Now, 1 thing you gotta know about this place is, IT'S NIGHT N DAY. If you go in during the day you'll see the regulars who are basicly ur run of the mill oldies n whatnot. If you go at night it's nothing like that! You'll run into the younger crowd and find the jukebox actually playing pretty good tunes. You might also run into BILLY, the bartender! Love me some Billy. Go n see! They pour a good drink, day or night. read more

Always end up having a good time at Alibi... even though it doesn't look like the most poppin' place from the outside. 1ST VISIT (quite awhile ago though): Had an Irish Car Bomb for only $5.50. SO CHEAP I had to get another one! 2ND VISIT: Came for a friend's birthday to do all the shots in the shots song (very fun adventure!) The bartender was attentive & friendly for our semi-obnoxious group. Chill crowd too. No pretentious snobs or people to ruin our fun. P.S. No jello shots so do those first at home if you want to follow in our footsteps It's not the fanciest bar, but definitely cheap drinks and fun all around : ) CASH ONLY! read more

Mix one part dim lighting with one part interesting people and one part a faint smell of...oh who knows and you stir that well and you get the best dive in Hillcrest. The outdoor seating is great, especially for large parties. Drinks are cheap too. Always a good time at the Alibi. read more

Filthy glasses that were last night's butt-plugs, and crusty old people with apparent mental illnesses: this is Alibi. Seriously, this bar is in the wrong part of town. In fact, it is the type of bar you would expect to find in the SaIton Sea or somewhere else creepy like Indio. I don't know how they stay open. It is as if all the rejects from society were asked to leave all the good bars in Hillcrest and North Park, and then decided to congregate en masse at this crap hole. I mentioned dirty glasses. Yes, my glass and my friend's glass was filthy. There were finger prints on it and some scum on the rim. We took our drinks back and asked for something in a bottle. When the bartender gave us "that look", we said forget it, and left. Forgive me if your patrons enjoy drinking from drinking glasses that look like they were used as last night's butt-plugs, but i care about cleanliness. Also, I would like to socialize with people who are not suffering from schizophrenia and I prefer them to be within reasonable range of my own age. If I wanted to talk to creepy old people I would go drink at the local VFW or American Legion. read more

Nice pool table, random crowd that goes unnoticed, cheap drinks. A nice place to hang out if you've got no plans, but probably not a place to seek out on purpouse. If you're a tourist looking for a typically american bar, this is probably the place. read more

I believe the unofficial slogan of this place is "the only straight bar in the heart of Hillcrest." Truth be told, though, the only reason I come here is the outdoor smoking patio. It's one of the few spots I've been to uptown where I can drink and smoke at the same time. It's definitely a dive. Dark, but never too seedy. The coffee is warm (not hot), the beer is cheap, people generally leave you alone. Surprisingly the bartenders have always been super friendly. Not all up in your business, but always there when you need a drink. Bottom line: a go-to spot for a drink and a smoke read more

Dive. Cash only and absolutely dive...but fun and always an interesting crowd. Need a place to hang out in Hillcrest that is the cheapest and chillest dive...go to Alibi. And if you are lucky you might get a table to play some pool...but I doubt it. Drink and be merry! read more

I had a great time in this bar until I had to go Number 2. First time here, so when I went to go in search of a place to do my business, there was no stall in the men's room. I was told by patrons to use the women's bathroom (which had a lock). As I exited the bathroom I was kicked out of the bar for using the woman's bathroom because I needed to do a basic human function. With giving my reason for using the woman's bathroom (only bathroom with an actual toilet) I was still told I had to leave, because it was the owners rules not to have men use the woman's bathroom. This in a sense is absurd because it's a health violation for not having working bathrooms for any gender, no matter how fluid the term is. I would highly advise anyone who is in a bathroom emergency to steer clear of this place. read more

