Note to self, after dropping by Zanzibar for a little while: If I decide to open a "lounge" with a seedy, dark vibe, I will not hire a white DJ with a Fat-Joe-circa-2000 baseball cap to handle the music selection. Doing so will result in a nonstop stream of 90s hip-hop more suited towards me driving-around-and-pretending-to-be-Warren-G than for keeping The Damsel entertained on the dance floor. Also, no shitty cocktails. They tend to be shitty.
Review Source:Rude customer service. Almost every employee I interacted with gave me attitude. At the door the woman was visibly irritated that I gave her five ones, they let our group of 5 in two at a time (leaving one girl alone outside) and then yelled at me when I went to check what was going on, Â the bartender was short with me when I questioned her need for my ID because my card has my picture on it, a bouncer yelled at me to move when I was waiting outside the tiny, cramped restroom for my friends, etc. Fine bars have rules... but it is simply unprofessional to be rude about it.
Review Source:Last night we un-officially threw a little shindig here and I must say everyone who worked there was great to us!
The place is small, but in a sexy, intimate way. If you like nagchampa and moroccan lamps, you'll like it here in the quiet time. The music was an interesting mix (we were there on a Saturday) and it was definately dance-able.
The bathroom were clean and there was rarely even a wait (even with only 2 stalls in the ladies room).
The only downside is that the drinks are $9 each and there's no free parking. But what can you do, right?
My favorite place to dance. The people are a bit older than your usual college crowd. The music is amazing - none of that horrible horrible top 40 remixed to the point that all the songs have the same beat. It's a haven from the musical hell that exists in multitudes elsewhere. Sometimes you even want to sing out loud because you've just heard a song that you love but haven't heard for years. Â However, if it is a busy night it can be cramped and frustrating - especially if you came to dance.
Review Source:Not my cup of tea but a great place nonetheless. My biggest con anywhere is having to pay cover, but c'est la vie. The place is filled with lots of local down to earth people drinking, dancing, enjoying music, and having a great time. The vibe is always positive, so that's always a plus!
Review Source:My fave spot in LA. Especially on Afro-funke Thursdays. The service and drinks are great. The music is varied and, why not, funky. There was an Indian-American hip-hop band that I saw. They had an older, Sikh gentleman singing with them a song called "Save the Flavor on your Mustache". That about says it all, doesn't it?
Review Source:Zanzibar is pretty convenient if you just feel like dancing without the hassle of going up to Sunset Strip or West Hollywood. $10 cover and the lines aren't too long if you go around 10-10:30pm.
Music was so-so- the DJ played an awesome string of old school '90s hip hop, but kept delving into some questionable mixes every 30 minutes or so.
I came with friends and stayed with them the whole time, but it seemed like the crowd was okay- not too creepy, but still willing to get down. . .
Went there on Friday night not many people but DJ was amazing he played great music. Entrance was free before 10 pm. Me and my friend were just passing by we didn't think we'd stay long so I only paid for two hours of parking when the time came for the meter to run out I asked the bouncer if I could run out real quick and comeback just to put more money in the meter his reply "there is no ins and outs". I asked another bouncer he said no as well . I get it no ins or outs but come on its not like the place was popping. Overall, great music shitty bouncers drinks are ok nothing special kinda pricey.
Review Source:Pros : Arrived at the club around 10:15 on Saturday and the doorman let my girls and I in without charge so that was cool.Upon arrival  the music was pretty good, now here is the CONS
I was amazed how small and Dark it was and when it got packed it gets packed,
I guess the guys are use to loose chicks which we are not, one nasty dude came up from behind me and kissed my neck I know the theme is seduction but 'HOW DISRESPECTFUL" without thinking I threw my elbow back and turned and said," what the hell are you doing',  he looked shocked that I did not approve and I walked away to very tiny restroom with the girls where I wiped my neck with hot water and tissue YUCK. Even with that small disruption we made the best of the night. like I said the music was great so my girls took a spot in the corner away from the packed floor and enjoyed each other and our vibe to the music, oh and ladies if your going for respectful eye candy this is not the place or maybe we came on wrong night. It was good to have a change from the South Bay  but we will not return.
