Our Story
An Idea Built for Friday Nights
The Alibi began with a simple idea: to create the kind of place founder Daniel Todd would choose for his own Friday night.
A sexy, intimate space where guests could settle into a comfortable chair, enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail, share a few incredible bites, and lose track of time. Somewhere sophisticated and timeless, where every detail mattered, and every visit felt like an occasion.
Bringing the Vision to Life
In 2021, Daniel purchased the building and began transforming it into an upscale cocktail lounge unlike anything else in Cocoa Beach.
Inspired by vintage speakeasies and the elegance of classic supper clubs, he designed The Alibi to offer more than dinner and drinks. The cocktails, food, lighting, music, furniture, and service would work together to create a complete experience.
Over the next two months, the interior underwent a full transformation. Walls came down, and Daniel carefully selected every light fixture, finish, piece of furniture, and design element to make the space feel warm, intimate, and effortlessly sophisticated.
The Alibi officially opened its doors in December 2021.
A Piece of Cocoa Beach History, Restored
During the renovation, Daniel uncovered the building’s original black walnut back bar beneath decades of paint.
Rather than replacing it, he carefully hand-sanded every inch until the rich walnut grain returned. The restored bar now stands as the centerpiece of The Alibi and a reminder that some pieces of history deserve a second life.
The Alibi name also honors the building’s past. Decades ago, the first bar at this location carried the same name. Bringing it back created a meaningful connection between the property’s history and the new experience Daniel was creating for Cocoa Beach.
Beyond the Back Bar
Daniel always intended for the outdoor space to become an essential part of The Alibi.
Instead of adding a traditional patio, he set out to build a true outdoor destination filled with tropical landscaping, flowing water, handcrafted architecture, live music, incredible cocktails, and genuine hospitality.
Designing and building The Backyard took nearly a year. Daniel refused to rush the process because the outdoor space deserved the same craftsmanship and attention to detail as the indoor lounge.
The Backyard officially opened in July 2023. Its custom-built features include hand-poured concrete bars, a one-of-a-kind water feature, tropical landscaping, carefully designed lighting and seating, and handcrafted architectural details.
Every element serves one purpose: creating a place guests never want to leave.
Hospitality Lives in the Details
Today, we welcome guests to The Alibi for handcrafted cocktails, chef-driven small plates, intimate date nights, celebrations, private events, and live entertainment.
The restored black walnut back bar, custom wallpaper, curated lighting, distinctive restrooms, and handcrafted features throughout The Backyard reflect our belief that exceptional hospitality lives in the details.
Our bartenders craft every cocktail with intention. Our chefs thoughtfully prepare every dish. Our team makes every visit feel like more than an ordinary night out.
A Note From Daniel
My goal was never simply to open another restaurant. I wanted to create a place that transports people from the moment they walk through the door.
A place where conversations last longer than expected. Where first dates turn into anniversaries, birthdays become traditions, and strangers become regulars.
Thank you for being part of The Alibi’s story. I hope it becomes your favorite place to relax, celebrate, reconnect, and make memories with the people who matter most.
I’ll save you a seat.
Daniel Todd
Founder, The Alibi Cocktails & Bites