Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: venue (26) great (18) music (16) live (14) good (11) Great (10) staff (10) time (9) event (8) people (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Jessica X. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Horribly run venue and incredibly rude manager. I went out with 4 of my girl friends and we waited in a 1.5hour line, for a ticketed event. They clearly did not know how to run the event having 1 security guard scanning in hundreds of people. We had been waiting in line for about an hour and a group of 5/6 boys pushed in and everyone was annoyed considering we all had been waiting for an hour. My friend spoke up and said they should go to the back of the line and should not cut in. The guy said he was “an important DJ from Melbourne who was actually playing at 2am but could not get in”. We told him, it’s not our problem that this venue didn’t let you in, but, do not push in line. The situation ended up escalating with him and my friend and he was being incredibly condescending to my friend using the words “sweetheart” and telling her how he’s super important and we should search him up. I forgot what he said his DJ name and touring agency were but I think he went by “DJ ABC (something after)” and was with the Infinity Management group. When all we said was please don’t push in and move behind us. He was clearly vindictive and seething with anger so he then tried to get the security guard to kick us out, however, the security guard asked the other people in the line what happened and they confirmed that this group of 5/6 boys cut in. When we go to the front after wasting 1.5hours waiting for a ticketed event. The manager screamed at us that we were racist and that we were not going to be let in. The vindictive group of boys had lied to her and told her that we used racial slurs which was not true. She screamed at us that we were racist, refused to listen to our side of the story or ask the people around us actually figure out what occurred. She just believed them, screamed at us and did no due diligence of her own. She screamed at us for us to go and that we could get a refund - which is unlikely given that we need to apply online and go through this long process and provide supporting evidence as to why we could not attend which we do not have. We eventually left after wasting 1.5 hours waiting in a line and then getting falsely accused of being racist when we are a multicultural group (Asian and Indians) who have also have experienced racism ourselves. It is extremely disheartening to know that young women like us who try to stand up for ourselves to a group of men, were at the end of the day punished despite doing nothing wrong and another female manager did not even try to resolve what really occurred, instead, opting to yell at us. When instead she could’ve acted like the security guard and asked what happened. I hope you learn how to manage large and sold out events from this experience so that people don’t get so mad or upset about people cutting line. I also hope your manager understands how to be more understanding and actually ask what happened before kicking people out of a ticketed event which they lined up HOURS for. Horrible.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Colleen V. 1 year ago on Google • 170 reviews
    Had a great time watching The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band live at the Zoo last night. They had great energy and an awesome set. The venue was pretty cool in a cool part of town.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 greg g. 5 months ago on Google • 347 reviews
    Great live music venue in the heart of fortitude valley. A must do if you like live music. Best to use public transport as there is only street parking nearby
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel H. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent live music experience, decent venue size, friendly staff just a shame about the humidity. All round had a great night. Can't wait to return!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Serge V. 2 years ago on Google
    I was lucky enough to watch Thy Art Is Murder last night, at the inimitable and legendary The Zoo. I attended with my 19-year-old daughter and, whilst there, realised I first visited this club, in the early 90's, at roughly the same age. To frequent the same venue for three decades, having watched an amazing array of local and international talent, epitomises just what an iconic and treasured establishment the Zoo truly is. Bands, beers, great staff, lazy lounges, a pool table and more.....head-bang or chill, The Zoo will cater to your needs. I hope to visit there for many more years to come, and I hope you do too.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew H. 10 months ago on Google • 110 reviews
    I was very hesitant about seeing a band at the Zoo as I had heard bad things. Turns out what I heard was so untrue. Been there twice now, first time was fairly quiet and turned out to be a great gig. Second time was busier and no matter where you sit/stand you get a good view of the band. Staff are super friendly and know how to treat their customers.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vee T. 1 month ago on Google • 299 reviews New
    Good sound, nice security and overall a great venue. Saw Joeyy, Shed Theory and Bootleg Baby here.

