This place is great! The drinks are delicious and very affordable. Service can be a little slow at times but that's completely understandable since it's usually packed. Making drinks for a crowd takes time and the staff always does their best. The people who come here are super friendly which adds to the welcoming, cozy vibe of the place. It's the kind of spot where you instantly feel comfortable. If you love a good martini this is definitely a place you should check out. read more

I'll give it to them, Tallboy is a solid concept with their "tinis & weenies". However, a clever concept can carry a place so far. Customer service is a close second to concept. Tallboy's martini menu is well-executed. While I didn't personally try one of the slushies, a friend ordered the espresso martini version and gave it a solid thumbs-up. Unfortunately, the experience falls apart when it comes to food and service. Waiting 30+ minutes for two hot dogs (after paying) is hard to justify. When I checked in with a server, she was curt and dismissive. She was quick to explain there was only one person in the kitchen, with no effort to offer a solution, timeline, or even basic courtesy. I understand staffing issues happen. However, customer service is a close second to concept. How an issue is communicated and addressed is what separates good service from bad. What's more frustrating is that these aren't customer problems to absorb. If the kitchen is understaffed, if tables aren't being cleared in a timely manner at a seat-yourself spot, those are management problems. Guests should not have to choose to leave without the food we paid for. There's a lot of competition out there, and concepts alone aren't enough to bring people back. I genuinely wanted that hot dog. That's probably the most disappointing part of the whole experience. Great drinks, solid ambiance, but the service needs serious attention. read more

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It breaks my heart to write this review as Tallboy is one of my beloved neighborhood bars that I frequent almost weekly. Amazing music, great vibes, food is delicious as well, and martinis are my favorite cocktail. However, I had an extremely unpleasant interaction with one of the bartenders. I approach the register to close out my tab. She asks for my name and I pull out the debit card I to show/tell her the name on there. Rolling her eyes, she says "I just need your name." I told her it's on the card I was attempting to hand her. And she goes "let me explain this to you. We ask you for a card to open a tab. You give us a card. We swipe it. And the name on that card is the one I was asking for." I then responded to her that I have two first names and wasn't sure which was on the card. Totally unnecessary attitude and the other bartenders were just laughing listening to this interaction?? Total vibe killer. Very sad that I will not be returning to Tallboy at least for a while as this experience left a bad taste in my mouth. read more

This bar is really popular and has solid drink choices. It gets super crowded Thursday-Sunday. I believe Saturday's they bring in a DJ. They also serve vegan hot dogs. Staff is friendly. read more

I was invited to a catch-up session here, and this is definitely the right place for such an activity. Plenty of seating options coupled with it a relaxing vibe makes for a good time. You have to go up to the bar to order but the thing is there's multiple bartenders so the way it was not very long. They slipped on martinis of course! I had the Frozen espresso martini which tasted like a chocolate milkshake, and my friend had the lychee martini. The surprise was that it was made with mezcal, and although smokey it was very refreshing. No outing is complete without nibbles. The bar provides free popcorn however an order was placed for the elote hot dog. This one is quite a looker but I was expecting it to be a little more spicy given that it's packed with jalapenos but it's satisfied the need. read more

Tallboy - Frozen espresso martini and lychee martini - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Really well made drinks here esp martinis and cool local vibe! Loved the playlist - at one point "Brown-eyed girl" (super random hadn't heard it in forever) the 70s song came on!! Some call it here a dive bar but like I don't see it... They also have a beer - shot special! The dude behind the bar was a super good bartender and interacted with his customers - the girl not so much. Definitely a must-try read more

Tallboy - Cute Martini dive bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Everything is top notch here, and we're grateful. It gets busy and you need to be attentive to get a seat, but the trouble is worth it. Great drinks, amazingly efficient bartenders, good music, and good vibes. Even the food options are nice, reasonably priced, and well prepared. I'm a fan. read more

Visit Tallboy last night for the first time and it was such a vibe! Had an espresso martini and it was perfect. The bar was pretty busy last night but that didn't impact the quality and service of the bartenders! They were swift and the drinks came out really good. Also the DJ last night was really smooth and I loved the set! read more

