An interest in all things retro and old is a actually a new thing. Up until the ’90s, we mostly thought about the future and what it will bring. We were all about owning a new car, having a new home, and buying new clothes and furniture. The past was, well, just that—the past. Recently, I think websites like Youtube have brought the craze for nostalgia. Right now, you can go online and watch footage from any decade you like! I was a teenager in the ’80s, so I love watching old commercials, music videos, and clips from TV shows that were on while I was growing up. I think we’ve all become more nostalgic, just because we can be.
One great thing about people becoming more nostalgic is that there has been a push to preserve older buildings. For example, Mai Kai in Fort Lauderdale, FL has been deemed an historical landmark. This is awesome and it makes me happy. I think that’s one of the reasons why I like going to older Tiki bars. If a place has been around for a few decades, you’re seeing a piece of history. The Alibi in Portland, Oregon is one of these bars…
The Alibi has been around since the turn of the century. The building hasn’t always been a Tiki bar, but the building was built all the way back then. The place was remodeled as a Tiki bar in the late ’40s. When you take a close look around the Alibi, you can see this is true.
The Alibi is a pretty big place. It has the bar with really cool seating…
Then there is a large room to the side…
And one in the back…
When I walked into the Alibi, the first thing I noticed was that the Ramones were playing. They were followed by David Bowie and then some ’60s garage rock. This is all good in my book. Even though the decor is full traditional Tiki, the vibe is totally punk rock! The Alibi does karaoke every night and the place gets packed. I’m no stranger to doing Karaoke at the Alibi. What helps with building up courage to sing in front of total strangers is strong cocktails and the Alibi has them!
Pictured here is the Mai Tai…
The Alibi’s drinks are more on the sweeter side, but they’re strong and tasty. If I was going to introduce someone to Tiki cocktails, I would bring them here before taking them to a more “craft cocktail” Tiki bar.
Here is the Alibi’s menu…
As you can see, there is a really good selection of drinks to choose from.
For my second drink I ordered the Zombie. This is a picture below…
The Zombie was great. Again, the drink was sweeter than a Zombie usually is, but the Alibi’s recipe is totally original and tasty!
If you’re going to go check out the Alibi, go in the evening. They have the coolest neon sign!
But get there early enough to get your name on the list to sing some karaoke!
Go check out some history with Portland’s oldest Tiki bar, the Alibi!