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Simply fantastic! As a craft beer geek, I read about this place on http://beeradvocate.com before arriving in Vancouver, so we sought it out on our first evening in the city. It did not disappoint -- quite the contrary! The beer selections were varied and delicious, and featured lots of local craft brew that I was unfamiliar with. The helpful and friendly bartender turned out to be co-owner Nigel, and along with the pints we purchased, he kept passing us tastes of other beers from the tap.
We got there too late to order dinner, but appetizers were still available, so we ordered a charcuterie plate. ORDER THIS if you go there -- it was outstanding. The meats were sourced locally, and were just amazing.
Best of all, before we left, Nigel gave us a suggested culinary itinerary for a return visit to Gastown that included four different restaurants. We followed his advice, and had another great evening in Gastown (which unfortunately did not end at the Alibi Room, because it was closed for a private event).
The modern pub in Vancouver is not exactly geared towards a social atmosphere. Large televisions, loud music, and private booths have resulted in a lack of conversation. The few times when conversation is possible, never is it with anyone but whom you came with.
Unlike most of these establishments, the Alibi Room provides their customers with an atmosphere geared towards meeting your neighbor. Long tables, zero televisions, and a plethora of pints provide everything one needs to lubricate a conversation.
This aforementioned conversation will often turn to one of the 25 beers available on tap. Showcasing the best of the northwest, owners Raya Audet & Nigel Springthorpe search high and low to bring Gastown the latest and greatest in hops and barley.
One would think with painstaking care they take making sure things are running well behind the scenes would result in absentee landlord syndrome, however, this is not the case. Most of my trips to the Alibi have resulted in me being greeted by Raya when I enter and served by Nigel when I find my usual spot at the bar.
My only gripe about the Alibi would be the brunch service. Often this is the one time you will be hard pressed to find either owner present and as a result the service slips. I do my best to avoid this by sitting at the bar as often as possible.
I happily admit I am a regular patron of the Alibi, and as a result my opinion may be a bit bias. That said, based on the other reviews here, I think I am on point with my assessment. Get your butt down there and try a frat bat sampler.
Listed in: Best beer in Vancouver
Can you say strawberry and brie stuffed French toast? OH YEAH.
The only time I've really spent any time here is for brunch, generally with a large-ish group and it hasn't disappointed on that front. Because it's off the beaten track it doesn't get TOO busy with a brunch rush so we've always been able to get a table speedily.
I love the atmosphere - really bright, lots of seating at long tables (get to know your neighbours!), fun use of old books and scripts for decorating, a loooooong bar displaying more beer taps than you can possibly know what to do with and a second level downstairs that is quite obviously the place to be for late night pitcher drinking.
Service can be spotty but generally quite friendly.
For me, it's all about coming for brunch. Everything is delicious (I mentioned the French toast, right?) with prices on the high-ish side of standard. I've only been once for dinner and didn't enjoy it as much as brunch but that could very be because my tastes are simple and what they offer is kind of fancy. If you're looking to get your beer on, this is DEFINITELY the place. The selection both on tap and in bottles is staggering, plus they've got quite a decent mixed drink list as well.
Recommended? Why yes!
Finally tried some food here apart from the fries. Their beet salad is great, but their cheese plate is pretty small and filled with unexciting cheeses. Not worth it. My friend got a lamb dish that looked and smelled amazing. I'm looking forward to trying out some more of their options next week when I'm back for a birthday party! This place is great for large groups.
Listed in: I miss Main Street
This place makes me wish I could still drink beer. Tons of craft brews, cask ales... Sigh!
That being…
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The love of good food and beer by the ownership shines through here. Not just a great taphouse, also my happy place.
The beer list just keeps getting better, by far the best in town and great for Sunday Brunch if you need someplace downtown.
I always rediscover it. I don't go down Alexander often enough to remind me to stop by. The sable… Read more »
The Alibi Room has two flavours, and both are fabulous.
Flavour 1: Weekend brunch. The perfect place for a large group of friends, with the strawberries & brie french toast TO DIE FOR. I have dreamt about this stuff. Delish.
Flavour 2: Upscale pub. Home of one of the longest beer lists in town, and equally as perfect for a large group of friends. The food is well thought out and far above anything you would normally find when out for a drink if you're feeling hungry, but I still say this is more of a place to come to socialize vs. to eat. And, of course, to get your drink on.
