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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
1310 Reviews
$30 and under
Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 22 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Child-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
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighbourhood
    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 1,310 people are saying

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Best Ambience

  • North San Diego

    Best Ambience

  • North San Diego

    Child-friendly

  • North San Diego

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Watering Hole at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a "magical location" with breathtaking views of wildlife. While some mention a "limited menu," others praise the "delicious food" and "attentive service." Reservations are recommended to enjoy this unique dining experience amidst "stunning views" and "friendly staff."

1,310 Reviews
  1. Stephanie

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What an amazing place to relax, eat and watch the wildlife! I’m so happy I chose this place to eat at with my mom for her birthday trip!

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  2. Jola VIP

    Las Vegas32 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this restaurant. Wonderful experience not just a meal.

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  3. Conrad

    San Diego7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    everything was great but the food took quite a long time to be prepared. So it was ok for us, but if you have continuing park activities that you want to do that require keeping to a timeline, then be aware that this restaurant is not a quick meal.

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  4. RockJunkieNJ

    New York City23 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very good food especially for a park. Service was excellent and you just can’t beat the view of live animals while enjoying your meal.

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  5. Lydia VIP

    San Diego33 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very good food in gorgeous setting. Fantastic service.

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  6. Barbara

    Orange County6 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Had reservations at 2:45. Arrived at 12:30 to check if anything was available earlier. Told we would get a text if anything was available earlier. Arrived at 2:15, watched numerous walk-ins get seated immediately. They were given option of a shared table. Not even mentioned when we asked either at 12:30 or 2:15. View was lovely once we got seated, but it was cold and breezy. Waitress was reasonably attentive, but overall experience was less than stellar. Restrooms were lacking TP. 🙁

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  7. Edward

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    VU Was our Server she was great very attentive to our needs.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From the host to our server, the quality of service was amazing. We sat in VIP area and it was so peaceful and the view was stunning. This was our first time here and definitely not our last. Thank you to everyone working there. You made our day!

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  9. Deb

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful venue for our lunch. We have visited Safari Park many times but have never been able to get into The Watering Hole... don't give up trying. It is truly a unique experience and well worth it. The sandwiches were sharable and very tasty. The service and staff are excellent. Thank you for such a lovely lunch spot.

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  10. Don

    Las Vegas1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great service at the bar was fantastic .never had to ask for drink refill.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated 4.6 stars by 1310 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 p.m.
Booked 22 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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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