Zanzibar On the Waterfrontsimilar businesses >

202-554-9100
Picture for Zanzibar On the Waterfront
City's Best

700 Water St SW
Washington, DC 20024
Fax: 202-554-2455

Average Rating 4 (30 Ratings)

Rate it  |  Review it

print this pagePrint this page

Official Website | Directions | Nearby Businesses | Send to CellSend to Cell

Find this business under: Night Clubs

  • Credit Cards Accepted: American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Zanzibar is named for a tropical island off Africa's east coast, and the name fits this multi-level club that caters largely to DC's Caribbean and African crowd.

The menu features moderate to expensive African- and Caribbean-inspired food. A good lunchtime destination, both seafood and the Indies' flavors play big at this huge and lavish place. The kitchen works well with fish dishes, and you'll be pleased with their Waterfront Burger of mixed seafood mixed into a patty. Bigger appetites might turn to the luncheon entrees of escovitch or Jamaican jerk medley, or even curried goat; these promise more of the Caribbean flavors. The dinner menu is a real mix and match, for the kitchen pairs a groundnut-vegetable ragout (peanut stew) with an entrecote of beef.

Enormous waterfront windows provide the best spot in the city to watch the sunset, and the club is open and airy, filled with foliage and brightly painted colors. After the kitchen closes, the restaurant serves as a dance club. The first-floor features a DJ booth, stage and a high-end sound and lighting system. The second level is used exclusively for entertaining; there is another dance floor, three bars, a VIP lounge (used by Magic Johnson, for one) and a stage for live performances.

The crowd, particularly on the weekends, consists of well-dressed twenty- to fortysomething professionals. The musical bill -- varied and fairly conservative -- features a lot of old school and contemporary R&B, but also offers live jazz, blues, Latin and DJ-generated dance music. <--superbowlparty-->

30 Ratings and Reviews

  • fireworks and more!

    Review rating : 5out of 5   ccdaley - 07/14/2006

    Absolutely the best place in DC to watch the July 4th fireworks! Then, if you want to dance, and listen to a variety of good music, and meet people from all over the world, come to the Zanzibar. I truly felt transported and danced until I could dance no more. Love the DJ's selections. Went back Friday for live music also. The crabcakes were also delicious!

  • The best service ever

    Review rating : 5out of 5   phattyredz726 - 03/17/2006

    We through a surprise 70th birthday party for my grandfather and it turned out superb. It took place last night which was the jazz night and it was excellent for ages 21 and up. I've never been there before and I never was a jazz fan but last night made me want to go back again next week. The happy hour prices really surprised us because they were really reasonable and they really made us happy. The only problem I had was that they carded everybody which was fine but the old people who have a full head of gray hair, you know that they are above and beyond the age limit to get in, come on people you have to draw the line somewhere!! But other then that, last night I have to say was the best night ever, for my first experience with them.

  • I enjoyed everything about it

    Review rating : 4out of 5   mdaycare105 - 09/12/2005

    There happy hour is great and you get the best of both worlds with different music playing on both floors. I haven't found a better grown and sexy party yet!

  • Not for classy folks

    Review rating : 1out of 5   eriv942245 - 07/13/2005

    My visit to Zanzibar was a visit from the twilight zone. If you enjoy high fashion and classy joints this is not the place to see and be seen. I was very irritated with the crowd and the vulgar atmosphere. This is defenitely a joint that one nights stands are a habitual behavior. Men are Grabby and have no sense of respect.

  • I love it!

    Review rating : 5out of 5   tierraaka1 - 06/16/2005

    My friend and I were there for her 21st birthday, and she still rants and raves about it and it was over a year ago! Zanzibar was, by far, the best club experience I've ever had. It was spacious and I love the outside area! It doesn't get much better than this!

  • GREAT TIME

    Review rating : 5out of 5   juanwilbe - 05/13/2005

    OLD SCHOOL ON THURSDAYS HAD THE BEST TIME

  • skybabes22

    Review rating : 5out of 5   jacob17alberto - 04/19/2005

    for me zanzibar is the best club in dc.and i thank's for my friend that she brings me there.

  • s

    Review rating : 5out of 5   ourpc2 - 02/03/2005

    sds

  • Nice Time on the water

    Review rating : 4out of 5   lomalove2u2 - 01/30/2005

    My girls and I had a great time at Zanzibar. One of my girls never gets out much and on this night she danced the night away. I look forward to having my B-Day party there. We really loved the old school.

  • Great Time!

    Review rating : 4out of 5   darklovely923 - 01/13/2005

    I was there Sat. 1/8/05. I went by myself and had a good time. Everyone there was there for a party. .. To heck with standing in line for H2O next door. This is a great place. Parking is HORRIBLE, but I had a GREAT TIME! This former Ohioan WILL be going back!

1 2 3 Next

Showing 1 - 10 of 30 reviews