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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Desserts [Edit]
Neighborhood: EdgewaterBryn Mawr (Red)
"I know it's up on Argyle, but this place makes better Chinese buns than anyplace in Chinatown. I've been buying the baked Chinese buns and…" read more »
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Not a cheap place, but worth EVERY DIME foe a piece of chocolate cake that divine!
Sandwiches are delicious albeit - again - pricey, but the place is whimsical and friendly (FREE WIFI!!!) with pastries, ice cream, sundaes, shakes, the aforementioned cakes and loads of coffee options.
So glad to live down the street from it.
As a big grad school student now, and without Internet at home, I am constantly searching for places to ride the free wifi wave. I came here last night to study and do some homework, and I was very pleased with most everything about Zanzibar. It's located about a block or so off the Bryn Mawr stop, it has FREE reliable wifi, it has plenty of space with booths, small 1-2 person tables, and a tiny loungy area with a couple comfy-looking chairs. I sat at one of the 1-2 person tables, and it was perfect for me to spread out and work, plus, plug-ins are located near every such table it seems (I'm not sure about in the booths though).
I ordered a soy chai latte and the barista put soooo much love into the making of it, it seemed he didn't want to part with it once he was finished :) I was served a steamy, large (16 oz, I think) yummy soy chai latte all for $3.25. Yes!! $3.25, and it was filled to the brim! That made me so happy. All the big chains seem to charge nearly $5 for a soy chai latte, and they always charge extra for using soy milk, which miffs the hell out of me.
I give Zanzibar 4 stars instead of 5 because I did not try any of the food. The prices did seem a bit expensive, but all of the creations sounded terrific and worth the money! I will be back and will try the food at some point, I'm sure. They also have ice cream, which I cannot have, but it's a great perk for those who want a sundae with their coffee.
Also, I work during the day, so it's nice to find a local coffeehouse that also stays open a little later (til 10pm on weekdays and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday). I practically live across the street from Metropolis, but they sadly shut down at 8, which is not jiving with my schedule. So, thank you Zanzibar for a real all-around treat of a coffee shop!
They would get 4 stars if not for the prices. That said, the food must be at least a little worth it because I seem to keep going back.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every sandwich, soup, and salad that I have gotten here. I seriously recommend the salad (I forget what it's called) that has cranberries, apples, and blue cheese. It's not the most imaginative thing ever, but they hook you UP with toppings and dressing. The ice cream is delish also, perfect for when you want that little taste of something sweet.
The staff are ridiculously nice, especially the young guy who seems to be working most of the time. He's extremely friendly and always goes out of his way to help out customers.
My experience is coming here for breakfast. The food is good, nice booths. Staff is great. They have that midwestern friendliness (hey, I'm from the northeast, I'm not used to it!). However, unlike a lot of the below reviews, I don't think the prices are high.
My favorite Ice cream is the namesake Zanzibar Chocolate, I do love chocolate Ice cream!
I have been in this place more times then I can count, I feel like all in all its a little over priced, especially in the baked goods department... But it is all very good moist flavorful!
I love the Panini here! The Bryn mawr mess may be the best Panini I have ever had! I have had it several times and it is always grand!
I have not done it but I have thought about chillin there on my computer they do have WiFi and what looks like a cool crowd always chillin...
I am glad this place opened in my Hood! Now if that Nookies would just open up down the street I will feel like I hit the lottery!
Lets here it for the ever improving Bryn mawr Business-scape!
It seems it depends on what you are there for. I agree their craft coffees are on the okay side, but their brew coffee is perfect for a study session or night with the laptop. Free wi-fi a plus.
Awake shakes - great when you are craving that coffee meets ice cream goodness. Most of their flavors are tasty regardless.
From the bakery: Had their brownie once, very dense and chocolaty make sure you have with coffee or tall glass of milk. Coconut cake, very good, light cake with light frosting and lots of coconut.
Sandwiches: Never had them on account that I only eat free-range meat. However, in the event that I do have a veggie sandwich someday, I've seen some great options on the menu.
All in all a great place for a sundae or to hang out with your laptop. Cute cafe tables in their west space, each with lamp and convenient outlets to hook up.
I went here because I was working on a show nearby at the City Lit Theater. What a little gem in Edegwater.
