ome restaurants have names that are evocative, though not particularly meaningful. The Alibi Room in the eastern edge of Gastown is an example - it sounds like it might be a cocktail lounge in some noir detective flick, or perhaps a sound bite from the book version. It’s neither. It is, however, one of the more interesting and eclectic eateries in these parts - aside from the honourable Lucy Mae Brown down the street - normally dominated by fast-food joints and good but uncreative places catering to a Railtown crowd.

If LMB is becoming too familiar and Fiction isn't offering you anything new, Alibi brings a progressive alternative to people who want to get out of a rut at the bar scene, but don't want to trek it to Yaletown. But since the Alibi Room – named after a ‘20s speakeasy - is meant to be a clubby kind of place for film industry types, it feels, once you’re firmly inserted into its tidy interior, like a typical scenester venue.

While Alexander and Main is a fairly raw, edgy ‘hood, it draws the hipsters in droves. Alibi lures its fir share to its newly renovated in the downstairs bar with a lineup of goodies, the best being on Fridays, with ‘Mild Style’, a rare groove and hip-hop night. Saturdays ring in at a close second place with DJ Phonograff manning the decks with his signature crunchy ska and reggae beats.

The upstairs level is a lofty space of 20 ft ceiling and stretch windows, unadorned wooden tables and ironwork that only serves to highlighting its surroundings. The 200-seat restaurant is well-stocked and offers a dozen of so beers on tap. The forthcoming wait staff are knowledgeable about all the alcohol that they serve, and they will even give you a pointer or two on how to make that Goldschlager shot extra effective; if you're going to keep a bar at the top of its game, it's important that every element works in synergy.

Unable to resist the draw of the bar, we both tried another house favourite, the Studio B, which is Finlandia Vodka and a citrus garnish comes in a well-chilled glass and is bitter with a good kick. For the most bang for your buck, go for the beer. Beers on tap include Granville Island Pale Ale, R&B Raven Cream Ale and Kilkenny Cream Ale, plus an “Alibi Lager” a 100% natural all organic.