One of my favorite quotes from David Heinemeier Hansson [ DHH ] defines what it truly means to prioritize a life around consistency. "The biggest challenge isn't always the work itself, but maintaining your enthusiasm for the work over a long period of time. It's easy to get excited about a new project, but it's hard to stay excited about the same project day in and day out for months or years on end." I've been coding for what seems like forever. When I was younger I thought it would eventually bore me. Instead the exact opposite occurred. The more I dove into the craft, shipping daily, building side projects, helping clients, prioritizing learning new skills, perfecting my techniques, the more I have fallen in love with it. In technology there's always something brand new. Patterns being refactored, performance tuning techniques, and what I really enjoy? Designing and helping shape products people love. I think this doesn't stop with our craft. It took me years to be confident and consistent with my workout regiments. If I'm not at home the odds are I'm at the gym. With a consistent schedule you get to see the same folks. All grinding to be better than yesterday. No judgement. I always wear the same @asrv gear, just different shade of shorts, and always my American flag bandanna on the dome. Consistency = Quality Craftsmanship‼ @whislersatx / Mezcaleria Tobala in Austin defined the measurement of what a Mezcal bar should look like. They perfected every aspect of the ambiance to the delivery of the poison. I can't believe I randomly stumbled on such hidden magnificence. Now I pray I find one in Vegas‼ read more

Mezcalería Tobalá - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Stopped by on a Friday evening around 7 PM and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't overly crowded. We grabbed corner seats, perfect for observing the action at the bar counter. The interior is smoky and incensy, delivering an authentic mezcalería vibe. Guests don't linger too long, so if it's full, just wait a few minutes, and seats should free up. The experience was unique and immersive--a must-visit for mezcal lovers and those seeking a distinctive ambiance! read more

Mezcalería Tobalá - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This place is a vibe. It's located above Whisler's in a very compact space. The music, the incense and candles, and the dim lighting make it feel very cozy and intimate. I've been here multiple times and I've always had a great experience. The same bartender is always behind the bar and he is so friendly and knowledgeable about all of the Mezcal options offered. Before serving you the Mezcal shooters, he will give you plenty of orange slices covered in worm salt for you to chase with. Must visit if you appreciate Mezcal!! read more

Mezcalería Tobalá - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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One of the best mezcal experiences in Austin. Very limited in hours open and space. The selection of agaves is exceptional and the knowledge is off the charts. read more

logistics: We came to Whisler's to eat dinner at Golden Tiger and noticed the mezcal bar had just opened. We decided to stop by while we waited for our food at Golden Tiger. There was only two other couples there when we arrived. Luckily because the space is small! much smaller than i expected. I can't imagine it when Whisler's is busy. drinks: I thought it was a cocktail bar, but it's literally just mezcal tasting. We asked the bartender for his recommendation and he served us a great mezcal in our price range. Usually a Mezcal shot comes with one orange peel, but this place gave us 3 each which I appreciate. The worm salt is so good too. Definitely worth a visit and come during off times for the best experience. read more

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One of the coziest bars I've ever been into. The bartender was extremely knowledgeable about Mezcal. We didn't have any experience with the spirit and he pointed us in the right direction as we did a tasting with him. Between the amazing ambience and stellar service, I will be back. read more

Mezcalería Tobalá - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Unique mezcaleria/tasting room located on the upstairs premises of Whislers (you find the stairs on the outside when you first enter Whislers). On a weekend night, this tiny room can get quite packed--so I would recommend coming earlier in the night when things are less crowded. The vibes here are super unique and weird but in the best possible way; I can only equate the experience to being in an old Mexican church. There are often many different woods being smoked, incensing the room, leading to a very mysterious and interesting atmosphere. The bar only offers mezcal, and it is one of the largest collections of mezcal probably anywhere in Texas. The bartender is willing to spend time with each person to help decide what mezcal to order, and each is served neat, warm, with no ice (fair warning to those who want something on the rocks or diluted). This is also worth noting, because if you have a large party that doesn't know what they want, it can take a hot minute for everyone to decide what they want to order. read more

