Alibi

By That's Beijing, September 10, 2013

Having just returned from a month-long “research trip for burger cuisine” across the USA, the guys behind Alibi are confident their Bad Ass Burger is exactly that: Bad Ass.

Upon entering, we hear (the not-so-badass) Taylor Swift strumming away while “Route 66” license plates grace the walls alongside a impressive collection of vintage Mao memorabilia. Missouri, this ain’t.

Glancing through the menu proves tough, what with (literally) headliners like “Big Bite Sandwich” (RMN40) and “Fat Ass Dog” (RMB35) screaming for our attention. Classic diner items leap across the faux newspaper menu (there’s even a crossword to help pass the time), tempting our waistlines with sandwiches and desserts galore. Quality service is in traditional American style—we didn’t even have to ask for ice water, nor did we ever get to the bottom of our glass.

Easing into things with a fresh fruit salad (RMB38) – a generous mix of real, chilled, nicely sized fruit chunks – is perfect for summer. Moving onto the veggie burger (RMB30), we didn’t make it past the sweet, tangy coleslaw filling before we left our burger (or lack of — there’s no actual patty here, just veggies) in a sad puddle.

The juicy and appropriately crisp country-fried “fat ass burger” (RMB45) fared better, though, and stayed intact throughout. Our patty-less tragedy was quickly forgotten as we indulged in a creamy, not-too-sweet ice-cream Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake (RMB30), delivered specially from homemade charity service Bread of Life Bakery. What’s that you say, supporting the livelihoods of disabled orphans? We didn’t even feel those extra calories.

If the liberal use of “ass” wasn’t enough of a hint, Alibi is rockin’ the low-key, casual vibe. Head here with a group before a big night out and get six shots for a discounted RMB150.

We can’t wait to try the Fat Ass Dog” (RMB80 with a Kentucky bourbon barrel ale) wrapped in a layer of crispy bacon, topped with diced tomatoes and a melt-y Cheddar cheese. If it’s anything like the burgers here, it’s sure to put regular hounds to shame.

// Daily 10 am–1 am, 2 Xingfu Yicun Sanxiang, Chaoyang District 幸福一村三巷2号朝阳区(6415 0108)