Tallboy - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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I'm still enthralled with the Elote dog. Its crunchy bits are everything. I also have a new crush. The Big Leage Chew mocktail is delightful. It has a gorgeous pink color, and the ginger has some bite. The pineapple gives it a hint of sweetness and lime's hit of acid gives it balance. It's complex enough to make you not miss the alcohol. The vibe is relaxed. The people watching is worth the time. Something cool? People like to kick back here. They stay a while If I lived in Oakland, I would be here all the time. I don't. The one sour note is parking. Too many bright, shiny places around to make it easy. If you can, take BART. McArthur is just a few blocks away. Definitely recommended. read more

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I got one drink from Tallboy after lunch and it was the banana hammock. When they said actual flames, they mean actual flames. It's not like some little candle they garnish on your drink, they actually spritz and flamethrower the drink with cinnamon spice and you can really taste it! Our mixologist was awesome for entertaining us at 2pm on a Saturday and the one drink I got was great and a sneaky one. I'll have to come back to try one of their hot dogs next time! read more

Tallboy - Banana Hammock - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Drinks: 4 out of 5 Solid drinks. No frills. Ambiance: 4 out of 5 Dim & cool vibes. Overall: 4 out of 5 Solid dive bar to with come with friends. Glad they also serve drinking food. read more

I had an amazing time here!!! This place was full so busy and now I understand why. The bar is very speakeasy looking the ambience is filled with diversity, love, and every generation just being with each other. The music playing was awesome. There was every genre you can imagine especially because there was a DJ. This place was so packed that it was a little bit difficult to get a drink, but once you did, wow!!! They know how to make their beverages here. I was super sad that I already ate because their food menu looked amazing. They did serve free popcorn if you wanted some. The way yelp list this place say it's a dive bar, but let me tell you it's far form it! This is more of your gourmet cocktails. It's very hard to get a table, but once you do! Keep it! Gone the vibe is fire and drinks will keep you coming back. read more

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Dimly lit. Smoove sounds. Chill vibes. Pockets of friends catching up over drinks. Singles and couples checking out the scene from the U-shaped bar. Sometimes a visiting DJ will dial it up. Turning it into a melting pot of wiggles and jiggles. Their slushies are addictive. Their cocktails are deliciously creative. One in particular stands out - Martiña colada. The tennis player? No. Just a happy offspring of a Martini and a piña colada. If there's a drink that represents this place, that's it. If you get the munchies, they got the weenies. Feelin' poor? Free popcorn! read more

Tallboy - Martiña Colada - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

What other bar is casually serving bougie vegan hot dogs?! Seriously. I stopped by Tallboy with friends for a brief night for a Tallboy Martini and the Elote dog, and both were dialed in -- the martini crisp and balanced, the Elote dog fun, indulgent, and delicious even to a carnivore like me. The vibe is intimate, cozy, and effortlessly cool, the kind of spot you want to linger at without checking the time. Low-key neighborhood energy, high-key execution. I'll be back. read more

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I went to tallboy in Oakland. Overall it was a pretty decent time, the service was a little slow and they did not seem very attentive with us. The beers were pretty good. I did like that they had a popcorn machine there. Overall the crowd and the vibe at the place was nice. Not sure if I'd go back again read more

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Tallboy calls itself a "self-proclaimed dive bar", but let's be real--it's giving cute decor, frozen cocktail shots, and Jell-O with flair off Telegraph in Oakland. What to Know * Known for their martinis, but don't sleep on the tasty vegan hot dogs--legit satisfying. * The frozen cocktail shots and Jell-O shots bring all the chaotic good energy. * They even serve bougie champagne, so you can keep it classy and kitschy. * Crowd? Nouveau hipster meets eclectic Oakland, and it totally works. * Expect to drop $13-$17 per drink, but the vibes are worth it. Come for the martinis, stay for the people-watching and lowkey fabulous energy. read more

Tallboy - Martini colada - giving more apple than rum and pineapple but tasty - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Such a unique spot. I was thoroughly impressed by the cocktail and food options. The service started off a little slow, only because they were so busy. I personally love the retro ambiance of this place. read more

