The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

4.5

1205 Reviews

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people

Oct 9, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Great for scenic views
Great for outdoor dining
Charming

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
Website
https://www.sdzsafaripark.org/dining
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027-7017
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, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Popular dishes

Nachos$16.00
creamy refried beans | nacho cheese | pico de gallo | guacamole | sour cream | jalapenos | cotija | tortilla chips
Burrata and Marinated Olives$15.00
basil pesto | banyuls vinegar | garlic-rubbed levain toast | roasted tomatoes
Roasted Garlic Hummus$13.00
crudité | garlic oil | side of pita bread

Salads & Pasta

Field Green Salad$15.00
spring mix | arugula | thin sliced red onion | cherry tomato | cucumber | house dressing
Wedge Salad$17.00
baby iceberg | ranch dressing | bacon | roasted tomatoes | blue cheese crumbles | green onions
Watering Hole Caesar$15.00
hearts of romaine | caesar dressing | garlic croutons| shaved parmesan
Spring Vegetable Pasta$18.00
lemon cream sauce | cheesy artichoke-garlic bread | grilled asparagus | English peas | arugula | shaved parmesan

Sandwiches

Pulled Pork$17.00
braised pork shoulder | barbecue sauce | classic slaw | pickle chips | spiced mustard | brioche bun
Chicken Club$18.00
Chicken Breast | bacon | sliced tomato | arugula | jack cheese | guacamole | brioche bun
Beef and Cheddar$17.00
smoked roast beef | horseradish sauce | beer cheese | hot sauce | brioche bun
Open-Faced Tuna Melt$18.00
tuna salad | bacon | jack cheese | sliced tomato arugula | garlic-rubbed levain toast

Kids Meal

Mac 'n' Cheese$11.00
Chicken Strips$11.00

Specialty Cocktails

Macaw Michelada$15.00
Modelo | Tabasco Bloody mary mix | lime | Tajin rim
Serval Strawberry Mule$15.00
Grey Goose Vodka | ginger beer | strawberry syrup | lime juice
Serengeti Sunset$15.00
Coconut rum | orange juice | pineapple juice | grenadine
Margarita Flight$21.00
Ask server for flavor offerings
Wildebeest Watermelon Margarita$15.00
Jose Cuervo Silver | agave | watermelon puree | lime juice | Tajin rim
Shoebill Spicy Pineapple Margarita$15.00
Jose Cuervo Silver | agave | pineapple juice | lime juice | fresh jalapenos | Tajin rim
Cheetah-Rita$15.00
1800 Reposado tequila | Grand Marnier | margarita mix
Passion Fruit Mojito$15.00
Bacardi Rum| passion fruit puree| lime juice| club soda| mint
Prickly Pear Margarita$15.00
Jose Cuervo Silver| prickly pear syrup| margarita mix

White WInes

Bubbles
La Marca Prosecco, Veneto, Italy | Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label Brut, France
Rose
Decoy Rose by Duckhorn, California, 2021
Pinot Grigio
Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling, Washington, 2021
Sauvignon Blanc
Kim Crawford, Marlborough, 2022
Chardonnay
Decoy by Duckhorn, California, 2021

Red Wines

Pinot Noir
Meiomi, California, 2021
Red Blend
Conundrum by Caymus, California, 2020
Merlot
Decoy by Duckhorn, Sonoma, 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon
Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles, 2021

Beer

Draft$11.49
Modelo | Carlsbad Crush
Pliny the Elder$12.49
Safari Flight$16.00
Three draft beer flights | Cheetah-Rita taster
Canned Beer$11.49
Corona Extra | Bud Light | Stone IPA | Stella Artois

Beverages

Fountain Drinks$5.00
Coke | Diet Coke | Coke Zero | Sprite | lemonade
Iced Tea$5.00
Coffee$5.00
Sparkling Water$4.00
Kid's Drink$4.00

Dessert

Flourless Chocolate Torte$10.00
caramel drizzle | chocolate drizzle
Sugar-Crusted Bruleé Cheesecake$10.00
tall sliced bruleé cheesecake | fluffy whipped cream red berry sauce
Warm Brownie Sundae$10.00
chocolate chunk brownie | vanilla ice cream | chocolate and caramel drizzle | whipped cream

What 1,205 people are saying

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

4.2Food
4.4Service
4.8Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North San Diego
Kid-friendly
North San Diego
Great for scenic views

