This place has three levels? I feel like this review might be hampered by the fact that I only experienced the ground floor drink/dine area, but with that being said the 1/3 of the pub which I did experience was a nice place to hang out. The deco is confusing, however charming. A bare brick wall, racked ceiling with chicken wire, plumbing with light globes coming out every which way. Like an outback pub trying to keep things modern and trendy. The bar lady seemed a touch preoccupied. As if she was expecting an order of something to arrive. Such behaviour isn't indicative of bad service, it was just slightly distracting to continuously see a head pop out from behind a wall to gaze over the front entrance. I went for the $12 lunch special. One Black Angus Beef Burger with thick cut chips and ketchup on the side. The chips lived up the standard thick cut. Decent amount of crunch while fluffy inside. I believe the ketchup was made in house. Tasted like smooth tomato chutney which a touch of chilli for warmth. Nice. Everything about the burger was fresh. The beef wasn't over processed. The cheese and sauces complimented everything. The bun was soft. Simplictic and wholesome. Burgers like how mum use to make... but in a pub. For $12 it was a decent meal. I was certainly filled up by the end of it but not so much that I couldn't walk. When you're in Newtown you need to be able to use your legs. I'd like to return here with a group of friends. The six seated high tables looked comfortable enough to enjoy a few drinks over the course of a couple of hours. read more

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This bar was nothing short of awesome, but then again I've come to expect this standard from Newtown. To say that they had a good selection of beers is an absolute understatement because, being Newtown, you are going to find great selection of beers in their pubs. The thing that I loved the most about this pub though was the rooftop bar that gives you a great view of the surrounding area. The place is relaxing, and the view is magnificent. I could literally spend ages up here. read more

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Ok so when you go upstairs in the heat of the day the only people who have shade are the smokers. But you can't eat there, or even the middle section of seats. You can only eat on a be side and two thirds of those tables are under full sun. I recommend they move the smokers to the sun and let the people dining have some shade. There were also many large tables taken up by smaller parties and large parties crammed in and walking out. The drinks themselves were good. The food was good but not great. The food took almost an hour to come out. read more

Webster's Bar - Bars Near Me - Newtown, NSW

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I'd heard so much about Zanzibar from Newtown regulars, so upon finding myself in the vicinity, I had to give it a try. I went in at about 430pm, when it was, understandably, very quiet. Which is fine, I don't quite yearn for noise at 430 in the afternoon anyway. I took advantage of the relative calm and went exploring! There are three levels to Zanzibar; On the ground level, there's a bar, some tables seating up to 6, and a pool table. A pool table is what makes a bar complete, in my books. On the second level, there is (also) a bar, and some rather more comfortable looking seating arrangements. Some red plush mini-sofas, if you will! Looked quite a bit more inviting than the hard-backed wooden chairs downstairs. The third level features a rooftop beer garden, which I didn't get to explore to my heart's content because on that particular day, it was all booked out, but it looked nothing short of lovely. I can imagine spending a delightful evening up there. They also feature $8 cocktails. I had the Fruit Tingle.. and no matter how drunk it made me (very), I wouldn't recommend. It did not taste nice, fruity, or tingly, in any way, shape, or form. Now I realise people just concoct cocktail names out of thin air... but they should really stop that. They had some other cocktails which sounded nothing short of delicious, so try one of them instead! read more

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Came here because a friend said "if we're getting food, we're going to Websters" and I was not disappointed. Got the nachos and could not stop eating to speak. I think it was the same for everyone else because we all finished at about the same time and plates were clean. Had a white wine that was a mix of 4 grapes and was fantastic. However, I wish I had not drank before coming here as it's a whisky bar!! Love!! 20% off on wednesdays, because whiskey. Head bartender is awesome. read more

