City Zoo
By Jeff Gage
There
was a time when the words live music and a good time couldn't be used
in the same sentence when describing entertainment possibilities in
Vancouver, Wash. On a recent weekend trip across the Columbia, this
writer, accompanied by friends, found that the City Zoo has filled a
much needed void for S.W. Washington locals in search of a fun live
entertainment night club.
The
City Zoo has changed from the biker bar your parents have warned you
about into a remodeled restaurant/lounge, where all ages over 21 and
a mix of ethnic diversity is evident and encouraged. Not only has the
City Zoo been remodeled physically, it has also been revamped in terms
of the types of customer it wants to attract and keep as regulars.
Brightly
lit and very spacious, the City Zoo immediately strikes patrons as friendly
and inviting. Manager Mary and entertainment co-ordinator Mike Powers
have put in a lot of effort to achieve the results they were after and
it is obvious they achieved their goals.
Repeat
customers are the norm and new customers are discovering the City Zoo.
This establishment has occupied the same location since 1983 and was
known as the City Zoo since 1995.
Besides
the remodeling of the Zoo, there is a plethora of activities nightly
that will act as a beacon for those wanting to do more than sit in a
lounge. From Wednesday through Saturday, there is live music and DJ
spun hits with the emphasis on top 40 and contemporary rock standards.
A
large dance floor was never empty the Saturday night this writer attended.
If dancing isn't your thing, Karaoke is featured on Sunday and Monday,
as well as free pool both nights. Other activities include foosball,
darts and video games. Rounding out the weekly activities are Tuesday
and Wednesday ladies nights, with $100 for best legs Tuesday and $100
for best chest on Wednesday.
With
all the activity at the City Zoo, it won't be hard to work up an appetite.
With sandwich names like the Buzzard, Stag and Puma or burgers like
the Wild Boar, you know the portions are going to be huge and filling.
The two featured items on the menu are the "Not you Nacho" with monstrous
portions large enough for two people and the "Healthy Heart Ostrich
Burger" made of 100% ostrich meat.
Combining the great food, nightly and sometimes hourly drink specials,
plus the full range of entertainment, you are sure to have an enjoyable
evening at the City Zoo.