Tallboy's 'tinis and weenies' take the title

Like a generational boxer moving through the ranks, reaching the pinnacle of each weight class before moving on to the next, tougher matchup, Tallboy’s rise in the East Bay nightlife scene has been meteoric. But, instead of using jabs, hooks and slips to get there, it’s dishing out martinis, vegan hot dogs, free popcorn and revelry.

Nosh readers cast their votes prior to Thanksgiving, and the results of the 2025 Nosh Awards are in. Visit Nosh every day from now until Dec. 12 to see a new award announced each day. Congratulations to all the winners!

Bar industry veteran Den Stephens opened Tallboy in Temescal in May 2024, and the “martini dive bar” quickly drew crowds and positive reviews. It then won Best New Bar in the 2024 Nosh Awards, tallying the most votes of any winner in the awards history. Now, Nosh Awards voters have honored Tallboy as the East Bay’s Best Bar Overall in 2025.

“Cool and creative with perfect martinis and delicious hot dogs,” commented a Nosh Awards voter.

“Tallboy remains my favorite. Excellent martinis 🍸 and fun vegan hotdogs. Also cute inside and friendly bar staff even when it’s hectic,” wrote another.

Voter Kara of Emeryville called it “the most fun concept I have ever experienced in a bar!”

In addition to more than a half dozen martinis, the Tallboy menu includes alcoholic slushies, house jello shots, and creative cocktails like the Pretty Privilege, with Maker’s Mark, Aperol, oloroso, strawberry, rhubarb and lemon. The beer and wine lists are not extensive, but offer just enough variety to please those passing on hard liquor. And teetotalers have options too, with five different house non-alcoholic beverages including the Big League Chew, Seedlip Notas de Agave, Lyre’s Italian Orange, lime, pineapple, ginger and soda.

Tallboy has a selection of house cocktails in addition to its list of martinis and other drinks. Credit: Carla Hernández Ramírez for East Bay Nosh

There’s a free popcorn machine in the back, and big horseshoe-shaped bar, and both table and booth seating around it. The selection of vegan hot dogs served on buns from Forma Bakery was developed by Lion Dance Cafe team C-Y Chia and Shane Stanbridge, and a selection of bar snacks like olives, soft pretzels, and frito pie.

“Awesome drinks, great bicycle parking, best vegan dog ever, always a great atmosphere, reasonably priced,” commented one voter.

4210 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland; www.tallboy.bar

Open Sunday through Thursday 2 p.m. to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

In 2025, Tallboy leaned into events, peppering more of the calendar with live music, DJs, and themed nights.

“Never a dull time,” commented voter Jessica of Oakland.

Other voters who picked Tallboy said they “love the energy inside” and it’s “always welcoming” and a “whole vibe.”

On Sunday, Dec. 14 it’s hosting its first winter market, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with handmade goods, clothing, vintage jewelry, art and records for sale.

Nosh Awards voters applauded the Tallboy bartenders and notes the excellent atmosphere. Credit: Carla Hernández Ramírez for East Bay Nosh

“A great space with lots of room to hang with a large group away from the bar, or at the bar to order and chat with the bartenders. Jordan is the man and Zach is putting together some amazing cocktails for the place. I can’t resist a place with a selection of frozen adult slushies, or a popcorn machine,” commented Nosh Awards voter Jack of Oakland.”

The other watering holes nominated for best bar overall were Bar Shiru, Clios, Friends & Family, North Light, and Prizefighter.

Know the hot spots before they’re hot.

Tallboy’s ‘tinis and weenies’ take the title

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