Alibi Lounge & Bar Offers Classy and Distinguished Drinking Experience in the South
I just found the perfect Alibi… and it’s hidden all the way in Alabang. Of course, I’m talking about the newest speakeasy that is becoming a well-known secret among gin and cocktails lovers in the south. My long trek from Quezon City was worth it because this new lounge and bar in Crimson Filinvest City has now become one of my favorite gin hangouts in the metro.
Alibi Lounge & Bar opened last November 12 with a quintessential 1920’s prohibition feel when the art of crafting cocktails was born. You can find this charming bar at the ground floor of Entrata Urban Complex, near the entrance to Crimson Hotel in Filinvest City where I often had my staycations whenever I wanted to travel in this area (Read: Stylish Alabang Staycation at Crimson Hotel). Alibi Lounge and Bar is open from 5:00pm to 1:00am from Tuesdays to Saturdays. The Hungry Kat was invited to check out this new destination last week and I was thrilled to discover another hidden gem for myself.
It’s actually not so easy to find Alibi Lounge and Bar, unless you know the secret. There’s a hidden entrance inside the complex near the Crimson Hotel lobby, but you will have to ask for the keycode password first before you can enter. Give them a message if you want to find the answer.
Once you get inside the bar, you are transported to a forgotten era where you can throw all your inhibitions outside the window. I really like the bar’s charming and elegant interiors which speaks of luxury and class. Vinyl records are also on display and there’s a record player right there if you want to listen to some classic tunes.
For those who can’t get the passcode, don’t worry because there’s actually another entrance right outside the al fresco area of Entrata Mall. You won’t find any signages for the bar though, but it is just beside Firehouse Pizza which is another signature dining establishment managed by Crimson Hotel. Guests can opt to enjoy their drinks outside as there are also seats and sofas set up here.
But I would still recommend having your cocktails and beverages right where the action is. You can sit at the bar area and witness first hand how their expert bartenders create your favorite glass.
Alibi Lounge and Bar has a very extensive list of gins, which is actually my poison of choice. The first thing I ordered was a refreshing glass of Gin & Tonic. I asked them to pour their best one for me and it did not disappoint.
They have a promotion called the Molly Pitcher Club which sets the scene for an epic ladies night out with unlimited Beefeater Gin & Tonic cocktails from Tuesday to Saturday between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Alibi Lounge and Bar is not just for the ladies because they have several strong cocktails for the men as well. The stylish bar menu lists cocktails with ABVs (Alcohol by Volume) of up to 33%, so they are really serious with their drinks.
The Peat, Meat And Greet (P500) comes with a grandiose display to complement your drinking experience. This savory and nutty cocktail is first placed inside this box which is then filled with smoke to enhance the aromas and flavors of the whiskey.
It comes with a combination of Jim Beam and Laphroaig whiskeys together with brown butter, sugar, black pepper, and a piece of bacon hanging on top. Anything is always better with bacon, and that includes cocktails. Its 23% ABV is surely a good way to start the evening.
There are many other options to choose from, like the Whisper Sister (P450) with its Chamomile tea-infused Tanqueray gin and lemon oleo. This was a lovely drink as well to perfectly set the mood.
Another eye-catching concoction is the Lucid Fluid (P400). This one comes with Bombay Sapphire, activated charcoal, pineapple, salted coconut, sugar, and coconut water. It’s a light and fruity drink that also has a few health benefits, so it’s actually good for you!
Then there’s Mary Pickford (P400) (24% ABV), a pretty glass made with rum, maraschino, grenadine, and pineapple. This cocktail first appeared in print in 1928 with Basil Woon’s cocktail book “When it’s Cocktail time in Cuba” and again in the 1930 edition of “The Savoy Cocktail Book” by legendary bartender Harry Craddock. You can find these little tidbits and history on their bar menu.
Make way for the Monkey Gland (P550) (22% ABV) as it comes with gin, orange, grenadine, and absinthe. This was created in the 1920’s by Harry MacElhone at his Harry’s New York bar in Paris.
On the other hand, the Boulevardier (P600) (25% ABV) has bourbon, sweet vermouth, and campari. A cocktail of the same name was created by Erskine Gwynne, publisher of “Boulevardier”, a magazine for expats living in Paris during the 1920’s. It was popularized after it was included in 1927 book “Barflies and Cocktails” by Harry MacElhone.
We’re going up the ABV ladder with these two heavyweights. The Martinez (P650) (31% ABV) has a combination of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino, and aromatic bitters. Its origin is unclear but it first appeared in print in the 1884 book “The Modern Bartender’s Guide” by O.H. Byron. Lastly, the Manhattan (P450) (33% ABV) packs a powerful punch with its bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
You can pair your cocktails with Alibi Lounge and Bar’s appetizers, bar chows, and main courses. The Assorted Cheese (P550) comes with Bleu d’Auvergne, Comte, goat cheese, and brie together with mixed nuts.
I highly recommend the Toasted Brioche with Prawns (P500) which comes with chives and lemon butter. The buttery bite-sized sandwiches are a good companion to any of their beverages.
You can also get the Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken (P350) to munch on. These crunchy chicken thighs are deep-fried in popcorn powder and basil.
Another tasty treat is their Assorted Homemade Sausage (P500) which comes with beef and lamb, pork, and chicken sausages. It also comes with a basket of french fries.
For those who want a meatier option, go for the Wagyu Beef Cubes Salpicao (P500) with its Wagyu sirloin steak and fried garlic chips in Worcestershire sauce. I really wanted to eat this with rice if I could.
If the bar chows are enough for you, diners at Alibi Lounge and Bar can also cross-order from its neighbor Firehouse Pizza. The Seafood Penne Alfredo (P240) is one of their delicious and cheesy pasta options.
Better yet, order a whole pizza for the entire table. The Firehouse Burrata Pizza (P550) is their signature pizza with a big piece of burrata on top. I already tried this once before and I really love its combination of toppings highlighted by the burrata cheese.
Those living in the south now have a speakeasy to call their own that can rival any of the more popular bars in Makati and BGC. Alibi Lounge and Bar is a hidden sanctuary that is sure to be not-so-hidden soon enough. Make sure to check it out now while people are still looking for the password. I’ve already told you the secret.
Alibi Lounge & Bar
G/F Entrata Urban Complex, Civic Drive, Filinvest City, Alabang
(0998) 595-3770
www.crimsonhotelfilinvestcity.com
www.facebook.com/alibiloungemla
#AlibiMNL #AlibiLoungeBar #CrimsonFilnvestCity #CrimsonHotels #Alabang #Bar #Gin #Cocktails