Wanting something a little more intimate? Ask for one of the handful of tables downstairs, which is my favourite tucked away spot. You get your own bar, but there is no table service so head on up to place your order. Check the boards for something you've never tried before - it's on tap.
Listed in: Gastown Haunts for Everyday
Great beer and great atmosphere.
Alibi Room is wonderfully spacious (2 floors) and classy, yet casual. Set slightly apart from the other bars of its kind in the area, Alibi Room sits like a cool lone wolf on the edge of Gastown.
The beer selection is out of this world, especially given the price ($5.75 for unique domestic pints and a buck more for imports). If you're a wheat fan like me, you'll be glad to know there are about 4 to choose from on tap on any given day. The raspberry hef is a revelation as is the King Heffy (tastes like Bananas and has a higher alcohol content- hooray!) There is also a hefty selection of IPA's and Ambers, both local and non.
The service couldn't be better and although I haven't tried the food, it looks good (especially these Yelp ones).
You should probably buy me a drink here sometime soon, just sayin'.
This review is of the Alibi Room's brunch service; I am not a good person to ask about beer.
I usually rate a restaurant by their salsa, and Alibi Room has some fantastic salsa.
Lots of seating and a limited by delicious brunch menu makes the Alibi Room a favourite place for hipsters fighting off a PBR hangover. I've always enjoyed my meals here, but the service can be a little slow and snooty. Still, if you're in the mood for some strawberry-and-brie French toast, you won't be disappointed.
Ah Alibi Room, my old brunch friend. How I have forsaken you so, and for that I apologize.
Alibi used to be one of my regular brunch stops, but for some reason I stopped going, maybe it was because of my quest to find new and exciting brunch locales, or maybe it was when they removed their breakfast burrito from the menu, either way I will be sure to put it back into my regular weekend rotation.
In the absence of the breakfast burrito I switched things up and went with their take on Huevos Rancheros and was not disappointed. I was presented with two perfectly poached eggs a top of mound of chili, beans, and guacamole all topped on fresh tortillas. My girlfriend had the brunch special which consisted of two poached eggs served on a bacon wrapped potato gratin with sauteed spinach and tomatoes, which for $12 was once of the best brunches she's ever had.
The service was fast and friendly, the music was good and non-top 40 as usual, and the non-pretentious $3 americanos were no where to be seen as excellent drip-coffee was free flowing.
Listed in: Brunch anyone?
Just got back from a night at the alibi room. This was my first time! It is a trendy little place, not your average beer drinking crowd, I love it though. Its nice to see such a diverse group of people enjoying a pint.
The lighting was dark and there was plenty of Canadian microbrews on tap, some of which were pretty good. Coming from the west coast US, I drank about 8 different tasters Dix, Howe, Treehouse, hmmmm I can't seem to remember the breweries names. Maybe tomorrow, hehe. I had a saison, 2 esb, pothole stout, the IPA that had good grapefruit flavor from the hops, and a bunch of others.
People here are dressed up pretty nicely. Its nice to see. The waitresses seem pretty knowledgeable. Oh and I forgot they have 3 casks on tap. Pretty sweet! I had their bitter, all in all it was a good beer well-rounded would be the best way to put it.
Didn't sample the food, but I would make this place a must hit! Or a regular place to hang out at if I live in Vancouver.
I had only one--a local sour lambic from Storm Brewing--from the excellent beer list. My wife and I shared chicken curry, a charcuterie plate, and a beet salad. All worthwhile.
It's a cool space and servers are fine. The bartender seemed gruff at first, but he turned out to be a friendly guy and went to the effort of making a really good fresh fruit drink for my preggo wife.
I'd probably come here a lot if I lived in Vancouver (which I wish I did), especially for the beer. Will definitely visit again next time I'm in town (not soon enough).
beer, beer, beer, beer, beer, beer!!!! did i mention beer?! If you can't decide on what beer you can get a sampler and taste a few flavors.
Yes this is as good as it get's for beer and me. I have been coming here when it used to be owned by those actors in the xfiles. Now it's owned by a cooler dude who knows a lot about beer.. and i love him.. and i don't even know him but he has a cool accent and a cute baby.
