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Liquid Zoo
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Liquid Zoo
22 reviews in English
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Review from Curtis C.
Burbank, CA
1/31/2012
Cool Little Bar
Live Band on Thrsday Nights.....Playing all sorts of cool tunes . Holiday In Cambodia, Creep, The Girl You Want, Dream Baby, such a diversified group of songs
Great drink Prices. Cool Bartender. No Cover -
Review from Joe T.
Los Angeles, CA
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, what a pleasant surprise. I decided to test the open mic waters at Liquid Zoo. I've been wanting to do it since I saw Ritch Shynder start his stand up comeback there in the documentary I Am Comic. So I finally went and I'm so glad I did.
The first thing that caught me by surprise was how clean the bar was. For a hole in the wall dive bar, I was expecting the bar to be sticky and just gross to sit at, but it was probably the cleanest bar I've ever sat at. I got there early enough for the happy hour prices. Happy hour goes until 8:30 and the domestic beers are only $3 for happy hour. They bump up to $4.50 after, but I'm not a big drinker so the price increase isn't a big deal for me. They do charge you $2 for a credit card transaction, which is kinda lame, but I paid cash so it wasn't an issue.
The open mic experience itself was great, probably the best open mic I've done in Los Angeles. The host Ron Swallow is a great host and he sticks to the list. It's not like other open mics where the emcee decides to put his friends up first and then go by whomever might be left on the list. He even seeks you out before you go on to let you know you're up next.
The crowd itself was good. A lot of people turn out for the open mics and they were all into the comedy. Yeah you have to talk over some of the people playing pool in the back and the regulars at the bar, but the people that are there for the comedy will watch you and support you. They aren't there for their own agenda like at other open mics I've done.
I'll be working on some new bits and plan to go back there real soon. I had a great time. -
Review from Jason L.
TOLUCA TER, CA
7/27/2011
This place is perfect, if you like hidden dive bars. It's kind of hidden off to the side. Very small and cozy.
The staff was extremely friendly.
What I didn't like about this place was the fact that you need cash to buy drinks. Drinks are reasonably priced, if you're paying with cash. Every time you buy a drink with a card it's an extra 2 dollars. Keep this in mind before heading over there and make sure you have enough cash. That and it was really dirty. Really Really Dirty. I didn't mind that the bouncer was drunk because he did his job and was very friendly and playing pool. -
Review from Mike H.
Van Nuys, CA
8/29/2011
Ok, if you just need a drink. Parking lot can fit as many as 4 cars at once! I could not find anywhere to park within 2 blocks. . . but the hookers were nice and pointed me to a spot that was relatively safe. Open mic comedy was good, and even karaoke was night was not too bad. Not much to recommend this place though. . .
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Review from Rich S.
Lake Balboa, CA
9/11/2010
This place gets 4 stars because it holds a special place in my heart. I've been coming here for 2 years for the often depressing, sometimes excellent, and always volatile comedy open mics. For comics, this is a great work out room as far as the open mic scene goes. Pretty open minded group will tolerate anything you can think to say, and the hosts are liberal with the light. There's always a collection of comics willing to stand around outside for hours and talk about whatever your drunken heart desires.
As for everyone who is not a comic, I really don't know how it is. I love this place because the mixture of miscreant comics and "colorful" clientele makes for some of the most fun you can have on a Wednesday night.
I'd love to give this place 5 stars, but I have to admit that it's objectively a crappy bar. Dirty location and crazy people might be a turn off for many people.
If you choose your bar based on the excitement and potential for fucked up stories, this is a great place. I'd recommend it to anyone who drinks with the intent of telling everyone at work about it tomorrow. -
Review from Erika S.
