Alibi Speakeasy & Lounge Offers Prohibition Feel In Farmingdale (2024)

The crew of the new speakeasy dishes on what it will offer regarding drinks, food and entertainment. See more photos inside the story.

Posted Mon, Nov 11, 2019 at 3:01 pm ET|Updated Mon, Mar 1, 2021 at 11:51 am ET

Alibi will keep the feel of 230 Main St.'s previous tenant intact, from the numerous door knobs at the entrance to the co*cktails served in an old-fashioned setting, though the new team has plenty of fresh ideas.

Co-owners Pete Dragone and Chris Molano, as well as Joey Ferraro, the manager, are the same team that runs One Eye Jacks, a bar in Bethpage. While that bar isn't going anywhere, the team wanted to try something new after garnering six years of experience.

"We wanted to come up with a totally different concept of what we’ve been used to," Dragone told Patch. "This was the perfect location for it: the Village. You’ve got a lot of great bars and restaurants, but you don’t have a lounge. We wanted to create an atmosphere that caters to couples and large parties, as well. It’s a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere and ambiance."

The drink menu features over 40 single malts and bourbons each, as well as over two dozen co*cktails. Some are designed as specialty co*cktails, while a handful draw on inspiration from the Prohibition era itself. Beer co*cktails, daiquiris, craft beers from Long Island and New York State breweries, wine and more round out the alcohol offerings.

Alibi's "Famous 1920 Punch," which combines a variety of rums and juices, can be enjoyed by a large group. The speakeasy also offers a cappuccino and espresso bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

As far as food, the speakeasy offers finger foods and shareable items, such as Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites, Jumbo Pretzel served with beer cheese, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Breaded Mushrooms and more. Perhaps the main attraction of the food menu is the Charcuterie Board, an assortment of meats and cheeses ideal for sharing.

For those with a sweet tooth, Alibi carries a dessert menu. Molten Lava Cake, ice cream, Nutella, Reese's and other kinds of donuts and cakes are available. Gatsby's Birthday Explosion, which combines vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream with assorted candy, cookies and cheesecake pops, can be split among a group.

Dragone said Alibi will be implementing entertainment and theme nights, which will focus on jazz and blues music. There will eventually be trivia night and open mic comedy night, as well.

Alibi will cater to families due to the part-restaurant nature of the business, which is something Ferraro said separates it from Charlotte's, Main Street's other speakeasy that has been around since 2017. Alibi is also open seven days a week until 4 a.m. each night, though the hours are subject to change.

"We bring more of a laid-back environment; more relaxing and more of a lounge feel," Ferraro said in comparison.

Dragone said having been in the bar business for six years, he wanted something different, and that he's been looking for the right space on Main Street in Farmingdale for three years.

"When this came up, for me, it was a no-brainer," he said. "We came in and bought a prior speakeasy that was here (Cork and Kerry). I fell in love with the idea. When we came in, we wanted to elevate everything about it."

Between the co*cktails, food, desserts and espresso bar, Dragone believes the speakeasy has something for everybody.

While there's no dress code for customers, servers will be wearing black on black with a necktie or bow-tie. They may even wear a fedora or suspenders.

"Anything Prohibition style," Ferraro said.

Dragone said part of the focus in service was to ensure no matter the size of your party — alone, couples or huge parties — everyone will be accommodated. There will also be a reservation system, but due to the heavy walk-in traffic nature of Main Street, half of the venue will be left open for walk-ins.

"We don’t turn anybody away," Ferraro added. "We’ll always make room for you."

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