Tallboy

Tallboy operates on a high-low friction that owner Den Stephens calls a "martini dive bar." The premise is straightforward—’tinis and weenies—but the execution is sharp rather than gimmicky. Located in Temescal, the room is minimalist and concrete, designed with hard surfaces that amplify the energy rather than dampen it. It gets loud here. When the DJs are spinning and the crowd packs in, the volume forces you to lean in close, giving the space the frantic intimacy of a house party rather than a sedate cocktail lounge. The drink list, managed by beverage director Zach Edwards, treats the martini as a flexible format rather than a rigid classic. You’ll find everything from a standard dry pour to variations using fresh apple or mezcal and lychee. For faster pacing, the bar pours "Cheekies"—pre-mixed cocktail shots designed to keep things moving. The food menu is short, specific, and entirely vegan. Developed with chefs from the former Lion Dance Cafe, the kitchen sends out plant-based hot dogs like the Lion Dancing Dog, meant to be eaten with one hand while holding a drink in the other. Bowls of complimentary popcorn circulate through the room, adding to the casual, low-stakes feel. It’s a place that works best when you’re ready to commit to the noise, though the sidewalk tables outside offer a brief respite when the room hits peak density.