We enjoyed some YUMMY sandwiches that were very moderately priced. And let me tell you we were too full to get dessert, but they looked GOOD. Must go back to try some time:)
A quiet, yet family friendly or date friendly place to meet for coffee or a meal. Wish it was closer to where I lived and they didn't take forever with our sandwiches... I think that actually forgot about them, but c'est la vie.
Think of it like a better/local version of something like Panera.
I have not had the food yet, though the hubby and fam did--with great reviews from some picky eaters. The ice cream has a great variety (I would recommend the Fat Elvis and the Zanibar Chocolate)...just keep in mind that it changes regularly, so your fav option might not be there next time. I thought I would hate this, but I think it keeps it more interesting than the usual ice cream shop :) There is always a great variety of baked goodies as well. I can't review for myself since I always get the ice cream, but the hubby tried the triple chocolate cake and enjoyed it.
It is a little pricier than going to BR, but the options, ambiance, and portion size make it worth it. If you live in the neighborhood it also helps to have a cute little ice cream shop to walk to in the summer!
Zanzibar seems to be a decent place with decent staff. I certainly prefer supporting a local business vs a national chain.
That said I agree with people that it's kind of expensive. (Though a coffee shop isn't the place you go for "cheap" food. The food in all of 'em is overpriced in my book.)
The staff was VERY friendly with me if a little slow in the speed department. The sandwiches FAR AND AWAY are better than most of the local coffee shops. Will have to try the ice cream & give a review of that soon.
I still prefer the coffee and goodies at Pause on Berwyn, but would not forget this place if I wanted some ice cream or a quick bite. The WiFi works well.
With a desire for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat on the way home stopped into Zanzibar on a whim. Wow! Look at all those scrumptious looking cakes! And cookies! And ice cream! And other assorted baked things!!!!1!! ZOMG!
Soy ice cream, alright! (I have recently come to terms with my lactose intolerance so no more dairy for me.) Argh, lame flavours; oreo and mint chips, bottom rung for me. Ok, order coffee and inquire if any of the baked goods are dairy free. "No, um. (pause...pause) We have some gluten free ones." Thanks for trying, but not quite.
Get our two small coffees, a PB cookie for him and head to the table; 6$ seems a bit much. Well, I can at least smell the cookie, which looks to die for, or at least risk stomach discomfort; good PB smell, nut and choc pieces. Nope, I pass. As for that coffee, I think I am STILL feeling the effects from the cup and couple of sips. They either brew it with jet fuel or perhaps crack; I had the brain jitters for the remainder of the night.
Overall, open space, prices seem a bit high, the atmosphere was a bit too cutesy for me. With the abundance of closer places that serve coffee and baked goods, including my kitchen, this would not be a destination. However, were I in the area I might swing in again - this time making it a half reg/half decaf.
What's up with all the haters? I've been here twice, once for a sandwich and once for ice cream and I was very pleased both times. The sandwich was scrumptious and the ice cream divine (lemon meringue ice cream? I'm in heaven!). It didn't strike me as terribly pricy--maybe I lived in Lincoln Square for too long? It certainly didn't cost any more than I expected to pay.
Service was very friendly, if a little leisurely, and I liked the big, comfy booths and general ambience. Free wi-fi, too, which is always nice. Sure, you could go to Starbucks, I guess, for the same price. But why would you, when you could support a local business with a more diverse selection and a more handmade aesthetic?
A bit pricy for a sandwich and ice cream shop, but my sandwich (The Ardmore) was filling and very good and the strawberry milkshake was delicious!
Staff were really friendly.
They have Blue Moon Ice Cream! With Sweet Occasions and Jackey's closed, this may be my go-to place for summer goodness.
I'll agree that this place is a bit pricey, but their sandwiches won me over. Thier ooey-gooey panini chicken salad sandwich with cheddar cheese was just that - ooey-gooey and tasty. Their chicken salad was well made - with a hint of dill and lemon.
What attracts me the most about this place is their hours. They are open late - till about 10-11pmish everyday. Since moving into my new apartment, I was left without internet and forced to search for wifi hotspots. An then Zanzibar came by...what a great guy that Zanzibar.
Try their blue moon ice cream - a rare find in chicago!
You know the saying: if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, then it is a duck? Well, apparently that does not apply to Zanzibar (trust me I asked). It looks like Sweet Occasions, smells like Sweet Occasions, has the VERY SAME treats as Sweet Occasions, but apparently it is NOT a Sweet Occasions.