Webster's Bar - Nachos - Bars Near Me - Newtown, NSW

We came to Zanzibar to meet with an accountant lawyer, as you do, and the first hurdle to jump was to find her. There are many levels at the Zanzibar and we happened to find our meeting on the roof top, despite the imminent threat of rain. We sat at a long table and sipped on glasses of red and of white. We talked about all the exciting and interesting things that you would imagine people would talk to an accountant lawyer about. "Yes, those crazy stories are all true!" The difference between different trading methods, tax stuff, I don't know, I don't remember, I think I suppressed that memory. My attention was taken by the view of Newtown from the rooftop of Zanzibar, the taste of the house white swirling around in my mouth, the clouds, grey and foreboding, circling ever so slowly, so that you would never even notice, above our heads. The other clientele in their weekday dresses and smart casual attire, all looking towards the sky with the same concern and precipitating the precipitation. The anticipation was palpable, something about BAS statements. The sprinkles began to fall and we moved under cover, still on the rooftop, still drinking wine, still talking about balance sheets. read more

Webster's Bar - Bars Near Me - Newtown, NSW

Now, I'd love to judge this place on their food or cocktails but I'm going to just tell you it was the starting point for an epic night in Newtown. Traveling around Sydney I have come to find some fantastic little places that scream of an area's character, but they're not so obvious to find as an 'outsider' per say, so with help from my fabulous tour guide and friend (he's lived in and loved Sydney for two years) I've been finding some fab places to visit. On visiting Newtown this was our first stop.. we then went onto have dinner at miss peaches.. I've reviewed that too. With our table booked on the rooftop, we ordered drinks and saw the last bit of the setting Sun whilst, when sat in the right place you can peer down to see Newtown's busy junction below you; lights turned on, the place looks so different at night. The rooftop has its own bar, plenty of space to sit or stand, though I'm told it's busy in summer and they also crack open the barbecue when the nights are longer. A gem of a place- I'll definitely be going back for another drink with a view. read more

Webster's Bar - Sunset views - Bars Near Me - Newtown, NSW

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Spread over three levels including an awesome rooftop terrace, 'Zanzi' is a definite refreshment stop on King Street. The entry level bar has cool décor, which is a little OTT but interesting to look at. There is a pool table and music videos on, with some drink specials for simple cocktails. The next level up is a kickarse cocktail bar with dimly lit lounges, offering two for one cocktails on a Friday night. Perfect on a warm night, the rooftop terrace is the only one in the area, making it a big of a novelty. Get there early for a drink and then leave before the crowds kick in on a Friday or Saturday night. The food at Zanzibar claims to be Spanish, however after trying to eat a Paella laden with what tasted like cayenne pepper, I disagree. The tapas in the three tiered platter also looks quite spectacular but doesn't live up to its image. read more

Webster's Bar - Bars Near Me - Newtown, NSW

Was here last week Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed it! This place is like a maze if you don't know where to go, thank goodness a friend knew where to go. We decided to stay around the middle floor which was had darker lighter and red bamboo wall paper. The tunes were pumping and the DJ was mixing out old school songs that you haven't heard since the early 2000's which brought back heaps of memories. The top level is the outdoor rooftop area and also the smoking area. Drink prices average, bar staff friendly. Overall, it was my first time at the Zanzi but boy was it awesome! Looking forward to going back to get my boogie on! (Does that make me sound old?) lol read more

For a lazy sunday afternoon meet up with some friends the second level was a bit quieter and fit the need. They also have $8 cocktails that are available, which weren't anything huge to write home about but they were $8. You can't complain really :) I forgot to mention that my shoe ripped off my foot when I was leaving the 2nd floor. I believe there was some super-human-sticky-shit on the carpet. Good thing I was wearing slip on flat shoes, face planting disaster averted. read more

This is a cool bar with helpful staff who have great attitudes. They can make a damn good cocktail too.

Like many other useless, drunken, fools we stumbled into ZanziBar after 2am whence the CBD bars were made to lock us out. It was great to be able to appreciate Newtown in a new light - it's not somewhere we usually go. But part of me wishes it wasn't in such a disorderly and forced fashion, along with thousands of others making the great exodus from the city to the inner west. Regardless, ZanziBar was there awaiting us with open arms - big, hairy, bouncer arms. The bar itself is kind of 'old school', kind of 'ghetto' and plays a heck of a lot of R&B. It fits in well with the Newtown vibe and if you manage to put some inhibitions aside, it's actually kind of fun. However it's probably best to avoid it after 2am. The majority of the crowd is riffraff spun off from the CBD and the cross, and unfortunately it's rapidly killing the Newtown vibe. Sorry Newtown locals. read more