If you really need to eat.. do it! The food is delicious and great for sharing, or not sharing.
The decor is fitted with large picnic style tables which are great for parties. Downstairs is a little different and more of party area with music. I will keep coming back to try whatever new flavors they have on tap.
Listed in: My favorite pubs
This place is straight up delicious. Like everyone's said, their beer list is incredible and the casks they offer can be really special. Favorite restaurant in Vancouver at this point.
Try to the permberton beef dish if they're still serving it; amazing.
Wow, I had a couple of really, really amazing beers at this place about 2 weeks ago. Not knowing what to expect from a Canadian craft brew bar, they really knocked it out of the park.
I personally had two different beers - a scotch-flavored brew, and another made with a hint of maple syrup. The names are escaping me, but both were phenomenal, and the maple stout might be one of the best beers I've had in a long while. Due to the fact that the intentions of my comrades and myself were to hit a few bars before getting too tipsy, we left the party early... but not for lack of respect for what they do.
They have wonky alcohol laws, so everyone has to be in a seat to enter the facility. Doesn't exactly mean you have to be *sitting down*, but you have to have a designated seat, if you were requested to sit. This means, the bar looks empty, but somehow, it's at capacity because "standing room" isn't permitted. Whack!
Listed in: Vancouver Olympics
The early saturday morning started off with a trip to the Alibi Room to fill our empty tummies with some breakfast... and at 1030am the room was empty for our group to pick a table, by the time we left it was completely packed with a waiting list about to start. Hmmm theres a good reason for that;
The room is filled with old heritage atmosphere and nice sweet & pretty servicers to start with followed by the main course a choice of free range egg Bennys, Omelettes, scrambles, or stuffed french toast or fresh fruit and yogurt bowls. They all have a special twist and taste ooohh oooh so good. And for desert they offer wifi for those weekend surfers.
Everyone looooves this place. I thought it was alright. Standard fare for brunch. Service is a little cold and slow. The restaurant layout itself is kind of cool - family style with the long benches. I'd probably come again, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
What a seriously phenomenal beer list. Seriously. beers from all over BC and some more notable varieties from the states adorn this menu replete with bottles, kegs, and cask pours. The list reads like a connoisseur's tasting notes. It reminded me a lot of what I find in serious beer haunts in Portland and Seattle, but subbing in a list of beers that's alien to my palate. I could drink here for days without trying a beer I've ever even heard of, let alone tried.
The food here leaves a bit to be desired. A mish-mash of gastropub style food is the offering, but as with many pan-cultural menus, while offering a lot of variety, it fails to deliver particularly well on any one particular cuisine. I don't think anyone at our table was terribly impressed with their food, and the meat plate was kind of a joke for the price (one slice of each offering? Really? For a plate priced over $10? Nah. This is the only thing driving this 6-star beer list down to a 4-star rating.That said, I wouldn't hesitate to come back here a few times to check out the mighty microbrew offerings from our neighbors to the north.
The setting is fairly upscale beer-oriented gastropub. I liked the art and affections of the decor. While pretty loud on the night I was there, it was during the olympics, and according to our local host, never that busy... ever. So it's hard to complain. Service was spotty at first (odd seating rituals) and the lack of a standing license (WTF is up with the BC's arcane and obtuse liquor laws?!?!) prevented me from enjoying a beer or 3 while waiting 45 min for our table. Again, I think this was an abnormal wait and situation. Sucks to be stuck in a place where, based on the liquor laws, they're one or 2 steps away from prohibition.
Overall, I am very, very impressed by the vibe and the beer list. I look forward to returning. As often as proximity permits.
Listed in: Oh Canada...., Diggin' the 'Couve!, BC Boozin'
Chocolate and beer. Two of my favorite things unite into a delicious pint! Plus the taps are driller right into the brick wall which is super cool in my books. I really like the ambiance of the Alibi room because it is both chill and sophisticated at the same time. The main room is very open and cozy while the basement has a pub like charm. I did not eat when I was there because chocolate beer is filling on its own but the food I saw them bringing out looked tasty and likely better than typical pub fare.
I think this is the perfect spot to meet up with a bunch of friends because the tables are nice and long and you could likely meet some friendly strangers because they are communal style!
