"Tucked away upstairs of East Austin cocktail bar Whisler’s is this intimate little mezcal tasting room inspired by Oaxaca taverns. Named after the much-prized tobalá agave plant, the mezcalería aims to give customers the full Oaxacan experience, where guests can sample half-pours in clay copitas with a traditional service of oranges and sal de gusano (a spicy, smoky hit of umami made from crushed worms) or full pours in a traditional veladora glass. There are indoor dine-in areas." - Clara Wang