Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Tobacco Company Restaurant
Richmond, VA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The first-floor bar at The Tobacco Company Restaurant pairs a craft-minded cocktail list with a globe-trotting wine selection and a deep bench of Virginia beers. House-made syrups and local spirits like Copper Fox Rye and Be Well Vodka anchor the program, while a separate non-alcoholic menu shows rare thoughtfulness. Expect creative touches—barrel aging, edible flowers, and a $16.50 Bushwhacker—over a straightforward pour.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Barrel Aged Old Fashioned, made with Copper Fox Rye and aged in oak, or the Jalapeño Business Margarita for heat. For wine, the Dr. Loosen Riesling has drawn praise. The Bushwhacker is a dessert-level indulgence at $16.50.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking local Virginia spirits and creative syrups will find much to like. Wine drinkers appreciate the international variety, and designated drivers have a dedicated non-alcoholic menu with options like the Pretty in Pink.
- When should I go?
- Anytime the first-floor bar is open; the barrel-aged old fashioned suggests a leisurely evening, and the non-alcoholic options make it suitable for a mixed group.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are moderately priced; the Bushwhacker runs $16.50. Wines by the bottle range from $28 to $60, and a non-alcoholic Rosé Spritz is $7.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The program leans into Virginia terroir with local spirits and breweries, and the barrel-aged old fashioned signals a craft commitment. The separate non-alcoholic cocktail list, with house-made syrups and edible flowers, is a notable step beyond typical bar offerings.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative cocktail list with house-made syrups, local spirits, and a barrel-aged old fashioned. Non-alcoholic options are integrated. Pricing is mostly absent, but the craft focus is evident.
Menu strengths
- — House-made syrups and a barrel-aged old fashioned indicate craft ambition.
- — Use of local Virginia spirits like Copper Fox Rye and Be Well Vodka adds regional character.
Standout selections
- — Barrel Aged Old Fashioned: Copper Fox Rye, Angostura bitters, simple syrup, aged in oak, served with a Luxardo cherry and orange twist.
- — Jalapeño Business Margarita: Cazadores Blanco Tequila, house spicy mix, orange liqueur float, lime, salt rim.
- — Raspberry Rhapsody: Be Well Vodka (VA), raspberry syrup, lemon juice, cardamom bitters.
Pricing: Only one cocktail price listed: The Bushwhacker at $16.50.
Wine
Diverse international wine list covering major regions and varietals. Bottle prices are reasonable, though no by-the-glass prices are listed. One community reviewer praised a Riesling.
Menu strengths
- — International selection includes Spain, Oregon, California, Argentina, Italy, Germany, New Zealand, and France.
Standout selections
- — Dr. Loosen Riesling 2022 (Middle Mosel, DE) at $40.
- — Bodega Lanzaga Corriente Rioja 2021 (Spain) at $56.
Pricing: Bottle prices range from $28 to $60; examples include $56 Rioja and $40 Riesling.
Beer
Beer list features a strong lineup of local Virginia breweries and a variety of styles. No pricing or draft/bottle distinction provided.
Menu strengths
- — Strong local Virginia representation with Richbrau, Devil's Backbone, C.O.T.U., Ardent, and Bold Rock.
- — Variety of styles including lager, IPA, ale, stout, and cider.
Standout selections
- — Devil's Backbone Vienna Lager (Roseland, VA).
Pricing: No beer prices listed.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail menu with creative options using house-made syrups and non-alcoholic spirits. A thoughtful gesture for sober curious guests.
Menu strengths
- — Use of house-made lavender honey syrup and hibiscus tea.
Standout selections
- — Rosé Spritz: Töst non-alcoholic Rosé, lemon juice, soda water ($7).
- — Pretty in Pink: house-made lavender honey syrup, lemon juice, hibiscus tea, edible hibiscus flower.
Pricing: Rosé Spritz priced at $7.
Spirits
Spirits program is evidenced through cocktails, with a focus on local Virginia products like Copper Fox Rye and Belle Isle Moonshine. No standalone list or pricing.
Menu strengths
- — Local Virginia spirits featured prominently.; Barrel-aged old fashioned indicates premium spirit usage.
Standout selections
- — Belle Isle Grapefruit Cosmo: Belle Isle Ruby Red Grapefruit Moonshine (VA), Triple Sec, lime, pink grapefruit juice.
Pricing: No standalone spirits pricing available.
How it sits with the food
The -based beer list, including Devil's Backbone Vienna Lager and Bold Rock cider, pairs naturally with pub-style fare. The spicy margarita would cut through rich dishes, while the Riesling offers a versatile match for lighter plates.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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