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

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

4.5 (1364)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027-7017

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 37 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Kid-friendly
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 1,364 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

    Best Ambiance

  • 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 a "breathtaking view" of the African savanna, making it a unique dining experience. Guests enjoy "excellent service" and a "delicious" menu, including standout items like the shrimp nachos and burrata appetizer. Reservations are "highly recommended" to avoid long waits.

1,364 Reviews
  1. Rita VIP

    Los Angeles8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful view and excellent miso salmon salad! The dragon fruit drink (similar to Starbucks’ Refreshers) were tasty and refreshing. Service was prompt and professional. We were not rushed as it was not a busy day at the park - we will definitely be back.

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  2. andrea

    Los Angeles9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We love this place. Have been a few times. It is one of my favorite places to visit.

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  3. Brian

    San Francisco4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great time! Sitting at a table with a view of African animals wandering around while eating some delicious food couldn’t have been better. Where else can you do that? Africa? The menu had changed a little since our last visit and everything we ordered tasted wonderful. We especially liked the Charcuterie Pretzel as an appetizer and it was perfect for the four of us. Highly recommend the Watering Hole at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

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  4. Kelly

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a lovely lunch spot! The view cannot be beat. Service was attentive and friendly. Food and drinks were top notch. The charcuterie pretzel was a surprise hit and was easily shared by four adults. Sandwiches, homemade chips and salads were enjoyed by all. Nice selection of sandwiches. The drink flight was amazing. Again, so many wonderful choices.

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  5. Bryan

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent spot to take it easy between exploring areas of the park.

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  6. sarah

    Baltimore2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 5, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was not nearly as good as it should have been considering the price

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  7. Kathy VIP

    San Diego22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time eating here but it won’t be the last. The food and service were great.

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  8. Nicole

    Philadelphia1 review

    2.0

    Dined on May 1, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Took over an hour and a half to order a charcuterie pretzel and cheese cake. The restaurant wasn’t even busy! But only tables were in the shade and with the wind it was freezing, we kept having to go onto the grass area to warm up in the sun since the tables they usually have out there were not out during our recent visit.

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  9. jill

    Dallas6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Salmon salad was wonderful! Grandson loved M&C and Sundae. Just great!

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  10. Kathryn

    San Diego5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 29, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The draw is the location. On the edge of the wildlife enclosure. Great views.

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FAQs

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated 4.5 stars by 1364 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
10:30 PM
Booked 37 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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