Revamping a Dive Bar w Toby Maloney & Monique King | Bartender at Large ep 489

About this episode

Acclaimed chef Monique King and legendary bartender Toby Maloney discuss their efforts to revitalize a 1970s dive bar in Vancouver, Washington.

What happens when two James Beard Award-caliber talents breathe new life into a 1970s dive bar? Join us for a conversation with acclaimed chef Monique King and legendary bartender Toby Maloney as they take us inside the revival of The Elbow Room, a beloved Vancouver, Washington watering hole they rescued from the brink of disaster. King shares the story of discovering the crumbling space and partnering with Maloney—a friend since their Chicago days in the '90s—to give it new purpose. Maloney reveals his philosophy behind creating an approachable "low touch" cocktail program that delivers incredible complexity with minimal fuss, from the signature Freezer Door Manhattan with its boozy vermouth granita to scratch-made pickled onions. Together, they discuss their mission as "restorationists," preserving what makes a neighborhood haunt special while elevating everything from the grilled cheese to the Tater Tots. Tune in for an inspiring story of friendship, preservation, and the magic that happens when two industry icons prove that a legendary bar can rise again. ● drinkgiffardna.com ● backbarproject.com/portfolio/giffard/west-cup-cocktail-competition ●…

People in this episode

Host: Erick Castro

Guests: Toby Maloney, Monique King

Topics covered

• dive bar revival
• cocktail program
• friendship
• neighborhood haunt
• bar industry

Keywords

• dive bar
• cocktails
• James Beard Award
• bar revival
• Vancouver
• Tater Tots
• grilled cheese

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Freezer Door Manhattan

Books & works: The Elbow Room

Places: Vancouver, Washington

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