Let's not let life escape us. From here to there it's Zanzabar! This local haunt has live music and pinball. Do you need a drink? Perhaps some treats and eats? You could have stopped at the perfect place. Now when you walk in the pin ball is off to the right. They have so many different options for pinball. They have a Wizard of Oz machine that matches your high scores. It seemed to be the best of the bunch. The themes for pinball machines is great. The area for pinball games is well lit. You can actually see while playing pinball, but your drink is not allowed. They have a full bar and food experience. The seating area is full on geek meets fun. The booths have been made for your favorite themed movies from the past. It's the best. Eat and enjoy the booth for Star Trek. The live music usually starts around 8. They have a cover of 15. It's even reasonable. The music area is pretty good. They have outside seating on a larger patio that is all fenced off and private. You can watch others walk by. The over all experience was great. The pinball is fun. You can loose yourself and visit your inner self yet again. read more

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Zanzabar is a neat hangout! I came for a concert this Friday and thought there was ample space and fun lighting. Outside of the concert space, there is plenty of seating both inside and outside. The patio had the World Cup going on. Inside there are lots of games. So really something for everything here! There was a great variety of beers on tap and even a kombucha. Zanzabar is on my list to come back to try the food, especially the skillet cookie! read more

Zanzabar - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Love this spot. Feels like a true locals bar. They are always down to host a community event, a pop-up market, a pop-up kitchen. The bartenders handle a rush calmly and efficiently. Recently went to the holiday market and found great purchases! And enjoyed ridiculously delicious breakfast food from Poco during their pop-up. I mean this place is so clutch in town to me that one time I suggested someone should host a watch party on Reddit, and Zanzabar jumped in, made it happen, and even had a themed cocktail for us! This will always be a special place to me, because that watch party is where I met some of my first friends when I was new to Louisville. Love ya Z Bar! read more

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Zanzabar is consistently the venue for great fun - great bands, strong drinks at reasonable prices, and a crowd diverse enough for just about anyone. Service can be tricky during busy nights due to lines, but I've never heard a rude word from the staff and they are super quick! read more

Attended a show there..great atmosphere and a great selection of drinks. Food looked amazing. I would attend another event there. Sound system was excellent. read more

Zanzabar - Smilo and The Ghost - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

A friend and I went to Zanzabar to see a couple of local bands, Arianna and The Bourbon Britches and Voodoo Symphony. I had been to Z Bar before but it had been awhile. It's such a cool place, with a fun feast for the eyes in every corner. Decor is standout with a funky mix of pop culture references and record store culture like wall size photos of old 70's tv shows and food menues put on old record album jackets. Pinball and video game references are part of the mix as well. Across from an alcove area full of games, we were greeted at the door where we got an armband for the live music show, which is held in a separate space in the back of the building. Shows vary in ticket price but typically you can see excellent bands there (usually more than one) for $10-$30. There is table and booth seating in the bar space but not a lot. We didn't order food but I have to say the food being prepared smelled heavenly. We ordered our drinks and went back to the live music room. Love the space, low light, big nice stage. It's a real music venue. Seating is very limited. A few tables and some tall chairs along the wall. It's mostly standing room. The live music sound was high quality. It's always a disappointment to go see a great band of the sound production isn't of good quality and I was pleased that this was NOT the case. The sound was great and so were the bands. I felt the drink prices were a bit high. It was over $9 for one old Forrester and diet and one Diet Coke. But service was fast, accurate and friendly. The bar was busy but the handled it well. We had a great time. I'm really glad we have a venue like Zanzabar and I don't mind paying a cover to hear great music. Zanzabar hosts local, national and international acts. I will definitely return. read more

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Little divey, but decent priced drinks. Went for a concert with a band visiting. Paid the cover at the door and waited for the show to start. When you walk in immediately you hit the bar area and then you keep walking into the concert area next. Don't come in expecting craft cocktails or beer. Service is friendly and there is street parking around the neighborhood. read more