1,205 Reviews

K
Kimberly
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
This is a terrific spot to stop for lunch. The food was good. The service was good. It’s well shaded and has a nice, pleasant atmosphere. The view is fabulous!
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M
Morgan
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
The experience as a whole seemed a little chaotic and disorganized. We had a reservation, but still waited over 10min and were treated as if our presence was a surprise. Additionally, we requested a view and were sat at a table that was being swarmed by bees (they were literally dive bombing us). We were moved to a new table where our drinks were forgotten (soft drinks, nothing from the bar- but we decided against bar drinks after having to wait so long), and our food took over 40min. All in all we would give the experience another chance but have different expectations upon arrival.
The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari ParkResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for letting us know that your service was less than ideal, we have replied privately so we can get further information and improve for you in the future. - The Watering Hole
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BJ
BrianJ
San Diego
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place is all about the location in the middle of the Animal Park .. it’s pretty amazing and it has all the ambiance to match! The food was quite good and reasonably priced and they have made good selections on the few wine offerings with reds from Paso and whites from New Zealand. Over all we enjoyed it and booked to come back with some friends in a few weeks.
The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari ParkResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for the stars and review, Brian. We take pride in our wine offerings, so we are delighted to hear you found some you enjoyed. Your visit directly supports our conservation efforts, thank you for being an ally for wildlife! We look forward to serving you and your friends in a few weeks.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a great time today at The Watering Hole. From arrival to departure, the staff was professional and polite. My wife, myself and 2 young boys enjoyed our food while enjoying a view of the Savannah. Life can’t get much better. Food delicious, service top notch, and the view is incomparable.
The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari ParkResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for the stars and review, we strive to create memories that last a lifetime! Your visit with your family directly supports our international conservation efforts, thank you for being an ally for wildlife. We hope to serve you again soon!
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J
Julie
San Diego
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous! Love eating here every time I visit the zoo! Excellent service and delicious food with fantastic views of the Serengeti;)
The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari ParkResponded on September 25, 2024
Thank you, Julie, for the stars and glowing review. We will make sure to recognize Maddy and Mateo for providing the world-class service we strive for. Your visit directly supported our international conservation efforts, and we were delighted to make wonderful memories for you. Thank you for being an ally for wildlife, we look forward to serving you again soon!
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J
Jeanne
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As a frequent diner here I always enjoy the awesome view and the friendly staff!
The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari ParkResponded on September 25, 2024
Thank you, Jeanne, for the stars and glowing review. We are delighted to hear that our service is meeting our goal of being world-class. All of your visits with us directly supported our international conservation efforts, thank you for being an ally for wildlife! We look forward to serving you again soon!
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m
mbx2
San Diego
47 reviews
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best views around. Food is always tasty and the service is wonderful.
Is this helpful?
A
Alexandra
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Arrived early and were able to be seated immediately. The view is beautiful and the food was great!
The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari ParkResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for the stars and great review, Alexandra! We are honored to have serve you and are delighted to hear that you had an amazing time. Your support directly supports our conservation efforts and we hope to see you again soon - The Watering Hole.
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D
Demetra
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s always a wonderful experience coming here. Beautiful setting! Great service!
The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari ParkResponded on September 25, 2024
Thank you for the stars and glowing recommendation, we appreciate the feedback and are grateful for the opportunity to serve you. We hope to serve you again soon!
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C
Carole
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
What a marvelous place to dine when visiting the Safari Park. The food was not exactly gourmet but still very tasty and fit the casual atmosphere perfectly. Their array of cocktail offerings is surprisingly large, considering the relatively small bar area. The ambiance of the building and location cannot be beat - especially the great view of the African Savannah and the grazing animals. Service was a bit slow but understandable as they were packed with guests and looked to be understaffed. As an extra point, I have to mention that the maitre'd showed amazing patience with the very long line of folks who wanted to dine there but had not made reservations. He managed to maintain such a cheerful and upbeat demeanor throughout.
The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari ParkResponded on September 17, 2024
Carole, thank you for the stars and marvelous review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your dining experience with us. We will make sure to recognize our host for providing the world class service we strive for and our chef for your tasty meal. By dining with us, you directly helped support our international conservation efforts, helping the very animals you were able to view. We hope to serve you again soon, thank you for being an ally for wildlife! - The Watering Hole
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FAQs

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated 4.5 stars by 1205 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Oct 9, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 21 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, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
https://www.sdzsafaripark.org/dining
Phone number
(760) 796-5654 ext. 5397

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Chicken Club

Beef and Cheddar

Wedge Salad

Shareables

Nachos$16.00

Burrata and Marinated Olives$15.00

Roasted Garlic Hummus$13.00

Salads & Pasta

Field Green Salad$15.00

Wedge Salad$17.00

Watering Hole Caesar$15.00

Spring Vegetable Pasta$18.00

Sandwiches

Pulled Pork$17.00

Chicken Club$18.00

Beef and Cheddar$17.00

Open-Faced Tuna Melt$18.00

Kids Meal

Mac 'n' Cheese$11.00

Chicken Strips$11.00

Specialty Cocktails

Macaw Michelada$15.00

Serval Strawberry Mule$15.00

Serengeti Sunset$15.00

Margarita Flight$21.00

Wildebeest Watermelon Margarita$15.00

Shoebill Spicy Pineapple Margarita$15.00

Cheetah-Rita$15.00

Passion Fruit Mojito$15.00

Prickly Pear Margarita$15.00

White WInes

Bubbles

Rose

Pinot Grigio

Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay

Red Wines

Pinot Noir

Red Blend

Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon

Beer

Draft$11.49

Pliny the Elder$12.49

Safari Flight$16.00

Canned Beer$11.49

Beverages

Fountain Drinks$5.00

Iced Tea$5.00

Coffee$5.00

Sparkling Water$4.00

Kid's Drink$4.00

Dessert

Flourless Chocolate Torte$10.00

Sugar-Crusted Bruleé Cheesecake$10.00

Warm Brownie Sundae$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park restaurant rated?

Is The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information