Alibi Bar & Grill

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  The is not a place to have a group dinner.  The tables in the private room are all different sizes and make it impossible to combine them for a big party.  This place is clearly a bar, and should serve just bar food.  Chicken Piccata or Salmon...not a good choice.  Even my strawberry salad was very blah.  The worst was that they are not equipped to serve a crowd.  They did warn that food wouldn't all come out at the same time, but the stretch of time they were serving food was like 2 hours.  People were completely finished and ready to leave before others got their food.  I was one of those last people, and all I had was a salad! They also ran out of some of the dishes.  Even the host didn't get what he had ordered, and he was last to eat!  I can say the waitresses were great and also seemed annoyed by the situation. They kept our drinks full and our appetizers coming.  The one highlight was the spinach dip and crunchy pita chips, they were gone so fast! Overall, not a good experience.  Just glad I was in good company.

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  Posted on 02.25.13 Trista T.

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  HUGE place that is pretty much always empty no matter what day of the week it is. Haven't had any of their food so I can't speak to that. The reason I gave it so few stars is the price of their drinks is ridiculous for the location of the bar. We're in STC, not downtown Chicago. They charged me $14 for a goldschlager shot! The hell!??
  
  Overall it SEEMS like it has the potential to be a nice place, very "new" feeling. Nice tvs, big area that could be used for a dance floor.... but this place definitely has an identity crisis going on (If you look up Alibi in Saint Charles, IL on Yelp you will see there are two different listings and the OTHER one there are comments all up and down the page that say the same thing.... clearly this one here was mocked up by an employee... not cool.)
  
  There are other places around STC that you can mingle and not pay out the yin yang for drinks.....

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  Posted on 02.05.13 Kt S.

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  I really wanted to like this place.  Had a Living Social deal.  The certificate said the voucher was good for an appetizer, two entrees and two glasses of house wine.  When we got there we were told it was only for two specific entrees and no choice for the appetizer.   I had the Chicken Picata and it was so salty it was difficult to even eat.  Sorry to say it was very disappointing.  Should have been able to get a burger or sandwich but wasn't able to do so.  The place was pretty empty when we arrived but seemed to get a few more customers as the night went on.   Too many great places in the area to go back there again to eat.   The service was good, I give them that.  It is a nice size place so maybe I would go back for a drink but would eat somewhere else first.   Sorry Alibi with so many great restaurants around you just don't make the cut.

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  Posted on 01.14.13 R R.

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  For my first review of 2013, I give you...Alibi.  Nestled off of 3rd St in downtown St. Charles, it's pretty standard for the area.  The first time I visited, I was underwhelmed, but a lot more sober than my most recent visit.
  Upon my first visit, we were told to sit wherever by a wandering server.  We sat ourselves at a high top.  The bar was basically empty, although that may have been because it was early.  We ate, and whatever I had was not memorable.  Although I cannot provide details since this was quite a while ago, I can assure you that no one that ate at our table was floored by any means.  I do recall that my bf had a flat bread and did not care for it, and thought the price was high for the amount of food we received.  I also did not care for their specialty drinks, I had something called a "skittletini" that was gross, way too syrupy and sweet.  Since our dinner and drinks rendezvous was a bust, we did not return for quite some time...
  Fast forward:  last weekend, some friends were getting together for a birthday and this was the spot.  I went into it with a good attitude, just because a place doesn't rank in my book for their food doesn't mean I can't enjoy myself there.  This trip was a different experience.  The facility is extremely clean and the staff was friendly.  They also had a DJ spinning (is it still spinning when everyone's on a laptop...) although the music was "eh".  I still enjoyed it, just not anything that I would consider cutting edge..more like the soundtrack to years past (shots! shots! shots! everyyybodyyy)..
  It seemed to really get popping around midnight, but that may have been the several shots of Jame-o I had taken down.  The crowd was a decent mix of people and there weren't too too many d-bags so I had a good time.  I do not like how they have no outside areas, once you step out, you're basically in the street.
  Another thing I have been intrigued by on both visits is the "Jaguar Room"..it looks so cool and exclusive, although I'm sure it is just an extension of the bar that is rarely open because they're not that busy.  I liked this spot, and it's nice to have a place that plays music in STC again so I will be back the next time my friends pick this as a party spot.  
  P.S.  Whoever is in charge of the website may want to have someone proofread their work.  Not only is appetizers spelled "appitizers", but they have "Salsa Wednesday's"...yes, that would be the possessive rather than plural form.  If you want to be viewed professionally, you should probably step up your linguistic game.
  OUT.

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  Posted on 01.04.13 Amanda S.

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  Came here on a whim last week with my husband and his friend.  I love the name of the place and the slogan!  Definitely a mixed crowd, which I always like!
  
  We sat ourselves down and noticed our table was sticky, not a good start.  We waved down a server came to come over and she gave it a good wipe down.  
  
  We ordered boneless buffalo wings with ranch and blue cheese, 2 fish tacos with corn tortillas and my husband's friend ordered a burger with fries.  He did ask for it to be medium-well and got it well done.  I forgot what drink I ordered but it was super sweet and sour, which I like but my husband and his friend tasted it and obviously didn't like it too much.  They both had a Jack and coke.  We also ordered a round of Jameson shots.
  
  Our server was fine.  Although she did bring out our fish tacos with flour tortillas instead of corn which she did go back and bring us the corn tortillas.  
  
  I loved the cover band that was playing that night!  I wish I would of gotten their name.
  
  When we left we were given a free appetizer card.
  
  I would definitely give Alibi another try.

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  Posted on 12.19.12 Melanie T.

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  Alibi is definitely not sure of what it wants to be.  The space itself is large and very open.  When we stopped in one afternoon, there was a couple entering with us who asked if they were open.  It was entirely empty, so, yes, it was a fair question.  But apparently they were open, despite 1/3 of the tables on the far side of the room had chairs upside down on them as someone was mopping the floor (don't you do this before or after business hours?) There was a lot of awkward open space right around the entry, so we decided to sit at the bar.  
  
  The bar is sizable and u-shaped and there are TVs around.  I opted for a strawberry salad, which was okay.  Nothing to make it stand out, but nothing remarkable, either.  Which, is pretty much what you could say for my husband's burger.  He's fairly easy to please, but alibi doesn't really give you any reason to come back.
  
  Plus, while I can appreciate a casual atmosphere, our bartender looked haggard.  Jeans are find behind the bar, but man, she had on a sloppy layered top, messy hair, and kept checking her iPhone, which was plugged in nearby.  Obviously, work wasn't her main concern than day.  
  
  If Alibi doesn't hone in on what they want to do, who they want to be, I think they risk going under, especially with so many other dining choices in the area.

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  Posted on 12.09.12 Aoife Z.

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  So, a couple weeks ago, my fiance and I were going to meet up with friends at the Filling Station. But as we walked to the back door, he called an audible!  Most times we don't really pay attention across the street, but this time his eyes were drawn to Alibi.  Maybe it was the 25 cent wing sign and specials that were on the window but whatever the case was, he went in quickly and decided he wanted to try it out!
  
  Overall, not a bad choice!  This classy looking place was large and smelled new, as if they had just painted and applied varnish.  While we visited, it only had 2 other couples which made question, is this place new and no one knows about it?  Well, I soon answered my question when I found a promo flier for their "grand opening weekend."  So yeah, safe to say, yes!
  
  I got the wing special, which they have Monday, Thursday, and Sundays and a couple drinks.  My hungry dude got a sandwich, a side of crab mac n' cheese that I eventually commandeered,  and a couple drinks as well.  My food was nothing extraordinary but matched up with the value, so I consider that a win! And in case you are wondering, the wings are breaded, can come in three flavors in groups of six, and sized like Hooters' wings.  
  
  In regards to our service, I thought it great!  Our server/bartender was really down to earth, personable, and attentive! Despite a questionable aged wine flub, she quickly remedied the situation and opened a new bottle for my friend.  She also had some excess martini that she happily shared with our companions.
  
  Anyway, decent first impression and I'd stop by again!

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  Posted on 09.18.12 Bernice Y.

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  Went out on a weekday evening.  The place was fairly empty.  The bartender doubled as the waitress and was very pleasant and attentive.   Our flatbread appetizer was mushy and bland.  Both of our dishes had chicken as the main meat and in both cases the chicken was over cooked and dry.  The sauces for the pastas that were part of the dishes were not memorable.   Ask to see the dessert menu and there was none and a single choice was all that was offered.  It might be a good bar but I would never return here for food.

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  Posted on 09.12.12 Terry S.

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  I've been here twice now and have mixed feels about the Alibi. When you first walk in their is a hostess stand but no one is there. I'm assuming this is only because they aren't busy enough to have one. However, a bartender/waitress has been quick to greet us and seat us. That being said, I think the Alibi is having an identity crisis. From the looks of the place and the menu I think they want to be an upscale bar. They have nice tv's everywhere playing sports channels and their menu prices range from $10 to $30 for a steak. While the music is clubbing techno music. I don't  think someone that will pay $30 for a steak would also want clubbing music in the background, I know I don't. Both times I've been here I've ordered a sandwich or wrap. Which both were very good. I've been here on a Saturday and Thursday and both days the place had more people working than customers to serve. The service was great on Thursday, they were friendly and tentative. Saturday wasn't as great but I'm assuming it was "growing pains". We had a group of 6 and one of our orders (flat bread) was missing when our food was brought but quickly the mistake was corrected.
  
  All in all, I'd go here again but I'll stick with the sandwich menu and ignore the clubbing music.

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  Posted on 09.10.12 KiKi I.

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  This place is excellent!  Food, service, atmosphere - very, very welcoming and the food was outstanding!  I highly recommend it.

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  Posted on 08.20.12 Mary P.

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  Great service. Good beer selection. Flatbread was very good

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  Posted on 08.08.12 Russell B.

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  We tried this restaurant for dinner on a Thursday night, when there was not a band playing, nor were there many other patrons. The seating surrounds an enormous bar, with a stage in a corner, and TV screens placed all around. I expected typical bar food on the menu, but instead, the menu is ambitious. There are sandwiches, as well as seafood and steal entres.
  We tried the Porto Bella stuffed mushroom appetizer. It was good, however, I thought the sauce on top suffered from one strong flavor being overpowering. It did not help that I couldn't identify the flavor.
  We had the whitefish dinner and the crab stuffed shrimp. Both entres had perfectly cooked al dente asparagus which was excellent.
  The whitefish was outstanding along with mini boiled potatoes. Wish I ordered this dish. The stuffed shrimp was ok, although the crab stuff had the unidentified sauce above on it. Twice in one meal was too much. The shrimp was on a bed o garlic mashed potatoes, which were awful. No garlic flavor, no flavor at all actually, and the consistency of watery paste. The shrimps were quality big shrimps, but the dish was disappointing overall.
  I am not sure what this place wants to be, a bar, or a restaurant. The setting screams out bar, and at least one dish requires a rework to make me consider it again. 3 stars because the whitefish was so good. Do not order the garlic mashed paste.

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  Posted on 07.20.12 Bob S.

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  My husband and I went to Alibi last night for a rare 'date night'.  We were very pleased.  I had the Strawberry Fields salad.  Quite possibly one of the best salads I have ever had.  My typical M.O. with salads is to eat the 'good stuff' and leave the lettuce.  I ate every bite on my plate. Delicious!!  My husband had a bacon cheeseburger and sweet potato fries.  He loved it!  and he is quite the cheeseburger connoisseur :).  He is pretty picky and he thought it was great.  I tried his sweet potato fries and they tasted like fresh cut sweet potatoes (not frozen).  Bottom line:  Atmosphere:  Cool.  Sophisticated.  Food:  Delicious.  Price:  Good.  Not cheap but not expensive. Just right (to quote Goldilocks). Drinks:  I had a mojito that was perfect.  So refreshing.  It was $7.  Not too bad for a great drink.  I highly recommend Alibi. Please go, spread the word.  Keep this restaurant in St. Charles!

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  Posted on 07.01.12 Karla W.

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  stop by alibi to see the new club the food was the best around haaving a real chef with a live band on sat all the staff was accomodating has a u shape bar that is 75 feet you call see all around that also have a great party room we will go bad this place is a home run

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  Posted on 06.11.12 Rich S.

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