The Museum Club is place, according to Flagstaff residents, because the Zoo has been picked Best of Flagstaff in the category of dancing.

"I just think it's a lot of fun," said Museum Club owner Joe Lange. "It's got a great dance floor and it's a great space to be in."

The Museum Club, also known as the Zoo, was built in 1931 as a museum but was turned into a night club in 1936.

The interior is reminiscent of a log cabin with trees coming out of the dance floor. Stuffed animals and a variety of "unique" items line the walls of the establishment. Joe said. The centerpiece of the Zoo is a mahogany bar that dates back to the 1880s.

The business, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, hit its stride in the heyday of Route 66. Joe, his wife Shanyn and son Braydn took over the business Aug. 9 from Martin Zanzucchi, who owned the business for nearly 30 years.

"One of us is always on site," Joe said, adding that customer service and fresh ideas are the key to the family's management style.

"It's been great. It's been a lot of fun," he said. "People love the new atmosphere we're creating. It's an enjoyable, fun atmosphere for all ages."

The Zoo has a capacity of 300.

"We get pretty close to filling up," Joe said. Especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when an "energetic" feeling fills the air with new bands and headliners heading up the rosters every week.

"Its a lot of excitement because we have live bands," he said. "It's always fun to see so many people out dancing on the dance floor and having a good time."

The rustic, rural feel mandates country and western tunes and dancing.

"But there's all types of dancing because we bring in several different types of musicians," Joe said.

The Zoo has a variety of drink specials throughout the week. The Zoo offers karaoke singing Tuesday nights, and line and country-swing dancing lessons Thursday nights.

As for being voted the best, Joe said to Flagstaff residents, "Thank you. We appreciate the vote of confidence and we'll try to improve upon it on a daily basis."

The Museum Club is located at 3404 E. Route 66. Telephone: 526-9434. Hours of operation: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (the next day).

-- Larry Hendricks