In all honesty, I felt very much like I had wandered into one of my old favorite haunts--it is pretty much exactly the same. Add to that the fact that the employee I saw on my visit used to work for the Sweet Occasions on Clark--totaly deja-vu. It was nice to see him & chat him up for a bit--plus, I had to know if this place was on the up & up. To be fair this was supposed to be a Sweet Occasions until some shadiness happened on the part of the owners. Well, a new owners came into possession but they decided not to change what had already been done & just went with it.
Okay, now that is out of my system--phew! Overall, this place is just okay. Nothing I would go out of my way for, but if i were in the hood I would stop by. The prices are way too high for what they serve. I went with sweet options as I have one massive sweet tooth and I was not disappointed. Their cakes are very tasty, sweet, and ever so HUGE. However, the price tag is a bit steep $6 for a slice of cake. Also tried their cinnamon rolls--they are okay, nothing too special.
The space on the other hand is humongous & very user friendly. It is a great place to come for a nice chat with friends, or to work/study as they offer free WiFi. It would be a good place to stop on your way back from the Lake to get some ice cream. If you live in the hood, it is a nice place to stop by on your to or from work for some treats.
Well, here I am again. It's probably a good time to write a review for this place. I consider myself a cafe hopper, so, in comparison with many other cafes in the neighborhood, this one is great. The decor is pretty cute. There are a variety of seats, comfy chairs with small tables, regular chairs with small tables, booths, and long booth-like seating. I'm a fan of the comfy seats, so that's fairly important to me when I'm typing away (obviously, they have free wi-fi). They have cafe sandwich food and baked goods as well as number of coffee drinks. They're pretty standard, good items. The staff is ultra nice. They ask if I want scones toasted and bring out salads to my table (considering it's a cafe, that's nice). But do you know why they get the fifth star? Dependability. They're kind of like a good boyfriend. They may be a 4/5 based on cuteness, but when you need them and they're open, that's when you realize the fifth star is in order. After going to other cafes and having them be filled AGAIN, I can always depend on finding a place to sit and an outlet to plug in my computer at Zanzibaar. When you have stuff to do, you don't want to be lugging your laptop around from cafe to cafe looking for a home. Anyway Zanzibar, I give you a two thumbs up!
I was very skeptical of this local deli in the Edgewater neighborhood but in an area lacking of lunch time choices I decided to give it a go.
I had the Ardmore sandwich on multi grain and a cup of corn chowder. The sandwich was ridiculously tasty! Hummus, artichoke hearts, fresh veggie...the soup was so-so. My friend had the asiago tomato soup that truly tasted like Ragu. A bit argh. The prices are a bit steep too-- especially for that neighborhood. About $19.00 for two sandwiches.
I am only giving this spot three stars because it is one of the few places on Bryn Mawr that doesn't serve Gyros or fried chicken and the ice cream/dessert selection is great. Otherwise, it is really overpriced with just meh food.
Also, no diet coke...only diet coke LIME! Ick! What bargain sale did they get on that stuff! Gag!
I was out with some friends and we happen to run upon this place while driving looking for a dessert location.
Surprisingly enough, it was good. I am not too much of a dessert person, however hanging out with my current crowd, I am starting to become a dessert lover.
The portions were huge. The cake is fairly good. Someone mentioned it looks like Sweet Occasion but it isn't. That was an accurate and fair statement. I miss S.W. I hate the fact that it closed.
However, in a pinch it would go back to Zanaibar. Overall, I have visited the place twice and both visits were perfectly fine.
Triple Chocolate Cake, Lemon Raspberry Cake, and the Coconut Cake were tried and were delicious..
Dropped in here today to pick up a sandwich and a soup for lunch. It was late-ish 2:00 pm and the place was pretty empty. First and foremost, I encountered staff that were genuinely disinterested in their job, what they were doing, unfriendly, and uninviting. For this reason, I probably wont be back, even for coffee. Note to owner: people can get wifi cheaply or free everywhere.
I must say that the Kenmore sandwich was delish - hot and tasty - made to order and served with potato salad or chips. $7.95
The mediterranean soup was bland, and very SMALL for the price $4.50. Bland, boring, and after one bite, I didn't eat it.
