First I'll start with the positives...our server was very friendly. The atmosphere was great. You can't beat the historic feel of this restaurant., makes it very romantic yet comfortable. My scallops were cooked perfectly and served hot. Now the not-so-positives...our server, while friendly wasn't very attentive. We noticed other servers explaining the menu, refilling water glasses and connecting with the guests. She came and asked if we wanted dessert before we were finished with dinner. She didn't offer what the desserts were--we may have ordered had we been sold on their offerings. My husband ordered the duck. It wasn't hot and it was tough. He had to ask for a sharper knife in order to cut it. The taste was good, just not the temp. As a final disappointment--it was our anniversary. We noted that when asked on the reservation page. But no one mentioned a word of it when we arrived. If you're not going to do anything special, then don't ask. It was nice to see a restaurant busy at least. read more

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Beer was good but that was about it. Ate here last week. I had the Spinach salad with added salmon. The salmon was extremely small and over cooked. Barely edible. My husband had the Ribeye,which he ordered medium rare. Once again was barely edible. Half the steak was well done and half rare. And it was very tough. Sat at the bar it appeared that the hush puppy app was a big seller so you might want to stick with that. read more

We loved our visit to Zazu. The food was fantastic and the ambiance of the building was really cool. I'd love to learn more about the history of the building. read more

You'll never find a better BLT better than Zazu's! The apps are fantastic, and though dinner can be pricey, it's always worth the cost! The ambiance is perfect for all occasions, and its upscale decor only adds to the wonderful mood in the restaurant. I've never had a negative experience with any of the servers, cooks, bartenders or managers. Everyone is always friendly and accommodating! Definitely don't sleep on Zazu! The new opelika location really takes Zazu to the next level of excellence. Treat yourself with a trip to Zazu asap! read more

Everything was wonderful and the waiter was great. We will definitely be back. The food was amazing too! read more

Zazu - Pre Thanksgiving Dinner with friends and family! - Gastropubs Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

I can't speak to either the food or the ambience, because when I went in alone well outside of rush hour, they refused to seat me at a table. They offered a seat at the bar, but I'm sober, and sitting at a bar is uncomfortable for me. I left. read more

The food just is not what it use to be. If you like burnt food this is your place. The staff acts as if they are doing you a favor.

RARELY do I give out a 5 star review but their food absolutely EARNED it! We started with the poutine and were blown away. The gravy didn't have an aggressively overpowering flavor and the scallions were a great touch paired with the cheese curds and crisp battered fries. I could have easily eaten an entire bowl myself! As I mentioned before, it is VERY difficult to impress me. I am a classically trained chef and despise paying hard earned money for food that I can make better myself at home. For entrees we all decided to order something different so we could share and try them all. It was nearly impossible to decide which was my favorite. I only very slightly am leaning towards the ribeye because I love a good ribeye. I have never had asparagus prepared at a restaurant as perfectly as they were! Same goes for the green beans on the short ribs! The sauces were so flavorful and delicious without overpowering the dishes. I'd give it 10 's if I could! read more

Killer good ambiance. Excellent bar. Interesting menu. On street parking with irregular terrain. Accessibility is limited but works. Call ahead. read more

First visit here. Nice & casual, industrial-type space in downtown Opelika. Very slow with patrons, but it was a Wednesday night and early in the evening. They start you out with a small bucket of hot boiled peanuts. For those of you who are fans of this southern "delicacy", I'm sure you'll enjoy them. I had a couple of the peanuts, although I'm not at all a fan of hot boiled peanuts. I started with a Red Clay Brewing Halftime, which is a hefeweisen and it was delicious. This brewer is just down the street from the restaurant and this is my first brew from them. Zazu had 15 drafts on tap from local microbreweries . I went with a couple of appetizers for my meal. I had the sweet corn hush puppies and the small bites plate. Unfortunately, the hush puppies we're just not good. They were simply dough balls with a couple corn kernels in them and were devoid of flavor, save for the chipotle aïoli dipping sauce. The Small Bites Plate had an assortment of items. The pimento cheese was homemade and was smoother in consistency than most I've had, it was flavorful and had a bit if spicyness to it. The herbed goat cheese was also good. The pickled veggies were fine, but nothing outstanding. This was the first time I've had pickled watermelon and although I'm glad I got to try it it was not my thing. The problem with putting so many pickled veggies on the same board as everything else is that everything was swimming in pickled veggie juice. When I serve charcuterie boards with pickled veggies I always put the pickled veggies on a separate saucer or ramekin on top of the board. Nobody wants pickling juices in their cheeses or like in this case where my deviled eggs became pickled deviled eggs. Although I was not particularly satisfied with the food this evening I certainly will give Zazu another try. Next time I will go with an entrée like the sweet tea brined chicken or possibly, the pimento cheeseburger. read more

