Zanzibar

A world theme transcends this Hell’s Kitchen bar and lounge, which does double duty as a happy hour haven and weekend hot spot. While a velvet-draped entrance and a red illuminated bar give Zanzibar a clubby flare, the space is accented with a mix of bamboo walls, zebra print banquettes and a hodgepodge of African masks. After work, the happy hour crowd sips fruity cocktails while sharing snacks from a menu of tapas-style Mediterranean small plates. Thursday through Saturday nights, the scene transforms into an all-out party as a DJ spins hip-hop and pop hits.

Editor's Tips

Save Money:: During happy hour (weekdays, 5pm-8pm), get a complimentary beverage with the purchase of any item from the a la carte menu.
What to Drink:: Try the Gin Gin ($12), made with Hendricks gin, cranberry juice, bitters and cucumber juice.
The Extras:: Anyone can be a VIP here. Reserve one of the semi-private alcove rooms, which can accommodate 20 to 30 people.

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User Reviews (100)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“Love the back lounge, the circular fire place is very cozy.” “just went to this lounge yesterday and I think It's the most romantic place to take a date or your spouse however, I would prefer you to dine at another place.” “Great decor, nice staff.” “Great atmosphere!” “The crowd is very good looking and fun.” “The atmosphere was simply great.” “Inviting decor and great staff.” “The back room is great and cozy.” “Zanzibar offers plush, comfortable seating, and breezy open views for that Friday night or late night happy hour when you don't want to get too crazy.” “This place is nice, cozy and romantic.” “have always enjoyed the music, drinks and atmosphere, but I would normally eat a meal somewhere else before getting there because they only served appetizer portions, (tasty but small).” “Delicious drinks, nice atmosphere and good service are a very good combination.” “This bar is a lot of fun, pretty big with a good DJ.” “The comfortable cauches are just what you need to unwind.” “love this place so much fun and the drinks are great” “Zanzibar is a nice place, I went there the other day on a date and it was fun.” “The atmosphere was pumping and the service was great.” “Zanzibar is a fun place with good music & drinks, but it is rather difficult to talk to people through a fireplace (that spans from floor to ceiling) that sits directly in the middle of one of their back rooms.” “The atmosphere is very comfortable and we had a great time even by interacting with other customers (apparently this place attracts very cool people!)” “really enjoy the ambiance and the posh setting, music is very dated and up beat.” “don't think this is common ocurrence; the atmosphere appeared semi-mature (20's-30's) and the vibe was cool.” “The decor is really pretty.” “The place is beautiful, cozy.” “My friends and I are on the search for the perfect place - the place that isn't snobby - and is chill - and has hot men - so, we came to Zanzibar to check it out - it isn't on the top - but we are glad we found it - the place is lots of fun - its very chi” “Other than that, this might be a good pick for a low-key hang-out space with some ambience and sophistication.”
drinks	88.40999603271484% positive	“The drinks were great as always.” “We got a nice table, had some decent food and great drinks and people watched.” “Zanzibar is a fun place with good music & drinks, but it is rather difficult to talk to people through a fireplace (that spans from floor to ceiling) that sits directly in the middle of one of their back rooms.” “Great crowd, great music, the food and drinks don't dissapoint and great friendly service all in one place.” “The drinks are always good here.” “The first time I tried out this spot, it was nothing short of a blast; the drinks, the friendly service, the people, the music, the mood.” “Great time/great drinks” “We now enjoy wine in a completely different way.” “... However, our experience last night was that the service was absolutely horrible, and these people don't know how to make a drink.” “The drinks are great and the waitress are hot.” “The waitresses are very cool and keep the drinks comming.” “really nice looking people having a great time, sipping on great cocktails.” “Then the drinks and shots kept on flowing, the finger food was great.” “Good looking people, good drinks, fast waitresses and bar tenders!” “They have geat drinks, amazing food and the best music.” “The specialty drinks are amazing, becareful though they are deceptively strong.” “Good food, great drinks, nice vibe” “Well, that's the best part, they have some amazing cocktails.” “The drinks are SO pricey though, and not even that good.” “when it's not too busy it's a great place to drink, catch up with friends, and meet new people.” “The waitress kept the drinks coming and the bartender made us some good mango mojito.” “Aside from the drinks being horribly overpriced and weak, the bartenders and waitresses were flat out rude.” “bad staff and management that make you feel like they are doing you a favor by allowing you a drink and a bite to eat.” “This bar is a lot of fun, pretty big with a good DJ.” “Wow we had lots of delicious cocktails.” “Zanzibar is a great