This is a meta-review of sorts, as I am writing this review while enjoying the free WiFi and coffee IN Zanzibar. Ah, delish.
We got the menu board glitch figured out, boards are now neatly printed with food menus. $7.95 sandwiches are a bit pricey, but you get a side salad and bag of chips, so it's comparable to a downtown lunch. Only comment I'd have is the salad dressing on the salad was - sweet. Unexpected. You can ask for the other dressing, which I will from now on.
I had The Glenlake" which is a Reuben sandwich. It was good. Sort of a Reuben pannini - quite tasty. It didn't take me the heights of ecstasy like some OTHER River North Reubens, but this one is a block away from my house - and local nookie always wins. So, I'd come back if I was craving Reuben goodness.
Overpriced quiche has been taken down $1 per slice, and is apparently on it's way off the menu, 'cos . . . no one ordered it.
The coffee is creamy and delicious . . . it's easily the best coffee in the neighborhood. I love it, and go out of my way to partake. AND it's not a franchise (*wink*, MS!).
So, the place is shaping up to be a great addition to the 'hood. And, sadly or not, it may give the other delis in the 'hood a run for their money.
CUTE new coffee/snack place in the 'hood. Finally opened.
Utterly delicious coffee, and tasty quiche.…
Read more »
Finally decided to try this place out. The interior seems to be the real draw. Definitely appealing. Here's what we had:
2 Pannini's at $7.95 each. Pannini's come with your choice of small bag of chips, condiment size cup of potato or pasta salad.
1 cup of Beef Stew for $4.95.
The first thing we noticed was that our pannini's were not hot or even warm all the way through. Mine was flavorless. I ordered the Thorndale Turkey. The turkey was thin, limp & flavorless... so was the bread and stuffing. The only thing that had some flavor on it was the overly sweet cranberry sauce. My friend had a pannini with 3 different types of meat. He enjoyed knowing there was 3 different types of meat but stated that the predominant flavor was the spicy mustard. He likes spicy mustard... just not dripping from his sandwich. Overall, he could not tell if the meat was as bland as my sandwich. He also had the beef stew. He said it was "meh" and wouldn't get it again. It tasted predominantly of mushrooms with no hint of beef. I had the small sample of potato salad. To each their own... I found this too sweet with a hint of heavy cream possibly. Not my style.
Customer service is lacking. It feels a bit like they do not know what to do with customers or how to treat them. They appear to be lost and unable to work as a team. Hopefully this will improve once they have more time together.
They have many ice cream flavors to choose from. We were disappointed that they had nothing with peanut butter flavor although they do have 3 or more flavors with oreo cookie... if you are in to that.
I've read that the coffee was good and cheaper than Starbucks. I will eventually go back and try a latte.
Overall all... too pricey for me. Go to "Bryn Mawr Deli" one block west on the other side of the street. Reza stacks his sandwiches and knows how to treat his customers! He also has free Wi-Fi for customers.
This is a good place to check out when you're just dying for a hearty sandwich with meat in it. And at a spot that's conveniently located. The sandwiches are good, but nothing special. If you go in with no expectations, then you might be pleasantly surprised. :) Just don't go in expecting the food to blow your mind. It's a little overpriced. Again...convenience. Never tried the ice cream or anything else.
This place looks like Sweet Occasions, tastes like Sweet Occasions, has the same booths as Sweet Occasions, opened in a spot that was supposed to hold a Sweet Occasions...
Don't get me wrong -- I loved Sweet Occasions. And my first trip to Zanzibar was like a trip back to the now-closed Sweet Occasions on Clark Street. Same incredibly rich cake (come for the cake, stay for the frosting), same ice cream purveyor. But I know that Sweet Occasions closed under some awfully dicey circumstances. So until I know that Zanzibar isn't going to skip town with the tillbox in the dead of night, I'm withholding judgment.
So I'm at Zanzibar now, jacking their free wi-fi (which is becoming harder to come by in the city...poo on my favourite Iguana Cafe for making you pay now!!) so I decided why not give them a favourable review for their elixir in a paper cup called ICE CREAM. Ice cream is the cure for whatever ails you and their butter pecan is chocked full of pecans.