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Came here for lunch and as a vegan, that was probably one of the best meals I've ever had. I got the Falafel Gyro and substituted the dill sauce for a creamy paprika vegan sauce. The sauce was incredible and was half the reason I loved it so much. The dark cozy aesthetic was so lovely. This is definitely one of my new favorite places to go. Will be coming back so my husband can try read more

Who knew I would find a 5-star upscale American restaurant with Canadian and Japanese influences in the middle of Alabama? Perusing the menu, I was stunned to find poutine listed as an appetizer, the ultimate comfort food I had eaten so many times in Eastern Canada. Opelika is a long way from our "neighbors to the north," but distance didn't diminish the flawless nature of this dish in the slightest. The french fries prepared in duck fat and topped with melted cheese curds were spectacular. But the obligatory gravy was even superior to the best poutine shops I've tried in Montreal! Admittedly, several employees prepare the gravy at Zazu, but our waitress said we got lucky because the owner prepared the gravy himself when we visited. Amazing!!! I selected the pork loin, a 1-inch-thick slab of pork with the perfect seasoning and an appropriately sweet bacon jam. It rested on a bed of succulent collared greens and the most amazing garlic mashed potatoes I've ever eaten! My wife had a hamburger of impeccable quality, tender and flavorful on a lusciously soft bun. We shared the wagyu steak that just melts in the mouth. The food was staggeringly good and we must return for dessert some day! read more

The atmosphere caught my attention as soon as I stepped up to the door. The front door is an antique door with a glass upper. The door knob was so low that I almost couldn't find it. It's a beautiful restaurant that beckons to days of old. The exposed brick walls are so warm and inviting, as are the low level lighting. I was greeted with Southern hospitality and quickly seated. My waitress, also the bartender, Rachael, was outstanding. She had a genuine and warm personality that made me comfortable and happy to be there. The menu featured some appealing appetizers and entrees. I opted for the Grilled Salmon. It is described on the menu as a Wester Ross Scottish Salmon, Roasted broccolini, Porcini Mushroom Risotto, Beurre Blanc. The Salmon was perfectly prepared and delicious. The Beurre Blanc added a nice added a very nice delicacy to the entree. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So, let me show you the restaurant followed by my plate before and after picture. read more

Zazu - Wester Ross Scottish Salmon, Roasted Broccolini, Porcino Mushroom Risotto, Beurre Blanc - Gastropubs Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

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We had a phenomenal brunch. We were traveling and Zazu was one of the few spots open on Easter. The food was amazing and our server, Tatum, was fantastic. We had poutine, hot chicken, breakfast enchiladas and a burger- all delicious. read more

Zazu - Breakfast enchiladas - Gastropubs Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

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We thoroughly enjoyed our food and service. The atmosphere was great as well. The server recommended all of our meals and we really enjoyed all of the recommendations. read more

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Amazing poutine, hush puppies, popcorn shrimp and a great variety of adult beverages. Excellent service by Tatum upstairs

Easily one of the #1 places in the area that isn't considered a "fancy" restaurant. You are going to get top quality and delicious food every time. I come from the land of poutine and an very critical when it comes to poutine from places that have no business serving it - Zazu's is an exception. This poutine is renowned. The texture, temperature, cheese, and duck fat have made this worthy of a Canadian seal of approval. It's a MUST try. I don't care if you get anything else. The brisket burger with the green tomato is immaculate. I don't know who or how they came up with this, but it just works. The green tomato ties it all together perfectly in a way I just can't explain. They have also been competing in some annual burger competition for a few years now. I did not try their upcoming burger submission, but a friend did and said it was fantastic. If you're only in Auburn for 1 day and want a great lunch, Zazu is where you need to go. read more