Van Nuys, CA
7/27/2010 2 Check-ins Here
My boyfriend and I recently moved in to the area of Van Nuys. This bar is on the corner of Sepulveda and Sherman way, right down the street from our apartment. After a great night out we decided to cap it off with a visit to Liquid Zoo, since we could walk there. We have seen it many times on the way home from work and decided to give it a shot. The place is really small. It was a Friday night around 11:30 pm when we arrived. They had a bouncer at the front door, he was very friendly to us and asked to see our IDs. My boyfriend talked to him most of the night about the place and area, and what the bar used to be like. The two female bartenders were nice too, very sociable. I really liked their attitude. The drinks we good too, they definatly give you your monies worth.
We apparently came on karaoke night, it was okay if you like that thing. I don't know why, but every time we go to a new bar, it's karaoke night. ::sigh::
There was probably about 10 people total there. Most if not all were regulars. We stayed till closing time. All in all we had a good time and we'll definitely go back. -
Review from anthony g.
Sherman Oaks, CA
5/18/2009
You don't go to Beverly Hills for tacos, you don't go Little Italy for Chinese food.
Yeah, ok, Liquid Zoo, not the best area, not beautiful, not trendy or hip. It just, "is." When you go to a certain place, you should have some kind of idea what you can expect.
The service is cool, the drinks are cool, and the place is open at 11am seven days a week, now that is "done with consistency." I can't even get a beer on campus before 12 man!
And...I'm an optimist. Place is kind of empty most of the time--HEY, PERSONALIZED service!!!
Don't expect creme brulee and caviar, and you'll do just fine. Dig the yellow paint man. -
Review from Jonathan N.
Santa Monica, CA
I like this place, but it is really a dive.
It's fairly clean, and the bartenders are friendly. Actually, everyone there was pretty friendly.
It doesn't get too crowded, which for Karaoke is nice, because you get to sing - several times through the night.
I like the KJ there, and I tend to go a couple of times per month. Although if it weren't for the Karaoke, I'd probably never go to this place.
I'm often WAY overdressed for this place, but that's okay, as I never feel uncomfortable because of it. -
Review from d j.
Encino, CA
6/29/2011
I love my dive bars. I go to a fair number of them. I have gone to Liquid Zoo a few times in the past couple of months because it is near my girlfriend's house and, I like dive bars. First time was an ok experience, the next time sucked -- ok, we all have bad days. Third time was worse.
So, I have come to the conclusion that Liquid Zoo sucks.
Drinks are overpriced (Not Hollywood pricey, more Ventura Blvd Pricey)
Service is slow and rude and it was NOT busy. It was as if the bartender was already happy with the existing patrons and just didnt want any more...
The Karaoke is decent. Many of the customers rock! (Friendly, interesting and some can even sing!). -
Review from Brian D.
Sherman Oaks, CA
1/2/2009
I used to share the opinions of the prior Yelpers... that it had crack whore clientele, fucked up bathrooms and it was, in general, a skeevy place. I work in the area and went there only a few times a few years ago. Place just smelled, literally, like trouble. So I avoided it.
After being invited there early last year by a friend who does standup at their Wednesday Comedy Nights, I quickly changed my tune. It's changed, and it's immensely better.
Ownership had polished it up and installed a doorman (the lack of which was what led to so many problems a few years ago; altercations and working girls since then have diminished considerably).
The female employees are veteran dive bartenders (Studio Suite, The Wild) who can handle their shit and even get down and dirty to kick (literally) troublesome clients out on the street, but if you're on their good side, they'll make you feel like you're a king and you'll come back time and time again.
Sometimes, you're find a small chafing dish filled with homemade pasta or chili, or Sloppy Joe fixings with buns on the side for anyone to enjoy. A nice, personal touch.
The crowd are now no longer "junkies, winos, pimps, murderers, drug dealers and thieves, whores and waste-oids" ; the people here are genuine, colorful, unpretentious, earthy and fun. You've got locals, blue collar guys, suited executives, off duty cops, sports fans, comedians, musicians, Valley Presbyterian nurses who walk in in their scrubs... even the drunks that live in the alley behind it are fun as hell.