place for after work drinks or a late night hang out spot.” “the eruption martini was really good and yes their drinks are small.” “They have my favorite drink: the watermelon martini and they make it so good.” “Great place for afterwork drinks” “The special drinks, the watermelon martini is great.” “The drinks were so good, our waitress had them comming, she was great, really took good care of us.” “We had a table, got some food, great calamari salad, got some drinks, hung out.” “The drinks are pricey.” “It was during the week-end and even though there were tons of other customers and the place was packed we received the drinks on time and the service was very attentive and efficient.” “The food was great, and the drinks flowed freely without breaking the bank.” “The bar scene is always lively and the crowd is good looking.” “Really liked the signature drinks and the waitstaff was very social and available.” “We had to ask the hostess for one a few times before we were able to order food, and we ordered all of our drinks from the bar, as no one came aroudn to ask if we wanted another.” “They offer somewhat unique and tasty cocktails and a good amount of seating if you call in advance.” “Really nice crowd, great drinks, good music.” “The waitress was great too, as she ran back and forth with rounds of our b-day shots and drinks.” “Weak drinks, Unfriendly staff and poor security” “It's a great spot for drinks but I wouldn't have dinner here again.” “Simply put, Zanzibar it quite possibly the worst bar I've been to and I have lived in NYC for 5 years.” “The food is delish - I recommend any of the Middle Eastern Pies and the Moroccan Red Chickey -- but the cocktails are the shining star.” “Great Bar, expensive drinks” “Anyway, if you like sweet drinks, you should try it.” “Prices on drinks are a little expensive, but nothing too crazy” “Great bar!” “have always enjoyed the music, drinks and atmosphere, but I would normally eat a meal somewhere else before getting there because they only served appetizer portions, (tasty but small).” “All the food is kind of pick-up food; great to complement drinks.” “The hostess did not look pleased to seat us, or just about anybody, the waitress' friendly demeanor was forced, perhaps after overhearing our comments and our drinks were weak.” “They have some fabulous cocktails.” “Besides great drinks, they have really good food.” “They have the best specialty drinks around.” “It's a great lounge in NYC, as opposed to the club scene or a bar.” “They have great snacks to go with the drinks.” “The drinks were served by a very nice waitress.” “Aside from those changes the service, atmospher, food and drinks, are all great.” “Their FREE bar food was great and the finger foods we ordered off the menu were delicious too (portion were kind of small, though).” “The special drinks (they were rates one of the top five by Citysearch) especially the Mango Mojito were delicious.” “You can people watch and sip on some amazing cocktails.” “She just wanted to put her purse down to order a drink and this guy says 'someone is sitting here.'” “Lots of nice people and great drinks.” “Got there about nine, had some food (the crispy shrimp and the lamb chops are to die for) and then moved to the bar.” “Delicious drinks, nice atmosphere and good service are a very good combination.” “Friendly, proffesional service, great food and drinks at reasonable prices.” “After that we stayed around for some drinks which were very good.” “love this place so much fun and the drinks are great”
food quality	93.75% positive	“Their FREE bar food was great and the finger foods we ordered off the menu were delicious too (portion were kind of small, though).” “We had some steaks and burgers that were realy good.” “Loved the pita burgers.” “The food was amazingly unique and the music was such a good mix of different styles that each friend of mine has a different music taste, nobody was getting bored!” “Not the friedliest staff but really good food.” “am no professional fish eater so when I was given the choice of bones in or having them filet it for me I was really relieved.” “love their finger food.” “They have geat drinks, amazing food and the best music.” “They got some good finger food too.” “They offer somewhat unique and tasty cocktails and a good amount of seating if you call in advance.” “Friendly, proffesional service, great food and drinks at reasonable prices.” “We got a nice table, had some decent food and great drinks and people watched.” “The food was very good and unique; the spring rolls were very good; I loved the crispy shrimp.” “Finger foods were quite tasty as well.” “We had a table, got some food, great calamari salad, got some drinks, hung out.” “also recommend the middle easter pies, the one with shrimp is really good.” “would have given this place 5 stars but the food left a very nasty taste in my mouth so 3 starts will have to do.” “have always enjoyed the music, drinks and atmosphere, but I would normally eat a meal somewhere else before getting there because they only served appetizer portions, (tasty but small).” “The steak is great, cut up to share, which is very nice.” “Besides great drinks, they have really good food.” “The finger food was so good, I loved the crab spring rolls