As a beer fan, Canada is not a destination high on your travel wish list. It's certainly not Belgium, Germany, Czech, or even England. There is no long-standing history of excellence to speak of. There is only one exported brewery of note (Unibroue in Quebec). So, I didn't come to the Olympics expecting to find excellent beer. And I almost missed this place completely. It's sooo far down the road from everything else in Gastown you practically need to walk in the door to make sure it exists.
But once you enter, you realize this is a great place. The street level is awesome industrial-chic, exposed beams, warm, dim lighting. The basement is one of those great beer caves that can't be avoided. The beer selection itself is likely to the be the most extensive in all of western Canada. I did a flight sampling the four cask ales (all stouts this time around) and spoke beer talk with the bartender for an hour. It was a seriously good time. There is an imperial stout from northern BC (the name escapes me), but it is among the best imperial stouts I've ever had from anywhere in the world. The food, which I didn't try, also looked local, organic, and delicious.
Overall, if you love beer, you must diver from the Gastown and get over to the Alibi Room. There are people brewing beers in Nanavut that really need the exposure!
The Alibi Room is without hesitation the best beer bar in western Canada. 25 taps of locally brewed beer (with the occasional exception made for American micros) and 3 cask engines make this place the spot to taste the BC beer scene. There are beers and breweries here that you likely will not have seen before let alone tasted. Nigel and his crew have worked hard to provide this selection of beers. Their bottle list is not shabby either. Lots of golden selections there though I stick to draught since bottles can usually be purchased elsewhere.
Even if you are not a beer fan, ask for a recommendation. You just haven't found the beer right for you yet.
The food is quite solid. Nothing awe inspiring, just solidly good pub food. Their mezze plate goes down well as a shared dish between pints and the fries are quite tasty too.
Yumm, I instantly fell in love with the Alibi Room. I never knew about this place at all, its tucked away at the end of my street and I never realized it or ever ventured down that far on Main Street!
I was tempted by all the local beers there but it was early and I needed the cure to hangovers - brunch (and not more alcohol!) My friend ordered the liquid breakfast while I got the eggs benedict with smoked salmon! The food was pretty decent - big portions ~$10. I do give the stars for the ambience and laid back atmosphere there. I like the big long tables and a few couches that are there. It feels like a place I'd like to take a book or laptop to to hang out, though I've never tried to yet! I'll update this review once I do that :)
I'll come back for drinks next time!
Wow - a bit of beer heaven in a place I didn't expect it! Huge brew fan (home brewer, etc.) who has had some great Canadian beers (Unibroue) and some bad ones (Molson and Labatt's when I was younger and not a self described beer snob). A fantastic selection of local beers and some great American ones (which I didn't bother with while at Alibi since I get them back home).
Crowded on a Saturday night during the Olympics but they did manage to fit me in at the bar so that I could have a few brews. I can't comment on the food, although it did look good. Nigel (owner and a bit of a bear who knew his shit) set me up with some incredible local beers including James' INSANE 12 year aged lambic and Iain's Oud Bruin Sour Belgian - f-ing fantastic beers!!!
Mixed crowd - not familiar with the Vancouver scene so I can't comment on the people there, but everyone was very friendly and easy going. A train went by while I was there - I swear it was about 5 feet from the windows behind the bar. Very surreal. A place I highly recommend if you're into beers and I'll be back there again on my next trip to BC.
Thanks to all the employees there for a great experience.
99 bottles...
(I mean) 300 bottles of beer on the wall,
And 300 hundred Yelp reviews. :-)
You drink them down
You pass em around...
Ah, the Alibi Room. Where long tables ensure friends and strangers can sit side by side enjoying a proper brew from an extended menu. And where, even at individual tables, tables ask what you're drinking and munching on.
My favourite thing on the menu is the craft beer sampler. It's just like a grown up's version of a Pirate Pack! Letting your server (Who likely is very beer-savvy) choose for you, is definitely the way to go. I would just suggest giving them parameters like I don't like bitter beers! Like this week. I only said I knew I wanted Swan's Berry Ale. They picked the Mission Springs Bombshell, the Oktoberfest, and the Butte - all spot on! Second favourite, the free-range wings all the way! Take a deep whiff of the sauce and make your nose hairs dance. And thank you for including a finger bowl!