  • 5/5 John M. 1 year ago on Google
    Was one of their first customers back in the day Friday capacino and nachos ( the capacino brothers )
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jonathan h. 3 years ago on Google
    Was told I was going to watch a show at the zoo. Got super excited to see the animals. Saw some animals but not quite what I was expecting. The $5 slushies win the Zoo a glowing review
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Craig P. 2 years ago on Google
    Great venue with real ambience. Love the Poetry Slam nights there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Priscila H. 2 years ago on Google
    Saw many reviews of people that goes into this rock club complaining about the air-conditioning. You guys do nothing about it. Today I woke up 4am in the morning because of the drums do you have permission to do noise until this time? I don't think so!!! You don't even respect your neighbours! What you need to do is called renovation. Put a funking aircon in, change the windows and keep the back doors closed at least after 00 !!!!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Campbell H. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely staff, very personable and friendly. Great atmosphere. Didn't have a chance to try their pizzas, but certainly will on the return trip. Live music scene is well catered for with a lovely venue. I'll be coming back, and telling friends
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Muzza 1 year ago on Google
    Hadn't been to the old Zoo in years. But what a great venue for Live music. Watched the Bronx rocking out. The venue, staff, sound and people were 10/10. Great beer prices too....
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 paulyn n. 1 year ago on Google
    Attended an event there on the 11/06/22. Night started well until I went to the bar/counter to order and I met a very racist young blonde girl. She was rude, conceited and had the nerve to sneer at me. I am a paying customer and all I ask for is kind and respectful customer service. The staff should be trained in good customer service delivery. What I saw and experienced was very disappointing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darkstar 4 years ago on Google
    Brilliant valley live music venue. Up close and personal to the stage, low ceiling, great sound system make for probably the best atmosphere of the Valley live music venues. Saw the Jungle Giants under 18's with my 8 and 13 year old kids and they loved the whole experience of their first live gig in the mosh. Friendly staff wandering around handing out ear plugs where necessary was a great plus. Couple more water stations wouldn't go amiss as it gets hot and sweaty, but that's all part of the fun! Great place for live music and if you're worried about taking kids to an U18 event, don't be, the Zoo provides a safe space and comfortable environment.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James F. 1 year ago on Google
    The Zoo is one of the longest continually running live music venues in Brisbane. I have been there dozens of times and have seen many great bands there. The most recent visit was to see Totally Unicorn and Mark of Cain. The bar has a comprehensive range of drinks, plus there is a small bar next to the stage now, which the singer from T. U. used to good effect. They also do food on certain nights. The vibe is friendly and the sound is great, too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Malcolm B. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing vibes, spacious venue. Went to the Brisbane Indie Showcase which was an excellent time and you could tell everyone involved was so dedicated to making an excellent event.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Michael M. 2 months ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Floor is sticky, place smellys a bit, BUT here too watch and hear live music, sound was very good, good views of the stage, from most parts of the club. More air would help, the overhead fans turned on for only a few minutes, felt so much better, then turned off again.

  • 5/5 Lulani van der M. 10 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    The Zoo offered a great atmosphere and space for us to go and experience great Australian music and talent. From local bands and musicians to Eurovision stars like Voyager themselves! They're easy to find, the staff was excellent and it has a comfy, cozy feeling that made me feel welcome. I'll definitely be going again soon.

  • 4/5 Betina T. 2 months ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Great live music / arts venue within easy walking distance of trains/buses, + all the best nightlife the valley has to offer. Only downside is the lingering smell / floors are always sticky and could use a good clean, and the fans are not enough for Brisbane. But you'll have a good time here.

  • 5/5 Angelina R. 11 months ago on Google
    One of my favourite live music venues! Nice little bar and food is available on site. Seating and tables as well as open space during gigs. Love it

  • 5/5 Nicole T. 2 years ago on Google
    EFFING love this place have been going there since early 90’s THE ATMOSPHERE THE VIBE AND THE ARCHITECTURE is out of this world. It’s one of the only clubs LEFT that has not changed its name or what is stands for, which is a good old band venue. Hope this place withstands many many more years to come.

  • 4/5 Emily T. 2 years ago on Google
    A great venue, although it can get really hot in the summertime, so be prepared!