I like when I come to a spot for a solo date and it feels just like that, solitary but bustling, private but amusing, I have a good time and want to come back. The front entrance looks unassuming and you walk in to be welcomed by a grandiose circular bar set up and ample seat-age around the bar. Huge open space with lots of light coming in despite drapery all about. I took a seat at the bar and was greeted immediately and took a look at the too cute slim menu with the cartoon olives on it. I just wanted a plain dawg (all food is vegan I heard) with mustard and onions, sounded soo me with a dirty martini. (Tini n weenie time) Yum! It was pretty filling and I wonder what hot dogs they used because it didn't taste like your average vegan hotdog. It was very flavorful and the texture was just like that of a regular one. I did feel like the hotdog was a bit dry (I think the breading?) Idk but it was still pretty delicious and that didn't really break it. The drinks here are solid, done by professionals, I got myself an espresso martini slushie for dessert. It was so cute, topped with non dairy whipped cream with shredded espresso bean at the top. I felt like a big kid drinking a ridiculous drink at the bar like if I was at a fountain. Will I come back? Absolutely. I noticed it's by a sushi strip mall place I go to and not far off from my job (honestly a nice stroll) You killed it, Tallboy. read more

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VEGAN REVIEW OH I love this place. The vibe is very hipster Oakland, but even this frumpy middle aged lady felt welcome. Great drinks! Such a variety of fun cocktails. Yummy food! Fun concept-- a variety of fancy vegan hotdogs. read more

Great spot , great drinks , good food (vegan ) / pop corn and chip and dip definitely a staple in the area

I've been waiting to try Tallboy for the longest time and finally had the opportunity with friends. What an experience! I love the tini and hot dog trend, and appreciate a spot in the East Bay that is doing it right! I never got to try Lion Dance Cafe when their restaurant was in Oakland but, the hot dogs on the menu are created by them! All the food on the menu is vegan, including the dogs. Our group ordered the Chilly Dog, the Lion Dancing Dog, and the Cheese in the Trap. Such unique bursts of flavor and innovation..I truly have never had a dog like this. I went with the Cheese in the Trap which came with crispy noodles, sesame, scallions, spicy kimchi, Gochujang aioli, and American cheese. Delicious! The Lion Dancing Dog came with crunchy peanuts and the Chilly Dog with mustard, chili, and onions. Other yummy items to snack on were the Potato Chips & Dip (ruffles with dill pickle and onion dip). Loved sitting with a cocktail and nostalgic chips/dip like I was with my girlfriends back in high school. Next time I swing by, would love to snack on the Chorizo Chex Mix, the Dirty Martini Salad, and Lion Dance Cafe Peanuts. Another nostalgic moment..jello shots! So fun they have these on the menu, as well as little 1oz cocktail shots that are so adorable. The staff is great and the interior is quite beautiful. Love that there are spots to tuck away if you want to spill all the tea, or bar stool seating if that's more your speed. Unfortunately I didn't try the martini so, that just means I'll have to come back :) Looking forward to more fun times with Tallboy, such a great addition to Oakland. read more

Tallboy - What a beautiful sight - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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I was so excited to try Tall Boy and it didn't disappoint. It was a saturday night and the bar was poppin, but the service was keeping up with it. Those bartenders were moving and grooving! Love to see it. They have thoughtfully crafted draft cocktails and they're honestly affordable $12-17 for the quality. I didn't try any food yet but I will next time. It was very clean and sleek. Would be a cute date spot! read more

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My friends and I stopped by Tallboy on a Friday afternoon around 5:00 p.m. and there was plenty of seating at both the bar and around the restaurant. If you want to avoid crowds, I would try to stop by before 7:30 p.m. as that's when the crowd seemed to pick up. Food and drinks are both ordered at the bar, but if you order food, you'll receive a number to place on your table and food will be brought out to you from the kitchen. The bartenders here are friendly and work quickly assembling cocktails. The drinks options here are overwhelming, in the best way possible. There are so many creative, tasty sounding cocktails. You'll definitely want to stay here for a few hours (or come with a larger group) to try more than one of their drinks. Between my wife and I, I had a chance to try out a bunch of cocktails, including the banana hammock, martina colada, espresso martini, tallboy martini, 100 acre wood, and two 1oz cocktail shots -- the cold fashioned and domino. Across the board, the drinks were well-balanced and as-described. My favorite drink of the night was the banana hammock, which came with a flame-filled presentation at the bar. I didn't have a chance to try out a hotdog from their extensive hotdog offerings, but I did enjoy their chip and dip and their pretzel with brown mustard. There's a free popcorn machine located in the back near the restrooms, so if you're looking for something light to snack on with your cocktails, that's always a nice option. If you're on Telegraph looking for a fantastic bar to hang out with friends over great cocktails, Tallboy is where it's at. read more

