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

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

4.5 (1402)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027-7017

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 36 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
  • Charming
Located in the San Diego Safari Park
OpenTable Diners Choice 2025 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.

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
  • 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 1,402 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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Kid-friendly

  • North San Diego

    Great for outdoor dining

  • 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 "amazing views" of the savanna, making it "a unique dining experience." Enjoy "delicious food" and "outstanding service" while watching rhinos and giraffes roam. Despite some slow service during peak times, the "ambiance is fantastic," and the "breathtaking scenery" is worth the visit.
1,402 Reviews
  1. Jenna

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place to cool off and eat some good food. Plenty of space for our toddler to run around and play. Also had lovely view of rhinos sleeping in the shade. Spritzers were on and keeping everyone cool in the well shaded dining area. We had the shrimp nachos as an appetizer, and then for main courses got the chicken salad, salmon salad and Italian sandwich. Not cheap- but also not your typical zoo food.

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  2. teri

    San Diego2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambiance was amazing. The food was Very Good. The service was a little underwhelming, we left feeling our waiter did not like his job. Having said that, the host was very friendly.

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  3. Stephanie

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The staff was incredible and so was the food. From the nachos to the sandwiches it was so delicious. My picky daughter said her grilled cheese was the best ever cause it was crunchy, warm and the cheese stretch was huge.

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  4. Gloria

    San Diego2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 25, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    We waited about 45 minutes to get our food. The group next to us left because they waited so long for someone to come and take their order. Our waitress was very sweet but she was overwhelmed. Not enough help. The ambiance is amazing that’s why we always want to eat at the Watering Hole. I hope this situation is resolved . No one wants to wait excessively long to receive their meal.

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  5. Susan VIP

    San Diego16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My most favorite place to eat. If i can't zip over to Africa for lunch, I'll go to The Watering Hole. And service is fantastic. Kudos to Herschel at the bar, to Vu and Stein as servers, and to Brett the manager. Plus all the others who provide excellent service every time I've been there. This place is a hidden gem for lunch and for private events.

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  6. Linda

    Las Vegas16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fun afternoon dining with friends. Large portions to share.

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  7. Cheri

    San Diego5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Unique & beautiful African lodge setting overlooking the San Diego Safari Park’s savanna animals. Excellent variety of menu items - appetizers, sandwiches, salads & desserts made to order. Good bar & beverage choices. A totally fun destination!

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  8. Arthur

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service and food. Exceptional view! Just wish they had a bit more on the menu.

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  9. Deb VIP

    Chicago / Illinois69 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a great option for a sit down meal at the safari park. The food is decent. Service is a bit slow because they are so busy. But the views are really outstanding and so worth it.

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  10. Julie

    San Diego10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love eating here because of the ambiance location and views. Great customer service and bringing my family to enjoy the view of the Serengeti from San Diego. Sad the menu has changed again limiting the vegetarian options even more with too much onions on your food! Hope you can add more vegetarian options with no raw onions. Other than that thank you for always having Vu being such a great server she makes our visit extra special:)

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FAQs

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated 4.5 stars by 1402 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. North San Diego
  5. Escondido

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 36 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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