Granted, it is tiny, but I've always been able to find a stool. Always.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Ariel P.
Studio City, CA
11/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
okay so first off its on the corner of Hooker St. and Slut Ave. [Sherman way and Sepulveda] and right next door to a gas station.
talk about creepfest.
actually though i was pleasantly surprised. =]
i moved from my apt in valley village to a condo right down the street from the zoo......the only bar i could see on my drive around the new barrio..
so feeling rather brave one night me and a girlfriend decided to check it out...Now we go almost every weekend.
FIRST OFF- DOES NOT SMELL GROSS now I'm not sure if there are new owners or what but other yelpers ragged on the smell and I've been there at least 4 times now and no one has ever noticed anything foul.
2nd- AWESOME karaoke fridays....great selection..the DJ can find you any song you want and there is always a chance to get up on stage =]
3rd- Great bartenders- always nice and attentive.....had a weak drink here 1 time- but only 1 time, true to someone elses review one bartender I have noticed drinking while on duty...annnnd she did begin to get a little sloppy towards the end and we saw her crying outside smoking later...but who really cares?
4th- pool table, usually not being used, nice and new and clean looking.
5th- special theme nights, once we went on a whim and there was Polynesian dancers performing- random but entertaining to say the least. -
Review from Susan V.
Sherman Oaks, CA
3/16/2010
Your typical dive. Apparently it has been spruced up a bit, so it used to be worse. It was clean enough for me, and the patrons were cool, and not creepy. It is kind of like the old Studio Suite (which is now a different bar). It is in a shady neighborhood, but it is alright inside. I felt safe.
My friend did say that on her way into the bar she saw a hooker get picked up outside. She was pretty traumatized, but laughed it off.
The bartenders are really sweet, but will kick your rear-end if you cause any trouble.
The drink prices are good, and they pour heavy. If you use a credit or debit card, there is a $2 charge, so bring cash.
There is now karaoke there on Monday nights. I hope it lasts! I got to sing about 5 or 6 times in three hours. That is pretty good!
All in all, I like the liquid zoo, but I wouldn't go there without Husband with me. -
Review from Abel A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2009
What else do you expect from a bar in the middle of the Valley? This is the kind of spot I can se Johnny Lawrance and his Cobra Kai's hanging out at an reminisce about the good old days at Reseda High Schools. I had a good time. I liked the live bands. its small so bring ear plugs. Its run by a sister and brother and they are a good combo. If you like live music and chill peoples swing by and have a drink. Good times.
Only thing that sucks is that they don't have draft beer. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Burbank, CA
3/25/2009
Eek indeed. I'm usually not one to judge divey bars (as I adore them,) but Liquid Zoo was divey in the herpes-rank stank-shady way. Upon entering, all the greasy men had their eyes on my friends and I as if we were prime Mignon.
The bartendress was as drunk as a ragging hormonal teen, and was literally rubbing up on everyone and everything within a 4-foot radius. I mean, if that's how she rolls, it's gravy. But not being able to get a drink 'cause she's just -that- far gone?
Not.
Cool. -
Review from Myriah N.
Canoga Park, CA
12/28/2007
It's a very interesting place very busy during the day with the neighborhood locals who can walk there at night however its pretty empty except Fridays and Saturday when they have karaoke Wednesday can be it or miss with the stand up comedy night
The cool thing is the hookers they are very entertaining to watch and make best oh who they will pick up 1st..
They only have bottled beer unfortunately your best bet is our mixed drinks from jack and coke for 5.00 or stoli soda for 5.00 as well.
Some nights you get the van nuys trash witch is always entertaining but most nights its locals and music from the internet juke box
But if you like dive bars then you will love the zoo... -
Review from Stephanie P.
