Zoo Bar

First time I went to Zoo bar, it was after a wedding reception and I had been celebrating a bit so when I decided to take some friends there that aren't from KC, I had some trouble finding it and didn't remember that they are a cash only bar. that being said, once we got there, went to the ATM and got our drinks we pulled up some stools at the bar. It's light by florescents and there's writing all over from people put their stamp on Zoo bar. The drinks were cheap and strong, the jukebox was good and we had the pleasure of meeting the owner. He was very charming and sweet, talked to us for a long time. The bartenders were nice, pretty efficient if you were ordering a beer or straight shot but don't get too fancy. It's a mixed crowd of elderly, young profressionals that enjoy dive bars (us) and a few shady people but it was a good time.

This place is TINY. If you are looking for a super divey place that is only big enough to hold about 30 people (when packed)...here you go. You know, it wasn't the best place in the world...drinks were a little pricey and there are definitely NO FRILLS, but if you kind of embrace a gritty place, you'll love this place. Easy parking next door. Get a tetanus shot and try it out. (Just kidding, it's not that bad, but not a foo-foo place)

What a Dive!... : )  I have heard from two very reliable sources that Zoo Bar is absolutely a contender for best dive in the city.  A fan of Chez Charlie and other favorites, I have had my doubts but after this visit I can proudly say: Zoo Bar is worthy of the title, 'Dive Bar' and is definitely One of the best in the city.

This cash only bar (which I should have suspected but did not know ahead of time, unfortunately) is rectangular shaped with run-down stools pulled up to a bar where cheap beer options and liquor bottles line graffitied shelves behind the one bartender on duty.  At the end of the bar is the required Jukebox as well as an outdated tube tv hanging from the ceiling and in the seats at the bar, regulars whose tabs the bartenders just guess about at the end of the night as they stopped actually keeping track years ago. The bathroom walls are every bit graffitied as the walls of the bar itself but also feature framed photos of nearly nude celebs like David Beckham, so the other girl and I in our group were sold right then and there, as shallow as that sounds.  

From what I understand, Zoo Bar usually features a large pot of chili that is as communal as the health department will allow. With bowls and spoons available for purchase, hungry customers can scoop the chili into their own bowls and chow down. I am sad to have missed this tradition because to me that just screams chili potluck and would be perfect for helping Zoo Bar move up the Dive Bar competition ranks in my mind!  

For nights like this when the Chili is MIA, don't worry, Zoo Bar has you covered.   the house snack selection is comprised of Cheetos and Chips in snack sized packs available for purchase. Fine Dive Bar dining at it's best and without the bacteria filled mixed nuts bowl. Score one more point for Zoo Bar.
With PBR available for about $2 per can, or for the beer snobs-Tank 7 for I don't know how much per bottle-Zoo Bar is like stepping into an unrefined set of Cheers, and I like it. I was a little sad to see Tank 7 on the wall for purchase but this minor misjudgment on their part does not make it less of a Dive, just a Dive where one nice beer can be found. One nice beer that will probably never be consumed as much as the Natty Light and PBR that are found on either side of it on the menu. Because that is just how Zoo Bar and it's regulars roll.  And they just really don't care what you think.  Love it!