Our Story

Cradled in the heart of San Antonio’s Near East Side, La Ruina is an homage to Tropical America.  We welcome you to experience the spirit and flavors from the Caribbean, South and Central America and the tropical shores of Texas.

Veteran Bar Men, Olaf Harmel and Gerry Shirley, established La Ruina in the historic Robitzsch Brothers Grocery Store.  Years of neglect on San Antonio’s East Side had taken a toll on the building.  Yet it had a classic elegance to it that was reminiscent of Old Havana, Colon, Panama and Salvador, Brasil.  Olaf and Gerry leaned into that aesthetic as they carefully restored the building while keeping the worn details of it’s many years of use.  Thus La Ruina (The Ruin) was born.

Novel and Classic cocktails from the region grace the menu.  The Spirits collection is focused on Fine Rums and Agave Spirits.  Regional flavors appear in the crepe menu for those with an appetite.