I have periodically been coming to this establishment ever since I was 18. I will admit that the last time I went here was a couple of years ago, however, I feel that my bad experiences must be shared! I will start by saying that I am a white female, given that, this club IS racist. My husband (then boyfriend) is black and has been going (or at least trying to go) to Peabody's since he was 18. The first few times he tried to go, he was turned away for a host of reasons (it was so long ago, they had yet to have that sign out front) which they made up as they went along. The bouncers informed him that they keep the dress code because it is a classy establishment and for "safety" issues. My husband has never been one to give up, plus he was curious as to how great this place HAD to be if they had such supposedly high standards for dress. He adjusted his appearance to the point where he wore ill-fitting tight pants, sneakers, and removed his hat (he likes wearing it because he has been balding ever since he was a teenager). Once in, he looked around the "classy" club to see the white male patrons in board shorts and flip flops, and the female patrons (and staff) scantly clad looking like hookers. Once he saw the dress code for what it was, he decided to avoid Peabody's as much as possible.
We were both regulars at the Abyss, which did not have an insane dress code and still managed to be safe. Speaking of safety, if you go to Peabody's their dress code will not keep you safe, neither will their bouncers, or bartenders. When you are dancing, the drunken sailors surrounding you will constantly try to grope you and violate you any way they can. The bartenders obviously don't know how to cut anyone off, and that's probably why someone coming home from Peabody's one night went the wrong way down the interstate-real safe guys! Unfortunately, the city building a parking lot caused the Abyss to shut down so we have gone back to Peabody's a few times.
The last time (which we said it would be our last at the time), I walked pass the bouncer with no problem. My husband (who knows the song and dance of their dress code by this point-and was completely adhering to it) was walking behind me by a few steps putting his phone on vibrate and you couldn't tell that he was with me. As I start to go up the steps, I turn to ask him for my ID since I didn't have pockets in my outfit. He wasn't behind me so I turn around to go find him. The bouncers had him held up at the door saying he wasn't obeying their little code. I flat out ask what is wrong with what he is wearing (tight pants, tucked in button up shirt, and sneakers-no hat) and they all look from one to another and then at the owner (whom I gave the most coldest stare to), the owner made a waving motion and said he could go in. I called every one of them racist pieces of crap and they should all be ashamed of themselves. The bouncer in front of my husband muttered something about him thinking he had boots on, and didn't think I would address what he said. I looked right at him and said "On what planet do all-white Nike sneakers, look like Timberland boots?" The bouncer put his head down, and turned back around to the door without a retort.
Please do not contribute to this club, they are trying to perpetrate the Good Ol' Boy system of the 50's and 60's. A boycott is in order!
To Peabody's: If you don't want black people in your establishment, why don't you just put a sign out front that says "Whites Only"? Also, why do you play music by black artists, but refuse to let black people in the club?
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