Another Sunday, but one of the first to actually hint of the coming summer. We were looking for a good rooftop to enjoy the fading light of the day so headed to Zanzibar (we noted the other two levels were empty). As the sun went down it wasn't until the hunger pangs began and we attempted to order food to go with our drinks did we discover the new smoking laws had an unexpected, weird result. I should have picked up the fact that there were ashtrays on the table, and it became clear once we tried to order food. We had to either move inside the rooftop (not really suitable for a group) or go downstairs if we wanted to eat as the rooftop is deemed an outdoor smoking area. This threw us into a spin, eaters pushed out to cater for smokers?! After a bit of discussion and thinking Mary's might be a better option we decided to bite the bullet, shift downstairs and order our burgers. Well the burgers were unreal! First of all I hope you are hungry because they are huge, well crafted, meaty, real burgers (no soft brioche here), and the seasoned fries are worth travelling for. I had the cross eyed dog burger and couldn't finish it,although I wanted to, so consider sharing. The food alone was the redeeming reason for the extra star otherwise I doubt we would consider coming back any time soon, especially if you prefer some salty snacks with your craft beer, instead of a couple of hits of nicotine. in that case there are other options around for you to watch planes cut the reddening sky as the sun sinks to the west. read more

At Zanzibar you're sure to meet an eclectic bunch of people - set in the heart of Newtown, students, artists, actors, sports lovers and backpackers mingle together. The main reason for coming to Zanzibar is their brilliant rooftop cocktail bar and lounge. It offers the perfect place to watch the sunset, cocktail in hand and to then continue the party long after the moon's come out. The bar is crammed with bottles - beers, spirits, wine, juice - everything you could imagine, they seem to have (including 20 types of tequilas!) The bar is casual yet bustling, and specials are scrawled on blackboards in every available space. On Saturday and Sunday between 1-3pm and from Wednesday-Saturday 6-8pm, a selection of their cocktails are available for the bargain price of $9. As if delicious cocktails weren't enough to tempt me in, they also have an extensive food menu. It's nothing fancy, but just typical bar food - steaks, deep fried things, pizza, pasta, risotto and tapas. The tapas is great - lots of variety and the perfect platter for sharing with friends. Whether you want a quiet drink to watch the sunset, or are preparing for a later night, Zanzibar offers a great place to start things off. Great food, even greater cocktails, and a wonderful view. What more could a bar offer? read more

I am not a big fan of clean white walls or clear wall space of any kind, when entering Zanzibar Pub I was pleased to discover the walls were a collage of music posters, flyers and cartoon cut-outs, it reminded me of the room in my bedroom. The Zanzibar has a comfortable social laid back feel, I like the old greenish dilapidated concrete floor, but the wooden high tables with high chairs just make me feel short. The pub is well set out with one row of tables which each seat six , making it a suitable venue to go with friends and the layout is not overcrowded. Also they have the pool table at the front of the establishment rather than hiding out the back. I found it a friendly place to meet my mates after work, and with $10 Jugs of beer everyday until 10pm and $8 cocktails Monday to Friday until 10pm, you can't go wrong. read more

What can one say about the Zanzi Bar on King Street in Newtown that hasn't already been said. It's one of those places that you really love or really hate and for what it's worth I see no reason to dislike it. Head upstairs to the roof top bar. It's up a few flights of what seem like some vertical stair wells but once you're up there it will be worth it. There's a nice bar and open air roof top where you can also order some food. That is the first part of the bar to shut so it's off to the middle floor. It's more a lounge and cocktail bar where it's best to lounge around over some cocktails. Grab some food here to if you need something to go with the drinks. Once that bar shuts everyone is ushered to the street floor bar where it crowds out with not only from people from the first two floors which are now shut but with other people from surrounding bars and restaurants that have also closed for the night. From here anything can happen and if you're like me, you'll fall in the trap of putting something on the jukebox only to never hear it come on. Good fun though! read more

