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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
1293 Reviews
$30 and under
Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 44 times today
  • 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
  • Phone number
    (760) 796-5654 ext. 5397
  • 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 1,293 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
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • 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 San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a "delightful experience" with "amazing views" of the African savanna and its wildlife. Guests praise the "excellent service" and "delicious food" despite occasional slow service due to "understaffing." Reservations are recommended for this "unique dining experience."

1,293 Reviews
  1. Ray

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great setting overlooking the African reserve. Quiet and relaxing.. food was excellent with the sandwich large enough to share.

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  2. Sylvia

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Watering Hole is a nice option when visiting the Safari Park. We visited on a Monday and we are glad that we had made reservations days prior. We got a text about 30 minutes before our reservation and had no problem getting seated in a timely manner. The hostess and waiter were great. The food menu is honestly disappointing with very few options. We ordered the Grinder sandwich which came with a side of kettle chips. We also ordered the cocktail flight which was great because we got to try 4 of their signature cocktails. Our favorite was the Wildebeest Watermelon Margarita and the Serval Strawberry Mule were our favorite. The view from the dining area is amazing and you can see so many animals wandering through the park. I did enjoy this experience, but hope that they update their menu options.

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  3. Janet

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was excellent! Food was very good and ambiance charming

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  4. Jennifer

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always our favorite place to eat and have a drink.

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  5. Michele

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The sandwiches were good, nothing special. The salmon salad was really good, great location and beautiful views. Not very busy which was really nice, service was good. We have a baby and toddler it was great to have comfortable seats in a quiet, beautiful setting. It was a nice retreat from the heat of the day.

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  6. Debi

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Went to the bar to wait for table; service there not the best. Once seated service was much better. Food was very good, considering that it is an amusement park.

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  7. Sarah

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We felt so special during our visit at the Watering Hole. Everyone was so kind. Always a must when visiting the Safari Park. Can’t wait to return!

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    32 reviews

    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Lunch in the park with friends. The views are beautiful of the “ African plains” and hills and the food is quite good. We had reservations, which are recommended.

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  9. Gayle

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Unique setting overlooking savannah area. Many large animals wandering the are. Delicious food and beverages! Delightful experience. Will do it again !

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  10. Vicki

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a very busy day at The Watering Hole. Our server and her other assistants did an excellent job of serving our table of eight. Food was delicious. Only problem was that one of our guests was unable to order anything off the menu as she is highly allergic to pepper and since all food items are pre-assembled and all items, except mac and cheese, had pepper in them, she couldn't order any food so she left without having any lunch. :(

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FAQs

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated 4.6 stars by 1293 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 44 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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