No frills eggs benedict, but why mess with the traditional dish? It was tasty and I ate every bite! Fogot to take a picture of the smoked pimento cheese starter, but it was tasty-ish. More of a chunky, dry style dish than a creamy dip to slather on crackers, but the taste was good. I probably wouldn't order it again though. read more

Zazu - Eggs Benedict and potatoes for brunch - Gastropubs Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

Very friendly atmosphere and servers. They care about your business. Food was worth coming back again

Really liked this place. Beautiful inside with so many different levels and we had really great helpful service. The hush puppies were really good as well as the chicken sandwich! Definitely will come back next time we are in town :) read more

Zazu - Hush puppies - Gastropubs Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

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Overall: Mediocre/subpar food & service I've been coming to Zazu for almost 10 years now, almost since they moved from Auburn. In my opinion, it has consistently been the BEST overall restaurant in Opelika for food, service, ambiance, etc. However, my last 3 visit have been highly disappointing. I believe the establishment is under new management or has a new 'chef', but should not be an excuse for letting the restaurant drop in quality. Tonight's experience made me want to leave a review it was so unusual and not the Zazu I remember. Our waitress was behind the game all night despite the restaurant not being anywhere close to full capacity. Our drinks arrive late and partially incorrect and drinkware was dirty. We did not receive silverware until after appetizers had been sitting on the table for 5 minutes (we asked politely multiple times and never received napkins so I stole them from another table). My friend's salad with apple slices was not fresh and the sticker was still on the apple slice. I ordered chicken on a Caesar salad and received four small chicken slices on top. When asked for more chicken, they put in the order and thirty minutes later it showed up - after the table had been cleared and we'd finished our meal. Our waitress had also intended to charge for it. Overall, these are small things, small issues but the small things make a difference and Zazu was always great at making sure they got everything right. The waitstaff has a lot to be desired in terms of quality of service and the food has not been to the typical quality of what most expect from Zazu. I hope they can get it together and get back to their old ways. read more

I normally don't post reviews but this is definitely NOT the same Zazu that we know and love. I had the Cesar followed by the Jambalaya. The Cesar was just lettuce and croutons (no parmigian). It was all the bitter stalky part of the romaine. Cesar dressing was super bland. Worst Cesar I've ever had. The Jambalaya was nursing home quality in the flavor department. Wife's mushroom risotto had 1 mushroom. Entrees showed up about 2 minutes after the salads...terrible timing. Such a shame for such a cool building. Food was even better when it was in Auburn. Those were the days. read more

Food cold, no coffee or milk for brunch. Pancakes with cinnamon butter came with no butter. Would not recommend.

Zazu has become one of my favorite Auburn/Opelika restaurants quickly. I have enjoyed their whole menu minus the chicken sandwich. The burgers are great. The French dip and Reuben awesome too. The ambiance and service are top notch with food served with staff that take pride in their jobs and a historical building highly recommended for causal lunch or a date night supper spot or to entertain clients or business folks from out of town. This is a must do in opeika. read more

We stopped by here before an Auburn game the next day and what a great choice it was. We had a party of 8 and each of us really enjoyed our meals, drinks, and service. I'm also a big sauce guy and they make all of their sauces, dips, dressings from scratch daily and they were all very good! This is in a neat building in the downtown area with I think 3 levels and a rustic feel to it. The service was great and the food was even better. We started with plenty of drinks and their smoked pimento cheese and poutine. Both the pimento and poutine apps were both very good - definitely recommend. They have plenty of beers available, some local, along with other libations. For dinner, we got the Cuban, blackened catfish tacos, fried chicken sandwich, etc. and it was all tasty. I would go back here if I were in the area. Oh, and the desserts were amazing. Not typically a sweet/dessert fan but others in the group wanted some and it was a great choice. Their bread pudding was delicious as was the cobbler. Try some! read more