If you are looking for a fun dive bar, Alibi is a good bet. To start, the bouncer said "Cheers" after carding us so I immediately had a good impression upon walking in (my third pretentious hobby - good ole Great Britain). Dark and dank, this bar is well, the epitome of dive bar. The jukebox is immediately upon your entrance and plays everything from Otis Redding to Irish drinking songs. Lowly lit, the lights illuminate the pool tables. We were there a little on the early side, just before 10 PM and we could not believe our luck with finding a place to sit all ten of us - the big booth with two tables was surprisingly available, it was almost too perfect. The bartenders were hilarious and know how to make a strong, cheap drink. When I came for a second round, the bartender joked with me about my drink of choice for the night, a vodka gimlet. The bathroom is hilarious as it's been decorated over the years with some clever, some vulgar, some frankly inane, and some silly comments with Sharpies. For those who smoke, there is an open air patio in the back and surprisingly enough, the smoke doesn't really waft into the rest of the establishment. Props are also due as Adult Swim played on the TV so it was "Family Guy" at the time. Remember to bring cash or at least your ATM card - it's a cash only establishment. read more

FUN bar. SUPER CHEAP DRINKS We got helped by 3 bartenders the older guy is the best! he makes amazing drinks and is super nice and friendly the other two are no go's! This is my first time going and was so fun! I love the jukebox so you can pick whats next! read more

I am happy to announce that the new Alibi location in Santee will be hosting this year's Enikers Sneakers Benefit for breast cancer. I could not be more pleased and want to thank Joe and Melissa for sharing in my same philanthropic views. September 17, 2015 is the date so stay tuned! The best is yet to come. read more

Smells disgusting (cigarettes) and very rude staff. One of the lame bars in the city, I would just save your money. Everything is run down

I had the best time EVER here. First of all, the drinks were nice and strong. and CHEAP! It's pretty small though, but the outdoor patio is awesome, and that's where I spent almost all of my time. What made it even better was the group of runners that ended their course there. Some were dressed like drag queens, and all were insanely fun. They stayed and sang drinking ditties that were hilarious, and I really wish I remember the words. Great people, strong drinks. What more do you need?? read more

Haven't been to many bars in Hillcrest, but I met up with a friend here, and it wasn't too bad. The music is pretty loud, but the bartender was great. They didn't have the ingredients to make a mojito, but he still made a drink that tasted pretty similar to one. As many others have said, it's cheap for strong drinks! There's a few pool tables and arcade games in another room, where a lot of woo-girls were dancing, and trying to play pool. The crowd varies as the night progresses, but it seemed like a lot of people 30+ stayed later. A lot of friendly people here, and the layout's decent, but probably can't handle too many large groups. Not a bad place to stop if you're bar hopping. read more

No more Pac-Man, but Big Buck Hunter and the punching bag game are in the back. And here's a trick, you can still get the six plays in the juke if you put in 75 cents. Solid! read more

Great Entertainment!!! Great Drinks!!! Great Food!!! Great Service!!! First and foremost, it's a guys bar so guys be respectful of Other nights, it's just darn good time with a great bar scene. read more

Scoped this joint for the first time today and it was just what the doc ordered. Dim lighting, strong drinks, good tunes, hooligans and 2 pool tables. Prices are on point and people are friendly, good old school vibe and dope pics of the past on the wall. Nothing fancy just the perfect divey non pretentious concoction. read more

This place makes terrible drinks period. There are good dive bars that serve a stiff drink and there are dirty holes in the wall that probably don't meet health code. This place is one of them. They are also running a scam on their juke box. Don't bother putting your money in. Your song won't play. It just steals your money. Ask them about it and they don't care. I will never go back to this place. If you're looking to waste money on a terrible drink in an unwelcoming and unsafe environment, then this is your place. If you want to enjoy your night. I would suggest you go someplace else. read more

Great place to shoot some pool, 3 bucks for a big ass draft, small patio in the back, friendly bartenders, killer jukebox, two pool tables, interesting characters! What else could you expect from a dive? But it's painfully hard to find a parking spot on weekends One of my three favorite spots read more

Crazy neighborhood crowd makes you feel like one big coo coo family! Great drinks at a great price, i don't miss my back home dive bar quite so much now. Stop by for a whip on your way home! read more

Dive bar with a smoking patio in the back that you can drink on but it closes early. They have pool tables and accept cash only. There are some crazies that come in and out of here but it's a dive bar, what do you expect? I have an affinity for this place just for the back patio. The jukebox takes pictures too, pretty cool. read more

Awesome place! The drinks are the best...cheap and strong! A definite must if you're in the area.

