Even through the darkest days of tikidom, The Alibi remained popular and busy�probably due to the frequent karaoke nights. The Alibi is full of beautiful lamps and decor from Oceanic Arts

classic

Oceanic Arts

Whittier, CA

Store

9.7

, and has been cared for very well. The drinks for many years were on the weak and sweet side; that changed when new management took over in 2017, and the menu is now solidly-constructed classic tiki drinks and originals.

The Alibi has a long history that predates tiki. It began in the late 1800s as the Chat-n-Nibble, a horse & buggy stop along a dirt road. In later days it became a tavern called Max Alibi. The third owner, Roy Ell, took over the tavern in 1947 and renamed it The Alibi. Ell had travelled to Hawaii, and is responsible for changing the decor to reflect his own Polynesian tastes. The tavern was expanded to include the restaurant in the 1950s. The Witco-inspired rails and 3D hula-girl mural were 1970s additions. In the 1980s, Ell leased The Alibi with the agreement that the decor must stay as is. From 1992 to 2017 The Alibi was run by the White family. In 2017, well-regarded local historic bar managers Marcus Archambeault and Warren Boothby took over with a light restoration and a re-focused bar and food menu, including a flaming pu-pu platter.

Just across the street is The Palms

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The Palms Motor Hotel

Portland, OR

Hotel/Motel

2.9

motor hotel. While not strictly tiki, it does have a fantastic neon sign, and is within stumbling distance.

Comments

TikiStef

TikiStef has visited The Alibi.

November 1, 2018, 12:00 PM

Nice staff, but currently out of mugs.

Akela Akoni

Akela Akoni has visited The Alibi.

October 1, 2018, 12:37 PM

I really liked the decor. Drink and food list could be updated. I had the pupu's which were fine. Music has nothing to do with Tiki though, that too should be taken care of. Nice bartenders. I don't see the point of holding a karaoke night in a tiki bar, but maybe it's just me...