I haven't had anything other than their ice cream, but I find it wonderful that they carry an assortment of tooth-rotting sweets including a good-ass selection of chocolate bars (although they could stand to add Vosges Fire Bar or a near equivalent) I like the people, I like the decor, I like the cutesy font that their logo is printed in (whose name I can't remember at the mo) and I like that they are walking distance from the Petersen bus that I take to get to my voice lesson.
Three cheers for dairy, sugar, and proximity!
This place is fine. Fairly unremarkable. The staff is fine. The food is ok. The coffee's pretty good. Better than Starbucks, and it's only a block farther from the train.
3 stars
Zanzibar's poor choice of name and aggressive pricing are underwhelming. Call me a gluttonous ingrate with chutzpah, but here is a two-star review for a place where I wasn't even a paying customer; I was a guest:
The three huge blackboards with the putative menu items were blank. The putative menu in paper version lay on the counter, screaming to me that this is not a place I will patronize because it's just too damn expensive and as I explain below, the choice of name "Zanzibar" is, to me, no different than naming one's restaurant "Cafe Rawanda," "Bistro Bosnia," or "Chez Cambodia."
Since they've just opened, and their branding has peach fuzz on it, I suggest a more historically neutral name like "Cafe $7.49," because nearly everything in the salad and sandwich categories costs $6.99 -$7.99, except the Kid's Menu items, which have the low, low everyday price of $4.99. (also, the branding makes little sense. Why name the joint after an infamous and exotic African island but name the sandwiches after local Chicago streets? I don't get it.)
Other items include ice cream, cakes, pastries, and so many gourmet chocolate bars that I can't imagine they can sell very many or them. They looked more like decoration and gave the place the air of an establishment pretending to be something it's not.
I thought it a bad omen that the Sunday Trib also lay on the counter right next to the putative menu with this front page headline: "STOCK MARKET SWOON SPURS MANY TO SNAP THEIR WALLETS SHUT." Were I the owner I think I'd have separated the menus from the Trib.
It takes balls in this economy to open a place that depends entirely upon discretionary income, where two THIN slices of quiche with TINY side salads and one cup of coffee cost my generous hostess $18.00. The quiche and salad tasted very good enough, but the portions were mizerly given the price. I'd have been more content with two home-cooked hard-boiled eggs that would have cost about 35 cents.
When I was finished eating my ration, I felt as if I'd not eaten at all. Then I focused on the ironic tag line painted on the window beneath the word Zanzibar: "a little taste of paradise."
Oh, and let's not forget the historical darkness surrounding the dubious choice of the name "Zanzibar:"
It's a little thoughtless to open an upscale playground not only named after one of the worlds' most evil former cultures, but also what is today a terribly poor and backward society.
The island of Zanzibar is the infamous 19th Century capital of the slave trade on the East African Coast. The mercenary ruling Arabs subjugated tribal leaders, destroyed villages, heavily depopulated the interior by taking slaves, and created thriving ivory markets driven by greed and flourishing fundamental inhumanity.
For over a century, the primarily Islamic Zanzibari slave traders exported more than 10,000 African slaves annually.
Today, Zanzibar is 90% Muslim and known to be highly intolerant of Christians and other infidels. Islamic fundamentalism has been festering there since long before the age of September 11th. Economically and culturally, it's abyssmal. For example, two of five rural women cannot write their own name. Maybe one in ten non-urban households have electric lights. Half of rural Zanzibari households have neither a flush toilet nor an outhouse.
But I hear there are gorgeous beaches in Zanzibar.
Oddly, I confused this place with Flourish. Before I left my place, I looked online at the (Flourish) menu and had picked out the sandwich that i was going to order. My first clue that I wasn't in Floursih should have been that I didn't see the sandwich that I wanted on the menu. It wasn't until I was sitting and I thoroughly examined the chalk board that I realized I was in Zanzibar. Given that I hadn't been to either, once I realized my mistake I decided to stay anyway. I was already sitting comfortably in a chair in the window ready to eat my tuna salad panini and watch the world go by. I am glad that I did stay. I enjoyed my sandwich. It had the right balance of sweet and savory. My only complaint would be that I think they added mayo to the sandwich (the mayo in the salad is plenty). Other than discovering that there are some strange people in Edgewater, I enjoyed my lunch and will definitely return to Zanzibar.
Now, I have to make it to Flourish.
The sandwiches, the desserts, and the ice cream----this is a place for lovers.
