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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
1306 Reviews
$30 and under
Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 p.m.
Booked 28 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
Private dining

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

What 1,306 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
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.2Value

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."

1,306 Reviews
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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.

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  8. carol VIP

    San Diego46 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Out of the Chardonnay we ordered. Out of the levain bread for the appetizer we ordered (substituted naan). Had to flag down the waitress for 2nd glass of wine. Missed bringing the ‘birthday’ girl her scoop of ice cream; checked w/ the hostess as we left—it’s a customary amenity……Overall, just a disappointing experience for the $75 spent on an appetizer and cocktail, less tax & tip.

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  9. Rose

    San Diego13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Definitely make sure you make a reservation ahead of time. Otherwise, you will have quite a wait for a table. We made a reservation for 11:00 a.m. By noon, there was along line for people waiting for a table. We saw several people just walked away because the wait was too long.

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  10. Pat VIP

    San Diego9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect location and ambience. Didn’t like the menu change.

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FAQs

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated 4.6 stars by 1306 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 p.m.
Booked 28 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

  • 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
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
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