Oh and the drinks was okay did not drink much and did not accept no drinks either for reasons quite obvious. :)
The thing with Zanzibar is that yes, drinks are weak, yes the crowd can really suck depending on what night you show up, and yes the quality of the music lineup varies greatly. However, keep in mind that Zanzibar really is all about the music and offers a wide variety of events. So make sure to find out whats on the night you're going, or keep track of the events which feature the kind of music you're into and you're guaranteed to have a great time!
The club itself is a somewhat intimate space decorated with chocolate, crimson, and earthen tones which are perhaps meant to instill a sense of the exotic locale for which the club is named.
As I said before, pretty much skip the drinks, and only pay a cover if you have to, I think its between $5 and $10 depending on the event. But the sliding scale starts at $0...
As far as events go...
The first Wednesday of each month offers house music.
For something different, try the third Wednesday of every month which offers Brazilian funk, Latin house, Afro beat, and soul.
No matter who you are or where your from, you are bound to have fun here. This is my boyfriend and I's go to place for dancing in Santa Monica. No matter what kind of music is playing there or how packed it is, we always have a good time here.
Parking can be kind of a hassle to find on the street, but girls if you don't mind walking in heels, then it's definitely possible to snag a spot without paying. Otherwise, there are quite a few paid lots right across the street from Zanzibar.
Free before 10 I believe and $10 cover after that. Yes, this does seem pretty pricey and even though it only starts to fill up at 10, why not grab a drink at the bar and wait for more people to show up and start dancing without paying cover? My boyfriend and I usually come before then to avoid cover, but it was unavoidable the last time we came and ended up even waiting in a short line to get in.
The music here is different every night of the week. Friday's are usually hip-hop nights and Saturdays are more of a Top 40's kind of night. Regardless of the music, the DJ always manages to get you moving, which is what I love about this lounge/club. People sing along to songs and really just know how to enjoy themselves here.
It definitely gets pretty crowded and hot towards 11 on Fridays and Saturdays, which is the only downfall to this place in my opinion, but when I'm having fun I tend to not focus on nuisances like that.
There are tables that you can reserve, but just not worth it to me if you come with just your significant other or there are just a few people in your party because your going to end up dancing the whole night.
Bartenders here are pretty cool, attentive and quick in getting your drinks. Prices are pretty pricey, but where aren't they?
Moral of the story? This place is AWESOME and I'll definitely keep coming back....probably before 10 though haha.
Good music, I'll give you that much.
But $10 cover for a hot mess? Place was jam packed and they were still letting people in. Only 2 stalls in the ladies' restroom (you think that would fly?), and they would only let 10 ppl stay at the table (had we gotten bottle service that is) when clearly the vip area was empty.
Yeah, sure. Pass.
Just a place to get my shakes on. I'll dance to anything and this past Friday night had exactly that. Reggaeton, hip-hop, salsa, pop, and I think I even heard Bon Jovi. It's got something for everyone.
My girls and I hate lines and pretense. We just want a place to dance and not get all creeped out by the clientele. This place does the trick! Simple and comfortable. The bartenders, waitresses, bus boys, and bouncers are all amazing! Kind, friendly, and professional!
Public parking lot next door has a 4 hour cap which was perfect. Taxis driving around all over the place for those who needed assistance getting back home.
For whatever reason they like to keep a line outside even when it's early in the evening and the place is not busy. But don't let that fool you if you're a late arrival. They pretty much pack this place to the brim, at least on Friday nights. I've seen nights start at relatively dignified to horrifyingly sloppy, all in the same night.
That's not to say I don't still show up. It's fun, most of the time. It gets hot in here though, and the drinks are not the best (so I stick to beer). I do have to say there are some of the most aggressive guys that come to this club/lounge that I've ever met before. I don't know why people can't take "no" for an answer. No woman owes any man a dance just because he asks, then demands. Shoo.
It's not fancy, and there's an entry fee of $10. But the DJ is pretty good as is his "hype man" dancing on stage. Pretty entertaining. It's fun for just girls' night out.
Why I Want to go back:
-I loved the hip hop Friday night. Throwbacks to current.