Yay! Boo!
Why the conflicting cheers from the peanut gallery over here? Well it's a Yay because I'm super excited for a new cafe/ice cream shoppe type place within walking distance from my home.
And it's a Boo because it's within walking distance of my home. Which means I'm bound to eat waaay more sweet treats and ice cream then I probably should. :0)
Zanzibar has a nice little ice cream shoppe feel to it, wooden booths, little tables and a nice friendly atmosphere. Very clean too.
It just opened two days ago, so the cases weren't completely full, but what they had looked good!
We decided that because it's close to 80 degrees in October that ice cream seemed to be a fitting choice. The man who helped us, was very friendly and helpful and let us each try a flavor or two before we decided. I went with the Zanzibar dark chocolate, my hubby went with with spice-o-lantern or something to that nature and my dad got straight up chocolate.
The Zanzibar chocolate was FANTASTIC. Creamy, very rich chocolate flavor, tasted like a dark chocolate. Absolutely mouthwatering. My dad's chocolate was tasty too, even creamier than mine and a nice sweet chocolate. My husband's pumpkin ice cream was unique and tasty too. It was pumpkin ice cream with ginger snap pieces mixed in. Very good!
We all got kid cones and I think it was 2.50 for a kid cone and you got one small scoop. It didn't seem like a lot but the ice cream is really rich so it was just right for what we were in the mood for.
It was so tasty, I know I will be back to try more flavors! And next time, I might add something more nutritious to my order, like a sandwich. They have many different sandwich options all with Chicago Street names; clever and tasty sounding too! The sandwiches come with a choice of side, chips and a pickle. Pretty good deal for $8. But I would have to see the sandwich size and taste the quality to be sure it's truly a decent deal. I would say the only down side is that the ice cream tends to be a bit pricey for the size but I don't think it will stop me from returning once in a while!
Zanzibar is great! Not only do they have delicious sandwiches, salads, and desserts their staff is AMAZING!!!
The staff at Zanzibar are one of the nicest restaurant staffs I have come across! They are always pleasant, and helpful!
They are constantly making improvements to make it an even better place! (new sandwiches & salads are coming soon)
A really fabulous atmosphere and very reasonable prices!
I love this place!!!
Very mixed feelings about this place.
It's huge, gorgeous, and free wi-fi. They have delicious ice cream.
I found this place and was SO EXCITED - finally I can get a good latte! (the only other coffee I've found in the area is Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts - ugh)
...the WORST latte I've ever tasted. I can forgive mediocre foam - good foam takes practice. But my small vanilla latte had so much syrup pumped in I couldn't taste the coffee, and it smelled (and tasted) like a scented candle. An expensive one, too. Ugh. I pitched it out after a couple sips.
I'll go back and give them another try at some point - maybe check out their sandwiches. But it would take some very hard persuasion to get me to order even drip coffee.
So it took me a while to update my review for Zanzibar after they first opened, but here it goes:
The ice cream at Zanzibar is great. The fiance and I go in for it at least a couple times a week. What does confuse me a little about is the fact that a sugar cone and a waffle cone are sold for the same price, but a cake cone is cheaper. At any other ice cream joint, it seems that the cake and sugar cones are the same price and you pay a premium for the waffle cone. It just strikes me as strange. I've asked for an explanation of this, but I have yet to get one. They lose a star for the confusing pricing.
The baked goods are great so far as the ones I've tried. The chocolates which come from Margie's and are good too, although I do think the truffles from Unique So Chique are better.
The sandwiches, however, I do have a problem with. For the price, I think they could have a little more meat on them, and a little more flavor overall. The sandwiches at the deli down the street never fail to have sometimes almost too much meat on them. Plus, I really really really don't like that panini get cut into three pieces as opposed to the normal two. It looks nice on the plate, but then the middle piece is near impossible to eat without the filling of the sandwich falling all over the place. The selection is more than decent, but not quite great either. They lose a star for the sandwich contents falling out.
The only other thing I really find wrong with this place is their coffee. It's not that it tastes bad or anything of the sort. I just like to see local small business supporting other local small business. Their coffee comes from Colorado. I can't figure a good reason for getting your coffee from so far away when there are at least two good coffee roasters located within a few miles right here on the North side of Chicago.