I met someone who worked for the circus the first time I had a drink here. He gave me 4 free tickets and a dozen roses. That, and the fact that it was a half a block from my house, would be pretty good indicators that I was destined to be a regular. Things have changed since then. There is more than just Budweiser on tap now, they have windows, you have to smoke outside, it opens at 10AM instead of 6AM, and I no longer live a stumble away. Still, it somehow feels exactly the same whenever I make it back. A little dirty, a retreat for the cool kids who need a break from being so damn cool, dark enough to make you look less worn no matter what story you have to tell and cheap enough to make you feel better than okay by the time you leave. Sometimes that's all you need, besides a few tickets to the circus. read more

Dark, scary, cheap, stiff drinks, and um... they need to do something about the hobo that camps out near the ATM machine. No bueno.

Still one of the best local bars in SD! The most diverse drinkers & still serving the stiffest drinks on University ave. Just Ignore the rookie tourist reviews & come get your drink on. This is a bar where you go to get drunk with locals! read more

This bar and I have a lot in common; small, dark and cheap. I've made a fool of myself on more than one occasion and luckily it was so dark, I have since ventured back. Just your avg dive. They have pool. Everyone is usually pretty chill. Nice place to stop in when you don't feel like being seen. No really. Not seen. read more

Fun fun fun dive bar with all the right elements: dark, colorful patrons and strong drinks at a reasonable rate!

Everyone knows I love a good dive bar...especially one with a beautiful bartender. This place has it. The guy (Billy) is ok too but I could go on and on about a pretty lady serving my booze. I won't. I'll just say that I like this bar and I underestimated you Hillcrest...big time. read more

I make it a point to visit this bar once every decade. This decade has been the kindest to the Alibi. Previous decades have merely attempted to polish this turd, but this decade's accordion windows are a step in the right direction. Make-shift "patio" is also a plus. Absolutely love that the "seasoned" bargoers have refused to give up the bar seats in this joint. I swear I saw the same old guys this weekend that I saw here back in 1991. They must be doing something right. read more

freddie freddie freddie freddie freddie. 1 star for each utterance of the name. cheap, strong drinks (i think all the bars i go to have this quality, and i'm fairly certain i've mentioned it in all of my dive reviews.) the truth is, the alibi got me trashed last friday. i was hanging out after work during happy hour, and sadly, freddie wasn't there, but doug got us nice and sauced. things to look out for: -the ladies room bathroom wall scrawl "love thy neigbors because they hear you having sex." -the jukebox and all it's f*ing amazingness -freddie... again. -big dippers of bud light (i know, i know- my taste, but they're cheap!) -old guy named al who slipped me $21on friday for no good reason -the sex shop next door -a pool shark named ricky (he's a super nice guy, chat him up.) -the quaint little back patio i have so many things i could say, so many stories to tell, so much of a headache the next day after going here... but i'll keep this one as is. read more

i hadn't had a drink at this bar since my 21st birthday until last night. it was good times. there is an outdoor back patio for the smokers, the open area inside a bit narrow, but wasn't terrible to move from one end to the other. there is a huge booth area that is great for indoor large group seating. the bathroom is tiny, and every time i tried to open the door i hit someone. the drinks are priced well and well poured. i ordered a tom colins, and to my dismay, they used a mix. i am used to the making of them from the various ingredients and it just makes me sad when it's the premixed stuff. i got a gin and tonic the second time around and it was an a+. it was a saturday that i went, and the crowd wasn't insane. i usually don't make my way to bars on fridays or saturdays because i don't like being completely surrounded by people. if i ever move to the area, i can find myself going to this bar quite often. read more

A group of us were meeting for brunch at Baja Betty at 10 am. We were early so we ran into this gem! If you are looking for a dive bar with great service, good drinks & a pool table, come in this joint! And they have a jukebox to play some of your favorite songs! read more

I felt like I needed to give props to this place after having a few cocktails with some fellow yelpers tonight. For one thing, they have redone the women's bathroom and it is uber nice inside. Secondly I was given great service and a drink that was tasty. I would be willing to check this place out again another time. OK that is all. read more

