All the dress codes boil down to the same thing. Be White.

If I recall right, Tobacco actually enforces a collared shirt rule for the downstairs area.

Yup 👆🏽

Unless it's a white T... Then it's unacceptable

there's no dress code down there

2 dolla rails when i was in college 20 years ago

Can you elaborate / explain this statement?

I walked in last friday (upstairs) in jeans, a zip up hoodie and an avail shirt. Nobody stopped me.

Is the basement still open? I too am old.

I saw that they were hiring for a GM or something for the nightclub area. Maybe it's reopening soon?

Ok, so 43 here and girlfriend a bit younger but still loves to dance and we’ve had fun the couple times we’ve gone. That said I felt over dressed. 29 something’s now are business casual at best IMO; from what I’ve seen there.

And bonus points if you’re a blonde.

A bunch of years ago I didn’t get in, in a tshirt

Yes, i wore a tshirt during the summer, and as a white man. Did not get it

Since when? Back in the day they used their BS dress code to profile as much as they possibly could.

Is it not clear enough? Tobacco Company is known for being racist AF and using their BS dress code to profile and not allow people in.

I Ate at amuse and a guy at the bar was wearing a hardcore hoodie I don’t remember the band but I feel vindicated

It’s open and has been for a while.

One of the most predictable things about Reddit is the willful ignorance of the obvious when it comes to racism and sexism. Every damn time.

Tiki Bob prices were wild, too!

Gf and I went bout 2 months ago. I think we went on an 18+ night because there was no way some of them were 21. Plus music was radio top 40 type. We gotta give it another go

This was downvoted for providing an example of the dress code applying equally across races. I guess it does not fit the rva reddit narrative.

So they'd be cool with hosting an orgy? It's really difficult to find places with 0 dress code.

I don’t get how a dress code is racist?

Since they reopened about a year ago

Thats not true they wouldnt let me in a few months ago lol. I had on a non collared but still acceptable shirt imo. But when i went down there after changing there was a guy who clearly knew someone or worked there because he was in a nascar tshirt😂. So either wear something fancy if they dont know you, or know the door guys.

Out of curiosity, what is it? Not the restaurant itself, but like is there a social night? Does it become a club or something?

Basement is a club. They have a dance floor and bar.

If they didn't let you in it wasn't because of what you were wearing.

“You cant come in with that on, you gotta change” is what they said. But most certainly they were flexing on a guy they didnt recognize. So if someone asks if they have a dress code, i’m sure they tell people they do and let people they know in regardless. But its misleading to say they dont. Theyll use it as an excuse

It’s racist when you only enforce it when it comes to particular people.

Automatic upvote for the Avail shirt

The .25 tacos!!

AP Hill statue? Racist AF! Take it down!

Tobacco Co. and its “dress code”. What are you talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?

Not trying to be intentionally ignorant here, but how do people selectively choose to enforce dress code standards? Could you share an example or story that happened so I can understand better?

My friend has a story about how his 60 year old parents ate at the restaurant and afterward thought it would be fun to go dancing downstairs. Didn’t turn out to be as much fun as expected.

It’s not that difficult. Having a dress code for example that says “no logos” but only barring entry for certain individuals who have logos on their shirts. Racism exists, I know it’s hard for you to believe.

.10, beers were .25

Yes! I thought I had that backwards. Man…dangerous times hahaha

I definitely had some wild times there

The story of how my SO and I met. True love found in Basement Tobacco

Red Bull Blue Berry Vodka

Core memory unlocked.

Race and class tend tov serve the same interests, and so if it isn't one, it's often the other.

Rules are never 100% but a system doesn't need to be 100% effective to be the dominating force in our lives.

You mean like a Nike logo check mark is good to go, but an Air Jordan logo is a no go?

I was also denied over 10 years ago because I am a (white) dork. I technically passed the states dress code but I didn't push it.

True.

No, like a white dude wearing a Nike logo still gets in while they stop a black dude for having the same logo.

I remember heading to tiki bobs one day with friends for the 10 cent tacos/25 cent beers, then being turned away because one of our friends had cut off shorts.... trying to square the idea of not being dressed nice enough for 25 cent beers broke my brain.

Dang, yeah that’s messed up

Clubs/bars in shockoe used to (I haven't been in years but I'm sure it's the same) post signs about "dress code" with things like "no fitted hats, no cheetah print leggings, no baggy jeans, no gold chains, no air Jordans" which was very clearly targeting a specific demographic. Then you'd go in and there'd be white guys walking around in flip flops, ball caps, and dingy tee shirts. The dress code in those places has always been about keeping certain kinds of people out, not about appearances.