On the upside, the people behind the counter have been really friendly every time I've gone in. That's always a plus, but when there is no tip section on the credit card receipt, forcing me to tip in cash which I don't always carry on me, I feel bad when I can't tip.
I am really looking forward to this place opening up. It's where we all thought the Sweet Occasions… Read more »
Delightful menu, huge selections and fun atmosphere! Glad it opened nearby me. The chai is amazing!
Finally.
I've lived across the street from Zanzibar's Bryn Mawr/Kenmore corner for 6+ years and it's great to finally have something useful and pleasant there. It's infinitely better than the depressing convenience store that used to fill this space (though that's an admittedly very low bar - an ATM and a newspaper box would've been a huge upgrade over that joint).
Last night Zanzibar had all the telltale signs of a just opened small business. Shelves not fully stocked. Customers outnumbered by an eager to help staff. Self appointed members of the neighborhood welcome wagon greeting / interrogating the owner. And a spotless, stage crafted look that will hopefully ease into a more 'lived in' feel over the coming months.
While their pastry and cake cases were a little thin last night, their ice cream counter was ready to go. I'd estimate they have two dozen or so flavors, all of which sounded pretty good. To his credit, the guy behind the counter offered me the try-before-you-buy tasting opportunity, but I felt confident with my order: one Espresso Oreo and one Snap-o-Lantern (spicy pumpkin ice cream with bits of ginger snap cookies). Both were excellent. Great texture and consistency - fresh and light. Nicely done.
Looking forward to having Zanzibar in the neighborhood.
I absolutely love this place. The night I went the employees were very friendly and chatty
. A winner!
Esther A. is correct about one aspect - the service is for the most part friendly; however, I just came back from this place with my usual order of double chocolate cake which I developed quite an addiction for. I take my goodies home and nearly gag after my first bite. After a telephone call to Zanzibar, it turns out that the owner has decided to use an alternative bakery for their cakes and etc. Apparently she had dollar signs in her eyes rather than taste because no self-respecting proprietor would serve what I just paid nearly $6.00 a slice for. This "alternative" bakery appears, to me, to be some mass market supplier out of which the owner hopes to make a few extra bucks. The place has lost both my trust and my patronage.
maybe their ice cream or sandwiches or something is good, but don't come here for a latte.
this is the worst thing i've ever dropped three bucks on. i'm confident it's worse than any latte i screwed up in my first few days as a barista. it's watery and hardly tastes like espresso OR milk. i don't know what dude did, but he did it wrong.
there's ample seating, including some nice booths. i don't see any power outlets for laptops, though.
i wish i hadn't just gorged myself on cottage cheese so i could try some food. then maybe this would be a more positive review.
anyway, i guess they aren't marketing themselves as a coffee shop.
Some people on here have some way strong opinions about whether this is, or is not, Sweet Occasions reincarnated. I'm not sure why it's considered an insult to compare this place with Sweet Occasions. All I care about is, it has my favorite ice cream flavor in the city, Zanzibar chocolate, which is the same ice cream they used to have at S/O.
Meh indeed!!! You have to be very gutsy to open a cafe in such economy, with such prices, and such poor service! If the management doesn't snap out of their dream of booming economy and come down from their lala land I will bet $1 that this place will be out in no time. First of all, are they a self service or a full service place? Dude who took my order said that he'll bring our food and coffee, yet sugar and cream was all the way in the front, hiding from me. I tried their apricot scone which was delish, but my coffee was served in a cheap paper cup whereas those who were sitting next to us had real mugs. WTF??? My dh's au lait was meh! When we were leaving my dh said thank you to the guy who serviced us and .....silence in return! What kind of attitude? What kind of place? I don't need free wifi, I already got one on the go. But if you want to have something to eat/drink, in this recession times you're better off finding somewhere else to go. I'd rather take my money to Flourish or Starbucks. At least they know what kind of business they want to be, and they know how to be pleasant.
BOOO on you Zanzibar!!!
Okay the owners must be listening, THANK GOD!!! The food is really coming into a place of it's own and getting better by the day. The coupons they dropped off has my employees frequenting Zanzibar and they are all really loving it. Great work guys! Keep up the good work, 1 more star to go, you are almost there.
I am part owner of the largest employer in Edgewater, Answer Center America, Inc. I had such high… Read more »
Neighborhood: Edgewater
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