Mystery Diner in Wonder Lake: Alibi Pub & Grub delights with hearty starters, burgers, pork-loaded cheesy mac

New ownership serving savory classics

Since father-son team Trevor and Bob Carey bought the Alibi Pub & Grub in Wonder Lake in November, there have been only three months in which it’s been worthwhile for them to be open due to COVID-19 restrictions.

But since coming back in early February, the Careys have debuted a strong menu full of savory, classic bar foods with flavorful additions and condiments. Delicious options are offered up and down the menu, from appetizers and burgers, to the meat-loaded mac and cheese dishes.

When we got takeout from the Alibi on a recent evening, the restaurant staff was both smart and kind enough to put the sauce for our loaded nachos with beef ($8) into a separate container from the tortilla chips, so the cheesy, meaty dip would not make the chips soggy on our ride home.

Plus, the heat of the dip was preserved, and once we poured it over the chips, our first bites were still smoking hot in temperature, and the taste buds got a small kick from the jalapeños.

The serving of loaded nachos was large, with the meaty dip so filling and delightful, it easily could have been a full meal for two.

When I moved on to my main dish, the Don Wilson burger ($10), the first bite was a juicy, spicy and fantastic experience. The burger came with a thick serving of bacon, plus jalapeños and pickles on a gourmet bun loaded with cheddar cheese.

The spicy ranch that arrived with the burger brought an entirely new element to the dish, without dominating the overall taste.

The ranch, by itself, did have a great flavor, too, and I made sure to save a bit after I drizzled most of it onto my burger, so I could dip a few of the crisp and enjoyable fries on the side.

Next, it was time to try the barbecue pulled pork mac and cheese ($8). First off, I noticed right away that the amount of pork that came with the dish – a thick layer covering the entire serving of cheesy pasta – made this menu item a bargain for the customer.

The flavor of the pork itself was stunning, as I sneaked a bite before mixing it with the crispy onions and pasta.

Together, all the elements were scrumptious. It was hard to stop eating this one, even as I felt myself getting way too full.

A young diner who came with us enjoyed a serving of plain mac and cheese from the kids menu ($5) that was definitely large enough to feed an adult. Just like the pulled pork was fantastic all by itself, so was the mac and cheese. It dripped liquid gold with every bite.

My fellow diner ordered a BLT club sandwich ($8), and was just as impressed with her order as I was with my burger. Once again, the bacon stood out.

The strips served by the Alibi are big, and their taste is bold. This is everything you want in a sandwich.

We can’t wait to head back to the Alibi for some of the daily food and drink specials, as well as live daytime music at the outdoor stage in its big parking lot.

• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Northwest Herald. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Alibi Pub & Grub

WHERE: 4117 E. Wonder Lake Road, Wonder Lake

PHONE: 779-444-2292

INFORMATION: facebook.com/AlibiPubGrub