Zanzibar

Doesn't Recommend

lizkru

Joined 5 years ago

1st and last visit to this place. To start, they didn't want to let us in with our coats, but coat check kept rejecting us due to 'technical difficulties'.

The tables were so low that my legs wouldn't fit underneath; the drinks were laughably small...like the size of a shot! and over priced; the food was nothing to write home about; and worst of all, they held my credit card hostage until the bill was settled and in the waitress' hand...not while the cash was sitting on the table. Very strange.

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Amy Abate

Joined 5 years ago

Citysearch Editorial Review. 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.

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wonder23

Joined 4 years ago

love it. love this place so much fun and the drinks are great

Doesn't Recommend

edinbk

Joined 4 years ago

A disappointment. After years of walking by, but never visiting, I finally went into Zanzibar. I should have stuck with my old routine and kept walking.

First, there was no one to greet us at the door, which is the universal symbol for "sit wherever you like." My friends and I chose a few tables near the window, only to be told once we sat down that the table was reserved. The table was not marked with a "reserved" sign. The lack of a hostess or use of table signage is the universal symbol for "moronic management."

Our waitress was friendly and attentive, but the menu was way too expensive for the portions provided. I will never understand New Yorkers' tolerance for paying top dollar for food that does not fulfill.

We opted for the Pu Pu Platter. The sliders were quite good, but there were only two. The hummus had a nice smokey flavor, but it there was only a tablespoon of it. All the food tasted fine, the problem was that the portions were downright stingy.

There are just too many other options to tolerate this establishment. I would suggest avoiding it until the management gets its head screwed on straight. If you must fulfill a desire to visit places named in Billy Joel songs: get in, get a drink, get out and go elsewhere.

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Gneary

Joined 4 years ago

Great Neighborhoood Joint. when it's not too busy it's a great place to drink, catch up with friends, and meet new people. When it's crazy it's a scene - most people will like that, especially for a night out on the town. Drinks are good, employees are nice and friendly, and the customers are friendly and with-it. Great place overall.

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bumpitgirls

Joined 4 years ago

Normally a good place. We went here last night of course wearing our bump its in our hair. We have been here a bunch of times and its nice normally, just not last night. The crowd tends to be older (thinks 30s crowd). Last night though walked up to the bar to get a drink my sister put her louie down on a chair but didnt sit since there was a drink. She just wanted to put her purse down to order a drink and this guy says 'someone is sitting here.' Well obv we knew someone was sitting there hence why we didnt sit down. Whats the need to be so rude?

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Sweetness0623

Joined 4 years ago

Great atmosphere and funky drinks:). I 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. They experience that I had dining here was awful, the food had no flavor and it's rather on the expensive side with small portions. I 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.

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notcreative84

Joined 4 years ago

Great new menu!. I have been a long time patron of Zanzibar. I 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). When I went there recently I noticed a huge change in the menu. Now not only do they have delicious appetizers but great meals (that will fill you up) as well! I ordered a whole Branzino with a sundried tomato and Caper based sauce. I 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. I love the new menu and the continual reinvention is what's kept me going there for years. Keep it coming Zanzibar!

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FashionForward

Joined 4 years ago

wow. great

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ljones01

Joined 4 years ago

Great Strong Drinks!. I went here last week and had a great time. I ordered chilled Belvedere to drink andmy friend ordered the Gin Gin. It was sweet and fruity but not too sweet that she couldnt taste the Hendricks. They passed around some free happy hour hummus, which was a nice touch. We didnt eat dinner there, but saw the menu and looked like they have a variety of different items. Also, they offer happy hour on drinks ($2 off, except specialty drinks). Nice place to grab a cocktail after work.