A final farewell to Rick’s

Rick’s Partners Bistro has bid farewell to Laguna Beach.

The landmark restaurant, known for its sophisticated cocktails, cuisine and nighttime entertainment, auctioned all of its property this week in a liquidation sale — even the potted plants.

The local hang-out, which was often filled with jazz and swing music by performers like the Gary Hogan Trio and Brad Malinowski, is now strangely silent.

Ostrin and Ostrin Auctioneers were hired to hold an auction at the property Wednesday, where they opened bids for the establishment’s liquor license and all kitchen appliances and supplies.

The liquor license netted $33,000, said Katy Moss, general manager of Peppertree Lane, where the restaurant was located.

Restaurateurs crowded into what used to be an upstairs dining area to examine a table spread of pots, mixers, pans, serving ware, dishes, glassware, silverware and even tools.

Tables, chairs, standing dividers and antique tables were also auctioned.

Later in the day, the public was invited to bid on wine and artwork.

About 800 bottles of red, white and sparking wines — from Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon to Geyser Peak Chardonnay — and a collection of original oil paintings by artists like Saim Caglayan and Jacob Bass were among the auctioned items.

The California landscape pieces had starting bids that ranged from $159 to $173.

Leftover bottles of liquor, ingredients of the Bistro’s famous “Rick’s Squeeze” and “Partner’s Lemon Drop” martinis were also available for licensed persons to bid on.

The restaurant filed for bankruptcy at the end of March, and closed its doors after nearly 30 years of business, according to Moss.

The partners of Partners Bistro had been struggling since November, when a dispute resulted in Rick Sadleir, the founder of the business, parting ways and leaving the restaurant in the hands of his former business associates and their family members.

Moss said a new tenant has not yet been determined.

ASHLEY BREEDING covers sports and features. She can be reached at (949) 494-5462 or at ashley.breeding@latimes.com.