and the cripsy shrimp.” “Wow we had lots of delicious cocktails.” “Good food, great drinks, nice vibe” “They have excellent mussles and finger food.” “The food is great; try the mussels, really good!” “The party food is really great too.” “We had to ask the hostess for one a few times before we were able to order food, and we ordered all of our drinks from the bar, as no one came aroudn to ask if we wanted another.” “Great crowd, great music, the food and drinks don't dissapoint and great friendly service all in one place.” “The crab spring rolls are really good, so are the crispy shrimp.” “The food is awesome.” “The food was great, and the drinks flowed freely without breaking the bank.” “The food was fresh and tasty.” “The food is delish - I recommend any of the Middle Eastern Pies and the Moroccan Red Chickey -- but the cocktails are the shining star.” “The special drinks (they were rates one of the top five by Citysearch) especially the Mango Mojito were delicious.” “The food was just perfect, especially the mussels were fantastic.” “and some great new dishes like the fish sandwhich and burger have been added.” “The food is really great, the musssels are the best I've had.” “The food was delicious.” “The appetizers and food we ordered were mediocre at best and took forever to be served.” “Otherwise, the seats were uncomfortable (ahhh- the back pain), the food was below average and wayyyyyyy to pricey for the size and quality.” “All the food is kind of pick-up food; great to complement drinks.” “Then the drinks and shots kept on flowing, the finger food was great.” “Good food” “We had great food; the mussels are amazing, so is the burger.” “The food is pretty amazing too.” “Now not only do they have delicious appetizers but great meals (that will fill you up) as well!” “Got there about nine, had some food (the crispy shrimp and the lamb chops are to die for) and then moved to the bar.” “Aside from those changes the service, atmospher, food and drinks, are all great.”
menu variety	91.66999816894531% positive	“Their FREE bar food was great and the finger foods we ordered off the menu were delicious too (portion were kind of small, though).” “Our waitress was friendly and attentive, but the menu was way too expensive for the portions provided.” “Martinis are my favorites, they make a great variety of flavors.” “Great new menu!”
overall	100.0% positive	“It's a feel good place.” “when it's not too busy it's a great place to drink, catch up with friends, and meet new people.” “Zanzibar is a great place for after work drinks or a late night hang out spot.” “It's a great place.” “The best thing about the place was that the waitress was nice and rushed our order so that we could catch an 8pm show.” “Realy great place to hang out after work, and I don't say that a lot!” “The atmosphere is very comfortable and we had a great time even by interacting with other customers (apparently this place attracts very cool people!)” “great place to start the night.” “It's really a great place to just relax after work.” “Great crowd, great music, the food and drinks don't dissapoint and great friendly service all in one place.” “have to say I had a great experience since all my girlfriends were happy and I was definitely satisfied with everything because I had been the one to pick the place.” “Zanzibar is a nice place, I went there the other day on a date and it was fun.” “Normally a good place” “great place to chill”
return potential	100.0% positive	“will definitely go back and I highly recommend Zanzibar!”
service	92.01000213623047% positive	“When it's crazy it's a scene - most people will like that, especially for a night out on the town.” “Great decor, nice staff.” “Our waitress was amazing, funny and very attentive.” “The drinks are great and the waitress are hot.” “The hostess did not look pleased to seat us, or just about anybody, the waitress' friendly demeanor was forced, perhaps after overhearing our comments and our drinks were weak.” “We had a wonderful, attentive waitress.” “The service is always very friendly, but when they are full it takes a minute or two to get your order.” “The bartender was also very attentive which is always a plus.” “We got a nice table, had some decent food and great drinks and people watched.” “The room we got was beautiful and just the right size, we had our own server who was very gracious and provided quick service, and the DJ was hot.” “Drinks are good, employees are nice and friendly, and the customers are friendly and with-it.” “The waitresses are very cool and keep the drinks comming.” “The best thing about the place was that the waitress was nice and rushed our order so that we could catch an 8pm show.” “... However, our experience last night was that the service was absolutely horrible, and these people don't know how to make a drink.” “It's nicely decorated and the staff is really friendly.” “The waitresses were great and very attentive.” “Service is friendly and fast.” “Lots of nice people and great drinks.” “And I was treated rudely by a manager when I had dropped an expensive wrap on the bench there, and called to see if it had been found.” “The service was horrible.” “Friendly service.” “It's a nice crowd of pretty people.” “The hostess was great, she made sure we