I've passed Zanzabar a million times on my way to the skatepark from my house and always thought "huh, that place looks neat", but had never made an effort to stop in. That all changed earlier this month when I went to see one of my favorite artists perform. What an absolute gem in the rough of local music venues. Upon entrance, we were met in a friendly manner by staff checking people in for the event. The lighting was very nice and relaxing and greeting me to my right, a selection of pinball machines. Straight ahead is the bar and to the right and left are some booths and tables. Upon approaching the bar, my drink order was promptly taken. I had a whiskey sour and a margarita, both of which tasted great and were very fairly priced. The bartenders were helpful and skilled. The setting for the performance was very intimate, with the stage being very close. This was the closest I had ever been to one of my favorite artists performing live and was a great experience. Restrooms are gender neutral and clean. The only minor complaint I have is that the sound seemed a bit off for the performance and it was hard to hear the vocalist at times, but that could've been a one off thing. Zanzabar is really spectacular and I hope to return for more events and maybe try the pinball machines! read more

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VERY VERY VERY ACCOMMODATING TO US!!! We are here for a pug convention & we had our Pug with us & they cleaned a table for us we appreciated that so much! Standby for a food update we are still here! read more

Zanzabar - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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So we were in town and looking for a locals place, and this was definitely it. We sat at the bar and the service was great and the slip didn't disappoint for any way whatsoever. They have a live venue for music and it was not necessarily our type and quite loud, so we did leave after it started. they have different music every night we were told and I will definitely stop back here again. read more

My girlfriend and I visited Zanzabar after seeing a menu that looked great. We even left another bar and called ahead to confirm when the kitchen closed so we could order in time.We arrived and placed our order at 9:52. The bartender, Nancy, set the menus down with a visibly irritated attitude and said, "Okay, but my cook cusses me out when people order late." The comment was unnecessary and immediately made me lose interest in ordering, though my girlfriend still chose to get food.The disappointing part is that the food was genuinely good and the ambiance was enjoyable. The service, however--specifically the bartender's unprofessional behavior--did not reflect the quality of the kitchen. (Suggestion; update last call hours to 9:23) read more

My buddy and I went in here and had a drink and played some games and enjoyed the show. The ambience was pretty cool because it was old-school pinball classic rock vibe field to it. Service was cool bartender was nice didn't get any food but the beer was solid. read more

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Over the years I have heard about Zanzabar or as some call it Z Bar. I have never made my way here until Lou Bar bingo started in Winter 2020. I have visited a few times and I can finally leave a decent review. Located on Preston street, not far from my other 2 favorite places (Nords, Sunergo's). Only street parking is available, I haven't had any problems with that during the pandemic so idk how it was before. The inside I would describe is a bar/arcade type of place. It is not very well lit on the inside but, the many pinball machines will light the place up. There is booth and table seating w/ COVID-19 guidelines in place. And also a very spacious stage for music. They have a variety of local beer and a good selection of bourbon and other hard spirits. I love any neighborhood bar that has local beer on tap and good selection of hard spirits. They have dinner specials everyday and are posted to their Facebook stories. I've had their grilled Chicken Sandwich w/ fries and bacon jam. The grilled chicken sandwich was good the bacon jam, I wouldn't say horrible tasting but just odd. Staff is always friendly and helpful, and I will continue coming here because of that and the great selection of local beer. I would like to get in on other dinner specials they have and hopefully catch a music show when things get back to normal. read more

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Attended the LPM Holiday Trivia night here. I was pleasantly surprised, as I hadn't been here before. Great place to eat and drink. The menu offers a variety of meals, including salads. Everything is made to order and tastes delicious. Drink prices are good. Inside seating is spacious. The outside patio looks awesome with great views. Definitely will be returning for both food and drink. read more

Zanzabar - Trivia night! - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Fun place, lots of nostalgia. Food was good in regards to the music menu. They need a few more seating areas.