Webster's Bar - Bars Near Me - Newtown, NSW

Last time I was at Zanzibar, it was for a friend's birthday. She had rented out a section of the rooftop terrace. Immediately, it hit me that this really is a perfect setting for a soiree. The view is great, especially on a clear night when the lights of King Street make a line towards the city. In addition to the view, the option to rent out specific rooms allows the host to adjust the privacy level of the event. The drinks here are average in strength and price. A mixed drink goes for about $7, and there are drink specials throughout the week. The food was pretty decent. I guess it can be described as tapas style. I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the fact that everyone there looked like they were enjoying it, too. read more

Webster's Bar - Bars Near Me - Newtown, NSW

This place was packed out on a Saturday night! If you enjoy starting your evening with a bag search at the door ... This is the spot for you. My friend was celebrating his birthday here. He did not send us the memo about not buying him alcohol for his birthday... Apparently Websters ( & other venues ) have a policy on this . After the birthday present ( bottle ) was discovered it had to be registered at the bar , kept there & removed from the premises by 10 pm. It took two security folk & a manager type dude to see to this ! This is NSW legislation now . Thank you Premier Baird ! Finally found my friend & got a drink ! The bar staff were very helpful and tried to do a good job despite the music being earsplittingly loud. There are lots of security guards here . It has an airport / prison / guys role- playing FBI agents kinda vibe ..... So if you need guarding .... This is the place for you ! Some of our large group ordered food and it looked nice but others missed out on dinner because the kitchen was too busy to be able to take any more orders.... Um ok .... it really wasn't that late ... Kinda dinner time ...Perhaps cut back on security & employ those kitchen staff ! After a couple of wines I began to think the place was ok, a manager came along and said we all had to move because a DJ was setting up... I decided to call it a night! But we couldn't use the obvious exit ! Oh no ! At least 3 security blokes had to herd , point and boss us into the fire escape & finally into the freedom of King Street ! Now a very helpful security guy tried to remind us about our bottle ... I did appreciate his customer service . However while we weren't eating dinner we organised someone to take it away from the venue before 10 pm as instructed .... My mate hasn't got his birthday present yet.... read more

I have been coming to Zanzibar for years, it is by far one of my favourite bars in Newtown. The staff are friendly, the drinks are super cheap during the week ($4.50 spirits, $8 jugs) and the rooftop is great to spend a sunny afternoon. I come most tuesdays for Zanzizillions, a free event with raffles, games and a cash machine. Its cheap, its fun and its cheerful. Love ya Zanzi. read more

Super weird experience here. Went to get a beer with my mother and brother after dinner (it was only 8pm) and the security was so rude. Didn't look at us. Blocked us from coming inside and told us we had to line up. There were literally 5 people in the bar. No thanks mate. read more

The food here is solid pub food, the cocktails, while hanging out in the $20 price range, are tasty, and the atmosphere is great (especially the rooftop bar). However, on your big going out nights it tends to be overrun, and even when it's quiet, the service is always disappointing (eg, food takes forever to be brought over even when it's ready, silverware is nowhere in sight and ordering at the bar can take a while). A good neighborhood local, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. read more

I went here with a few friends and we enjoyed hanging out on the outdoor terrace area. They had pretty average/standard drinks and service. I'd come back again. read more

Wouldn't let me in because I was wearing shorts but let all the girls I was with in despite them wearing skirts

Not my first choice for a bevvy in newtown but it's certainly a decent spot to stop on the way elsewhere.