  • 5/5 Mel O. 3 months ago on Google New
    Saw Talking Heads tribute band - great venue, awesome staff. Know how to look after us older generation 😊

  • 5/5 helen b. 4 months ago on Google
    Nothing better than watching a live band punch out their sound. Love it - great venue for live music.

  • 5/5 Ben S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great music venue. It's quite small so only a few hundred capacity but always have a good view of the stage and can get very close. The bar is really nice and well-presented with lots of range of drinks, though not too much on tap. Sound in the venue is brilliant - regardless of where you are you'll hear the band perfectly.

  • 5/5 Benjamin V. 1 year ago on Google
    First time being back at the zoo since the reno's, and wow, talk about turning that place out. Was great before, but now truely epic. I hope more of my favourite bands play here.

  • 5/5 Stephen D. 6 months ago on Google
    Great venue and sound and stairs and Entombed was playing over the soundsystem so thats 5 stars right thurr

  • 5/5 Chris K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great venue. Great staff and always a good time. Cheap feed, not over the top prices for pizza's and munchies.

  • 5/5 MV 1 year ago on Google
    Been coming here since a teen. Best small venue for Indie, punk banks. Saw the Stripp here recently. Ace

  • 5/5 Paul R. 10 months ago on Google
    Doesn't matter who's playing, really -- just go. Staff are always chill, and the interesting loft / attic vibe is cool. Pizza also excellent. Weeknights you can probably find a park a block or so in the direction of New Farm; weekends, you may have to park a bit further afield, or even walk up from the James Street precinct.

  • 1/5 Jenn P. 1 year ago on Google
    The bathrooms are poorly maintained. Tryhard grunge as an excuse for bad hygiene. I had hoped to hold an event but went elsewhere as the owner was clearly out of her depth and played the gender card about "us as women supporting each other." After this experience there is no way I am going back- the previous owners knew what they were doing but this young woman is just a hanger-on riding their coat tails. Never again.

  • 5/5 Noelene A. 1 year ago on Google
    Very funky decked out interior Enough seating & tables Lady on door had the best customer service - friendly & helpful Enjoyed my night out here

  • 5/5 Lee T. 1 year ago on Google
    Really good music venue. Audio is clear and lighting is great. Decent drink selection

  • 5/5 Thomas A. 1 year ago on Google
    With events happening out of the venue’s control (aggressive patrons), the situations were handled with respect and urgency that was required. The manager Louise (apologies if spelt incorrect) was immediately helpful and considerate, making sure our time was still enjoyable and appropriate care taken. The Zoo is a new favourite venue to enjoy a night out at! Additionally, a lovely staff member also made sure we made it home safely (she knows who she is). Extremely happy with how things were taken care of!


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

Gallery of Modern Art image
1
Gallery of Modern Art
Art gallery
Contemporary art from Australia, Asia & the Pacific exhibited in a modern riverside building.
4.60 (8.4K reviews)
Milky Lane Newstead image
2
Milky Lane Newstead
Hamburger restaurant
😠 Food & Cocktails were absolutely amazing, however, the lack of service forgetting a soft drink for one of the children at our table, and then forgetting a burger for one of the adults, is unforgivable. When the wait staff told the chef that a burger was missing, he shrugged his shoulders and contin...
$$ $$
4.80 (7.1K reviews)
Andonis Cafe & Bar image
3
Andonis Cafe & Bar
Cafe
👍👍 Andonis Cafe & Bar at Yeerongpilly is the perfect place for breakfast, brunch, lunch or a sneaky afternoon cocktail with friends. The presentation of the dishes was perfect! This cafe is located on Station Road, and there is heaps of parking (including street parking). The service is great and the s...
$$ $$
4.70 (7.1K reviews)
The Pancake Manor image
4
The Pancake Manor
Pancake restaurant
Long-standing restaurant in a spacious converted cathedral serving pancakes, burgers, steaks & more.
$$ $$
4.00 (6.3K reviews)
Breakfast Creek Hotel image
5
Breakfast Creek Hotel
Pub
French Renaissance-style pub with 5 bars including a rum bar, plus a steakhouse and a beer garden.
$$ $$
4.20 (5.9K reviews)
Last updated:
()