What this meant to me:
-A memorable girls night out for dancing and ignoring men
What we have to accept in exchange for said dancing experience:
-Ghetto guys all over the place trying to dance with you, possibly even touch you
Other Notes:
-You WILL see girls exhibit their finest booty drop to the ground
-Those same girls will keep it low and do lots of grindey windey moves down there
-They dont let you take off your heels, so hey, there is some sort of order on the floor
That's all I can say for my 30 minutes of dance floor glory. We got there late after wasting the night at Bar Chloe. Next time we'll come here on time and dance until our feet are a gelatin.
Went here on a Monday night for a drink and their Salsa night. The place opens at 8pm, and we got there around 9pm. We paid 10/person to get in (apparently this is for the Salsa lessons and live band). Salsa lessons began at 8, 8-9 are more beginner basic lessons, and from 9-10 they taught combos in pairs. I believe if you go alone, they pair you up. We didn't participate in the combo lesson, but we watched and the combo looked interesting, and they taught it pretty basically. Most students had mastered it by the end.
At the bar we had a couple of stellas and then a mojito, which was a really great fresh and minty mojito! Really enjoyed that, as well as the bartenders, very friendly, super un-pretentious.
The live salsa band came on around 10pm, they were great, and there was lots of dancing. Plenty of room to move on the floor, but crowded for a Monday.
The overall vibe was good... the reason this place get's 3 stars, is nothing really impressed me, it was just a good time, and fairly predictable. I would give the salsa lessons 4.5 stars, but the overall place was a bit run down, it also would have been nice to have a happy hour menu, as most places do this on Monday, especially since we were paying cover. It might have been nice to only pay cover after a certain time, or if you were taking the lessons.
Overall... I will check out one of their other nights, and update my review based on my findings :)
Review for Salsa Monday
I really like the place. It has a nice interior and good vibe. Some good looking  people attend and as many good salsa dancer as you might expect for a regular night anywhere. While I do give 4 stars, I do have a few problems with the night. It's definitely too dark. We're not bmping and grinding out there. When you salsa, you need enough light to see all the hand changes and patterns. I would also say that the DJ plays songs that are too long. Save the long songs for the band.
Review for Friday
Good DJ. Crowd seemed friendly and willing to party. Mixed ethnicities.
DISCLAIMER: I'm not fan of hip hop or rap so coming here to pay a $10 cover on Saturday night was money wasted for me. Â My friends decided on Zanzibar since they wanted to dance and we were already in Santa Monica. Â We arrived around midnight and waited in line for 10 mins (even though the place wasn't crowded inside - UGH). Â Drinks were standard-- weak and about $10. Â The dance floor was lively and the stage had scantily clad female dancers. Â Overall-- this place is definitely for a certain crowd on certain nights so I suggest researching before coming. Â The only highlight was my free parking space and seeing my friends dance to Major Lazer.
Review Source:I've been here a few times over the past couple of years and it is the best place in Santa Monica to go dancing. Â It seems like all the bars in Santa Monica are sports bars and aren't really set up for dancing like this place is. Â It has a big dance floor and sometimes they have girls dance on the stage. Â They play hip hop and rap music and it's generally a good time. Â The drinks are at an average price. Â It would be nice if they had more seating open. Â Last time I was there it was all roped off for private parties.
Review Source:I think they fixed it.
They changed ownership a while back. Â They started messing with the music and it wasn't pretty. Â I hadn't been there in about 3 months because last time I went the DJ really sucked.
Told the door guy about it on the way out. Â I know there isn't much he could do about it but at least I gave the feed back so they could improve.
Went there last night because of an issue with another place. Â Decided to go back and give it a shot and see if they fixed things.
Very good guys!!! Â
Remember if it ain't broke don't fix it. Â
DJ was excellent last night!!
Will be going back again.