Making quick friends, eating good food and downing awesome craft beers, that's the stuff yummy yelps are made of!
Listed in: Off the Beaten Tourist Path, Pubbing it up all around…, Vancouver Burgers, My Favourite Stomping Grounds…, Gastown Hotspots
In one word, the beer selection at Alibi Room can be described as "sick". Honestly, 22 taps and 3 casks providing some the best Pacific Northwest brews? This bar definitely has the best beer selection in Vancouver -- no contest.
Over a single night, our lush hero managed to try the following beers at Alibi Room:
- Storm Brewing Insane 12 year aged lambic
- Crannog Brewing Organic Potato Ale
- Brooklyn Brewery 1 yr aged Black Chocolate Stout
- Lighthouse Brewing Co Dry Irish Stout
- Deschutes Brewing Black Porter Stout
- Phillips Brewing Longboat Chocolate Porter
- Swann Buckerfields Coconut Porter
- Iain (of Yaletown Brew Pub) Indian Brown Ale
- Cannery Brewing Naramata Nut Brown
- Storm Brewing Scottish Ale
- Taylor's Crossing Brew Pub ESB
- Rogue Brewing Brutal Bitter
- R&B ESB
- Granville Island Pumpkin Ale
- Orchard Hill Red Roof Cider
That's 3/5 of the all the beers they had available on tap right there!
Now before you think our hero needs to attend Alcoholics Anonymous, there is a perfectly good explanation for why he managed to drink this many beers outside of a beer festival. Two more words: "frat bat". The legendary "frat bat" is a 4 beer flight of 4 oz. cups that allows patrons to sample most of the beers available on tap (with the exception of 3 out of 25 beers when our hero visited that were more premium than the rest). At only $9 a bat, this is quite reasonable and more entertaining than most beer gardens and festivals our hero has attended in the past. Beers on the roster generally range from $5.75 for a pint of most brews up to $7.50 for the high end hops.
The main floor is reminiscent of a German beer hall with its long wooden tables. While waiting for a proper table, our hero spent some quality time with his friends chilling at the bar (which is literally a BAR of wood next to the real bar that two frat bats can fit on side by side with some stools along side it. The downstairs room is a lot more casual -- people mill about and converse loudly in the basement in an open environment -- and the hipster DJ has a booth set up in the corner as well.
While enjoying his beer, our hero had the opportunity to chat with the owner of Dead Frog Brewery and some other random bar-goers who were equally passionate about good brews. Many others will ask what you are sampling and give you their own suggestions of their favorite taps to taste without your solicitation. Make no mistake, this is definitely THE place Vancouver beer lovers go to congregate and imbibe the best suds the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
PROS:
- Cool, unpretentious crowd.
- Awesome selection of local Vancouver craft beers.
- "Frat bats" allow beer lovers to sample an assortment of 4 different beers on tap.
CONS:
- Waits can be up to an hour long for a table on busy weekends.
- Service is a bit slow because the place is so packed during peak hours.
Alibi Room continues to impress. Although it was crowded on a Saturday night and I got stuck at one of the bars all night, it was all worth it. Besides, there were only two of us so being put at the bar wasn't too bad. I sort of got the impression that our server had forgotten about us at one point, but as the joint started the empty a bit Nigel started taking good care of us. He was even so good as to mention to my friend when he ordered some food that the BBQ pork sandwich used a fairly fatty cut of meat.
That and the bewildering variety of IPAs that paraded sequentially in front of me more than made up for any inattentive servers in a packed house. Nothing hits the spot like four different IPAs and a pail of fries washed down with a nut brown. And it's still the only place in town where I can do that.
Amazing house-made ketchup! The best selection of local beer on tap anywhere in the area. This is… Read more »
TWO Items to Try on Vancouver's Must Eats:
1. Double Chocolate Porter
2. Swan's Coconut Porter
Price: approx $6.00
Cuisine: Beers / Pub
Comments: One question I must ask: WHERE's the COCONUT!?... The Coconut porter tasted like normal beer... I kept hoping with every sip that I would be able to taste the hint of coconut.. but really there was nothing. When I asked our server, she said the batch was a little off today and it usually tastes more coconutty.... so I was a little disappointed. They serve it for a limited time in October so I would try again if I go to Alibi before the end of the month.
