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

Tikisteffie

Tikisteffie has visited The Alibi.

August 30, 2018, 8:32 AM

The tiki spirit is here. And we have a great tiki mug to take home

Tikisteffie

Tikisteffie has visited The Alibi.

August 30, 2018, 8:23 AM

We had a fun night at the alibi. Great peaple great food and great cocktails
I think the deco of the cocktail needs to better but the rest is resale nice
They have a great tiki mug but no swizzelstiks

Trader Anne

Trader Anne has visited The Alibi.

July 26, 2018, 11:00 PM

The size of Alibi allows for crowds, but that takes away from the tiki hut ambiance. Decor was good, drinks were very strong, and the barkeep was friendly enough but not overly bothersome. I visited in the afternoon, so I was able to avoid the karaoke crowd; music was perfect exotica. If this were the only tiki bar in town, I�d be pleased, but it pales in comparison to Hale Pele.

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