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.