G
Ladies & Gentlemen I introduce to you "The Goods" Friday Nights Featuring: DJ Anthony Valadez and KGSuperstar........what a duo. Friday nights at Zanzibar is no joke, take what ever you know about going out on a Friday night now mix that with one of your best memories now add Vodka and it still wouldn't come close to what you will experience on a Friday night because once you've stepped into Zanzibar and here the Phresh sounds of DJ Ant V. and "The Voice of a Great Time" KGSuperstar all other clubs you've been too are now "Obsolete". Listen I don't push no B.S. and those that know me know I speak the truth. Let me paint the picture for all of you on this Wednesday (Hump-Day), your tired at work, your wondering what to get into on Friday because your last Friday just wasn't what you thought it could be, so now your back at work and you are back to where you were last Wednesday plotting on where to go and what to do. Family look no further, Friday nights got The Goods with DJ Ant V playing all the joints that'll make your body feel like it just got finished doing a Tae-Bo workout, and with KGSuperstar no joke "The Voice of a Great Time" hyping the crowd up all while your getting it in with a drink or two in both hands...you realize damn JD wasn't kidding.
It's like this you can A.) Go ahead to Hollywood and wait in those lines trying to get into one of those Boogy clubs while the bouncers keep the lines long to make the Passer-bys think their spot is jumping, or B.) you can load up your peoples and head down to Zanzibar in Santa Monica and get it in like you were suppose too...its all Love, Unity, and Vibes, and believe me when the night is over, your body will think its still having a great time. Its worth it, and your welcomed in advance.
Went on a friday night...
Pros:
Great hip hop and r&b music from the 90s.
Diverse crowd
Free cover for ladies before 10pm, $10 cover charge after
Cons:
Waited in line in the same spot for half hour.. assuming to make the place look more crowded then it really was cause when we went inside it was only 1/3 full (@1030pm)
My first impression was, there is a long line and the  wicked ass winds were blowing everyone around the sidewalk. This Zanzibar better be off the hook.  The line went semi fast and when you get inside it is $10 at the door,  a few more steps they offer  Coat Check for another $5.  The  well drinks cost me $9, and I wont complain about what I paid inside since I was able to park for free around the corner in front of the Santa Monica Library.  The staff at the door and behind the bar was great,  very accommodating when I got my ticket for coat check I asked what would happen if I lost it.  After a brief chat the coat check girl went above and beyond her job duties to make me happy, right after the bartender blew me away when she ignored the pushy people to serve people  in the order she saw us walk up. Â
 The DJ played really good stuff. and the MC was working the crowd, he was quite the charmer.
 VIP-  For those of you who roll with entourage or Celebrating what ever, they have a special section just for you and your gang.  You get to watch everything a step up from the dance floor, standing or from your very own couch. Â
So the fancy seating is great but Ive seen better bottle service in dive bars. Â I always thought how stupid it was to parade around with a bottle but when you dont do it, it was disappointing since every other place seems too attach a fire work show and delivered by some hot women. Â . Â Overall the one complaint I had was the bottle service kept coming to drop off bottles but they never bothered to do much else. Â We kept looking for the girl to get us clean glasses or new mixes, we ordered 3 bottles but they only set us up when we got the 1st bottle. Â II was so thirsty I had to choose drink vodka on the rocks out of a dirty glass or suck on an ice cube.
Finally made my way here for Monday salsa.
I don't like the strict guard at the door. He looked so serious and no ID, no entrance. Also he checked bag, no water to bring in. Such a bummer!
However that night, they charged me $10 for cover, which I think should be $5 for a non live-band night.
Inside is pretty dark and bar scene. Not so spacious for dancing.
The four stars are only for the class. If you like Christian style, don't miss the class. And he is very detailed and a very good teacher. You can really learn from his class.
I liked it! don't get me wrong but the music could have been better.
It wasn't horrible.
The crowd was a mix- seriously, I saw people all in a room that i'd normally never see hang out with each other.
I went on a Friday night. They played old school hip hop/ r&b
Everyone seemed to be having a blast. I like the music and crowd but I can only enjoy the music if I am in the mood or in small doses.
I'd go back another night ---
afro funke (thurs) I want to see what that's about-sounds fun
salsa night (mon) I want to try it out, usually salsa crowds are cocky
seductive saturday- what is that about?! i'm curious
dance night (sundays)--um,yea that's what I go out for.
I had a blast this NYE, this place had a circus show with dancers, midgets you name it.
Not only were the DJ making everyone dance all night but KG had the crowd going.
Yes it was crowded in the club but hey it's New Year. I had a an amazing time in there with my people, and will definitely be back for my dosage of Zanzibar.