This hidden little Oaxacan gem nestled above Whislers is an authentic taste of the land of mezcal! Came here one evening to sample their wares and just like any place in Mexico, the posted hrs are guidelines...8pm really means 8:20. I loved it the moment I walked across the threshold! It was so fantastically true to type to some of the "hole in the wall" mezcalerias I'd visited throughout Oaxaca! It is so rustic and intimate...seriously, 10-15 people tops in here before it starts to get very "mano larga". Sean, the man behind the bar, is very well versed in his mezcals and was able to make excellent recommendations for our little group based on price, previous experience w/mezcal, and taste. I also love that they have the authentic clay pot "copitas"! The best part of my visit there was seeing the amazing spanish-style guitarist Luis Canuelos! The perfect place to enjoy his amazing skill up-close and personal! If you are looking for something cultural and exotic off the beaten E 6th path, then Tobala is it! read more

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High volume + tight spaces + all the mezcal your soul desires = a must stop for serious agave fans, but make sure you pick your spot. Not so secretly situated above righteous cocktail lounge Whislers, this mezcal-focused postage stamp sanctuary delights patrons with generous pours of the plant based nectar of the gods. Fear not if you're new to the spirit or just curious, the highly knowledgeable bartenders will happily guide you in the right direction based on your preferred tastes, from the cheesey/funky raicilla La Venonosa Orange to special ocasión Pechugas to daily drivers like organic Montelobos, all served up in traditional veladoras. Taking off one star due to the space and amount of Sat night bro's filing in to do shots...keep moving boy-o's, this ain't for shooting! Prices are a slightly high but then again so are these bottles from the get go. If you're looking for an experience, I recommend going before 7:30p on a Sat night for the most face time with the one bartender to sort through your options. Oh, and Mezcalería is ONLY open Fri & Sat. read more

It definitely has the most mezcals I have ever seen but it is a scene where the crowd from whislers spills over to try mezcal for the first time. Very crowded and loud and hard to get a drink. The bartender spends time with everyone but seemed to have the same spiel for everyone and didn't really seem to know about mezcal. I loved Austin But this is the only place I didn't have a good time. I love mezcal and was pretty disappointed. Maybe there is a window of time where it is best to visit but it has very limited hours only two nights of the week. If I had to do it again I would get a tasting flight at the start of the night. read more

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. read more

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Great place with mezcal flights. Highly recommend for some spirits that are not easily found. Also a great speakeasy ambiance and friendly staff! read more

Mezcalería Tobalá - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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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) read more

Mezcalería Tobalá - Bar...nothing but mezcal - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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For some reason I could properly pronounce Mezcaleria after a few drinks downstairs at Whisler's. Now, not so much. Anyway, you don't need to be able to pronounce it to enjoy it. We were hanging out at Whisler's downstairs and decided to check out Mezcaleria Tobala. This is probably one of the coolest places I've been to. Just so you know upfront, it's not a bar. They can't mix you mezcal based cocktails but there's a wonderful selection of mezcal and you can try some. Ok, also don't be obnoxious and shoot your mezcal. Sip it and enjoy the smoky nuances that mezcal offers. If it scares you a bit to sip mezcal straight just get the orange slices and worm salt to chase. If the idea of worm salt freaks you out, then I don't know what to tell you. It's definitely something you should try. Especially if you like the sweet/spicy/salty combo. If you've never been to a mezcaleria before or never even had mezcal before ask for recommendations. The bartender that was working when we went was awesome and kinda guided us through tasting a few different options. In terms of ambiance, this place has it. It's pretty small and very intimate/cozy. Don't come here if you're lookin to get all rowdy with 15 of your homies. First of all, I don't even know if that many people can fit. Second, this is a place where you just chill and drink mezcal. There wasn't any light, just a ton of candles lit all over the place. There was a guy there playing guitar, but it was kinda Spanish-y type chill music. If you live in Austin and have never been here you're missing out. read more

Love this place. Never seen more than 2 other people here. If you like Mezcal, you'll like it. They give good suggestions and serve the Mezcal right. 4 stars because they need to be open more often!!!! read more

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* read more

I was in this place and when the guy asked me what I wanted I said, I already have my drink but if you ask me my friends here would like to get a pure mezcal from Oaxaca, the guy upstair gay super rude and told me that Hw did no knot know what I meant, that depending on what was my budget he will recommend me a mezcal, I stepped back and I said if my friends can understand your rules go ahead and tell them, out of no no where the guy got super upset and ask me to leave and call security to walk me out for not reason read more

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 3/4 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. read more

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. read more

Mezcalería Tobalá - Yummm - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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 decor. 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. read more

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! read more

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 6th!' 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. read more