Alibi

1403 University Ave.
92103 (Hillcrest)
(619) 295-0881
Happy Hour: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily

If you were accused of a crime, I’m not sure the Alibi would make for an ideal defense. Producing a witness to verify your patronage would be tough considering the place is rather dark and customers are so often merrily tanked, they probably couldn’t tell you apart from Lady Gaga. And unless you withdraw some green from the bar’s clunky ATM machine, you’d be hard pressed to produce a paper trail because this is a cash-only establishment that doesn’t supply receipts.

Alibi’s happy hour is a long one, running between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tall-standing “big dippers” for $3 apiece are the main draw, weighty tap pours of Bud or Bud Lite in pint-and-a-half glasses. Well drinks are priced the same, and yes, you’ll see a fair share of vodka tonics and gin martinis slung to some serious drinkers before the lunch hour hits.

The Alibi is considered San Diego’s oldest dive bar and houses all walks of life. Pool tables are in action all day, and the juke box is loaded with classic rock. In my last visit, we scored about six tunes for a buck, although after downing a few big dippers, it was difficult to keep track.

In earlier days, the Alibi served food. But the grill went out with the George Bush era, and in came a backyard smoking patio that crams up as the day progresses. There, you’ll find about four high tops and a bar counter that puts you face to face with a gray cement wall. But the natural light offers relief to the eyes, and the space draws a festive, chatty crowd during peak hours.

“This is the cheapest place in San Diego to drink and they don’t change things around,” an older gentleman at the bar declared before detailing his previous career as a city bus driver, his failed marriage and a “dream relationship” that followed. If you’re a good listener, everyone at Alibi has a story.

By late afternoon, the pool tables attract some serious sharks. But novices need not fear. There are plenty who sign up on the chalk board and later share rounds of tequila shots.

The social vibe flows as smoothly as the booze 365 days a year, which means if you find yourself alone on holidays or want to opt out of Christmas dinner, the Alibi will take you in without passing judgment.

Ratings:

Drinks: 4/5
The top-shelf stuff is missing in comparison to modern-day bars, but the liquor pours are hardy and the “big dipper” drafts are large enough to house schools of fish.
Food: 0
There isn’t any, so save a few bucks for a warm burrito down the street after you leave.
Value: 4/5
If you’re not a beer snob, you can drink lots of Bud or Bud Lite for cheap if sticking to the “big dippers” for $3 a pop.
Service:5/5
Three minutes is the longest wait time we’ve experienced for getting our booze during peak hours. The bar staff is fast, friendly and unpretentious.
Duration: 5/5
Where else will you find a happy hour that runs practically all day, year-round?