We went on a Saturday night and the theme was "seduction" (hip-hop/rap music/old school hip hop). Â I wouldn't say I was close to being seduced, however, the vibe was great. Â The music was great and the dance floor is a good size for those of us who like to get down! haha It was easy to get drinks from the bar, but they were very weak. Â Overall, I'd go back if my friends invited me to go, however, I would try a few other places in the neighborhood that don't charge a cover first.
Parking: metered and garage parking are available within walking distance
Great for salsa, and great for 80's! Nice vibe and atmosphere... friendly staff... from the bouncers to the bartenders.
Mondays and Thursdays are salsaaaaaaa... DJ or live salsa band! and dance classes.
Sunday Night 80's with Spazmatics is great!
Parking garages available near 3rd Promenade street.
Great club/bar!
Courteous and friendly staff, nice atmosphere, good music. It's got it all.
The drinks prices are about what you would expect - not too high, but certainly not a bargain.
I only have two small complaints. The parking situation is not great and the wait for service on the weekend can be very long sometimes.
I'm not a huge La Bar guy, so OF COURSE I'd never heard of Zanzibar. Â We came for a friend's birthday, and there were only but a handful of people there. Â No kidding we beat the rush because as the last of my friends received their drink, girls (not guys) started flowing in. Â It was the anti-meat market. Â It was unlike anything I've seen in La before. Â No couples, just a few guys... but tons of women.
I don't like how we were sitting in one of the only spots to sit in (big group) and an hour and a half into the night we got kicked out because that seating was for bottle service only. Â B!t@H Please... who's buying bottle service at ZANZIBAR!?!??! Oh snap... someone is actually buy bottle service at Zanzibar... That ups the credibility of this joint.
Anyway, the drinks are pricey, and the music is good...except, when the flocks started coming in the DJ started replaying some songs... Â If I wanted that I'd turn the radio on. Â I'd come here again with a group. Â We had a really good (expensive) time...
(I came on a Friday as I honestly don't know how the other days are)
Seems like all my friends are getting into EDM/House, whatever you call it and hitting up The Belasco or Exchange.
I'd rather not.
Zanzibar is the opposite of those places. Not super big but still able to walk around. There's cover and a line (I think cover for a Guy was $10). Drinks aren't that expensive (under $10 usually). Good diversity in the crowd (most groups represented...won't get into that one).
The reason for the I like this place is the music. I'm not a big fan of music on the radio like most places play since hip hop and r&b aren't what they used to be, SO this place does take it back a couple years. Â Anytime I hear a Musiq Soulchild song at place, I feel there's something right with the DJ.
Anyways, if you're like the older hiphop and jams, this is your place on a Friday
This place ROCKS.
We came here randomly to bump n' grind and we ended up getting in a dance off. That's enough said.
PROS: DANCING
-Great atmosphere
-DJ was honestly AMAZING
-Not too pricey
-DANCING
-Great bar to chill at when not dancing
-Solid service.
-Good drinks.
CONS: Cover charge was way too high. This isn't Vegas.
-Bouncers were ridiculous.
-ATM situation is a disaster.
Had a great time here, would definitely go back!
Best,
Sean
They just play the best music...in Saturday for sure. It's all 90s hip hop and r&b mixed with a little reggae. It's kind of hard to flag down a bartender but when you do your drink is going to lay your ass down!
Can't come here every day though. Came here once on a Friday and ...ummm...no
Also, understand that there is a $10 cover that I have yet to get past. They ain't playin
This is a review for the Salsa classes on Monday night as I've never gone for anything else.
My friends convinced me to join them for the weekly salsa lessons that take place on Monday nights. Â I can do many things in life... but dancing is NOT one of them which is why I never liked going to clubs of any type. Â Salsa seemed interested and my first time was pretty scary until the class actually started. Â The beginner class was very laid back and not too much to handle (even for someone like me). Â The pace was slow (a good thing) and I never felt really lost. Â The price is $10 which actually allows you to stay for a beginner class, intermediate class, and post class live band dancing. Â Not too unreasonable if you ask me.