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Super nice bartenders, dirty gin martini was absolutely delicious! I'd come back :) order at the counter. read more

Tallboy got me twisted. From the beautiful man checking IDs to the expertly crafted drinks, this is the spot. There's always a smile and good beats. Popcorn is popping fresh towards the back near the bathroom. They always make the best drinks and the upgraded buns for the vegan hot dogs is absolutely perfect...I'm moving in. This martini bar has me coming back for more. Shout out to Jordan! The food is crafted by the infamous Lion Dance Cafe crew. Usually no line to get your fix. Please don't change, Tallboy! read more

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such a cute vibe and interior!! service is super sweet and friendly, fast at making drinks - TRY THE ESPRESSO MARTINI SLUSHY it's the best and v dangerous lol also love that they provide a complementary popcorn station in the back, what a vibe! read more

Tallboy - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

I absolutely love the drinks here! They have a ton of options, they are tasty, and most importantly strong! Have had the snacks a few times and they are also really delicious. I love the vibes of this bar too, it is a really great space to enjoy with your friends in a booth or at the bar. The servers are all super friendly and they make it a great overall experience. Definitely work checking out! read more

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Music is top tier here! Highly recommend this place. They're known for their vegan dogs and popcorn. Drinks are delicious too. Only area of opportunity is when its busy, the staff doesn't seem to have an efficient way to serve people or at least when I stopped by the bartender seemed to avoid us altogether. read more

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Great hot dogs and that's from a meat eating Chicagoan. Also you can't beat the Tiny Tinis. So efficient and so tasty. read more

Tallboy - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

I've heard this spot is known for their martinis which did not disappoint, the staff is friendly and made it a point to acknowledge me at the bar. Much appreciated! read more

Tallboy - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Pros: a truly unique and fun space, great service, fun crowd, funky and inventive food and drink menu Cons: it's in Oakland What a wonderful addition to the Oakland nightscene. Tallboy has everything you would want in a bar that you could visit every weekend. A fun, roomy space with good ventilation? Check. A fun drink and food menu? Check. Friendly service? Triple-check! The concept is really fun, you can order everything from martinis and jello shots to Miller high-life. And for food, they've got old favorites from your childhood like corndogs, even if you like it vegan-style. And unlike many bars in Oakland, you can use the bathroom here without wanting to throw away your shoes. The space itself is beautifully designed, clean, and well-maintained. There's also plenty of seating and bar space for you to settle down and enjoy yourself. The music is at a reasonable volume so you can actually have conversations with your friends. Last but not least, the bartenders remain friendly even when things get busy. I mainly worry about this place because of well, Oakland. As we all know, Oakland is really struggling and crime is a persistent concern. Given how people are also abandoning Oakland in droves, I hope that Tallboy can persevere financially. When you visit, definitely don't let your DD leave valuables in their car. Better yet, take an Uber so that you can all enjoy some of those tasty Jello shots! All in all, highly recommended! read more

We came to Tallboy on Thanksgiving Eve and somehow landed in the perfect version of the place. A live jazz band, the smell of nutmeg hanging in the air, and a room that felt cozy and refined with just a hint of dive. The kind of atmosphere that makes you immediately relax and want to stay for one more round. Tallboy is a martini bar, and the drinks are excellent. Thoughtful, well-executed, and serious without being precious. For cocktails of this caliber, the pricing feels more than fair. About $14, which in the bay and for these drinks, is a gift. Then there is the food. The hot dog menu from Lion Dance is straight fire. Unexpected, craveable, and exactly what you want alongside a strong martini. It works in a way that feels obvious once you are eating it. Tallboy nails the balance. Great drinks, great food, great vibe. It feels special without trying too hard, and that is rare. I am recommending this place to everyone. read more

This spot is poppin' and I know why. They figured out a great recipe: great modern, mid-century space, DJ on the weekends, great cocktail list (with prices on par if not slightly cheaper than most spots), free POPCORN, incredibly friendly staff. My friend and I popped in post dinner and stayed a few hours. We looked up at about 10pm when the DJ changed over and we didn't know any of the songs, and realized we were 100% the oldest people there, so we bounced, but FUN! The DJ was incredibly loud as the night progressed, although we were sitting right next to it. But great vibes! I had a few diff cocktails - but they have a whole martini list, along with slushies, jello shots and more fun things. People love the vegan hot dogs, and they have a bunch of other nibbles seemingly not vegan - I saw a frito pie situation with some chili on the menu. Seemingly, they also serve food late into the night, so cheers! Overall, FUN. You're going to TallBoy for some dranks, so bring your thirst, and at least on a weekend night, your dancing shoes and be ready to mingle. read more

