i love Zanzi! I used to go almost every weekend and I always had a fun time. I had not been there in a while, but when I went about 2 months ago, it was still the same fun place with terrible AC! ... More

i love Zanzi! I used to go almost every weekend and I always had a fun time. I had not been there in a while, but when I went about 2 months ago, it was still the same fun place with terrible AC! LOL. The cool bartender guy was still there and the bouncers are pretty cool. The girl bartenders arent really the best... seriously. My sis said that she was charged an extra $4 on her tab, but she didn't realize it until the next day. She had a girl bartender. I've never had a problem with that, but then again, I'll pay cash and get from the asian guy bartender or someone will buy me drinks... haha. Anyway, the music on Saturdays is pretty awesome. The DJs are cool. Fridays are just okay. More mellow and the music isn't as great, but it's not bad either. I recommend this place. Don't expect a Hollywood crowd (thankfully), but expect that EVERY Saturday night is a totally different crowd. I was there one time when there so many guys! Woo! LOL... and then I was there another time when there were tons of girls, like 4 for each guy thing... lol. Then another time was a bunch of asians, then another time tons of beach boys... lol... and so on... you get it. =) Pros: different crowd each week Cons: Terrible A/C!
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I ARRIVED AND FOUND A SEMI LONG LINE WITH A FAT SECURITY GUARD THAT HAD A LIST THAT MY NAME WAS NOT ON. I HAD TO PAY 20 US DOLLARS TO ENTER THE CLUB. THERE WERE NOT MANY HONIES. BUT PLENTY OF... More

I ARRIVED AND FOUND A SEMI LONG LINE WITH A FAT SECURITY GUARD THAT HAD A LIST THAT MY NAME WAS NOT ON. I HAD TO PAY 20 US DOLLARS TO ENTER THE CLUB. THERE WERE NOT MANY HONIES. BUT PLENTY OF HOBOS. THE SANTA MONICA BEACH CROWD IS NOT THE BUSINESS. IN FACT I DON'T THINK THERE REALLY IS ANY TYPE OF SCENE. IT WAS KIND OF AN ANYTHING GOES EXPERIENCE. HOWEVER THE BAND WAS GREAT. SLY'S DAUGHTER, BABY STONE WAS AMAZING. SHE MADE IT ALL WORTH WHILE. THE PLACE WAS DEFINITELY TOO CROWDED. YOU WERE BASICALLY CONFINED TO WHERE THE HECK YOU WERE. MOVING AROUND WAS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE AND PHYSCALLY CHALLENGING. KIND OF LIKE THE 405 DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE BAR IS A DIVE. BUT I LIKE IT. JUST MAKE SURE YOU GET THERE EARLY SO YOU WON'T INVEST 20 US RECESSION DOLLARS TO BECOME A HUMAN SARDINE. THE CHARACTERS IN THIS JOINT ARE IMPECCABLE, IF YOU ARE A WRITER YOU COULD GET A BUNCH OF MATERIAL FROM THIS PLACE. I WOULD GO BACK IF I COULD GET IN FOR FREE. ONLY. ITS NOT WORTH INVESTING 20 US BUCKAROOSKI'S. Pros: BABY STONE BAND WAS GOOD, DECOR Cons: STINKY
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Yes, the bartenders and waitresses will rip you off if you let them. Check your bill CAREFULLY! The waitress had the audacity to add a tip onto my check after I had already tipped her the standard... More

Yes, the bartenders and waitresses will rip you off if you let them. Check your bill CAREFULLY! The waitress had the audacity to add a tip onto my check after I had already tipped her the standard 15% AND an additional $60 bucks in cash. I also dropped my cell phone in the VIP area ONCE THE club had closed, so more likely than not, it was an employee that picked it up and didn't have the common courtesy to turn it in. Complain to the manager, you say? Right!! Destiny, the GM, took my call and assured me she would check the camera and get to the bottom of the additional monies added to my bill, but do you think she ever called me back? You guessed it, NO I'll still go here when I'm in SM, I like the music, but will I ever buy bottle service again? Uh..no, I'll stick to single drinks and make sure the bartenders get what they deserve..if anything... Shame on you, Zanzibar, Erin & Destiny
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i really liked this place when i went! the decoration inside was awesome and the people were so nice! the music is so fun and we always had a great time, its totally casual and the prices are great.

i really liked this place when i went! the decoration inside was awesome and the people were so nice! the music is so fun and we always had a great time, its totally casual and the prices are great.
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I'm a big fan of Afro funke Thursdays so I checked the new Salsa night on Mondays. I have danced Salsa a little before but I was a bit rusty so I took both lessons( 8pm-10pm). The instructor... More