The Double chocolate porter however, I can drink like water.... there is this smoky flavour of espresso and chocolate that goes down very smoothly.. MMMMMMMmmmMM
Worth of the list? Chocolate Porter, definitely... Coconut porter... not sure.
Listed in: Vancouver Magazine's 101 Best…, Let's go to Gastown Instead...
"I'm sorry but we're can you please wait at the front, we're at capacity right now and you can't… Read more »
I love my beer and I have never found a place in Vancouver that has such a great selection as Alibi. All the local beers they have on tap (at least the ones I tried so far) are great and it is wonderful to find a place that rates the hopiness of their beers. Having a complete lack of TVs is great, the way good bars should be. Great place to go to hang out with friends and actually converse! Can't wait to go back to try more of the beers. Oh, and I finally found another place that carries Red Racer bitter, nice!
If I based this review solely on my last two visits, I would give it 5 stars. But because I have some lingering resentment over previous visits, it loses a star.
A group of my friends has decided to meet for drinks at the Alibi Room on a monthly basis to sample their fantastic selection of cask beers. Done! They always accommodate our group of 6-8 people, the service is prompt and courteous, and the beer knowledge is incomparable. They'll even bring out a sample, so you can decide what to get before you buy it!
Now, I have been there for brunch twice - and both times came away hungry. The brunch food is good, no question, but for the price you pay, it really doesn't fill you up. Brunch should cover 2 meals' worth of food, but this doesn't manage it. Also, during my last brunch visit, I was unquestionably ignored by the waitress (she literally saw me waving at her, and deliberately looked away so she didn't have to acknowledge me). This is unacceptable!
I have also attended two parties in the Alibi Room basement. Both times, admittedly, were parties for 'friends of friends', so I didn't know anyone, which can be hard. But, on top of that, the bar service was poor.
And the bathrooms - oh my, the bathrooms - are not pleasant. At least, not on nights were there's a big, drunk crowd. I won't go into detail here...
So, I concur with some of the other reviews - for drinks (especially after work), yes! Otherwise, not so much.
At a recent semi-private event at Gas Town's Alibi Room, I was very impressed by the selection of beverages available. Over 20 different artisan ales/beers/stouts on tap? Even more available in bottles, some of which are suitable for sharing? Sold. A food list that would take quite some time to slice and dice depending on whims and fancies? Awesome. This was my first time here, and I couldn't stay as long as I liked, or try everything I wanted to. But now I know, and I'll be back!
I had heard about Alibi Room for a while but never thought to try it until I was thinking of places that I could go for my 2 year anniversary. I wanted a place that had great food and where my partner could sample some great beer.
As fate would have it, the Westender did a review of Alibi Room as the best place in Vancouver to get beer. We went without reservations on a Wednesday night, but they were not needed as there was a lot of sitting room and we were allowed to choose where we wanted to sit. We chose some cool comfy leather armchairs and shared some delicious appetizers. The servings were huge and my partner got a 4 beer sampler. Great intimate atmosphere for couples and groups, and some very cool decor. Perfect location in Gastown without the trouble of too many one-way streets or pay parking.
My first visit to the Alibi Room was a good one. Dodgy neighbourhood, but no real worries.
Immense list of draft beer, mostly local, but some hard-to-find stuff from abroad. Got a frat bat sampler, and went to town. Some really good stuff. Very knowledgeable server.
Fries with a fantastic chipotle mayo for dipping, and a plate of wonderful mixed olives to nosh on. Then had the chicken curry as a main. Curry was disappointing - kinda bland, had that microwaved taste to it.
I'll be back for sure.
The ONLY legitimate tap house in Vancouver!
The Alibi Room is THE place in Vancouver go if you are into beer, and I mean really into beer. This place has rotating taps that feature almost entirely local brews as well as rotating cask ales that go right quick. As a beer aficionado, I am amazed that every time I go there, there is something I've never heard of. Also the only place in the city where I've seen Rogue beer on tap. Prices are also reasonable considering the quality of the beer. $5.75 a pint or for 9 bucks you can get a fleet of 4 small glasses for sampling purposes. The Alibi also has an clever and tasty appy and food menu, not the biggest portions but really foodie fair nonetheless.