Very cool "dive" bar in Temescal (I think it's much nicer than your typical dive bar...). Great vibe, super friendly and helpful and talented staff. The drinks were quite tasty (their house martini was strong and nicely flavored and the carrot/honey mocktail was very flavorful). The spicy house Chex mix was very tasty and salty with a nice spicy kick. Definitely want to come back to try more drinks and food (especially the famous vegan hot dogs!). read more

Tall Boy has quickly become my new favorite bar spot. The drinks are solid, the music is always good, and the whole vibe just feels easy and fun. The staff are super friendly and make you feel at home right away. It's the kind of place where you can start the night with friends, post up for a chill drink, or just slide in solo and still feel comfortable. Every time I've been, the energy has been right without trying too hard. Oakland has plenty of bars but Tall Boy already feels like a go to. read more

Tallboy - Bar area - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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First time? There's no signs to tell you to order at the counter so find a menu and order with the bartender. Wait for drinks at the bar and seat yourself anywhere. There's free popcorn in the back too, go heavier on the seasoning cuz they're pretty light. Note: water station at the bar and napkins by the popcorn. Drinks: Banana Hammock: 5/5 there's a reason there's a limit of 2 per person! It is strong! But they set it on fire and it tastes good too! Lion dancing dog: 4/5 solid hot dog and the topping went well with it. Vibe: it was super cozy earlier in the night with jazz and the Christmas decor. They started playing louder music later when more people came and we were right under the speaker. Great for dates, meeting friends, or going with coworkers. read more

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even on a monday night, this place was bustling. tallboy has such good energy and ambience -- dim lighting, loud music, and constant conversations. upon entering, it was kinda confusing at first if we were supposed to get seated (as there were workers bringing around food orders?) but it seems like you can seat yourself & you just go up to the big bar area to place your order. we got the - lychee martini (im not a fan of mezcal but if u are, this would be up your alley) - melon drop (another version of a midori sour? i enjoyed!) - green tea jello shots (was very cute but i prob wouldnt get again) - line cook (a modelito and a well shot) theres also free popcorn in the back so we snacked on that as well! overall, can see this being a fun, solid place for any type of occassion and will be back to try their slushies and their food (-: read more

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First time here. I came on a whim. I had no idea this restaurant/bar existed until a friend mentioned that their office holiday party is scheduled to be here I went on YELP and I looked at the menu ....Saw they have Lychee Martinis...say no more I am on my way!!! Venue has a lot of seating available Bar is the focal point. Bartenders are friendly and efficient Menu pretty cool Hot Dogs and Martinis what else do you need??!!! LOL Lychee Martini was very good, so good I had 2 (14$ each) Located on Temescal, Street parking only. This place is a vibe and I cant wait to come back and try other items read more

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I came here during Halloweekend expecting a fun, social time, but honestly, it was kind of a letdown and I was happy to leave. They had live DJ's all night, and a couple of my friends who are DJ's were part of the lineup, so I went to support them. The night started early around 8pm on Saturday night. I ordered a cocktail and bar snack shortly after arriving. The drink was pretty inexpensive for the Bay Area, but it wasn't very good. The pretzel tasted like a frozen pretzel that had been microwaved, definitely not freshly made. Later, I bought a couple friends and myself a round of jell-o shots, which were cheap but watered down. None of us felt any type of buzz from them, as they tasted like barely any alcohol had been added. While the energy overall was high due to the live music, the dance floor was a tiny triangle section of the bar with barely enough space for anyone but the rotating lineup of DJ's to dance. The wrap-around cocktail bar itself takes up the majority of the space situated in the center of the venue. Most people were coupled up and only talking to each other, while the rest of the guests were seated in small groups at adjacent tables. I've never felt so isolated in a crowd on the biggest party weekend of the year. read more

Tallboy - martiña colada - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Vegan dogs and delicious cocktails? Say less!! Friendly bartenders, stunning and yummy cocktails and enticing vegan hotdogs!! Chill vibe Must visit if you're in the Oakland area! read more

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