Alibi - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Bar and Catering — Restaurant in Portage

Overrated. If half stars were possible, I'd give 2.5 stars. The atmosphere is very nice. the table settings and centerpieces are pretty. The place is clean. The only thing I didn't like about the setup was I felt my legs were cramped at the bar because the tabletop doesn't extend out very far. The service is good. From my experience, sitting at a table was superior to the bar. My gripe is that I was majorly let down by the food and its pricing. Sure, everything that comes out looks amazing, but the quality and taste just don't match up. I also think that depending on the meal, the experience is worth it or not. I'd 100% return for breakfast/brunch or lunch again. However, I would not go back for dinner. I wanted to try out some of the more pricey items to find out if it was truly as high end as the environment and menu pricing appears. I was let down. The halibut's texture and taste were more similar to cheap fish. I'd say similar to cod or tilapia used for fish and chips. It even smelled slightly fishy when it came out - like it wasn't very fresh. It was not seasoned well, as it was bland, and even the flavor of the sauce didn't come through. The rice below it was mushy with too much water or possibly overcooked. The only thing I enjoyed were the few carrots that came with it. I had ordered oysters as an appetizer. They were cleaned well, but they were so tiny that the size of the meat in each oyster was equivalent to the size of a quarter. You could barely taste it, and its about $20 for 6 of them. I've had better and bigger oysters at dive bars for $1 to $2 each, a la cart. The bartender said the sizes vary greatly between shipments. If that is the case and the oysters are small, then make up for it somehow or find a more consistent vendor. I let the bartender know my dissappintment, and she didn't try to remedy the situation. I believe my friend had steak frites. She said her food was ok but not worth the price. To me, it was a major letdown. I think the place is an illusion of high-end or fine dining. It is just slightly nicer than your average restaurant. The online menu doesn't fully match the in-restaurant menus. I'd say going here is worth a try. I'd recommend lunch over dinner. The owner is very nice, and I know it is a lot of work to run a restaurant. I just think there's many areas for improvement...

We just got back from having our first dinner at Alibi. I say "first" because we WILL be back! I had the Miso Salmon Bowl. My only regret was not asking for a side of the miso sauce for my perfectly cooked Basmati rice! Next time!! My husband had the Wagyu Beef burger. He is more of a bacon/cheeseburger guy and this was a bit "froufrou" with the inclusion of brie. But he said it was cooked perfectly. The service was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere inside was a welcome change here in the Portage restaurant scene as it reminded me of one of our favorite Ann Arbor restaurants, The Earle. With crisp white tablecloths and place settings done with an eye for detail, it is classy casual dining with an upscale feel & menu.

The reason I gave it a 4-star review was because of the initial aesthetic upon arriving at the restaurant. The patio area is surrounded by a nice black fence but is covered with tattered black mesh held on by bungy cords. This makes it impossible to see out, or for others to see that people are dining there. It's a mystery. Noise reduction? No. Privacy? No, it's a public restaurant. Also, the shades were drawn on the large windows to the restaurant which made it feel unwelcoming. I love to pass by a restaurant and see happy people, lit candles and bustling servers, it makes me want to eat there! Lastly, the crooked, flashing "open" sign above the entry door. It looks like it belongs at a hotdog place or an ice cream shop, not this restaurant.

But...

I rarely write reviews, but I felt I needed to share my dining experiences at the Alibi.

They opened up for the first time about a month ago, and I was lucky enough to be invited to their soft opening. Although the service was a challenge for them, the food was phenomenal. Knowing Janey, the owner, I knew the food would be good, but I didn't expect it to be this good! I was very impressed with the chef and the kitchen crew!

However, since the service needed some attention, I decided to wait until they made some changes in the staffing and/or found their footing in the front of the house. Well, one month later I have to say that they have learned a lot! Tonight they were very attentive and made the dining experience enjoyable.

The food was delicious and at a level that I have not had in the Kalamazoo area prior. I wouldn't say that lightly. The drinks were made well and I found them to be as enjoyable as the meal!

The Mushroom Risotto appetizer was creamy and the mushrooms were very flavorful. The dinner special tonight was a Filet Marsala and that may have been the most tenderest and flavorful steak I have ever had!:)

Overall, I have to say for the price, this meal between appetizers, dinner and drinks may have been one of the best I have had...

If you have not tried this restaurant yet, I suggest you do before the secret gets out, you will NOT be disappointed!

I know for me, I will become a regular...