Alibi Room opened in 2006 at 157 Alexander Street, in a 1907 heritage building on Gastown's eastern edge. Founder Nigel Springthorpe built its reputation on one device: 50 taps that never stop rotating.
CBC News called it Vancouver's scene setting craft beer bar when Springthorpe sold to Victoria's Four Top group in December 2022. Craft Beer and Brewing credits the room with shaping the city's entire craft movement; Springthorpe went on to co found Brassneck Brewery.
Long communal tables, exposed brick, a 1907 shell that once housed the Taxi Club.
Seating is shoulder to shoulder by design. Solo drinkers end up in conversations.
Some Google and Yelp reviewers say the kitchen slipped after the 2022 sale. The taps did not. Order accordingly.
Beer travelers treat it as a pilgrimage stop; locals keep the long tables full Friday and Saturday.
Hours run short by bar standards: 4pm to 10pm Sunday through Thursday, midnight on weekends.
Reserve through OpenTable for Friday and Saturday; weeknights seat walk ins at the communal tables. Last call lands at 10pm most nights.
What to order
- 01
The Fresh Sheet
- 02
The frat bat
- 03
Happy hour Negroni, $11