Seeking a perfect night cap, we stopped at Zanzabar for some.....Pinball! I mean let's be real here who can resist pinball? Pinball brings me back to childhood vacations in small towns in northern Wisconsin. I love that it's actually somewhat trendy these days as history repeats itself. Zanzabar is a divey yet trendy bar, almost rockabilly like. The beer selection is great, full bar to match. They also serve food, we didn't eat this time but have in the past. Huge step up from your typical barfood. We played Multiple pinball games, Galaga, & Super Mario Bros (it was more like Super Mario 1 - The game that came with the Nintendo system back in 89)..... A few too many "oye veys" exited my mouth; I recall being better at that game. I love going to Zanzabar for the games of course but I also don't feel like I have to dress up to go there which is nice, low-key. The staff are super friendly. The bathrooms are a bar bathroom for sure (tiny & bad smells - but clean). Parking is street but plentiful. read more

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One word of advice: try the tater tots. Even if you're not hungry, get them. They are the best tots I have ever had. I love this space. I go semi-regularly because they host local music shows. The acoustics are some of the best in town, and there is just a fun vibe to the whole venue. The music area is also nice and big with several places to sit, which is really nice (and rare!). It has always been overly busy when I have gone, though, and it takes a long time to receive food. This is fine, but just something to be aware of if you come in hungry. The bathrooms are also ridiculously small, which makes them super claustrophobic. There is also not a proportional amount of stalls for the amount of people who show up. read more

We drove from St Louis to see Drew Harakal and Ward Davis. Fell in love with Zanzabar. Bartenders provided excellent service; my Old Fashioned was SO good. Fun venue . . .(the show was awesome by the way. if you aren't familiar with these two artists you should check them out). At the end of the night, we ordered the tacos. WOW. Best tacos I ever had IN MY LIFE. We definitely will be back. . .just a fun venue with a great vibe. read more

Interesting hole in the wall place. Record covers for menus, pinball arcade, bar plus good food and bands. What more could you want in Kentucky? read more

FIRE WINGS! Love them. The bartender was nice, too. Great buffalo wings. The ambience is chill with good vibes and good times.

There is a great deal to like about Zanzabar. In fact, I think there is so much to like that it makes the flaws even more frustrating to me. Let's start with the good because there is a great deal of it, and positivity is a good thing. Zanzabar essentially does two things: It is a concert venue and the restaurant. Overall, it does both of these things well. The concert area was renovated fairly recently and the renovation was a complete success. The room has a great look, good sound, and is an excellent small venue for shows. The restaurant serves some terrific and interesting food. The only real problems of Zanzabar come from the fact that it is trying to do both of these things at the same time. With the loud sound and packed in people, service can be dicey. read more

Great food and drinks. Plenty of fun for everyone. The pinball machines, Frogger and Galaga were all entertaining. The drinks were heavy pours for a great price. We will definitely be back. read more

Zanzabar - Cheers - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Z bar Z bar. Many a fun nights had here. Over the years, I've seen several live bands during the week and DJ Glittertits on the weekend. Definitely the types of people changed for each other shows . I'd love playing pinball and drinking from their wide selection of beers. Since covid, they have been partnering with Louisville chefs and creating wonderful menus that I haven't been able to try yet. They've completely rebuilt their patio to be global-pandemic friendly and also a beautiful addition to the neighborhood with cascading twinkle lights illuminating the large tree on the property. I love visiting Zanzabar. It's one of my favorite bars in the city for its low key and chill vibes. It sits on my way to and from work and I've enjoyed seeing their recent renovations! read more

This is getting 5 stars because of the music venue room in the back. It's a cool combination of arcade, food, and music venue. The front has the arcade part - mostly pinball machines with 4 other retro games - pacman, frogger, galaga and another one. The dinning area is an old time diner style. The food prices are high, which makes sense for a music venue, the beer prices aren't too bad though at least. A pretty decent variety of food too. I just got beer and watched the concert which is a good music space. It was cool. Just street parking in a neighborhood. I would hate living in the neighborhood as some previous reviews have said, but as far as a show to go to it's great! read more