Dive. Dive. Dive. That is exactly what this place is. A dive bar with a lil touch of class. Bartenders with iron hands when they pour drinks. The music is just the way I like it as well DIRTY GRIMY & NASTY. Just as it should be in a dive bar. the only thing missing out of this place is a mosh pit. Get rid of those pool table!!!! read more

Prototypical dive bar, strong drinks, pool tables, outdoor patio, jukebox with eclectic mix of artists, and a chill, diverse crowd. Good enough to come to on a random weeknight. read more

There is no one type of crowd that comes into the Alibi. All walks of life young to old, gay or straight, punk, bikers, pool sharks and all of the above can be found at the alibi. It is a great dive bar and one of the only bars in Hillcrest that is not specifically gay. The drinks are cheap and the bartenders sure do know how to pour!!! The jukebox has a variety of music and there are also pool tables. The bar is cash only but totally worth it for a good time!!! Love the Alibi! read more

This place is just your average dive bar. Nothing really special about it. It sits on University and it's really dark in there--really divey. The atmosphere isn't too bad, but there's nothing really making me want to go back there. If you're in the area and it isn't too crowded inside... and you're in the mood for some boozin' then try this place out. read more

It was pretty gross in here. It smells. I didn't like the crowd and I was a bit confused because a lot of people talk about how rad it is??? mmkay no thank you. read more

holy smokes the alibi. you better have a rock-solid alibi for why you were here if anyone asks. this place defines 'dive' in a whole new way. voted bar most likely to turn you on to a new meth-dealer and get you so drunk you forget his phone number. i haven't been subject to more drunken, unfocused stink-eye since the last time i woke up in Tijuana. like a three-ring circus held in a pool of puke, the alibi will always provide some solid entertainment. if you or a friend is in a wheelchair or is morbidly obese go somewhere else because the hallway to the men's bathroom is so narrow that someone has to back out if two people try to go through it at the same time. you have to go through sideways for crap sakes. you may not know how to explain it, but you will never have a bad time. - edit 18 jan 2006 below - whatintheshit happened to the alibi?? i think they might be trying to go upscale? that's like if the girl you knew in high school that made out with 2 guys at the same party then went and threw up in the bushes, passed out upstairs and then the guy who got held back a year that nobody really likes but they keep inviting him around 'cause he has a good fake ID sneaks into the room and makes out with her and then they end up dating for two years but she ends up getting pregnant by some other guy and she drops out of high school and, you assume, goes off to live in a trailer behind the mini-mart where you stole your first pack of gum - yeah, that girl - ends up being your marriage counselor. exactly, i ain't buying it with someone else's money. they've "fixed" the bathroom situation, but your friend in the wheelchair is still SOL* because the entrance to the men's is elevated 4" in what i can only assume is a drunk detector because the bartender can see if you miss the step completely and fall on your face. plus, they repainted and put some weird patterned metal on the walls that looks like they got it from surplus when the local 24-hour fitness was built. then they went and really screwed the pooch by un-blacking all the windows in front. now all the career tipplers are scared off by the light and seeing actual moving people on the street outside so where are the drunks going to curl up and hide with some well gin now?? HUH??!? thanks alot alibi. *they actually have a sneaky bathroom with a level floor that you can use but you have to go through the refrigerated cooler behind the stage. watch out for whirling metalheads! read more

I like dive bars. They are the types of bars I like the most. Somehow, however, this bar is way too much of a dive for me...but like a moth to a flame, I somehow am enticed by this bar. I don't know what it is...it is a dark, stinky, filthy, weird-bathroom-having bar filled with drunks, sleezeballs, washed up skanky women, and a jukebox that seems to be turned up just a bit too loud for what it is. Yet, I like it in some strange way...its one part bar, one part adventure. Like a trip to Tijuana, you know that something bad is likely to happen here and you know that you will come back feeling somehow dirtier than when you left, but you have a great time in the process. 3 stars and a luke-warm recommendation so long as you realize what you are getting yourself into when you enter the doors of the Alibi. read more