The Alibi is a huge space in an old brick and steel building on the outskirts of Gastown. Its huge with long tables and benches that encourages meeting people and socializing. They also have a groovy party room downstairs that have decent DJ's on select days. The trains rumbling just outside the windows from time to time only add to the atmosphere. One of the greatest things about the Alibi is that you don't get the rowdy Kokanee crowd here. Only those who know go.
Took my family (sister, brother-in-law, nephews and mum) here for supper, and was a bit worried. My family is super critical, and definitely not pretentious. First comments were, "It doesn't t get darker in here does it?", "Nice menu, trying to be edgy, I see." Needless to say, they were worried.
However, as they perused the menu, and saw the great list of local beers and organic local food, they began to open up. The food came promptly, we had a lovely server, and the room began to warm up with fun, chatty people. After taking a few bites of their noodle bowl, Pemberton Beef, chicken wings and Burger they were won over and we all left with smiles on our faces.
My 19 year old nephew commented "This is one of the best burgers I have ever had and my brother in law smiled, "I like this place." That takes a lot.
The Alibi Room is the one stop shop for beer in Vancouver. Nowhere else matches their beer selection, which includes 19 taps and 3 casks of BC's finest local craft beer. They also have an excellent selection of bottled beer to tickle your import fancy. I guess they have wine and spirits too, but who really cares about that?
In addition to the excellent beer selection, the Alibi Room features a great pub menu. Their food is well prepared, very delicious, and comprised of fresh local ingredients.
The atmosphere is more that of a lounge than a pub; there are no tv's showing sporting events to be found. The crowd is mostly made up of the Gastown hipster type, but all should feel welcome.
I really love this place. I love the decor, the beer list is amazing and I beleive this is one of the only places in Gastown that can actually call themselves a tap house.
They consistenly have great, unique beers on tap and the food aint' bad either. The food is actually quite good and very reasonably priced, considering the quality. There are not many veggie friendly options but the choices they do have are really great.
They have dj's spinning on the weekends but its not really a place to dance. It's much more a lounge where you can sip on some delicious beer and have intellectual conservations over dim light.
Besides the fact that it is on the edge of no man's land, it's one of my favorite spots to hit up on the weekend.
Listed in: Great for a date!, Good for Groups
We were moving Vancouver and my husband was not happy about it. We'd been to on a reconnaissance trip and found Vancouver a pleasant enough burgh, but Mr. Kate was worried. The beer sucked. REALLY sucked. We'd been to all the places people told us we should go to find good beer and found most of the local brews lacking. After 6 years in the Napa Valley of Beer (aka Denver) Mr Kate, Canada's prodigal son, was about to return and not drink their beer! Canada wept as her child admitted that the US was better at something! What was to be done?
The Alibi Room, that's what, motherfuckers!
Before the microbrew scene in the States really took off, Canada was renowned for having stronger, better beer. Teenagers in border states would regularly take advantage of this--as well as Canada's lower drinking age--and travel north to get trashed and gamble in Indian casinos. Unfortunately for Canada's beer cred, the quality and creativity of US-based microbreweries over the past 20 years has risen exponentially, leaving Canadian beer in the dust.
The Alibi Room has brilliantly realized the gap needing to be filled, stepped up, and brought together a fantastic beer list featuring the best Canadian and American microbrews, on tap and in bottles. Still not convinced that there's good Canadian beer out there? Then have reasonably priced imports. Good heavens, there is even a cask-conditioned ale! The cocktail menu is similarly fabulous--I can't remember the last time I had such a good Rosita.
The menu is small, but excellent and well-considered, offering small plates, sandwiches, a few entrees, and a coupla specials. We split an order of fries with house-made ketchup, the peking duck wrap, and the shepherd's pie. So, so good. They switch the menu up every few months, so even if you're not a beer fiend you have a reason to keep coming back.
So, I guess the rule of thumb is that if you're going for breakfast...super! Going for beer? Even better!