I thought I had already typed up a review for Zbar but I guess not. Now that the renovations are complete, I'll post up a review. I used to love the old venue space because the ceiling was low an ideal for smaller shows. The renovations brought a much larger venue area that has morphed Zbar into an instant mid-sized act venue. If a band is coming through that you love, don't hesitate. Buy your tickets immediately! Zanzabar is also known for the pinball machines. It's easy to visit anytime and play some pinball. The crowds that gather at Zbar are usually good too(always a plus). For the venue and pinball, the place excels to four stars. Unfortunately, it stops there. During a recent show there, I assumed I'd get there early to have a pre-show beer. That will be the last time I drink at Zbar. After closing out my tab, I noticed that the four-beer tab was 28 bucks! Each beer was 7 bucks and labeled as a 'Show' beer. It makes me want to go back to see if the beer is much cheaper(which I assume it is) when there's not a show going on. I get it. There's usually a premium when you buy beer at a show. At least it's not some absurd price like you'd pay at Mercury Ballroom or The Palace or somewhere else. It stuck out when all the beers were 7 bucks and that included a low ABV IPA, two Bubbles, and a pale ale... Very different beers at the same price so I'm guessing that all beers are that price during a show. I still hoped that an establishment in the area wouldn't resort to inflating their prices during a show... especially since there are plenty of other breweries, bars, and restaurants in the area. Since there are other breweries, bars, and restaurants in the area where alcohol can be had for cheaper... if I ever attend another show at Zanzabar I'll definitely drink elsewhere before showing up to the venue. Additional: -- Employees are nice here. -- They have food too that is supposed to be good. I doubt I'll ever try it because I'm so turned off by the beer having a 'Show' price. Taking my money to other places before future shows also means that I'll likely eat elsewhere too. -- They have a small list of beer on tap to choose from but it's not anything you haven't seen before. They've rarely had a must-go-here beer. -- The restrooms are unisex but that's not clear at first. -- The restrooms near the stage are also an open-concept which I appreciate. It encourages cleaner restrooms. I almost gave this place three stars but the new stage and venue area bump it up to four stars. With that, I'll never go here to eat and/or drink which is a shame because the place is located close by. This is strictly a concert venue for me. read more

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I love tater tots. I love them even more smothered w/ chicken, bacon, smoked Gouda, bbq & more! Glitter Totchos are always on the menu at Zbar & I crave them on the regular. All food at Zbar comes in very generous portions, is very reasonably priced & comes w/ friendly curbside or pick-up service. They've also recently opened up with limited seating including an outdoor space with high top tables spread nicely apart where you can greet neighborhood folks as they walk their dogs down Preston. For years I thought of Zanzabar as just a bar with live music, but the food is also outstanding fing & a great value. I highly recommend supporting this local business through their kitchen while we all wait eagerly for the music events to return! read more

Zanzabar - Glitter Totchos - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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I liked the environment and the service. Everyone was really nice and helpful. Menu was limited but good.

The outdoor patio at Zanzabar is so cute and relaxing and I had the best view of some doggos! Their food was delicious... I had the Track and Field Wrap - Hummus, falafel, mixed greens, onion, cucumber, tomato, and tzatziki sauce - and it's been the best wrap I've had here in Louisville. The falafel was nice and crunchy on the outside and had such a great flavor. I had to play some of the arcade games while I was there as well.. I'm a sucker for them! Overall, this place is really fun and I will be back! read more

