dinner as well. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in downtown SLC.

Yet another fun evening at The Ruin. They have some of the best food in the valley, frankly better than many restaurants. Shared the Elote Wings, unique take on wings and absolutely scrumptious! Also shared the taquitos, fabulous, and the tacos are also absolutely delicious. Gorgeous bar, love the second bar in the back, such a clever idea for when it's busy. Lots of seating, great original cocktails, definitely the best bar in the city!

Overall, this is a place that could be my neighborhood favorite if I lived in the area. There are a lot of excellent restaurants nearby, and this makes a perfect place to come before, or after eating. Since I don't like crowded places, I come before dinner. There is an eclectic set of drinks, but the bartender we had was up to the task of doing something custom. I asked for a riff on my preferred Manhattan and he did me right. My party of three took advantage of the set of four nice leather chair arranged around a table to enjoy the quiet time and excellent drinks. I couldn't ask for more.

Nice, clean, modern cocktail bar with a dark and relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a casual drink before dinner with finger foods or just a place to stop with friends. I recommend the Brother Bourbon which is kind of like an old fashioned with coffee simple syrup.

It was busier than I expected. When I was there, they had some bar trivial night or something? They have a good selection of cocktails. I was there for like two hours? It was short but they gave me the good impression of that place. Bartenders were friendly and made good drinks. Perfect spot to stop by after work for a drink :)

Really cool bar in SLC! My husband and friends and I were visiting out of town and wanted to grab a drink before dinner. We found this place when we did a quick Google search and it was just what we were looking for. Los Guidry's Thoughts and Recommendations: - Great cocktails! I ordered the Pearly Gates (like a charcoal lemonade with charcoal) and it was absolutely fantastic! My husband and friends all ordered a cocktail of their choice (bourbon based and another with mezcal) and all were very happy. - Service was great! In addition to delicious drinks, Ruin had a super friendly and helpful bartender that night. - Ambiance was on point. There's a grown and sexy vibe to this bar without making it feel fancy. It was both classy and casual which our group really liked. If I lived in the area I would be here every weekend. I've heard that it's hard to find bars/ alcohol in Salt Lake City but with Ruin you don't have to look any further.

Atmosphere is so fun and cute! I got an espresso martini and it was on the smaller side but it was sooo good!

Wine on tap good. Service at bar to order only. Cool ambiance but bartender did not know drink well.

Great coctail and cheap beer , wine. But the music is too loud Atmosphere was cool and old fashioned

If you go on a weekday or early eve on weekends this place feels like you have been transported into a big city bar 15 years ago. Servers are responsive but not solicitous. Friendly but not flirty. Cocktails are delicious. Seating is fun. Beware however if you stay too long on a weekend there becomes a mouse influx of obnoxious young 20s individuals who are loud and pretty much take the class out of the place and zero seconds flat

Good ambiance. Good whiskey selection. Slow service. Still a good spot for some drinks before/after dinner

Not so bad place. food is decent but the drinks and the bartenders are the highlight!

This is a really nice place to be if you're just meeting up with a friend or even a date. The atmosphere is nice and cute and the music isn't super loud. They have great cheap drinks and also the fancier ones as well. I've came here with friends to both just socialize and even gather to nerd out about games. My experience here has been exceptional so far. I know on certain days people would gather here for a social activity like networking within a certain field. IMO I think they have chosen a better bar that hey won't have a hard time hearing each other but have enough white noise to enjoy the event. If the waitress/waiter notice a struggle in the group for hearing she will stop by to ask if the music is too loud. They are very accommodating here.

TL;DR Bartenders demand tips for more drinks with subpar service I've been to this bar a few times and always enjoyed it. I went recently on a weeknight to meet a friend after work and no one was at the front to scan IDs. No biggy but the sign said please wait for us to scan your ID. The bartender clearly saw me while I tried to make eye contact with them to see if they wanted me to come there to get it scanned. They let me stand there for 5 mins and finally I just walked to the bar. I ordered my drink and the bartender had no idea what I was referring to. My drink order isn't complicated and it's served at any full service bar. I paid for my drink and walked to meet my friends. I went back for a second drink about an hour later and asked for another. The bartender said, without eye contact, "only if you tip me this time" I was taken aback by this and immediately super uncomfortable. I get times are tight with money but tips should be based off of service provided and the service provided was not even average or friendly. This interaction really discourages me from wanting to come back to this bar.

A couple friends and I met up here around 5pm on a Sunday so as you can imagine there was plenty of space. Though I haven't seen it on a busy night, it was an excellent spot to meet up for a cocktail and conversation. There are a variety of seating arrangements and seats for that matter. We chose a couple couches near the front and it was pretty comfy. The bartender was friendly and helpful and my mule was wonderful with delicious house made ingredients! Parking is plentiful since you are in a shopping area, but again on a busy night it might be a bit more challenging. I'd definitely recommend Ruin!

Ruin was so cute and the drinks were delicious. I had several of the Bluebell and I drank them very quickly. The vibe was great and the decor was really well done.

This place has a decent vibe, lowkey cocktail bar, servers were good, all that. But frankly, the cocktails are just really really not good. Not much to elaborate on.

Stopped for drinks with a friend after work on a Tuesday. Their red wine on tap was good - not too sweet or too dry. The ambience was fresh & modern. They didn't have a ton of tables packed into their space which is refreshing compared to many bars & restaurants on SLC main. Most important was the service and why they get five stars. Top notch friendliness and checked back frequently. Will definitely return.

first of all shame on you guys. I have been cheated by you. My card ending with 2419 was swiped 3 times on 25th aug 2023 with 14 dollar, 7 dollar and 14 dollar. I only had beer for 14 dolar. when i raised objection, you team politely said that they are only blocking card with amount and charges will be reversed next day. It is more than 6 days and i am still following with you multiple times stupid people. I am now going to escalate it to higher authorities. so you guys know how to deal with innocent people

This place was really comfy chairs and friendly and kind staff . The drink I got was called wildflower and was not to my taste . Too bitter . It smelled great though . I would come here again with friends or on a date . Has vegan options for food , but did not try any since I ate before hand .

Great drinks and music. Bartender did a great job and they switched between old music and new. Great spot if you want a cocktail and a snack. Overall good vibes. Limited bar spots so get there early.

One of the coolest places I have ever seen! Amazing selection, great drinks and even better bartenders.

All the bar staff are great!I especially love their cocktails ...Try the Bluebell or the Bumble and Fizz. During the weeknights their customers are a varied clientele, but on the weekends the hipsters come out to get their drink on ;) If you need a tasty snack, I always recommend their Charcuterie (mixed meats, cheeses, fruits, etc.)

A great bar with great staff, great drinks, great ambiance, and my favorite charcuterie board in Salt Lake.