The reviews scared me but we had a perfect experience at the Watering Hole. I think it helps to visit on a weekday. Our server was fantastic. She checked on us multiple times and even pointed out animals. The food was very good. The views are awesome. If you want to see more you can get up and stand closer to the edge. The restrooms are great--not park style. The only thing I missed was French fries but what can you do? read more

Watering Hole - American Near Me - Escondido, California

See all

What you get: fantastic view of the savanna and having a meal right next to it with shade and water mist. You also get: fast food type of meal on a plate. We tried the nachos and multiple sandwiches. All average. One and done. read more

See all

5/5 for the overall experience - I booked reservations for us close to a month in advance. We arrived a little earlier than the reservation time, but the hostess was able to get us seated right away (thank you!). She put us at the best available table so that we could enjoy lunch while seeing the animals roaming out back. Between two people we got the cocktail flight, nachos, a grilled cheese, and short rib(?) sandwich. Our server, Vu, kept us hydrated with water and checked on us often throughout the meal. Thank you for making our lunch so fun, Vu! Food is solid, we even packed what was leftover to eat throughout the rest of the day at the park. Service is excellent (shoutout Vu!!), and the view you get from the restaurant is amazing. Go here if you can and you're looking to eat inside the park. read more

Watering Hole - American Near Me - Escondido, California

See all

This was such a great dining experience given the view and the food options. The view is just unmatched and we're so happy we decided to have lunch one day. We were able to be seated at the bar pretty quickly and had such a great view of the African Safari area. The menu looked really delicious and we enjoyed pulled pork sandwich and chicken club sandwich. It came with chips, I really wish they were fries since the chips were not very crispy. The drinks and flights were really great because it gave you a variety to try from. The staff at the bar were super awesome and so nice. They made us feel taken care of and really checked in on us often. We really enjoyed our experience and highly recommend this as a stop on your visit! read more

See all

As an annual pass holder to the SD zoos I think this spot is mainly about the savannah views and ambiance. If you're starving the food does the job but it's not great. We had a reservation right when it opened and got seated immediately. Sadly they sat us right next to a solo zoo worker who probably wanted to enjoy a quiet meal. but my four rowdy kids made sure that didn't happen. As for the food the shrimp nachos were the tastiest thing we had. The tuna flatbread is a little strange, the menu doesn't mention that there are pickles on it, like actual dill chips you would put on a hamburger type of pickle which was quite weird. The kids liked their chicken tenders, but that's not really a surprise. We appreciated the views and the Savannah spritz was mediocre. I might go back again but just to enjoy a different drink and the scenery. read more

See all

Wonderful ambiance. Customer service was exceptional. Food was fresh. A little pricey but it's a treat to eat here out looking the animals as you eat. Great views. Great experience. My Dad wished the chicken club chicken filet was a little thinner. It did look too thick. Then he complained that the big thick piece of breast was only in the middle leaving him eating only bread because the majority of the meat was only I. The middle. The vegan sandwich was ok. I did not care for the forest mushrooms. Would probably order the Truffle Mushroom grilled cheese next time. The Cuban comes in what looks like a sour dough bread. Important: the restaurant is inside the safari park and it's about a 20 minute walk from the entrance. No breakfast served. - read more

See all

The Watering Hole, located inside the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, is all sizzle. In other words, come here so the kids can watch giraffes and rhinos while they eat their chicken nuggets. The views and location are 5 Star for sure... A reservation is a must. Although the bar seemed to have plenty of room for walk-ins, but if you have kids you need a table. The food and drinks are average (other synonyms are more appropriate but not as nice) - and expensive. You're paying for the views. Then there's the lackluster service... Oy vey! If I didn't have a kid, I'd grab an overpriced beer or cocktail at a rooftop in the Gaslamp or at Dodger Stadium instead. read more

See all

Went on Easter Sunday and was pleasantly surprised with expanded menu. We decided to split the shrimp & chorizo nachos. I was a little wary but the shrimp were cooked to perfection! Would have loved a little bit more chorizo though. Enjoyed with a draft Pliny the Elder and a spectacular view. read more

See all

We were seated right away with a reservation. The food came out quicker than expected but our drinks came after our food. The server was kind to offer a discount because of this. The short rib sandwich tasted great but the side salad was lack-luster. It was literally just mixed greens, no toppings. The prickly pear lemonade was amazing and you could keep the souvenir cup. Our table had an amazing view and we got to see rhinos, giraffes, water buffalo, gazelles and other animals. Recommend bringing a pair of binoculars for viewing. I would come back for the ambiance but it's typical, over priced park food. I'd love to try their cocktail flights. read more

See all

The ambiance of this place is enough to make it worth the theme park standard food. Having said that, the food wasn't bad at all! The salmon and cedar salad were both good, the pretzel charcuterie pretty reasonable and the service, although slow, was decent. Yea there were many kids running about the place screaming but then it is a park. Once again, I would go for the ambiance and a cocktail. read more

Watering Hole - American Near Me - Escondido, California

See all

I'm on the fence about this place. For starters, you have to be inside the Safari park to enjoy it. In terms of upscale restaurants inside the park, Watering hole wins because everything else is a churro or something common at other amusement parks. I had the Cuban sandwich with the side salad. Pretty good, but keep in mind the menu is pretty spartan, not many options. Wish there was a slightly more robust menu. The views are incredible, looking out towards some animals. We had a nice a server, but the wait for our food did feel a little lengthy. Nonetheless, it's probably the best restaurant at the Safari park, but it's difficult to rate it highly overall. read more