Zanzabar - Track and Field Wrap & the Z Burger - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Really happy I found this great dive in my neighborhood! When I came through the door and saw the considerable selection of pinball games, I knew my husband would be happy that I found it too! Our fam had cheeseburgers here for National Burger Day, and while I typically prefer a thin/smashed burger, this big one really hit the spot! Great caramelization on the meat and one of the best classic burgers I've had in town! I also had the garlic herb tots, which I heard were legendary. The stories were true. Super buttery and garlicky - FANGIRL. This place is a great combo of things: restaurant, bar, arcade, and live music venue. GREAT draft beer selection and the bartenders were so cool and friendly both times I've been here (and even remembered me when I came back the 2nd time). The whole place has such a chill and welcoming vibe - from the clientele (which is definitely varied), the plants propagating in jars all over, the retro interior, the cheery outdoor seating area. I felt super comfortable having my 4 year old son with me around dinner time although it probably wouldn't be good for kids later in the evening. Zanzabar definitely gets his vote too! read more

We got tickets to a show at Zbar and decided to drop in a little early for dinner. We were first rewarded with a sweet parking spot on the street only steps from the front door. We were greeted inside by a couple of very friendly staff who scanned our tickets and gave us the lay of the land. We wandered to the back and were greeted by friendly bartenders. We perused the menu at the bar and ordered drinks and dinner. Our drinks were served immediately and I was impressed with the variety of the draft list. I tried a few different beers over the course of the evening and never did have a dud. For my dinner I tried the nachos as totchos and I was thoroughly impressed! I mean, tots are a favorite treat for me and these were crunchy on the outside and creamy inside. The toppings were plentiful and delicious. I was hungry when I started and still couldn't quite finish them all off. Finally, we went into the stage area for the show and it was a good set up. We got a good spot right in front of the stage and had a great time. read more

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We've lived near Z Bar for over 4 years now and have never gotten food from here until tonight and we have been missing out!!! We ordered the totchos and an order of the wings. The wings were SO good and had a nice crisp skin. Both the BBQ and the teriyaki sauce were delicious! I think I may have liked the BBQ a little more but both were fantastic. The totchos were awesome! I recommend getting them exactly as they come because you don't want to miss out on all the yummy toppings! Thank you Z Bar!!! We will be back read more

Another recommendation for a fun time! If I lived in the area I would totally hang out at this bar. It's got classic arcade and pinball games plus a stage for live music, a decent beer list and food. What else do you need? Nothing! In the era of COVID-19 they are doing their best to keep people safe and they have plenty of Lysol wipes and gojo. We got 2 Ace Pineapples which are great ciders. And ordered the special fish tacos and chips. They were a bit sloppy but good. Needed more salsa you only get one of those tiny cups that give you 2 or 3 chips worth and that's it. My friend got the Brie chicken sandwich special that was good as well. We played video games ate and drank all good. Nice place. The only weird thing was the bathroom. It's like a free for all with urinals and toilets everywhere. Hard to understand where you go. If it's crowded I can see that could be an issue. Be aware. Otherwise park across the street and have a good time. read more

This is about as cozy as it gets within Louisville city limits. That may seem like an unusual remark to make about a bar that's widely known (perhaps reductively so) for its weekend parties hosted by someone named DJ Glittertitz, but bear with me here. It's difficult to describe Zanzabar's peculiar charm, but I'd wager that most people would find it undeniable all the same. Many people come to Zanzabar for its pinball tables, and they have a killer lineup indeed. As far as I am aware, the Z is your only option in the Louisville Metro for certain tables like "The Simpsons Pinball Party," "TRON: Legacy" and "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," making it an invaluable resource for avid pinheads. Even if these tables could be found elsewhere locally, though, you'd probably want to make Zanzabar your home base because of its various other strengths. The taplist is OUTSTANDING! They keep over a dozen craft beer taps flowing and consistently make excellent selections. I especially like that they keep Hometown Brewing in rotation as their taps are pretty uncommon. The food punches well above its weight and I have yet to try a daily special that hasn't thoroughly impressed me - if you have a soft spot for pub food, this should be on your radar. Beyond the main indoor bar/pinball area, there is also a concert area with frequent events (typically the majority of evenings in any given week) and an outdoor patio. These different sections of the Z are well-maintained across the board and a significant portion of the patio is heated during the winter. The staff runs a tight ship and is a likably motley crew; which also translates to the clientele, as the Z really seems to draw all walks of life. This isn't one of those Germantown/Schnitzelburg bars where you walk in and everyone is cosplaying as Anthony Fantano or their favorite member of HAIM. If I could only visit one Louisville bar, this would be my choice - and it wouldn't be an especially difficult choice either. read more