got more seats as the group was enlarging.” “The waitress kept the drinks coming and the bartender made us some good mango mojito.” “The event manager is great, he got everything moving so fast.” “Inviting decor and great staff.” “really nice looking people having a great time, sipping on great cocktails.” “Weak drinks, Unfriendly staff and poor security” “My friends and I are on the search for the perfect place - the place that isn't snobby - and is chill - and has hot men - so, we came to Zanzibar to check it out - it isn't on the top - but we are glad we found it - the place is lots of fun - its very chi” “Their staff was so friendly and easy to wwork with.” “Great place, people!” “The waitress were so nice and attentive.” “loved our waitress, she was great.” “bad staff and management that make you feel like they are doing you a favor by allowing you a drink and a bite to eat.” “You can people watch and sip on some amazing cocktails.” “It was during the week-end and even though there were tons of other customers and the place was packed we received the drinks on time and the service was very attentive and efficient.” “Aside from the drinks being horribly overpriced and weak, the bartenders and waitresses were flat out rude.” “Everyone there was so helpful, the manager, the hostesses, the waitresses.” “when it's not too busy it's a great place to drink, catch up with friends, and meet new people.” “Lots of nice people.” “The hostess was really terrific.” “Delicious drinks, nice atmosphere and good service are a very good combination.” “Good crowd, good music and attentive service” “It was a great spot for people watching.” “Good looking people, good drinks, fast waitresses and bar tenders!” “We had to ask the hostess for one a few times before we were able to order food, and we ordered all of our drinks from the bar, as no one came aroudn to ask if we wanted another.” “The service was great.” “The drinks were so good, our waitress had them comming, she was great, really took good care of us.” “The waitress was very attentive and so sweet.” “The hostess was great about making sure we had enough chairs.” “Our waitress was great.” “The bartenders are so cool.” “Aside from those changes the service, atmospher, food and drinks, are all great.” “Great crowd, great music, the food and drinks don't dissapoint and great friendly service all in one place.” “Our waitress was amazing.” “The waitress was great too, as she ran back and forth with rounds of our b-day shots and drinks.” “The staff was very nice.” “Friendly, proffesional service, great food and drinks at reasonable prices.” “Zanzibar is a fun place with good music & drinks, but it is rather difficult to talk to people through a fireplace (that spans from floor to ceiling) that sits directly in the middle of one of their back rooms.” “The drinks were served by a very nice waitress.” “The service was really nice.” “Quick service in a very nice surroundings.” “The atmosphere was pumping and the service was great.” “Zanzibar's manager was so friendly and helpful which made planning the party a breeze.” “Our waitress was very attentive and the music was just perfect, not too loud and kept us there longer than we anticipated.” “Great place, Cool people” “The staff was so helpful and accomodating, even though the place was busy.” “Not the friedliest staff but really good food.” “The first time I tried out this spot, it was nothing short of a blast; the drinks, the friendly service, the people, the music, the mood.” “The atmosphere is very comfortable and we had a great time even by interacting with other customers (apparently this place attracts very cool people!)” “Our waitress was friendly and attentive, but the menu was way too expensive for the portions provided.” “The crowd of interesting, good looking people provided a pleasant backdrop to our soiree.” “The service is good.”
value	34.719998836517334% positive	“Aside from the drinks being horribly overpriced and weak, the bartenders and waitresses were flat out rude.” “The drinks are pricey.” “You are not in the mood for a huge line at a club?” “Prices on drinks are a little expensive, but nothing too crazy” “Otherwise, the seats were uncomfortable (ahhh- the back pain), the food was below average and wayyyyyyy to pricey for the size and quality.” “One stormy night they "lost" my expensive red umbrella, amidst a sea of black umbrellas.” “The drinks are SO pricey though, and not even that good.” “And I was treated rudely by a manager when I had dropped an expensive wrap on the bench there, and called to see if it had been found.” “Friendly, proffesional service, great food and drinks at reasonable prices.” “Great Bar, expensive drinks” “Our waitress was friendly and attentive, but the menu was way too expensive for the portions provided.” “have always enjoyed the music, drinks and atmosphere, but I would normally eat a meal somewhere else before getting there because they only served appetizer portions, (tasty but small).”
wait time	100.0% positive	“The service is always very friendly, but when they are full it takes a minute or two to get your order.” “The room we got was beautiful and just the right size, we had our own server who was very gracious and provided quick service, and the DJ was hot.”