Studio City, CA
4/6/2009
Ok, so the zoo isn't the nicest bar on the planet - it's downfall is the neighborhood more than anything. The saving graces are a few of the people that work there. Mia, the bartender has a heart of gold and wants more than anything for you to leave the bar sloshed. Mark, who runs the music open-mic on tuesdays is a very nice supportive guy who will let you play an hour long set if he likes you. Fridays and Saturdays mean Karaoke with JenSing productions, Chelsea, Matty, and Jen - who are great at what they do and insist you have a great time! On, a slow night you can sing 14x on a busy night 2x. All in all if you can brave the battle to the space you can probably have a good time. The drinks are pretty cheap, the entertainment is pretty good, the staff get ya drunk, and half the patrons are cool people... the other half are undercover cops, hookers, and homeless people!
addition- so apparently i offended the bartender in some way (she used to be one of my best friends ... ) and now she is a huge b*tch to me.... so...... um - i guess the only good reason to go is now down to having a mean bartender- don't ever go there... it sucks. -
Review from Nicole N.
North Hills, CA
7/22/2010
Sterotypical dive bar dark room juke box wierdo in the corner except here they have prostitutes in the neighborhood lol the bartender was really nice made some strong drinks for dirt cheap.
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Review from Jeremiah S.
Van Nuys, CA
3/27/2008
Little hole in the wall bar, about three blocks from where I live, not a great neighborhood. Some nights are OK, but some it's all scary thug people, not that I'm scared of thugs, the most harm they do is mean mug you.
Wednesday is comedy night, and I prefer getting a root canal to watching open mic stand up comedy. Drinks are stiff though, and for that, I'll rate the place a 2.25 stars. -
Review from Max G.
Van Nuys, CA
4/15/2008
Zoo is right. A menagerie of whores and waste-oids. I think it's run by some Thai lady-boys. If you want to fuck bring cash or drugs and a paper-bag for "her" head. It wouldn't be so uncomfortable to drink in this company if the place didn't have such bad feng shui. I can deal with murderers, drug dealers and thieves, cuz I'm cool like that, but low ceilings and dark wall-paint give me the heebie-jeebies. The pool table is small and the walls crowd in around it so that you're constantly banging the cue stick. The whole fucking place stinks like new paint to cover up the smell of filth and disease. If you can handle rough crowds you can score free drinks, dope and head, but if you worry about walking down deserted streets alone then you should stay away. Bottom line - this place would be OK if they tore the roof off and let the rain pour in once in a while.
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Review from Megan B.
6/19/2007
This is definitely not the place to come with a group. There is barely any seating on Friday and Saturday nights (the karaoke nights) for one or two people since this place is so small. So if you're planning to go, prepare to be standing most of the night. The karaoke list is pretty good but the croud isn't as supportive of the performers as other local karaoke dives. Another big minus is that there are NO beers on tap. Either plan to buy their mixed drinks or drink out of a bottle (which you can do at home).
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Review from H G.
Los Angeles, CA
5/4/2011
No draft beer. Creepy neighborhood. Very limited parking. Eerily quiet.
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Review from Kurt T.
North Hollywood, CA
3/27/2008
This place blows. What a shithole. And talk about DEEP valley. Why would anyone drive up here or live up here?!! I mean people knock the valley, but this is DEEP valley. On the super up north. Valley isn't bad. At least I don't have parking issues, or trannies to deal with, or the constant smell of urine. Ok the Liquid Zoo is not a place you want to go...EVER. I was dared into doing a comedy competition against my college roommate and I was to be on stage for my first time doing comedy in a real club against my ex roommate's 6 years of experience. I was allowed to go up once or twice ahead of time to get a feel for it. Cut to...Liquid Zoo comedy night with Shannon H who was kind enough to take me to this place. The "open mic" sucked on a level that defies description. And I have seen TONS of shitty comedy. Earl S ran the show and he's hilarious, but he couldn't even make this place good. Needless to say I did not perform there. It was that bad. 1.5 Stars. Wow...really terrible! On the upside, the drink prices weren't so bad. That's why it doesn't get 1 star.
