Zanzabar

2100 S Preston St, Louisville, KY 40217, USA

Address:	2100 S Preston St, Louisville, KY 40217, USA
Phone:	+1 502-635-9227
Site:	zanzabarlouisville.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	5PM–2AM 5PM–2AM 5PM–2AM 5PM–2AM 5PM–4AM 5PM–4AM 5PM–2AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Matt Stottmann

Im unlucky enough to live nearby the Zanzabar, and can honestly say that this bar is one of the reasons the St. Josephs neighborhood has to deal with vandalism, inconvenience and downright debauchery multiple nights a week. From finding broken beer bottles, cigarette butts, trash and cans strewn about my yard every weekend morning, to inebriated hipsters vomiting and urinating in the street and on my house, vehicles sideswiped by drunk drivers and the party spilling into the neighborhood, this bar is quickly becoming an absolute nuisance for residents. As another reviewer mentioned, the Zanzabars parking lot is grossly inadequate for the number of patrons who frequent it during the weekend, so the nearby streets become en-masse parking. We cant go out on Friday or Saturday night, because we know we wont be able to park our vehicle within a half-mile of our home, and with the recent rash of vehicle break-ins in the St. Joseph and Germantown neighborhoods, we dont want our only means of transportation parked out of our sight. No one should be forced to stay up all night every weekend just to guard their property from damage by Zanzabar patrons.

Lavenderblue333

I had my first Zanzabar experience last night at the Budos Band show (Nov 2014). The show was slated to begin at nine, but they didnt take the the stage until about 11:30. I dont know what the problem was, but by the time they did come out, I was fairly slavering. One thing I noticed about the venue was the paucity of acoustical insulation near the stage. The PA speakers were well-placed, suspended as they were off the floor, but other than a few curtains placed here and there, there seemed to have been no effort made to mute the effects of the wooden interior of the bar. I believe I might have found some way of installing insulation in the open ceiling space near the stage, a modification which may both contribute to the sleep of Zanzabars neighbors (I wonder now when that Budos show ended) and to the quality of the music played there. P.S. Other than what to me was something of a bummer show, I enjoyed the atmosphere of the place. Great people working there... Frankfort Fathead

Stephanie Smith

I just saw Laura Marling here tonight and this is literally THE worst venue Ive ever been to. I saw two people nearly faint from the heat and NOTHING was done to remedy it. Every other venue Ive ever been to blasts the AC when they know people are going to be packed like sardines but they had the HEAT on tonight. They could have at least opened a door to let some fresh air in. I have never been here for dinner or anything, but if youre going to see a show I suggest you reconsider. It ruined the whole experience for me. Im pretty sure I was more comfortable the first time I saw her, on a farm in Tennessee in June. I tried posting this to their Facebook and they deleted it a whole ten minutes later. Fun. They dont care about their patrons, dont give them your money.

Mike V

Ive wanted to come to Zanzabar for years because of the video games they have on site. Unfortunately when we came they had removed a good portion of the games and the selection was a bit sparse. Full disclosure we didnt have entrées so I cant comment on the food other than the beer cheese and pretzel appetizer which was a bit disappointing. The beer cheese was more like queso and the stadium-type pretzel had been sliced into tiny pieces which were dry and didnt taste all that great. Beer selection wasnt great and slightly overpriced. If youre into dive bars this is definitely one that you should try but not one that I would want to take my family to again.

A Private User

I cant believe all the great reviews, this place sucks! I went on a Thursday which might have been part of the problem, but it cost $8 to get in. Also it is in an awful part of town and has no place to park. The place looks like a hole in the wall but it doesnt have the friendly atmosphere of a typical hole in the wall. The band that played was so bad, as soon as they started playing I had to leave. They were literally breathing in the microphone, not singing. There is also not enough room to have both a good group of people and any place to sit. There isnt even much room in the bathroom. This place was a major letdown!

Troy Windhorst

*GOOD* Though small, the menu offers up a wide variety of flavors. Plenty of seating including tables, booths, and at the bar. Service was friendly. *BAD* Not much... though french fries were thinking about becoming stale.... not a terribly big deal... it happens. *NOTES* A stage area is set up in the back around the booths and bar area. Great place to catch a band and it appears to happen often (no band on my night). If no band, the atmosphere is certainly family friendly... not sure how that holds up when a band is playing... may depend on the band. *SUMMARY* I liked the place and would visit again.

J Ratliff

1980s called looking for a great venue for live music, eclectic music overhead, craft beers, bourbon, menus made from old vinyl records, and they even have pinball machines, Pac Man, Galaga, and others while your waiting on your food. Last night Cindy Wilson from the B-52s and her band rocked out the place with synthesizer tracks, keyboards, upbeat drums, a great bass guitar, and more with the Louisville mayor in attendance and a great mixed crowd young and old alike. Enjoy a bit of nastalgia and a really relaxing and fun atmosphere.

Cory Lentz

Their chicken sandwich is fantastic. They use the buns from Nords Bakery down the street, which only makes the sandwich even better. The fries are delicious and the food there is reasonably priced as well. The real selling point for me is the array of arcade cabinet and pinball machines that line the walls of this restaurant. Come for the food, stay for the games. They also have a concert area towards the back of the restaurant. My only complaint is the lack of parking, but that is understood considering it is in the city.

James Southard

When ever I get a beer that would have change (i.e. $1.50 or $4.25) They keep my quarters and dont give me my change. I hold the dollar in my other hand that I was about to tip them and they look at me and ask, "what else you need?" I then put the dollar in my pocket and walk away. If they returned your change, then they would actually receive a tip. People dont like being shortchanged right in front of their face. pin balls good though, but I dont like going there.

Brian Winebrenner

Will not go back. Gave it 2 because the food was good and the people were friendly. Very expensive though. Street parking only in a shady looking area of town. Known for live music but the house mix was bad, High tones distorted and muddied. 4th time Ive seen this group and by far the worst mix. Approx 500 people drinking beer with 6 working toilet stalls and 2 working urinals. Many other things but Im afraid of getting carpal tunnel.

Chris Belinger

Zanzabar is a great local place to either see a show or grab a great meal and a cold beer. The staff is always having fun but working hard! I have been going there 6 plus years and never had a bad time!!! So if you like good food a amazing beer selection and awesome local and visiting bands this is your place to go!! If you go tell Antz and John along with the whole amazing staff Chris Video sent ya!!! See ya there!!