Mezcalería Tobalá

YUUUUUUM. The place is tiny and intimate. Kind of awkward seating just around the walls of the space. Still love this place, though. They have a variety of mezcal and they also have the ‘worm salt’ which comes with the oranges. Service is nice and it’s great that it’s on top of whistlers, just in case you have friends that arent down with the smokey mezcal. Also, it doesnt hurt that thai kun is in the lot too. Awesome place.

Not to be crass & focus solely on cost– but at times you feel spendy like «yeah, make it rain!» and even after spending some decent scratch, the experience feels worth it. You got your money’s worth and were maybe grateful to be ABLE to splurge. Then at other times, there’s the «whoa what just happened?» phenomenon.
As much as I dig mezcal, and realize it’s a craft endeavor, I felt the latter at Mezcalería Tobalá. Maybe I’m just a clueless bolillo, but if you consolidate the 4 tastings we had into one glass, you *might have a very generous full-​size shot. And I like to savor, sip and nurse a cocktail/​liquor when it’s appropriate. (Hence I’m not saying ‘bring on the shots, let’s hit dirty 6^th!’ Ever.) So for me, even if they were served exactly as they would be served in Mexico, it’s moot… it just flat empties your wallet and you wonder what happened. And the mezcal was delicious — don’t get me wrong. And the bartender was knowledgable, friendly and more. The place is charming and romantic, even if it is the size of a postage stamp. But I couldn’t help thinking I could get a seriously good FULL-​SIZE craft cocktail downstairs at Whistler’s for the same money. My bad I guess. Win some, lose some. But the mezcal will be flowing at my house from now on. If ya’ll wanna crush up some bugs & pop some oranges in your blouse, you’re free to join me.

My first visit here months ago had left me wanting another go, so every time I was in the neighborhood, I’d check to see if it was open. That’s why it’s taken me months to get back in, as last night was the first I’ve seen the door open since last summer!
So mi amor and I went up in there, and found it packed with a posse of sorority girls. Reminds me of Olde Meh-​hee-​co… if we were in a Dusk til Dawn situation in Cancun.
I waded through the crowd and sidled up to order a couple copitas of the strong stuff. The bartender Jenna was friendly and helpful, describing flavor profiles of the brands we chose, and offering little orange slices dusted in… «larvae salt»?? Uhh, how about some grasshopper salt instead. I don’t like the sound of larvae on my fruit.
We sat down to take it all in and the tiny room eventually emptied out while we sipped from the terra cotta cups. It was indeed tasty, and we enjoyed ourselves
Then I ordered another round, letting Jenna pick this time.
Again she offered oranges with bug salt, and we savored the flavor of the mescalero’s handiwork, while listening to the Al Green record that Jenna put on as the breeze from the open window made it all feel quite lovely.
This all sounds great, right? No complaints. Then I closed the tab.
$ 44.00? Wait, wat?! For four little half shots of mezcal? I mean, I realize it’s good stuff, but I coulda sworn it said $ 6 – 8 per cup on the menu.
Jenna apolgizes for the sticker shock, and produces an itemized bill.
Ohh, I thought those oranges were complimentary. Nope, $ 6 for 20 cents worth of orange, times two servings. Ok. and since I ordered a $ 10 brand the first round, she suggested another $ 10 mezcal for the second round.
I want to make it clear that I think Jenna was a great server, and the prices are not her fault. I just can’t see returning here without sticking to the lowest price bottles, and skipping the oranges, unless I’m feeling rich.
Considering how rare it is that they’re even open for business, them stars won’t be aligning very soon.
*cue sad mariachi music, fade out scene*

I was so excited the night we were about to leave Whisler’s and I noticed the door to Mezcaleria Tobala was open. I highly recommend you check it out if you have the chance because these folks know their mezcal and are more than happy to educate you on this wonderful alcohol.
The space is tiny, like super tiny. Make sure you look out the window that overlooks Whisler’s. It’s cool to look down on the bar and see all the moving and shaking from above.
The folks who work here are obviously passionate about mezcal. We got a great overview of the stuff and ordered a couple of the bottom shelf (what would normally be top shelf, but they keep it in reach) mezcals. Delicious smokiness in a tiny tiny pottery cup. Get the orange slices with spices they offer as it accompanies the mezcal perfectly.
If you have been curious about mezcal, this is the spot for you. You can get education, try a very large variety and even taste a few rarities. So glad the door was open that night!

This tiny dimly lit spot tucked in the upstairs room over Whisler’s serves as the only Mezcaleria that I’ve every come across and houses a pretty nice selection as well. Not being a spirit that many people including myself know much about, it’s nice to have service that provides some suggestions and can let you know a little bit about the flavors of the different mezcals before you jump in blindly.
The place is one roughly square room about the size of a large bedroom, with lit candles, stone walls, and somewhat minimal bench seating along the outer edges, along with the bar.
We got the rundown on a few different styles and their flavor profiles, before selecting 3 to sample and were set up with the small terra cotta like bowls of mezcal and some worm and cricket salted orange slices as an accompaniment. Be forewarned that the prices are a bit absurd. $ 13 – 15 is about average for a smidge over a ¾ ounce pour, which puts bottles that are priced in stores around $ 80 at $ 375-​$ 400. A 4.5+ times markup is well above the norm for liquor and in my opinion high enough to really dampen the enjoyment of the experience.
A fun way to sample varied mezcals in a knowledgeable and intimate environment but I feel they are gouging a bit for the niche.

I love me some Whisler’s and, in my mind, Mezcalería Tobalá is just as much a part of the Whisler’s experience as are their well made had crafted cocktails, wonderful bartenders and cool décor. Dennis is awesome, Sean is awesome, pretty much whoever is running the Mezcalería at the time you go will be awesome. I always feel well informed, well taken care of, and enjoy learning about and tasting all the varying flavors mezcal has to offer. It’s more than just smoke. I love the atmosphere and design of this little tin shack too. It’s weathered, it’s dark, it’s intimate, it’s inviting.
It’s a given that when I come to Whisler’s I come here too. They are a beautiful union with fantastic personnel, and always a good time.

Whisler’s is a fave of mine. I love the patio, the sweet bartenders, the live music, the dumpling truck. But the Mezcaleria, that’s a whole ‘nother story. I love it equally… but for entirely different reasons.
I love it because it’s small and intimate and meticulously planned with passion and insight and precision. It’s like someone took a teeny bar from Oaxaca and transported it here. Cesar has a clear passion for the smoky sexy liquor and it shows in everything he and Scranton have put together.
Anyone — from beginner mezcal tasters to the expert — can enjoy the rich sensory experience that this Mezcaleria affords.

If you want to taste mezcal this place is a must. Be warned, it’s 1 tiny room with nothing but shots of mezcal. If you dont know anything about mezcal they will start you on the lightest. They get progressively stronger as you move down the list. I tried 2, be warned they are strong so pace accordingly.
Don’t leave without trying the orange slices with worm/chile/salt.you’ll be shocked at how good it tastes! (Ok it’s a caterpillar)