Great music venue...Staff super friendly, really good food and great prices. My husband and I both had an entree, and I had 4 drinks and our bill was only like $55...I spill DEFINITIVELY be back read more

Yes, the tots really are THAT good. We visited from out of town to see Hobo Johnson and felt right at home. Food and drinks were excellent. Great bartenders and staff. Far beyond the expected bar experience. We will be back if ever back in Louisville. read more

Zanzabar - Glitter Totz Basket - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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I broke my piggy bank. Yes, you heard me. I owned a piggy bank. His name was Wilbur (I know - original), and I broke him. I took the quarters, and I whored myself out to the vast number of games one can find at Zanzabar. Games I haven't played in YURRS. Donkey Kong. Q*bert. Dolly Parton pinball. Centipede. My LORD. This place has it all. I will go back. Oh yes! I will go back. Oh yes. Oh, and the food was fantastic. I had a spaghetti and a Caesar salad. Really good food. And the price was super reasonable. My wife had a burger and fries. She is a bit more plain Jane. She really enjoyed it, though. The atmosphere in this place was just super fun. I love that the menus are old record albums. Very neat. Must mention the Death Star cookie brownie dessert thing. It genuinely was the best dessert that I've ever had from a restaurant. I'd go back just for that. AND THE GAMES. read more

Zanzabar - Thank you for being a friend! - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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BEST TATER TOTS IN TOWN. Please do yourself a favor and get these. Also they have Zombie Dust on tap ALWAYS. Great indie shows every weekend. read more

Zanzabar - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Hello. I showed up to Z bar for a good time and instead got shunned for my weight. I'm a little over 180lbs (basically one roll on my stomach) but the blonde woman looked at me like I was a beluga whale. She said "no man in here would want you so I will not allow you in here, you're waisting my time, fatty". She was wearing a black shirt with a hideous pink camisole!!! I'm crying in my uber as I write this review and to be honest I'm on my way to Taco Bell because I'm depressed because of her brutal words... Once again she called me "fat" "lumpy" "pudgy" "fuckinghuge" and it all was foul. NEVER GO HERE!!!!! THEY ARE FATPHOBIC ASF! (belt buckle was the only valid person on the premisis) read more

Had the good fortune to stumble upon this place while in Louisville to run the 2023 Kentucky Derby Half Marathon. I was looking for a place that had Bluegrass...on a Sunday night.... easy, right?!?!? Zanzabar had it all! The food was good, the beers were good, and the music was great! $15 cover for two hours of great, live music in a small venue with reasonable prices for food and drink. Had the even better fortune to hear Pert Near Sandstone perform this night. A phenomenal band. Thank you for a great night! This place is a gem! I highly recommend it. read more

Zbar is a really cool place plain and simple. We were here for a private event most recently but have been several times because this place is legit. When you're parents think of a venue that you would go see a "rock show" at, this is that place (minus the smell of stale beer). This place is very clean, the bartenders are really friendly and the managers/owners know what their doing because they have a vast array of local and National acts that will come and perform. Not to mention, the large cache of vintage arcade and pinball machines! Cup holders attached to the pinball machines so there's a spot to put your beer. If you've never been to Zbar while you're in Louisville, you haven't made it yet and need to make sure that it's on your list. read more

Zanzabar - Music Venues Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky