Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. North San Diego
  5. Escondido
The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido, CA

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

4.6
4.6
1288 Reviews
$30 and under
Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 55 times today
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Kid-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

Restaurants you may also like

View all

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
  • 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 1,288 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 Ambiance

  • North San Diego

    Kid-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 is a must-visit for its "amazing views" of wildlife and "delicious food." Diners enjoy watching rhinos and giraffes as they savor dishes like the "miso salmon salad" and "pretzel charcuterie." Despite occasional slow service, the "unique dining experience" is highly recommended.
1,288 Reviews
  1. Debi

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day 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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Sarah

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day 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!

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    31 reviews

    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined 1 day 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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Gayle

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day 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 !

    Is this helpful?

  5. Vicki

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 1 day 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. :(

    Is this helpful?

  6. PattyE

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious. The service was outstanding. The view was awesome. Would definitely come here again.

    Is this helpful?

  7. tom

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a busy day at noon. But after checking in with the hostess we were able to walk out to the patio to take pictures of four rhinos aka chubby unicorns! Waited about 20minutes. Be sure to bake reservations and check in 20 minutes early to enjoy the views from the patio area

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kathryn

    VIP

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    I wanted to love this venue, but the only great thing was the view. They were understaffed - kitchen and servers. Our server was pleasant but had too many tables. The $25 short rib hoagie on a “French roll” was like a vending machine sandwich and microscopic in size. The side salad was mixed greens from a bag with nothing else. I went to the bar to get a drink since we had not seen our server and was chased to the other side by the manager. I would think an appetizer and drink at the bar would be pleasant. I can’t recommend anything else.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Robin

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing and one of my favorite spots to eat. Drinks are delicious also

    Is this helpful?

  10. Kathleen

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From your hostess to the wait staff everyone was very up beat, pleasant and friendly. This was my second time eating at the watering hole and as the first time the food, service, location etc. was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated 4.6 stars by 1288 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 PM
Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 55 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo