The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge — Restaurant in Columbus

EDIT: Management is extremely pretentious and has to do things their way or the highway. Look at owner responses to customers who have posted about their bad experience. Your edit shows you view negative feedback as an attack when my review was a review about the poor service received and then about the followup from the business owner including multiple attacks of my character despite my factual review.

The poor service was related to receiving unclear instructions from your staff about how to acquire a seat and told I could not sit at a table that COULD accommodate my party. The only "service" I received was being told to check back later. Not that I could wait outside, wait in the bar area, or wait anywhere. Then the ownership's attitude came out after the bad review, more proof that my review is warranted and that the staff's attitude is also poor.

Review: This is a review on my experience trying to have a seat and was unfortunately "shoo'd away." Ran into nearly the same exact experience another reviewer had. Walked in and was immediately told there were no tables despite there being room at one table. I was then told I couldn't sit there due to Franklin County rules, which in my research don't exist. There was room at the table to fit my party.

The smarmy attitude was the worst part as the person conducted themself in a way that they were happy to deny us entry but told us to try back later. No waitlist and I didn't want to stand in the bar waiting, where I was likely not welcomed to wait anyways.

I understand COVID rules are fast evolving but the personality of the bartender was unpleasant in such a short interaction. I also bet the drinks are fantastic but I cannot speak to that.

Edit: It's evident that the ownership of the business cannot accept that their service and first impressions given to some of their hopeful customers were unpleasant, again driven by your attitude.

You continue to deflect and treat customers who were really excited to try your drinks as if they are children with the idea I "didn't get my way." I guess "my way" is hoping for better communication and explanation of how to secure a seat. You didn't say we could wait inside while we were there or in your response so I could assume we are to wait outside and hope a table opens up before someone else walks in to grab one? I also guess supporting your business is "getting my way."

Overall with your response and prior responses to negative reviews, it's clear that you only want to have things your way and you lack the proper social skills to explain your policies and you are reverting to "read the sign on the door" that can easily be missed.

My constructive feedback for you is to treat potential customers with respect instead of as nuisances that are "lucky to indulge" your drinks. That is the vibe you gave off both in person and is further solidified with your response. Your attitude is toxic.

I warn others to think twice before spending your money here as the owner probably looks down on you and views you as an inconvenience. I am extremely disappointed in the ownership's behaviour as I was looking forward to trying this place for many months but I am relieved that I was fortunate enough to be...

We saw Alibi walking down North High Street and thought we would stop in for a couple of cocktails. We walked in and tried to get a table. The guy who worked there said, "we are full check back later." The place is small and evidently they don't have a waiting list to put your name on. Then my wife went to head to their bathroom and the guy stepped in front of her and said, "we are not a public restroom." It's not like we didn't just try to get a table and buy drinks...it's not our fault they were full. I asked the guy, "she's really not allowed to use the restroom?" He said, "NO!" The guy was just rude, so we will NEVER step foot in that place again. It must be nice to have so much business that you can turn away customers and be rude. Stay away!!!

Follow up comment after Alibi's reply:

Thank you for the lengthy response and the insight you've provided on your vibe. We didn't come into to your establishment to use it as a public restroom, we came in to be a patron. Sorry, our focus was on your cocktail signs and not your restroom signs. If your vibe is to make people who are trying to be your customers feel like they did something wrong by trying to use the restroom then no thank you. I think your statements about not gracing us with your presence and thanking us for warning people passing by not to come in and try and use your restrooms is a fair representation of your attitude towards...

This place deserves zero stars. From the design, to the smell, and overall atmosphere. The bar looks like a studio apartment living room of a college student. There is one bathroom that you can barely get to because of the furniture, (which might or not be a fire hazard) but you get the slightest hints of smells coming from the bathroom while you're inside the bar; which is why they keep the doors open I'm guessing. The bar is super dark, darker than most and no music. There was a single TV on the wall playing anime...........(I understand everyone is currently targeting a certain demographic of people right now but come on) and very limited seating. The prices were also a bit expensive in comparison to a lot of other establishments/bars in the area (across the street or even next door with a better menu and atmosphere). The happy hour was a joke and they are very limited on their drink/cocktail selection. The bartenders were also not well trained and knowledgeable about basic drinks. I'm sorry but that whole experience was a waste of time. ZERO STARS PLEASE GO...