Guide dated 15/06/2025
What The Alibi Is
The Alibi Tiki Lounge is a bar in Portland’s Overlook neighborhood, known for its tiki décor, karaoke, and place in the city’s nightlife history. It is described as Portland’s first tiki bar and one of the oldest continuously operating tiki bars in the United States; another account calls it the second-oldest tiki bar in the country (wweek.com, bucketlistbars.com).
The Alibi’s mid-century atmosphere, neon sign, and community role have made it a distinctive part of Portland’s cultural life (the-alibi-tiki-lounge.eggscellent.site).
History
The venue began as the Chat-n-Nibble roadhouse in the late 1800s. In 1947, Roy Ell, a U.S. Navy veteran inspired by his travels in Hawaii, transformed it into The Alibi and introduced Polynesian-themed décor and cocktails to Portland (mytiki.life, bucketlistbars.com).
The Alibi remained open through the decline of tiki culture in the 1970s and 1980s, retaining its décor and community ties as many similar bars closed (bucketlistbars.com). Subsequent owners have maintained Ell’s vision, with restoration efforts including work in 2017 (mytiki.life).
The neon sign is described as having been erected in the 1950s, and also as having been installed alongside the lounge’s 1947 transformation. It has become a symbol of Portland’s mid-century nightlife and interest in Polynesian culture. Beyond advertising the bar, it is a cultural artifact featured in local art and photography (wikipedia, mytiki.life).
What to See and Do
The Alibi’s retro interior includes Witco-inspired woodwork, 3D hula-girl murals, and Oceanic Arts lamps (wikipedia). The venue has a stage at the back, with more relaxed seating at the front and on the patio.
Karaoke has been a defining feature since the 1990s. The Alibi has received Willamette Week’s “Best Karaoke” award multiple times (wikipedia, wweek.com). Karaoke typically starts after 8 p.m.; it is held regularly, but not every night.
The neon sign can be seen from the street at any time and is illuminated from sunset until closing. There are no dedicated tours of the sign, but it is sometimes included in city walking tours focused on historic neon landmarks. The Alibi also hosts seasonal celebrations.
Food and Drink
The menu combines mid-century tiki traditions and Hawaiian-inspired comfort food with Portland’s eclectic food scene (mytiki.life, Secret Attractions). Offerings mentioned include flaming pu-pu platters, coconut fried shrimp, teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, Spam Musubi, Kalua Pork Sliders, Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, and pineapple fried rice. Bar favorites include loaded nachos, wings, burgers, and fries.
Sunday breakfasts featuring Spam and eggs draw on both Hawaiian and Portland traditions (wweek.com). The menu has added vegan options and continues to evolve, alongside a refreshed beverage program. Delivery and takeout are also offered (the-alibi-tiki-lounge.eggscellent.site).
Listed cocktails include:
- Mai Tai Light and dark rums, orange curaçao, lime, and orgeat
- Zombie Multiple rums and tropical juices
- Navy Grog Three rums with lime, grapefruit, and honey syrup
- Blue Hawaiian Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple, and coconut cream
Seasonal original cocktails highlight local Northwest ingredients. Non-drinkers can choose tropical mocktails, and the bar also offers local beer and cider. Happy-hour discounts on drinks and small plates are listed among the specials (Secret Attractions).
Practical Visiting Information
Location: The bar is listed at 4024 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227 (Google Maps). It is directly across from the neon-lit Palms Motor Hotel. The neon sign’s location is also listed as 4022 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR.
Hours: One schedule lists the bar as open Tuesday–Sunday, 4 p.m.–2 a.m., and closed Mondays. A separate schedule lists:
- Monday–Thursday: 4 p.m.–12 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 4 p.m.–2 a.m.
- Sunday: 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
The different schedules are both published in visitor information. Check the official website or official website for current hours, events, and menu updates.
Entry and reservations: No tickets or cover charge are required. Walk-ins are standard or preferred; call ahead for large groups.
Age: Entry to the bar is restricted to guests 21 and older.
Prices: Cocktails are listed at $10–$15 and food at $8–$16.
Accessibility: The Alibi has accessible entrances and restrooms and is described as wheelchair accessible. The surrounding sidewalk is also wheelchair accessible, and staff are available to help with accessibility needs. Contact the bar about specific requirements.
Transport and payment: Street parking is available. The venue can be reached by public transit on bus lines serving the Overlook neighborhood and is accessible by bus or car. Major credit cards and cash are accepted.
Dress: The dress code is casual; tropical attire is encouraged.
Tips
- Evening is the best time to see the neon sign fully illuminated; nighttime is also the recommended time for photography. A tripod may help with long-exposure shots.
- Check the event calendar for karaoke and special occasions.
- Weekdays are described as quieter; weekends are lively with karaoke.
- Consult the official website for current hours, events, and menu updates. The Alibi also shares updates on social media. The Audiala app is mentioned for insights on The Alibi and other local nightlife spots.
Nearby Places
Nearby places listed for a visit include:
- Alberta Arts District
- Mississippi Avenue
- Portland Expo Center
- Oregon Historical Society, with state exhibits and archives
- Pittock Mansion, a historic home and gardens
- Hollywood Theatre, a restored early 20th-century cinema
FAQs
Does The Alibi charge an entrance fee?
No. There is no cover charge, and no tickets are required.
Is karaoke available every night?
No. Karaoke is held regularly but not every night; it typically starts after 8 p.m. Check the schedule online.
Are reservations accepted?
Walk-ins are standard or preferred. Call ahead for large parties.
Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?
Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, as are some gluten-free options. Cross-contamination is possible.
Is The Alibi family-friendly?
It is primarily a nighttime bar for adults, and entry is restricted to guests 21 and older.
Can the neon sign be seen without entering the bar?
Yes. It is visible from the street at any time, with the best views after dark.
Are there guided tours of the sign?
There are no dedicated tours, though the sign is included in some city walking tours.
When is the neon sign illuminated?
From sunset until closing.