However, if you're going for much else, I would reconsider. I was there recently for a birthday dinner and it really was a train wreck. First, at 7pm they were already out of menu items. Second, one of our group's order was lost and he did not receive his entree until AFTER all other entrees had been cleared. And lastly, the sirloin was utterly inedible. It was damn near impossible to cut through. I was convinced I would create some sort of embarrassing spectacle due to the extreme effort involved.
Alibi Room would have gotten 1 star, however the space is nice and the wait staff was gracious and apologetic. Gave me a glass of bubbly to ease the tennis elbow I developed. And it really is a good place for a large group...the communal tables are great. There were actually a total of 4 birthday groups there that night. One sparkling chocolate cake after another.
So, drinks...yes; dinner...NO.
The Alibi is an old Gastown stand-by. It's trendy, and it's been around for ages. I only started going there recently (the last couple of years), although I worked in Gastown for years.
The main floor is all trestle tables, bordered by a huge bar. The downstairs -- which, surprisingly, a lot of folks never notice, even though it has a huge central staircase with railings and stuff -- is a little cozier, hosting a smaller bar, some seating and bar tables, and a DJ in the corner if you're there on the right night of the week.
On the plus side, it's great for parties (and you can rent it out for big office parties and whatnot, if that's what you're after), and the music and vibe are really great, especially when there's a DJ downstairs on weekend evenings.
Parking is generally pretty good; it's mostly street parking unless you feel like walking. It's a block or two away from a pretty shitty area of town, but that doesn't really encroach on Alexander Street too badly, so your car should be safe (assuming you've hidden your valuables.) It's also within a 10-minute walk of the Seabus and Skytrain at Waterfront Station or Beatty Street, if you swing that way. Cabs are harder to find on your way out as it's pretty out-of-the-way, unless you walk back towards central Gastown. If you need a ride out, don't expect to be able to flag anything down.
There's a good selection of regulars in the Alibi that you'll see night in and night out; mostly folks who work in the area or live in the newly built and/or renovated condos and lofts nearby. It's a good crowd (hipsters abound, so don't expect to watch a hockey game in here), and pretty jovial most nights, so expect it to be loud and boisterous.
If you like beer, they have a great selection. Cocktails are good too. The food is solid, but I'd argue it's a bit overpriced of late. They must have jacked up their prices recently, because six months ago stuff was significantly cheaper. Now you're definitely looking at dropping a good chunk of change if you go here for dinner, and the food really isn't anything special most of the time. Your best bet is probably to eat somewhere else and come here afterwards for a nightcap and to hang out, if you're on the thrifty side.
If you're hitting up the Alibi on a mid-week evening, odds are good that good that you'll be the only one(s) in there. I've been with a friend on a Monday night and there were a grand total of four people on the main floor. On a weekend, though, it's standing room only. Plan ahead.
The service is hit-or-miss -- some nights it's great, some nights terrible. I haven't quite figured that part out yet. Meh.
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Come on, people -- evaluating the Alibi Room just in terms of the food or the scene? Both are good, but the REAL attraction here is the beer.
Let's admit it: Vancouver is a beer wasteland. 45 minutes (in good traffic) to the south, just over the border in Bellingham, you can go to just about any decent bar and expect a full selection of microbrews, but here in Vancouver? Oh no. It's like when I went to Halifax, a few years back, and asked what they had on tap, and was told "Keith's...or Keith's Light." 'Round here, if you're lucky, your bar will have a few Storm or R&B beers on tap. But only if you're lucky -- can't take that for granted.
The Alibi Room is the ONLY exception I've found. Even better than a U.S. brewpub -- they carry a lot of different microbrews from around the province, not just the owner's own microbrews or one or two companies. The manager's passionate about beer -- he'll go on about the differences between the different beers on the extensive draft menu as if they were wines. And he drives around the province to drive in kegs from some more obscure places.
Yeah, the food's good. And the scene is okay, although I've found it quieter than I've expected, especially for a place with beer that rocks. But the food and the scene aren't the point. The beer's the point. Anyone who's a true beer lover in Vancouver should go to the Alibi Room pronto if s/he hasn't already been, and will want to go repeatedly. It's the only place in Vancouver that caters to real beer aficionados.
Neighborhood: Gastown
Neighborhood: Gastown
Neighborhood: Gastown
Neighborhood: Gastown
Neighborhood: Downtown
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