The Tobacco Company Restaurant

The food was incredibly delicious.
The service is average.
Staff is very helpful and courteous.
Would come back here again and try some of their great menu.

Overpriced tourist trap. If a Richmond local suggests going there, it really means she doesn’t like you very much. Fern bar with the internal elevator, right out of a Michael Douglas movie romp in the 80s.
Corrine has commented that they’re proud that «rarely can you find a Richmonder who is not in someway connected to the Tobacco Company.» That’s true, in the same way that it’s true that rarely can you find a Richmonder who has not had an awkward hookup.
In the same vein as those hookups, the service is average, the food edible, and the lighting blessedly dim. The air is stale.
Bottom line: keep moving, unless you’re looking for that special taste of classy that was 1985.

I have been here three times for food, and multiple occasions for drinks. My friend and I came in for drinks and a quick bite to eat, our server, Hayden, was such a pleasure. She greeted us with enthusiasm and recommended drinks to us, which were AMAZING. I had the blackberry fizze izzy with pomegranate vodka, my friend had a cucumber soda with citrus vodka. It’s a shame Hayden told us her last day was Tuesday :(we will definitely be back but will miss Hayden!

So let me start by saying that I was not trying to eat here. The first time I did, the food was great but service was insanely slow but it was because they had the bartender running around doing a million things and I honestly felt bad for him.
This time was very different.
Bar: staff was hardworking and attentive as before, cocktails were tastey. The bartenders were very knowledgable and sociable. There’s nothing I can’t stand more than bartenders who ignore you when it’s slow. These were the opposite. Very friendly, presentable, and outgoing.
Hostess: We were approached at the bar when our table was ready and were seated promptly. They were also very friendly.
Wait staff: again very attentive. Excellent job.
Food: was decent. I really enjoyed the glazed pork. I also had a Caesar salad, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. The sprouts were a little tough and could’ve used something extra. Tons of salt and pepper were required. My date did not enjoy her steak but loved the dinner rolls. I didn’t think it was bad, just average. Overall, I’d give the food a C.
3 stars is for the initial experience which I would’ve given a 1 and the second experience which I would give a 4. It’s too hit or miss here. But I’ll probably go back one more time and see if this past trip was a fluke.

Great food, bad service. Waited 10 minutes for butter and finally tracked down a manager to get it. Maybe it’s just me but if I’m going to spend $ 150 on a dinner for 2 I want better service. In a city obsessed with food there are better places to go, I would suggest doing so.

This was a pretty great place to celebrate our birthday! We had a variety of things to eat, so I can comment on a few:
Starters: The crab soup (though I only had a bite) really is mentioned for a reason, it was very tasty. We had the caesar salad as well (made table side), it was as good as a caesar salad can be, so there isn’t a thumbs up or down for that.
Main: The filets, however, were delicious. The meat was a little overcooked to order, but it was still delicious and easy to eat.
DESSERT: We were there celebrating my birthday, so they brought out a slice of their half chocolate cake/​cheesecake. My husband loved it, I wasn’t a fan. It wasn’t that it was bad, but rather it had a lemon-​y taste, and I don’t do lemon in desserts (especially cheesecake with chocolate), but if you don’t mind that, my husband said it was great.
Instead, I ordered the butter cake and it was PHENOMENAL. I love yellow cake and cream cheese and so this dessert did not disappoint. Imagine a yellowcake + molten lava cake topped with ice cream. If you don’t want a chocolate dessert… this is where it is.
Drinks: Stick to wine or beer, the cocktails were meh. I had a margarita and maitai, both of which were more sugar than substance. This isn’t a selling point for me though, it is just a piece of info I would take in for next meal.
The drinks are really what knocked it down a star, overall I think the meal was great and fairly priced!

My mom chose The Tobacco Company for our Mother’s Day linner. We arrived at around 3pm and they were ready for us right away.
I’ve been here plenty of times in the past, and I don’t remember ever being wowed by the food. The other day I got a chicken caesar salad (trying to be healthy… weddings and things!), a mimosa, and cinnamon buns. The best part of my meal were the cinnamon buns. I love those things. I don’t think I’ve had one since college, so it was a welcome, blissful surprise. The salad was definitely not worth whatever we paid for it. The chicken was dry as a bone, and everything else about it was just ok. I definitely wouldn’t order that again. The mimosa was pretty good. I enjoyed sipping on that and it made it feel like a proper brunch.
Overall, I would recommend The Tobacco Company to anyone who wants a truly unique dining experience. The floor plan is super cool, there are tons of more private dining rooms for families, and they have live entertainment nearly every night of the week. I would give it 4 stars for atmosphere, but I wasn’t impressed with my food, so I had to take a star off. Better luck next time!

