Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

We finally checked out Tobacco Road after months of glowing reviews by our close friends and next-door neighbors. Initially we were reluctant because of the whole “bar” thing (we have 2 sons, ages 7 and 10), but since we trust our friends and had already been briefed on the smoke-free atmosphere, we headed out on Thursday night with the boys to have a late dinner and catch the first half of the Steelers game. Our experience was fantastic from start to finish. Despite being fairly busy, we managed to snag a table in the “Big TV Room” (as dubbed by the boys) and were immediately greeted by our waitress who proved to be friendly and prompt throughout the night. The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was boisterous and fun—and to our pleasure, VERY kid-friendly! We had the guacamole and wings first (some of the best guac in town, I’d say)and the boys split mac and cheese and a corndog and green beans. My husband and I had the steak frites and lamb wrap—and everything was excellent, fresh and came out fast. We even stayed a little past the first half since the boys had discovered the Deer Hunter game in the corner and the crowd really did seem to be mostly folks out with their families, like us. It was not a typical bar crowd at all—but I suspect it’s the type of place that gets more of a out-and-about crowd as it gets later (meaning we’ll be getting a babysitter some night soon). We were checked on by both the manager and one of the owners by the time we left…the latter we found giving our boys pointers on the video games. All in all, we found all the good things we had heard to be true, and then some. We will definitely be back!

By gretchen72 09/11/09

I’ve read a couple of reviews on this place that said it was “kid friendly” and “a great place for ladies”. From our experience, nothing could be further from the truth. My wife and I heard good things about Tobacco Road so we went in for a light dinner. The menu was very unique and included a lot of creative ingredients not often found on the typical sports bar menu. We decided to sit at the bar since it was just the two of us. The bartender was a little terse and seemed a little uninformed about what liquors they carried and some of the menu items. But, we were just relaxing so it was no big deal. The food was good and did seem a step up from the usual.

There we a couple sitting next to us at the bar also enjoying drinks and dinner. About halfway through our meal, a gentleman approached the other couple and started a conversation. He was very cocky and was bragging about the restaurant and ragging on lots of other places in downtown Raleigh. Although he was conversing with them directly, he was speaking loudly enough (purposely) so that other patrons (including us) could hear him. Within the next five minutes, he trashed a number of Raleigh establishments and used the “F” word at least five times. He continued on, telling this couple that a women he knew was an “F-ing B…”.

He then proceeded to leave and approached a number of other tables, including some with children. It was obvious that he was the manager of the restaurant. I asked the bartender if he was the manager and the bartender said “Oh no, that’s the owner, Alex.” We asked to speak to him so we could voice our displeasure, and the bartender tried to get his attention but never got him to come over. After five or ten minutes of waiting, we decided to leave.

I’m not sure what the obsession is with foul language these days, but I certainly don’t expect it from the owner of an eating establishment in the presence of women and children. It’s really a shame we won’t be going to Tobacco Road ever again. The food was pretty good.

By goredsox98 08/17/09

Love that it is non smoking!  Food was really good, nice change from fried sports bar food.  Not a bad seat in the house, we will for sure be back.

By NCforMe 06/19/09

So, it was a beautiful Sunday evening. Game 5 of the Canes and Bruins series was starting soon. It was also Mother’s Day, and I was taking the parents out for dinner. Well, I decided to go to Tobacco Road Sports Café. I had walked by there lots of times and had stopped in for a drink outside on their patio once before. Well, we got an outside table——their outside seating is really well done—-quite comfy. And, it is cool to be able to see TVs from out there.

This was my first experience with the food at Tobacco Road. It was quite tasty. Our table had an order of their corn dogs—-delectable. Corn dogs are far from something that I eat everyday, so it was nice to have some that are homemade and a quality product. All three of the sliders were tasty——had one of each kind that they offer.

What I really liked was that the owners were there working on a Sunday evening. I ran into both Alex and Brian Amra. Perhaps this is part of the reason why things were running so smoothly. I’ll be back for more vittles, drinks, sports and good times.

By uncwgirl77 05/10/09

Ok, I must say that I was a little hesitant when my husband suggested this place.  A sports bar, with the kids?  Well, I was pleasantly suprised.  I was unlike any sports bar I’ve ever been in.  Great food, wonderful service, and child friendly.  Yes, child friendly!!!  Even if there is a big game on.  They have a seprate dinning room away from the bar.  The menu was good.  The kids LOVED the mac-n-cheese and the fresh chicken tenders.  And now, kids eat free on Tues!!!
The only opportunity, they need a better dessert menu.  Other than that wonderful place to dine.
By the way, hey ladies, the restrooms were VERY clean!!!!

By MAKH 02/26/09