Why not more *s? Â After a few return visits I feel as thought I've maxed out of the beginner class and the jump to intermediate is too large for me to navigate. They also don't help pair folks off so if you are guy and don't arrive with a partner... you might be out of luck.
I LOVE coming here on thursday nights for Afro-Funke! DJ Jeremy Sole definitely gives off some great vibes with his sets. The crowd is always really friendly and give off some positive vibes as well. It seems like everyone comes here for the music and to just feel the music and let it take over your mind body and soul. They have live performances by international bands and musicians as well. The last time I came on a Thursday night they had a Columbian Reggae singer, and the time before there was an Indian Reggae singer.
A very diverse and eclectic place, in the music, the people, and the vibes!
I know it's been around for a long time but I think this is my new favorite place for Friday nights! Why hadn't I gone here sooner?! The music is ON POINT and the crowd is nice and diverse. Heard all the jams including Musiq Soulchild, Aaliyah, and some Usher that you don't typically hear even at joints like this.
Girls actually dress up a little bit so it's not really that divey but you can still get in with jeans and flats if you wanted. I only got beers that night and they were probably about $6-7 so not bad, considering it's LA/Santa Monica.
This review is for Thursday night Afrofunk. Â Fri and Sat nights are the same but different music (real hip hop). All my other reviews are Fri Sat night reviews.
The Thursday music is Reggae, cumbia, brazilian, afrolatin... "deep rooted funk". Â It all has a Latin Reggae Feel. Â Zanzibar is always about the Music/DJ's! Â I have never been anything but elated about the quality here. Â So I should not have been so surprised that the music is absolutely overtaking. Â It was completely magical! Â I will be back!!!
Over-all: Amazing, down to earth, diverse crowd. Â The people are good people. Always 10 bucks to get in! Â No line, nice bouncers. Street parking is easy and free. Â It gets HOT and the drinks are LA prices.
I am not a writer so it is hard for me to describe how amazing this place is. Â There is just something about it.
I love this place!
I came here on a Saturday to celebrate my birthday. I wanted to get bottle service, so I went on their website and got ahold of Destiney. She's very quick about responding to emails, so that was fabulous! I deleted our emails, but I believe she was giving me a table with 1 bottle and juices like orange juice, cranberry, etc. between $275-$300. I forget the exact amount. I didn't mind too much about the cost, but she did limit me to 6 people (8 maximum) to 1 table. I had more than 8 people coming and I didn't think it was worth getting multiple tables. Part of the deal too allowed the 8 guests to come in without a coverage charge (if they arrived after 10pm).
On Saturdays, there is a door charge of $10 if you arrive after 10pm, so my friends and I arrived before that. There is no hassle at the door. Just show your ID and you're in :)
I chose this bar mainly for the type of music they play: hip hop. Too many clubs out there are getting on the band wagon and playing house music :/ That type of music gives me headaches, but that's a whole other story :)
The bar was empty when we got in, but that was okay because we were able to get a space to put our stuff on. A girl who worked there immediately came to us and asked if we wanted to get a table. Long story short, we didn't agree (refer to story up top).
They played new and hip hop songs all night, which was great! My friends and I pretty much just stayed around the bar and enjoyed each other's company there. It didn't get too packed where elbows were touching, but it was crowded enough. The crowd seemed pretty diverse from what I remember. Â The dance floor wasn't crowded at all and it's a pretty good size.
Throughout the night, the drinks were stiff and strong. Like someone said earlier, it's definitely not dive-bar cheap (because of the feel of the venue), but the strength of the alcohol makes up for the price.
Oh, and the bathrooms are clean! Thank goodness!
- Crowd: Pretty diverse
- Bar: the bartenders were very nice. One of them made me a really good/strong mixed drink for $13. Also, I like how there are stools next to the bar to just chill.
- Music: MY FAVORITE PART OF THIS CLUB IS THE MUSIC! 10pm-12am, they play old school songs (i.e. Aaliyah, Lumidee, etc) 12am-2am, they play mostly mainstream/club songs.
- Dance Floor: big enough to dance freely on. I liked how there weren't too many creepy guys trying to come behind you.
- The bouncer was also really nice when my friend accidentally dropped her drink on the dance floor. He immediately cleaned it up and still joked around with us.
I would definitely go back again for the music.
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