Zoo Bar

Good for live music. Terrible drinks. No one following public health mandates, even basic pre-pandemic ones. Not exactly diverse or welcoming, to say the least. It's an institution, for sure. I feel torn about these things: preserve history or evolve from an archaic past? I recognize the good and want to honor the hard work--who wants to throw the baby out with the bath water?--and I also believe we can and should do better.

They are doing everything to keep live music going in Lincoln and at the same time doing everything in their power to prevent you from getting Covid. Go in. Buy a shirt. Buy a drink. Help the Zoo Bar stay in Lincoln. One of the OG bars of Lincoln. Friendly staff. Great staff.

We went to the Zoo Bar to listen to the Mezcal Brothers Band. Everytime I go there I image all of the great talent that has played on that stage. The place hasn't changed since I moved to Lincoln 30 some years ago. Still too small, and a little run down but, wow, when the music starts, it brings out something in me that needs to be let out! We danced like teenagers (we are both well over 60) and had a great time.The Zoo Bar is a Lincoln treasure. Good music, good beer, great crowd! I really like this place.

First things first, I've been enjoying Zoo for years now. The Place in Lincoln to go to for live music. Had so much fun, so many drinks, never ending music. Most of the time, I was treated with respect. I got what I came for, some slip-ups, nothing worth mentioning. But, a friend shows me this, a picture one of the bartenders posted online. She posted a receipt, including the name of the customer, wrote "DICK" over the receipt. She got close to 10% tip, was not happy about it. I used to bartend and wait tables, I expected around 20%, as it is quite usual around here. I did not always get it, never in my dreams I thought about doing something she did. Zoo, I hate to do this, please look into it. Apologies to Thomas (the customer), you deserve to know. Picture attached..

One of the best bars in Lincoln. Live music every night. And it's good stuff too, not just local cover bands. Touring blues guitarists have been some of the best music I've seen here, but we went this past weekend and saw a Rasta jam band that was great as well. Their bar selection is so so, but who cares, come for the music.

First time at ZOO Bar last night! I thought this was a pretty rad dive bar! I did not order anything cause I had already indulged for the evening but I did enjoy the live music! For a long room I thought the sound was great and the atmosphere was nice for hanging out and talking to friends, not too loud.. I dig a listening room with plenty of seating! Great Job ZOO Bar, now feed the animals some brews!

When I wanted a refill, they would only give me a refill in my original drink, which is against code. Plus when I wanted beers to go which was before 1am....they opened all my beers and then reclosed them so I paid for flat beers. Thanks. I didn't want to drink them all night, I just found it convenient to pick the beers I wanted for another night.

4 Stars is a bit lower than what Zoo Bar should be. 5 is close, but probably a 4.8. Zoo is a place I love to visit during many weeks in Lincoln. Currently there is Zoo Fest, but there will be Lincoln Calling and the times like that. I don't think there is a better place to catch a band in an 'intimate' setup. The stage is tiny.Zoo has a great bar that greets you as you enter. Memorabilia from the storied 44 year history pleases your eyes. Excellent prices, courteous staff and a venue that is pretty cool. A Typical round here, say like, a PBR, Mixed drink, and soda (for the driver), it's going to be a mere $.50 less than just a Capt & Coke at a tiny venue in Omaha.It can get crowded during some shows and I have never seen groups of such older folks having a blast. If that bothers you then you should just stay home.Zoo Bar has hosted some of the best music, but you had to be there to hear it. So you should really make a point to stop by when you can.

Overly crowded during my visit. Not nearly enough room to enjoy music. People were crammed in very tightly. Left before main attraction started. Didn't have food.

The ZOO BAR is without a doubt the center of original live music in Lincoln, NE. The work of countless musicians and bands from around the world has poured over The Zoo Bar stage for the last 47 years of nightly music in this midwestern musical hot spot. Located a half a block off of (main street) "O street" in downtown Lincoln, it is "the wise old man" of music venues in the midwest. Hosting several hundred bands annually, there is something for anybody who loves music on stage at this intimate club. A modest door fee (usually $5 for 1-2 local acts, regionals around $10, national touring $15-20), will introduce you to the widest variety of music of any regional venue. A "hole in the wall bar," who's walls tell the story of the legendary artists who have graced their stage. Blues made the Zoo Bar famous, but rock 'n' roll, country, alternative, punk, jazz, folk, bluegrass, acoustic or electric, local or national, vintage roots to cutting edge....all can be found at the Zoo Bar. The small music venue with the big reputation is the local best friend to anyone serious about seeing live music in an intimate setting. Shows start around 6 PM most nights, with late show starting after 9 PM. Friday Afternoon Club at 5:00. Check out why loyal music lovers all support the Zoo Bar and have for over 45 years!Located in downtown Lincoln just north on 14th St. between "O" & "P" St.P.S. I am just one of many loyal patrons. I do not wok at or for this est.