Tropical Paradise
We love karaoke at the Alibi, but why not ramp up the exotica?
Posted by: John Chandler on Mar 09, 2009 at 02:09PM
2 Comments
Man, there was no sign of a faltering economy at the Alibi on Saturday night. Between the karaoke crew, at least three birthday parties (happy birthday Jane!), and the usual assortment of post-collegiate riff raff, there wasn’t room to toss a cookie.
I love the Alibi. True, I have griped in print about their propensity for weak, pricey drinks, but for that good ol’ Trader Vic’s vibe, you can’t beat this room. Order a Banana Cabana and take in the day-glo Polynesian art, saltwater aquarium, and assorted surfside knickknacks, and experience some much-needed continental drift away from a dismal present.
What I don’t understand, considering all the awesome tiki bar accoutrements, is why management doesn’t go all in with the island theme. How come the waitresses aren’t decked out in sarongs or grass skirts? Why aren’t the bartenders wearing beach attire or at least loud Hawaiian shirts? Karaoke is all well and good, but the room could be put to better use. Couldn’t we have a Don Ho tribute act once in a while? A hula contest? The occasional surf band?
It’s certainly considerate that they put out free food at midnight. Nothing soaks up a surfeit of rum like Swedish meatballs and chicken wings. Is it too much to ask for a side of fruit salad? Pineapple is super-sweet and succulent at the moment. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful and I’m not expecting a luau every night of the week. But the average boring, nondescript bar would kill for this setup, not mention the vintage neon out front that’s visible from space. So I move that we double down on the tropical concept. What say you, drinking buddies?
Tags: NoPo
Oh Bar Pilot, what are you thinking!? The Alibi doesn’t qualify to be mentioned in the same breathe as the late, great, Trader Vics.
Yes, you are right on all counts- amp it up, amp it up! But really if it was as busy as you say what possible motivation do they have? And cripes then they’d charge their poor patrons even more for the koolaid and water they call cocktails!
My very last night at the Alibi was the night that FIVE of their tropical concoctions in barely 2 hours on an empty stomach failed to even get me buzzed. (And ask anyone I’m the original cheap date).
I was so (sadly) sober, I not only volunteered to drive home through the cop infested streets of NoPo, but I even resisted my charming and delightful ex-boyfriend’s advances. . . girl don’t get more sober than that folks.
My advice, avoid the Alibi, there’s plenty of other good Karoake in PDX. If it’s the tropical drinks you crave you Thatch on NE Broadway kick is a worthy successor to the late lamented Trader Vics.
Well, I enjoyed my birthday AND the karoake at The Alibi. A good time was had by all, despite the weak drinks and the “bridge and tunnel” crowd. Thanks to the Alibi and to my favorite Bar Pilot, brother and bass player. XO. Janeypoodle.