The historic bar - housed in a former cow shed that pays homage to San Marcos’ agricultural past - has been a staple of the community for decades. For the last 25 years, it was operated by Ray Fruscella, who built the Cow Shed into a no-frills, all-fun gathering spot for locals looking for strong drinks, casual vibes, and live entertainment.
Now under the stewardship of hospitality veteran Tom Sindija and partners Micah Schiesel and Luka Kustic, the Cow Shed has been given a light refresh while preserving its classic identity. "Tom fell in love with the history and community vibe of the Cow Shed," a spokesperson shared. "As luck would have it, Ray was looking to retire. Tom had been working in the bar world for years, and ownership was a natural progression. He’s excited to continue the pedigree - one bar, endless memories."
Following some high dusting and overdue maintenance, the Cow Shed celebrated its grand reopening this weekend. Many of the dive's beloved quirks remain: dollar bills still plaster the ceiling, sports still dominate the TVs, and the drinks remain stiff and generous. New offerings include a full slate of entertainment - three pool tables, darts, ping pong, and nightly events like karaoke Wednesday through Saturday, Wild West Wednesdays, and daily happy hour. The bar is now open from 11:30am to 2am every day.
The ownership change marks a fresh chapter for the bar, which briefly made headlines earlier this year in relation to a past legal dispute involving previous ownership. That matter, now resolved, is in the rearview as the new team looks ahead to strengthening the Cow Shed’s place in San Marcos nightlife.
The new owners invite patrons, both longtime regulars and curious newcomers, to stop by and see the changes for themselves. And yes, the soul of the Cow Shed remains intact: a laid-back, neighborhood hangout where the music’s loud, the memories are long, and everyone feels like a local.
.PNG)
The ownership change marks a fresh chapter for the bar, which briefly made headlines earlier this year in relation to a past legal dispute involving previous ownership. That matter, now resolved, is in the rearview as the new team looks ahead to strengthening the Cow Shed’s place in San Marcos nightlife.
The new owners invite patrons, both longtime regulars and curious newcomers, to stop by and see the changes for themselves. And yes, the soul of the Cow Shed remains intact: a laid-back, neighborhood hangout where the music’s loud, the memories are long, and everyone feels like a local.
The Cow Shed is located at 502 East Mission Road in San Diego's North County city of San Marcos. For more information, follow @cowshedbarsd on Instagram and check out the concise food menu below.
.PNG)
Originally published on August 2, 2025.