I'm a big fan of Afro funke Thursdays so I checked the new Salsa night on Mondays. I have danced Salsa a little before but I was a bit rusty so I took both lessons( 8pm-10pm). The instructor Cristian amazing... not only is he one of the best dancers I've ever scene, he is patient and teaches some really cool moves. The place was packed and now I know why. With the recession in full swing you can park your car (Free), get a 2 hr lesson (included in cover), and dance til 2am for only $5. The girl at the door says it's $10 when they have live music but the dance lessons are still included. This place is a steal of a deal. Pros: Cost, Instructor,DJ's, parking , location Cons: size
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The only good thing about this place might be the music. Otherwise pass. The line was long. Parking is bad. Do not go alone if you must go. We did not care for some of the very aggressive male... More

The only good thing about this place might be the music. Otherwise pass. The line was long. Parking is bad. Do not go alone if you must go. We did not care for some of the very aggressive male patrons. Pros: None Cons: Rude waiters, bartenders. Parking bad. Do not go inside or leave alone.
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Oh, hell, to the no! Seriously, I actually paid 10 dollars after midnight for what was a sickening experience. The smell, once inside knocked me back. And the bar tender was gay, and made a comment... More

Oh, hell, to the no! Seriously, I actually paid 10 dollars after midnight for what was a sickening experience. The smell, once inside knocked me back. And the bar tender was gay, and made a comment that I wasnt quite hot enough for "her". "Her?" Um...not gay biotch...No thanks, and I mean that seriously. What other way could I mean that? Ok, now I'm seriously peeved. Moving deeper inside, I find that I actually cant move. There is no clear dilineation between the dancefloor and not the dancefloor. No one really wanted to move either. Not good. I finally made it over to the "other side" and was greeted with move stink, the bathroom was stinking well beyond it's doors. Running away I turned around and was blasted in the face with the rank smell of fresh human fhart. If that wasnt enough, I was almost jumped by the group of Cholos that were standing in that area. OMFG. Ok, running , trying to anyway I made it behind the dancefloor to a spot against the wall. Lucky for you they have shelving so you can rest you drink. After being eyed by a bunch of raggedy and angry looking men, and a few women, I was ready to leave. But nothing sent me flying faster than the big, and I mean big fat ugly guy who somehow managed to "pull up" beside me and give me the eye. Oh God! I literally threw my drink down and ran out of the nearest door I could find, lucky for me, I was near one. Rude staff, Unreasonable price after midnight, Nasty people and stinky place, it actually smelled like vHomit outside, which should've been an indicator but oh, well, what did I know. I tried. NOT Recommended People.
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Overcrowded, UNDERSTAFFED. Two female bartenders working behind the bar. Both ignore EVERYONE and work at the pace of turtles. So, after waiting 15 minutes to get your drink, you find yourself... More

Overcrowded, UNDERSTAFFED. Two female bartenders working behind the bar. Both ignore EVERYONE and work at the pace of turtles. So, after waiting 15 minutes to get your drink, you find yourself right in the middle of the OBNOXIOUS dance floor. The music is SO LOUD there's no way you could even carry on a conversation in this place, and the dance floor is full of SO MANY RANDOM people that you have to have to hold onto yourself for dear life. NOT TO MENTION female silluetes (ala the old ipod commercials) for NO REASON are projected onto a huge screen. There is only ONE ROOM to sit in to lounge. It has about one long couch and then a few chairs. This place is the worst run, worst designed place in LA. Pros: can't think of one Cons: worst service possible, loud music, weird atmosphere
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Well, the DJ's were good.(3/26/08) sound system, solid.The bar staff sucked and the door men were Harsh. I find it hard to beleive that Smacka is still soo tough. what ever happend to going out &... More

Well, the DJ's were good.(3/26/08) sound system, solid.The bar staff sucked and the door men were Harsh. I find it hard to beleive that Smacka is still soo tough. what ever happend to going out & not being so harped apon. I liked the decor, but the lack of care made it hard to care for the staff. I pride myself on being a good patrion, but this place made it difficult to givre back. hope I have a better time time next time, I may give it a try. Good luck yall. Pros: djs Cons: bar staff
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I've tried Zanzibar on a thursday, friday, and saturday night and really don't see what peeps are talking about. The drinks aren't special and I thought they were slightly over priced in regard to... More

I've tried Zanzibar on a thursday, friday, and saturday night and really don't see what peeps are talking about. The drinks aren't special and I thought they were slightly over priced in regard to the venue where I was at. The girls that frequent this place aren't pretty. At best this bar is a just a "nice change of pace" because it's different from everything else in santa monica. Pros: It's dark, you can hear hip hop, the layout is good Cons: Girls aren't lookin too good in there
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