Very uncomfortable environment did not feel safe. The bouncer was so disrespectful and homophobic that it's unreal. It is a very unprofessional establishment do spend your time and money here!!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Brittney A.
This is my 2nd time here. I was not at all impressed this time around. I'm not sure if the guy was a dj or what but he would not stop talking. It was quite irritating to say the least. $60.00 (3 of us at $20 a pop) for 1 hour was not worth it. I wasn't feeling the music selection either. I would rather go to Kalahari. Kalahari has a 40 and above crowd but you will not be able to sit down due to dancing your ass off! Again, never again Zanzibar, never again.
Kelayne P.
Nice authentic African party scene. Great music, Azonto, afrobeat, and a little hip hop incorporated in the music mix. Drinks are iight. Check it out, Saturday night.
Nia S.
Zanzibar is a dope spot to check out in Houston! The ambiance is amazing. Good looking men and women. The DJs spun a good mix of current hip-hop, throwbacks, and Naija tunes. I will Definitely be back!
Ben S.
Afrobeat club, with the occasional hip hop/rap infuse. $20 parking, and $20 cover on a Saturday night. Really small venue, and it was super hot. Bathroom stalls were clean. The bartender didn't know how much a fireball and coke, so he just pulled up a $7 charge. The thing that made this a total bad experience was the music. The dj was just bad. I mean it's 2015, and he was playing songs from 2010 like it was supposed to get the dance floor grooving. The few times he played good and current songs, they only lasted 30 secs. Imagine hearing your current favorite song come on, and everyone yells "ayyy" and you're about to make your way to the dance floor to let loose, and the music just cuts out to some old overplayed and out of place jam. Seriously, the dj has to do better. Hopefully, this is not how it is in all of Houston.
John C.
We tried to go there last Saturday night about 9 pm. Looked like there was no one there except for some valet guys who wanted to hit us up for. $10 valet parking fee and said if we parked anywhere in the whole center we would be towed if we didn't valet. We had about 10 people with about 6 vehicles so we decided to go to a more friendly establishment. Don't get this place, just wanted to check it out.
Bola B.
I will like to acknowledge the owners of Zanzibar for their kindness. There was a miscommunication that was resolved swiftly and with the upmost respect. I thank you for responding and tonight was enjoyable. Again, thank you to the owners. Update June 2015: Although I thought things were a little better in my last visit, that changed. I am not sure who to blame, but I think the issue should be fixed. Usually, most customers, on Saturday nights, park next door free of charge. Now, they charge ten dollars to park there, if one parks directly in front of the club,one has to pay valet, then 20-25 dollars to go inside plus buy drinks. Wow, before you enjoy yourselves, one has spent close to sixty bucks, before entering the establishment. What a great way to treat customers! FYI the guys collecting the money in the parking lot said the owner of Zanzibar told them to charge people. Well, you guys can decide for yourselves, but I think I will have to find another location. Therefore, they will lose stars.
Shaina P.
I use to attend poetry night here. It was great until an incident sort of turned my group away from it. I was looking for something fun to do tonight so I checked out their website. So glad I did! The "conversation party" was a lot of fun and the hosts were awesome! Drinks are always reasonably priced which is great but I wish the bartender was more friendly. Or at least more friendly to female patrons. She seemed to smile a lot when the guys ordered Female money is green too honey! But I digress. The host, Lisa Luv was beautiful and classy, entertaining and friendly. I don't recall her male counterparts' name but he was pretty awesome too. They did a great job keeping the conversation going and making everyone feel welcome. Since the last time I visited they've expanded the place. Bigger bar, more lounge seating, bigger dance floor/standing space. The photographers take great professional photos all night. I appreciate the effort they put into this place. Though I wish them great prosperity, I hope they are able to keep the intimate feel of the space as they grow. Will definitely be back!
Charles S.
On a ThursdayThursday Meh... it's a bar. .. maybe if i were a local and in the "in crowd"... live rappers were ok but not worth the $10 person cover. More like an open Mike (karaoke?). .. some were really good others. . The bar or self... not cheap or expensive. .. strong drinks with good flavor. One thing stood out is it place look like a shoe string budget. Cheap mismatched furniture, bar well was a basket nailed to counter. Great sound stem though. I'm all for small business so not a problem for me. Over all. .. I'll be back.
O O.
Terrible service. Took over an hr for our hookah to come out, only after requesting over 5+ times from multiple people who work here. The LQ tastes watered down. The space is trying to be too many things. Not coming back here.
This place sucks. Asked for a hookah five plus times...it's 150 for a section and no bottle which is unheard of (visiting from out of town).The waitress (Sade f.) had a terrible attitude and had a scarf on her head which is just tacky. I would never come back
Pyn A.
Drinks and music were great. Bad part about this place, when I left, some jerk was sitting on the hood of my car. Claims he worked there and thought it was his coworkers car. Either way, its not your car so DONT sit on it. Some people dont respect other peoples property. Anyways, back to the bartender...lets say she gave herself her own tip. My drink $3 and I gave a $20 bill. My change was $16. Basic math I should have gotten $17 back. I brought it to her attention and she tells me plus tax it came to an amount with change, and asked if I wanted my 75 cents back? Ummm yea, give me my change and let me decide how much tip I want to leave. I told her no keep it. She probably needed it more than I did so I brushed it off. Wont be back for awhile. Smh.
Kristy S.
Good drinks bad service. I liked the zanzicake drink. The bar girl does not know how to smile nor acknowledge your order. She seemed to be in a bad mood. $3 bottled water. Otherwise good drink deals. It appears to be a hole I'm the wall but the private area looks decent. The bathroom was clean but small. 2 stalls 2 sinks but clean.
Cham U.
If you're going for nightlife/ African nightlife on Saturday, do NOT go. All the door girls are rude as hell. I was lied to and charged $60 for 4 minutes of being there. They will disrespect you and the promoters will not care at all. This place is trash on Saturdays. I just can't.
Danielle O.
Nice Bar and Lounge. Might need to upgrade to a more powerful A/C but the place was fun, lively, and very well decorated. I was quite impressed. I see this club moving into a bigger, better facility in the future if they keep it up!
Very uncomfortable environment did not feel safe. The bouncer was so disrespectful and homophobic that it's unreal. It is a very unprofessional establishment do spend your time and money here!!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This is my 2nd time here. I was not at all impressed this time around. I'm not sure if the guy was a dj or what but he would not stop talking. It was quite irritating to say the least. $60.00 (3 of us at $20 a pop) for 1 hour was not worth it. I wasn't feeling the music selection either. I would rather go to Kalahari. Kalahari has a 40 and above crowd but you will not be able to sit down due to dancing your ass off! Again, never again Zanzibar, never again.
Nice authentic African party scene. Great music, Azonto, afrobeat, and a little hip hop incorporated in the music mix. Drinks are iight. Check it out, Saturday night.
Zanzibar is a dope spot to check out in Houston! The ambiance is amazing. Good looking men and women. The DJs spun a good mix of current hip-hop, throwbacks, and Naija tunes. I will Definitely be back!
Afrobeat club, with the occasional hip hop/rap infuse. $20 parking, and $20 cover on a Saturday night. Really small venue, and it was super hot. Bathroom stalls were clean. The bartender didn't know how much a fireball and coke, so he just pulled up a $7 charge. The thing that made this a total bad experience was the music. The dj was just bad. I mean it's 2015, and he was playing songs from 2010 like it was supposed to get the dance floor grooving. The few times he played good and current songs, they only lasted 30 secs. Imagine hearing your current favorite song come on, and everyone yells "ayyy" and you're about to make your way to the dance floor to let loose, and the music just cuts out to some old overplayed and out of place jam. Seriously, the dj has to do better. Hopefully, this is not how it is in all of Houston.
We tried to go there last Saturday night about 9 pm. Looked like there was no one there except for some valet guys who wanted to hit us up for. $10 valet parking fee and said if we parked anywhere in the whole center we would be towed if we didn't valet. We had about 10 people with about 6 vehicles so we decided to go to a more friendly establishment. Don't get this place, just wanted to check it out.
I will like to acknowledge the owners of Zanzibar for their kindness. There was a miscommunication that was resolved swiftly and with the upmost respect. I thank you for responding and tonight was enjoyable. Again, thank you to the owners. Update June 2015: Although I thought things were a little better in my last visit, that changed. I am not sure who to blame, but I think the issue should be fixed. Usually, most customers, on Saturday nights, park next door free of charge. Now, they charge ten dollars to park there, if one parks directly in front of the club,one has to pay valet, then 20-25 dollars to go inside plus buy drinks. Wow, before you enjoy yourselves, one has spent close to sixty bucks, before entering the establishment. What a great way to treat customers! FYI the guys collecting the money in the parking lot said the owner of Zanzibar told them to charge people. Well, you guys can decide for yourselves, but I think I will have to find another location. Therefore, they will lose stars.
I use to attend poetry night here. It was great until an incident sort of turned my group away from it. I was looking for something fun to do tonight so I checked out their website. So glad I did! The "conversation party" was a lot of fun and the hosts were awesome! Drinks are always reasonably priced which is great but I wish the bartender was more friendly. Or at least more friendly to female patrons. She seemed to smile a lot when the guys ordered Female money is green too honey! But I digress. The host, Lisa Luv was beautiful and classy, entertaining and friendly. I don't recall her male counterparts' name but he was pretty awesome too. They did a great job keeping the conversation going and making everyone feel welcome. Since the last time I visited they've expanded the place. Bigger bar, more lounge seating, bigger dance floor/standing space. The photographers take great professional photos all night. I appreciate the effort they put into this place. Though I wish them great prosperity, I hope they are able to keep the intimate feel of the space as they grow. Will definitely be back!
On a ThursdayThursday Meh... it's a bar. .. maybe if i were a local and in the "in crowd"... live rappers were ok but not worth the $10 person cover. More like an open Mike (karaoke?). .. some were really good others. . The bar or self... not cheap or expensive. .. strong drinks with good flavor. One thing stood out is it place look like a shoe string budget. Cheap mismatched furniture, bar well was a basket nailed to counter. Great sound stem though. I'm all for small business so not a problem for me. Over all. .. I'll be back.
Terrible service. Took over an hr for our hookah to come out, only after requesting over 5+ times from multiple people who work here. The LQ tastes watered down. The space is trying to be too many things. Not coming back here.
Restaurantji Recommends
This place sucks. Asked for a hookah five plus times...it's 150 for a section and no bottle which is unheard of (visiting from out of town).The waitress (Sade f.) had a terrible attitude and had a scarf on her head which is just tacky. I would never come back
Drinks and music were great. Bad part about this place, when I left, some jerk was sitting on the hood of my car. Claims he worked there and thought it was his coworkers car. Either way, its not your car so DONT sit on it. Some people dont respect other peoples property. Anyways, back to the bartender...lets say she gave herself her own tip. My drink $3 and I gave a $20 bill. My change was $16. Basic math I should have gotten $17 back. I brought it to her attention and she tells me plus tax it came to an amount with change, and asked if I wanted my 75 cents back? Ummm yea, give me my change and let me decide how much tip I want to leave. I told her no keep it. She probably needed it more than I did so I brushed it off. Wont be back for awhile. Smh.
Good drinks bad service. I liked the zanzicake drink. The bar girl does not know how to smile nor acknowledge your order. She seemed to be in a bad mood. $3 bottled water. Otherwise good drink deals. It appears to be a hole I'm the wall but the private area looks decent. The bathroom was clean but small. 2 stalls 2 sinks but clean.
If you're going for nightlife/ African nightlife on Saturday, do NOT go. All the door girls are rude as hell. I was lied to and charged $60 for 4 minutes of being there. They will disrespect you and the promoters will not care at all. This place is trash on Saturdays. I just can't.
Nice Bar and Lounge. Might need to upgrade to a more powerful A/C but the place was fun, lively, and very well decorated. I was quite impressed. I see this club moving into a bigger, better facility in the future if they keep it up!