I am not reviewing Zanzibar as a patron but as a prospective employee, who attempted to secure a trial with the establishment in order to eventually commence casual employment. This may still be useful for potential patrons as I am going to outline the characteristics of one of the key managers of Zanzibar and the type of employees that they hire. About 3-4 months ago when I arrived at Zanzibar for the first time to enquire further about a job the pub posted on Gumtree.com, I encountered a worker who had trouble putting two words together in the English language and could barely understand my request to speak to the manager after I repeated myself about three times. I finally managed to find a 'manager' who had a bewildered expression on his face; or maybe it was suprise, it was hard to tell with extremely dim lighting in the bar; who I queried about why an email address was supplied after they did not bother to reply to the emails I sent. I had to visit the place a couple more times because its impossible to contact the relevant management who always seem to be busy even though patrons are always scarce, only to be told by one of the minions that the position was filled. The manager, whose name is Ray did not even have the courtesy to tell me himself, which is extremely unprofessional, and unethical; would he like to be treated in the same manner if he was in my position? This week I noticed that Zanzibar had posted another advertisement on Gumtree again, so I decided to contact Zanzibar again because of the fact that job opportunities in hospitality for people with limited experience are few and far between. I called the phone number that is provided on the Gumtree ad and I was (un)fortunate enough to speak to Ray immediately who was utterly unaccommodating and extremely impatient. I mentioned the obvious fact that he must have fired a number of staff in the past few months otherwise he wouldn't be hiring again to which he replied in an apathetic tone, 'It's hospitality mate, one week you could be fully staffed, the next you could have nothing'. I asked him about the recruitment procedure to which he again replied in his characteristically apathetic, slightly irritable tone 'drop your resume in and if we've got a trial we'll call you'. I wanted to make further queries about the position but he impetuously cut me off using a customer as an excuse less than a minute in to the phone call, which begs the question why did he even supply a phone number if he does not even want to answer questions? This indifferent, unprofessional and discourteous attitude towards prospective employees is the reason why he is not retaining staff. and thus not retaining customers.which therefore leads to a loss of patrons and revenue because of incompetent service. It is also an unfavourable reflection on his business that can only serve to drive patrons and prospective staff away and thus eventually destroy his business. Ray's employee recruitment practices are clearly flawed because he is hiring unreliable staff who have no desire to maintain long term employment in the establishment by merely pulling resumes out of the hat, which results in hiring staff who have real desire to learn. I would be extremely surprised if the Zanzibar still has the same owner/management in the next 12 months. read more

3 floors how could you want more? Not much beats a roof top beer garden and the Zanzibar gives more fun factor than it takes. Your wallet is well looked after with cocktail specials available from the second level up till 9pm going for $10 each - the Fruit Tingle is delcious! The street hip-hop beats change lucidly as the lights get dimmed at about midnight to a more commercial hard- trance enhanced vibe. Although small and no specific area set out for the dancefloor there is dancing. Like all good things the beer garden upstairs comes to an end by 1am but the rest of the joint is shaking till about 3am. Downstairs there are pool tables and large windows to watch the passer-by's through. The music downstairs is rock influenced and the crowd older. Don't be too concerned by the security who grill you on entry all is forgotten after the first 3 quick ones as the mood comes on. Great for birthdays, parties anything. read more

Webster's Bar - Bars Near Me - Newtown, NSW

In the hunt for a decent cocktail on a Saturday night in Newtown, with a friend I decided to go and check this place. The bar looks dark and cozy but the bar service is probably the worst I have ever experienced in Sydney. For an espresso martini and a Negroni it took almost 20 mins with the bar not particularly busy. Bartenders were young and really inexperienced. When I asked for a Negroni since the beginning I could tell my experience was going to be awful since the cocktail was made in the wrong glass, and when I made the bartender notice that the young guy with a rude attitude told me I was wrong. At the end the Negroni not only was in the wrong glass but it was garnished with a lemon peel!!! (It should be orange) that totally ruined the flavour. Not too bad for a Negroni made during Sydney Negroni week!!! read more

I have been here a few times and the place is where locals avoid. The staff don't provide a safe and fun environment and a lot of dickheads hang out here. The DJing is variable in quality, the drinks are super expensive and the vibe is at times aggressive. Its old and run down. The rooftop bar is ok but way overpriced for what it is if you want to hire it. read more

Worst bar in Town. I was denied entry because the bouncers thought I was too drunk. He asked me how my night was going because I didn't answer his question he told me I was not allowed in even though my friends were already inside. I asked to speak to the manager who also has no proof I was too drunk. Thanks for making me spend my last night in Australia alone. DO NOT COME TO THIS BAR!! read more

Booked a function for our work party, never had such an easy time planning an event. Great venue in the hip surrounds of Newtown, sunset on the rooftop on a perfect Sydney summer's day, friendliest staff, great food, music and fun overall. Moved downstairs to the newly renovated middle bar after midnight and kicked on until the wee hours of the morning. No fuss, no drama. Thanks Zanzibar! read more

Really bad. Do not have a function or party here. Rude, arrogant staff, bad service, overpriced. I'm not sure what has happened, it used to be good, I've lived in Newtown for 15 years...this place has really gone down hill. Avoid at all costs. read more