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The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido, CA

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

4.6
4.6
1274 Reviews
$30 and under
Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 68 times today
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Kid-friendly
Located in the San Diego Safari Park
OpenTable Diners Choice 2022 Award for Best Ambiance

Enjoy an incredible view of the African Plains at the Safari Park's newest gathering spot: The Watering Hole restaurant and bar. Watch rhinos and giraffes as you dine on menu items including tasty sandwiches and fresh salads, or relax with a refreshing beverage from the full-service bar with a wide selection of craft beers, wine, and mixed drinks.

18% Gratuity charge to be added to checks for parties of 7 or more

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, African, Fusion / Eclectic
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (760) 796-5654 ext. 5397
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Escondido
  • Cross street
    San Pasqual Valley Rd
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 1,274 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Best Ambiance

  • North San Diego

    Kid-friendly

  • North San Diego

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Watering Hole at San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a must-visit for its "amazing views" of wildlife and "delicious food." Diners enjoy watching rhinos and giraffes as they savor dishes like the "miso salmon salad" and "pretzel charcuterie." Despite occasional slow service, the "unique dining experience" is highly recommended.

1,274 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The Watering Hole has an amazing view of the Safari Park. This was my second time dining here. The burrata appetizer is to die for! But they recently changed their menu so unfortunately, their entree options are limited. There were a couple of hiccups during our dinning experience 1) long wait for drinks, our waiter had to get them himself because the bar was taking too long. (We got non-alcoholic drinks so not sure the hold up). 2) One entree was entirely wrong and the second one had a burnt brioche bun 3) the chicken sandwich was bland. Christopher, our server, was super friendly and did his best to navigate these hiccups.

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  2. Jana

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful spot, we watched the animals enjoying the sunny day. Food was ok. Drinks were good. Will be back

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  3. Jose Antonio

    Philippines

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service, great food and spectacular view!

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  4. james

    VIP

    San Diego

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Be sure to make reservations ahead if you want to dine at the Watering Hole. You are on OPEN TABLE so of course you will. The setting is covered outdoors overlooking an African Plain. Wow. Be sure to bring a designated driver so you can enjoy one of their signature cocktails. My Short Rib hoagie was tender and full of flavor. The flatbread looked amazing. The grilled cheese and mushroom sandwich was Umami delicious. BE SURE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS.

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  5. Cathy

    Greater Boston

    36 reviews

    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter Alberto was knowledgeable and attentive and the food was very good. Ambience was outstanding. How cool is it to eat a lovely lunch while watching giraffes and rhinos roam?

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  6. Michelle

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and service! Highly recommend this restaurant with a gorgeous view of the African Savanna at the Safari Park.

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  7. FoggyMonday

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We love the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park. Our dining experiences at the Zoo (Albert's) have been memorable because of location, and the food and service are generally better than mediocre (smiles). The SDSafari Park, on the other hand, while wonderful, has its challenges. Service at The Watering Hole was not what I expected, nor was it attentive nor personable - from the greaters to management to the servers. They all appeared to be so slammed that they were not enjoying themselves (no smiles), and we felt it (cold). Our lunch, for two adults, one toddler - all had a meal, two waters, one juice and one white wine. With tax & tip, our bill was over $70. I know in today's world 'this ain't much' but... Like I said, we love and support both venues, but I doubt I will ever eat at the Watering Hole again. Packing in one's own lunch and finding a nice bench remains the best way to experience the Safari Park. Bon appetite!

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  8. Nancy

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    There's no place in the park for meals that has a better view. We go there every time that we go to Safari Park because it's so unique.

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  9. susan

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful view, good food, and very good service!!!

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  10. Rick

    VIP

    Orlando

    23 reviews

    3.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    The waiter just hung by cash register. Took forever to get drinks and forgot refill. Other waiters were more attentive

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FAQs

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated 4.6 stars by 1274 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 68 times today
Google Map for The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027-7017

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    San Pasqual Valley Rd
  • Neighborhood
    Escondido
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, African, Fusion / Eclectic
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine
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