I don't often pass out 1 star reviews and I also don't dine out in Cleveland often but I was in the area after returning a rental car back to the airport. My friend suggested the place and I heard lots about them so why not see what the hype is all about?? WHY? At first sight I thought that that there was a time when the place was really nice but it appears that they have started to let things go. Starting with the waiting area, The leather couch was cracking and busted. The bathroom had broken doors, smelled of urine and my friend said that her toilet didn't even flush. We sat at the bar and the seat cushions were coming off of the chairs (They needed to be tacked back down). So aesthetically speaking they need much, much improvement.
Now on to the food. I ordered the soul rolls which were good but small and had more collard greens in them than any other ingredient. at 8 bucks I definitely expected more.
Next, I have never heard of shrimp and grits in a gravy. I always see it prepared in a creole creme sauce or something similar. SMH what I received was a plate of grits with some shrimp swimming in brown gravy. If that was in the description I would have never ordered it.
The lackluster food combined with the run down furnishings along with the bartender that not only cursed like a sailor but also kept throwing fruit into the trashcan from where he was standing, (Just rude) my overall experience is not a good one at all.
If I am ever in the Cleveland area I would not even look twice in the direction of the zanzibar. I am totally unimpressed with the overrated, overpriced, under maintenance of the place. They need a revamp for sure! Not to mention there was no shortage of people in the place so its clear people are showing this place love...You simply have to put money back into your investment period! Sorry Zanzibar you missed the mark on this one. I had high hopes for this place.