I have heard numerous great things about this restaurant, so I decided to check it out for myself. It’s in shockoe bottom where most clubs and restaurants are in Richmond. The view of the restaurant outside was okay and seemed small; however once you enter its so big and amazing. It had a very vintage look and feel to it. We walked to the host and checked in, they then directed my friend and I to the second floor hostess. The elevator was very cool and classic looking. Once checking into our reservation, we were seated immediately. The view from our seats were incredibly. I love the scenery and the lighting. We went during restaurant week and I think prom was also going on so there were a lot of people there.
On the other hand; service was still quick. Our waiter was friendly and sweet. He explained everything well and catered to our every need. I loved him and his service.
First, they bring bread and this AMAZING butter. It’s like sweet but has a garlic taste, I have no idea how to describe it but it is the BOMB.
So we ordered off the restaurant week menu because that’s the main reason why we went. It was 3 courses (appetizer, entrée and dessert) $ 29.15 for each person.
The first course I got was a pork tenderloin. It was moist and delicious. However; I thought the portion was on the smaller side; nonetheless I was pleased. My friend got oysters Monterey. It was really good, probably the best oysters I’ve had.
My second course was a pecan chicken with a cream based sauce with a side of sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. The chicken and sauce was BOMB. The sweet potatoes were incredible, reminded me of southern cooking. I could have lived without the Brussels sprouts though. My friend got the leg of lamb with a side of mashed potatoes and asparagus. It was moist and delicious!
My third course was the Crème brûlée cheesecake. UGH, I cannot stress how much I loved and enjoyed that cake. It was perhaps one of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever had. We loved it so much we tried to buy another one but we couldn’t because you basically had to purchase the whole 3 course meal again. My friend got the butter cake, it was moist on the inside and kind of crunchy or crispy on the outside. It was good but it was nothing compared to the cheesecake.
Overall, the service was amazing. The location and décor was gorgeous. The food was incredibly delicious. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would come here again. I want to try some of their regular items on the menu.

I’ve stopped at this place most times when I am in Richmond. It’s a great atmosphere. Sometimes it is quiet and other times there’s a local music act, not necessarily a band but maybe a banjo player.
The food is delicious. It’s a small menu so you know they are doing everything to perfection. Over time we have tried almost every appetizer and there is nothing to complain about. Heya re all great starters.
The Caesar salad is mixed at your table and whatever that fan fare may mean the salad is delicious. I suggest sharing it before dinner.
The scallop dinner was amazing and every beef enter is amazing. I can’t say one entrée is a better option than the other so go for whatever you are in the mood for that night.
Staff is very professional and very helpful. Feel free to ask for suggestions which is something I am not keen on but they seem to be able to offer unbiased opinions.
Cheers.

My wife and I returned to this restaurant last night, after eight years, during which time we collected animal print items for my wife to choose from to wear when we returned someday.
We arrived early, and, while waiting outside, my wife perused the rules listed on a sign about the dress code. «No animal print…» Standing there in a tiger-​print dress she had recently altered just special for this occasion, and the leopard print coat she had worn the last time we were there, she immediately became incensed, and insisted we return to the public parking terrace before this fiasco cost us any more money for parking. She would never give the doorman a chance reject her for not meeting the dress code.
Back home, she started Googling and soon discovered that the Tobacco Company is apparently very proud of its «double standard» for its dress code, which, of course, infuriates her even more.
This was a very anti-​climactic return to our favorite place in Richmond after living in New York, Texas, and California.

I became aware that recently a friend of mine and a group of her friends attempted to enter the Tobacco Company club. My friend (who is a white female) was accepted entrance and her companions (four black females) were denied entrance in to the club. The excuse being that «they did not meet dress code requirements.» This being said, there were a couple of white females let in before them who were not in «dress code» standard attire and were wearing flip flops. The bouncer told my friend that those were allowed. My friend then brought up on her phone the dress code and clearly stated they were not allowed as per Tobacco Company dress code. My friends companions were all within the dress code and were still denied entry into this bar.
I have heard this story one too many times now from this restaurant and bar that I USED to give my patronage to. I refuse to continue spending my money at an establishment that openly practices racism because they believe that it does not conform with their image.
I am sorry, but not sorry Tobacco Company. You have lost one more patron today.

So, I only knew about this place people kept stating that I had to try this place when I get to Richmond. It was one of the first things to do on my list. Apparently, this place a super old historical building with an old crickety cable elevator.
As you walk in, the atmosphere was nice. There was this soft lighting with a classic wooden decoration from wall to wall. The ground floor around the bar area had this 1800s western feeling to it. Had a few TVs. Great beer menu.
They took our group to the 2^nd floor. We sat at a small table but big enough for 4 people. This place would be great for a date, which I wasn’t on. Business as usual.
I had a salad, which was very clean. Nicely dressed and had strong yet light favoring mixture of crunchy and soft. I order the crab cakes. Delicious. Wasn’t the best I ever had, but it was sure pretty good nonetheless. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Rating:
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ambience: 5
Price: 4
Overall: 4.5
Would come back whenever I visit Richmond VA. Surely, I wasn’t disappointed.

Went here on a Saturday night. Atmosphere was good, soft lighting with a classic wooden décor. Ground floor had a bar area that I didn’t go to but it seemed nice. We had dinner on the 3^rd floor and decided to take the old timey elevator there. Riding an elevator isn’t exactly fun, but it was a neat part of the experience nonetheless.
Shortly after seating they greet you and take drink orders and fill your water glasses. Food prices are generally $ 20+ to $ 40 for the main courses, wine and beer will run you about $ 7/​glass. So be prepared to spend a little for the experience. I hade the Filet Mignon and it was great. Wife had the seafood pasta and says the same. Would definitely go again.

I’m only judging based on the ambience and drinks, so please take that into consideration when you read this… The scene is very historic-​downtown Richmond, cobblestone streets, stained glass windows and lots of dark wood and brick create a very old school feel-​exactly what I’d want to experience and expect from deep in the heart of tobacco country! So, I loved the ambience (I’d give it at least a 3 – 4), but the drink I had wasn’t very good. The bartender was kind, and offered to take some off of the bill, but I’d rather have an expensive drink that I’d like than a cheap drink I didn’t like. Other than that, I can’t really judge the food. What people had at the bar looked good, but without tasting it, it’s not fair for me to judge. The verdict? Come for the history, not the libations!

Very cool atmosphere. Love the history and the old building. When I said I was headed to Richmond, every person suggested Tobacco Company. 4 of us ladies headed there for some cocktails and a bite to eat. We weren’t disappointed.

This place has everything: a super old historical building with an old crickety cable elevator (renovated of course), a super fancy dining room on the top floor where you can splurge on $ 200+ bottles of wine, and a super fun/​dive-​bar environment downstairs with excellent bar food, happy hour, and fun martini list.
Happy hour is pretty awesome: $ 3 glasses of wine, $ 6 martinis, and 3 appetizers for $ 20. Not a bad deal at all! The coconut shrimp is awesome and the spinach/​artichoke dip is huge! I recommend the pomegranate martini.

This place is historical and yummy, what more could you want. I was here for work, so I decided to check this place out. It did not disappoint. The butter cake looked delicious – I so wanted it, but refrained instead.
I got the sea scallops, per Unilocal reviews. It also didn’t let me down (thanks Unilocal). The house cab is good and they also have a great beer tab selection. Lots of local beers, and they have a pumpkin beer they gave me a sample of.
I would recommend this eatery!

Always been one of those places you take people who have not been to Richmond to start your night. Either for drinks or dinner. The place is really a Richmond restaurant landmark. Interior décor and setting is always a crowd pleaser. And food and drinks are very good.
If you haven’t been here you probably must be new to Richmond.

Perhaps this is a review… from 7+ years ago. But I think the story is worth telling. Tobacco Company, I thank you for getting me out of this dog shit relationship I so needed to get out of. Here goes.
Let me take you back to June, 2008.
A weekend golf trip with my buddies. I already heard a bunch of crap from the gf at the time for going. She tried to guilt me numerous times. Text messages while driving up to Richmond. Text messages while golfing. I’m over this crap already and it was only Friday.
Saturday night rolls around and we need something cool to do. We’re not dressed to hit up a club. Hell, we didn’t even have 15 cents in the car to pay some stupid toll. I do believe some lady hooked us up with some change. Everyone is fighting over what to do. They’re almost ready to turn the car around and head back to the hotel. Fast forward, my buddy talks the bouncer into letting us into Tobacco Company. Shit is still awkward among the other three guys (I just observe the drama). Everyone grabs his own drink and proceeds to do his own thing.
Fast forward one hour. Everyone has kissed and made up. Now we’re having a good time. We’re like a bunch of kids in a candy store. Lightweight me is getting blitzed like no other.
There’s a bachelorette party. Somehow, I’m hanging out with all of them. I’m hanging out next to the bride. My friends said I kept kissing her on the cheek. I remember taking pictures but at that time the days of making new friends on Facebook, tagging photos, and stalking each other for dates wasn’t the thing. Probably a very good thing.
It gets better. I’m dancing. I’m having a blast. There’s a cigarette in my hand. My buddy is dancing with a group of girls. He’s having a blast. I decide to slide my way in with the group. Then all of a sudden. Boom. Oh shit. Sizzle. I JUST BURNED THIS WOMAN’S CHEEK WITH A CIGARETTE!!! Needless to say, that ended hanging with that group because they immediately left. «Zeus, way to f**k that up.»
Soon after, we left, too.
I had so much fun that evening. This one night at Tobacco Company made me realize that you need to be happy. I was happy that night (okay, so the alcohol helped). I wasn’t happy driving back home. The dog shit relationship I mentioned at first… As soon as I got home I ended that like I did dancing with the group of ladies with the cigarette burn.
Tobacco Company, thanks for picking me up out of the rut I was in and giving me a story my friends and I still laugh at today.

This review is solely for their lunch.
I was in the mood for a cheeseburger one day, and outside of Wendy’s, there aren’t a whole lot of good places to get one downtown. I decided to try The Tobacco Company as I’ve had some coworker’s extra left overs and thought that everything I had was amazing, and decided to try it myself.
–Food: I got a Backwoods Burger, which their menu states is: «8 oz. Certified Angus Beef burger topped with Boar’s Head cheddar cheese, Applewood bacon, crispy fried shoestring onions, lettuce, tomato, and T.C. barbecue sauce, served on a pretzel bun». Minus the lettuce and tomatoes that I opted out of, this burger was everything that it says it is, and way more.
The burger itself is cooked to order, so I got it a lovely Medium — Well, and was super tasty. It wasn’t too greasy but it’s definitely not lean meat either. The shoestring onions are what really does it for me as I’m no less than addicted to them. I’m convinced you can improve every meal with them, be it burgers, sandwiches, tacos, cereal, whatever, hah. The bacon was great as well and fit in with the other toppings well. Once upon a time when I went to the University of Rochester, our upscale restaurant on campus had this delicious thing known as the Mel Burger which I got just about every week; and the Tobacco Company’s Backwoods Burger is the closest that any burger as been to coming to that beefy perfection.
The sides were good as well. I found myself eating all of the fries as well as the fruit. Some say that the fries are unremarkable, but I think they were pretty good.
–Cost: Everything on their lunch menu falls within the $ 10 — $ 15 range, which is higher than most things in the area. That said, the amount of food you get is well worth the price. I had half a pound of high quality beef with tasty sides, all for $ 13 after tax ($ 16 with tip, which realizing now, I may have over tipped, oh well). I will give a warning though; the Dinner Menu looks to be $ 20 — $ 45 for food alone, with quite high prices for drinks as well.
–Service: The reason why I didn’t mind overtipping is because of the service I had. The waiter I had was amazing. He checked on me a lot, commented on how nice the pretzel bun looked (which looking back is sort of a weird thing, but it was amusing), and joked lightheartedly that I should eat the grapes because they’re good for me. (Which I did, hah). Waiter aside, the front desk lady was great as well and super polite.
–Atmosphere: I think the 4 stars that I planned on giving the Tobacco Company is being bumped up to a 5 because of this. The inside of the place is amazing. The woodwork is super impressive and appears to have 3 floors worth of dining areas. I ate on the ground floor and looked up often through the glass roof and stared at all of the wood and plants with a giddy sort of unexplained happiness.
I will say also, if you come in with casual dress, you may feel out of place as I think that this is probably one of the more upscale places I’ve been. I came in Business Casual clothes for lunch and it felt appropriate, but keep in mind it is a fancy place.
–Overall: I really like it here and while it’s a little costly, I think I’ll be coming back here time and again. I know I shouldn’t eat beef that often, but with a burger as good as the Backwoods Burger, I might just have to exercise extra hard some days.