THE ALIBI
By Nico Wind
If you've never been to the Alibi, it's time to visit the infamous
restaurant and lounge on 4024 N. Interstate Avenue. What is really unique
about the Alibi is the history of this busy and successful historical
Portland site, as well as its relaxing tropical décor and the
quality of its entertainment.
The Alibi started out as a horse and buggy stop in the late 1800s.
In those days, it was known to travelers on Interstate's dirt roads
as The Chat and Nibble. In 1947, Roy Ell bought the business after spending
some time in the Hawaiian Islands. It was his influence that created
the exotic tropical theme that patrons of the Alibi so enjoy.
Larry White took over the Alibi in 1992 with the agreement that he
would not change the 1947 Polynesian décor. The Alibi remains
a Portland landmark: It is the only tiki bar in this great city. As
you sit in cane chairs, surrounded by bamboo and palm trees under the
shell lamp shades, sipping on incredible tropical drinks or eating delicious
Polynesian American cuisine, it's the closest you can get to a fantasy
island here in Portland.
The entertainment at the Alibi is the most exciting Karaoke this writer
has seen in a while. Hosts Denise and Steve Percelle have worked as
Portland's best K.J. team for seven years at the Alibi; actually two
years longer than they have been married.
Karaoke is Wednesday through Saturday from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.; the
people who go to the Alibi to sing definitely have a blast every night.
If you are interested in having a private party at the Alibi, you can
call ahead and reserve Sundays, Mondays or Tuesdays and, for a very
reasonable fee, you can hire the Percelles to host Karaoke for your
special event.
This writer heard some great singers at the Alibi: Phil B. doing Let's
Get it On and Nick Thomas got up for his birthday and sang Come
Together.
Maria Perez and Ariel Gore helped out on Respect, and of course
there was Alibi regular Ronni Giovanni, who loves to dance and contribute
her good energy to the wonderful atmosphere of this place.
White is really proud of his staff and rightly so; they are really
friendly and happy to be working there. Al Hughes and Larry White are
known as the "Larry and Al Comedy Hour."
Dominique Vazquez is full of life and really involved in the party;
it's as if she was not working but hosting a party. It's truly a rare
and refreshing experience to see people enjoying their jobs with such
enthusiasm.
The Alibi is listed in the book Best Places in Portland; Portland's
Mercury publication and Positively Entertainment also
advertises the restaurant and lounge. This writer sports a huge thumbs
up for the Alibi Restaurant and Tiki Lounge.
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