The Cow Shed Bar & Grill, a beloved neighborhood dive with decades of local history, has officially reopened at 502 East Mission Road in San Marcos.
After briefly closing its doors in May 2025, the longtime bar has returned with new ownership and a refreshed energy, according to SanDiegoVille. What Now San Diego confirmed the news with a representative from the company. The Cow Shed has been a staple of San Marcos nightlife for years, renowned for its casual charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and community-driven atmosphere. Previously operated for 25 years by Ray Fruscella, the bar has now been taken over by hospitality veteran Tom Sindija and Luka Kustic.
“As we get close to reopening, we want to introduce our fearless leader, Tom,” according to an Instagram post from the business. “Tom fell in love with the history and community vibe of the shed, and as luck would have it, Ray was looking to retire. Tom has been working in the bar world for many years, and ownership was a natural progression. He is very excited to open the doors asap and continue on the pedigree. One bar, endless memories…”
While the soul of the Cow Shed remains intact, the new team has made light updates, including long-overdue maintenance and a refreshed entertainment lineup. Dollar bills still cover the ceiling, sports still play across the TVs, and the drinks remain as strong as ever. Additions include three pool tables, darts, and ping pong, as well as nightly events such as karaoke, themed nights, and daily happy hour. The bar is now open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., seven days a week. It’s unclear whether the new owners will make any additional changes following the grand opening.