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We ordered the hush puppies, the gambler burger with duck fries, and grilled bistro steak. Everything was exceptionally well made, and the service was impeccable! read more

Zazu Gastropub is an excellent choice for casual-upscale dining in the Opelika-Auburn area. The dinner menu extends from traditional pub fare like burgers to creatively prepared southern dishes like shrimp and grits and pecan smoked brisket. The Sunday brunch menu is equally tempting, from eggs Benedict to a breakfast enchilada. The architecture and ambience of the restaurant are striking: multiple levels, brick walls, two bars, and an outdoor deck above 8th Street. We've dined at Zazu several times during the past several years and have always found the food delicious, the service friendly, and our experience memorable. read more

Absolutely amazing food tonight. Service was point on, and the overall atmosphere of this restaurant is amazing. One of us had steak, another the redfish, and I had the regular salmon over couscous. Everything was fabulous. Drinks were great as well. We will return SOON! read more

Great local food. Boar's Head meats. Loved corn nugget appetizer and chicken tenders are super good.Fries are generous portions.

Excellent food. Great vibes. Service is good. I've never had to wait more than 2 minutes.

Great atmosphere and aesthetic. Friendly service. I sat at the bar with a friend. I ordered the smoked old fashioned, was a great drink. My friend ordered a gin drink, was made with blackberry, basil and a spicy pepper. Was by far one of the most tasty cocktails we've ever had at any place. read more

Top tier! If you want some great vittles, you are missing out. Have you not been here. Staff very friendly staff very courteous, staff has very important food always hammered. Give them a try Zazu! read more

When traveling for business, I like to venture out to the more unique restaurants in the area whenever possible instead of going with the traditional chains. Zazu definitely fits the bill. The area it is located is obviously undergoing a Renaissance with several similar establishments in older buildings with plenty of character. I chose the Pimento Cheese Burger with Duck Fries. The burger was cooked a perfect Medium as requested and the White Cheddar Pimento Cheese and House Bacon were great additions. The bun was a Sourdough which is my favorite. I actually thought the Duck Fries would be like the Poutine in the Starters section. They were good but not what I was expecting. I probably would have been just as happy with the regular fries or kettle chips that come standard. For dessert I went with Bread Pudding with House Made Caramel Sauce. It had the perfect consistency and the caramel definitely added to the flavor. If I am back in the area I want to come back and try the Sweet Tea Chicken & Cornbread and the Low Country Shrimp & Grits. read more

Zazu - Bread Pudding with House Made Caramel Sauce - Gastropubs Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

Standouts include the smoked old fashioned, shrimp and grits, yeast rolls, oysters, shrimp pops, poutine, grilled pound cake. Memorable experience because of the food but also the setting. read more

Zazu's is soooo delicious! The service is great and so is the ambiance. I recommend getting reservations because it can be hard to get in, but that also shows how good it is! A must if you are in downtown Opelika read more

I have been coming here for several years and it is always a pleasant dining experience. The menu changes seasonally and the food is great.

This place checks all the boxes. Ambiance it great. They put in the effort to reuse and maintain original construction and added soft lighting with rustic fixtures to make the place feel warm. The food is delicious! I recommend their breakfast enchilada for brunch or the poutine for an add with the pork chop and potatoes for dinner And of course their service is top notch! Friendly attentive staff will make you feel right at home. Definitely my favorite place to eat in Opelika! read more

Great cheeseburger! Poutine is awesome! Recommend duck fat fries with your burger. Dipping sauce was very good.

Very good food. Always able to get in. Best Old Fashioneds in Auburn/Opelika. I think it's a great place for a couple or a large group.

Love zazu! I wish I would've known the chicken was smothered in the spicy sauce. I would've asked for a regular fried chicken breast instead and would advise you to do so if you're wanting normal chicken and waffles. Love sitting outside on the porch on a nice day read more

Zazu - (Half eaten) Chicken and waffles - Gastropubs Near Me - Opelika, Alabama