Watering Hole - Cuban sandwich - American Near Me - Escondido, California

Saw that you could make reservations for this restaurant. So decided to go for it. The food at the San Diego Safari park isn't great. But this is a decent place and the view more than makes up for the food. We ordered the Rhino Sized Pretzel. The pretzel was nice and moist (I hate when the pretzels are bone dry). It came with a mustard sauce and a beer & cheese sauce. Both were very tasty. My wife and I shared the Beef and Cheddar and the Chicken Club. I liked the Chicken Club the best, but my wife liked the Beef and Cheddar the best. I thought the sandwiches were OK, and the Pretzel was Great. Would highly recommend if you are in the park to eat here because it's a nice sit down restaurant with great views and decent food. read more

Watering Hole - Rhino sized Pretzel - American Near Me - Escondido, California

See all

I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was disappointing enough to warrant one. My party was seated at The Watering Hole and, after 20 minutes, no server ever approached us. Not even to acknowledge our table or take a drink order. Eventually, we got up and left. During that time, it was clear we weren't the only ones waiting. Multiple tables around us were still waiting for their food, which made the situation feel disorganized and understaffed. The menu was also extremely limited, with very few appealing options, which added to the overall frustration. This all occurred within 20 minutes of closing time. If the restaurant isn't able to provide service during that window, guests shouldn't be seated in the first place. We waited 45 minutes just for our table to be ready. To be clear, this review has nothing to do with the Safari Park itself. which we enjoyed. This feedback is solely about the restaurant experience. Unfortunately, based on this visit, The Watering Hole fell well short of expectations. read more

Best place to eat at the Safari Park! Be sure to make reservations in OpenTable a couple of days at least before you go. They updated their menu October 2024. Yay finally!! I tried the shrimp and chorizo nachos, (ask for a big side of queso) and Cuban sandwich and the truffle mushroom grilled cheese. They were all great. My only complaint is they *still* do not offer french fries. But get the housmade potato chips and ask for a side of beer cheese. read more

See all

Decent food for the park - service was friendly but slow and ate up 1.5 hours of our visit

What a view. The food was really delicious too. Theme parks usual don't have the best food and drinks, but we were very happy with our meals and drinks. Definitely try the shrimp and chorizo nachos! read more

5 stars for the views/ambiance and kind service, 3.5 stars for the food. Had lunch here today with my kids. Even though they were very busy they got us in on time for our reservation. Our server was kind and easy going with my dietary needs requests. I ordered their Nachos with added Chicken, with no beans and no chips for a low carb option. It was 3.5/5 stars, it was decently good. I would order that again. My kids wanted the Chicken Strips and I asked about what we could swap out the apple sauce and animal crackers/cookies with and our server said they had carrots and cucumber available. The Chicken Strips were 3/5 stars but my kids were happy and they really liked the carrots and cucumbers. I like that we can get up and the kids can play in the grass area while we wait for our food to be ready. Thank you Watering Hole! We do love coming here! read more

See all

Ambiance is beautiful, be sure not to sit right in the sun. Our drinks were wonderful we sat at the bar and could watch antelope walking along or getting shade from trees. Our lunch was delicious, recommend reservations. Service was impeccable and professional read more

Let's face it: You're not going to the Wild Animal Park (technically the Safari Park now, but old habits...) for the food. You're going to see animals. And because of that, this is an amazing place. The food is all right, a little better than I expected but nothing to write home about. It's very nice, however, to take a break from the heat (there are misters too which are really nice since lunchtime can be so hot), get something to eat, and still have an amazing view so you're not missing out on what you're here to do and see. The service is also pleasant and fast, and I highly recommend a reservation. We reserved the day before, and when we got there I was really glad I did because the wait was an estimated 30 minutes. read more

Watering Hole - The view is fantastic! - American Near Me - Escondido, California

We wanted to check out the Watering Hole on our trip to the Safari park. This place has an amazing view! Online reservations were easy to make, we walked up at our designated time and were seated quickly. We were greeted and brought waters. Ordered the kids chicken strips and a cocktail flight. Also tried the brownie dessert but it didn't last long enough to get a picture. The kids meal came with a drink, fries, apple sauce, and animal crackers. Plenty of food, price wasn't terrible. Cocktail flight was delicious, you get to choose any 4 cocktails on the menu. I did the watermelon, pineapple, sunset and buffalo. I loved 3 of them and discovered I don't like Buffalo Burbon so that was my least favorite. The brownie sunday came with ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate Carmel drizzle. Very good. Staff was friendly. While we were there, they were training some birds to be viewed. Watched an African Crowned Crane and a Golden Eagle up close and personal. My daughter filmed it, she was so excited and amazed. Overall cool place, unbeatable location, I mean look at the view! Presentation was super entertaining. I am definitely going to be coming back here again. read more

See all

Go for the view! Make a reservation on Open Table, it is absolutely necessary even if the place looks empty. The service was joyful, but slooow. That was a bummer for a location where we wanted to get on with our day after we were done eating. We had lunch on a summer Sunday,and the restaurant was less than half full but they were turning people away. They seem to have issues turning tables over efficiently, but that's a management problem, not the servers. The food was OK, not spectacular. Overall, the taste balance was a little off with everything. We ordered the vegetable pasta: yummy bread, thin lemon cream sauce that didn't grip the pasta and didn't have much lemon taste. Very few veggies. The salad was just bagged spring mix thrown on a plate. The pulled pork sandwich was yummy, but had way too much spicy mustard. The chicken nacho plate was huge -- enough for two, tons of good quality chicken, but there was no real cheese-- it was a white cheese sauce. We also ordered a margarita flight and chose the prickly pear for seconds. The flight was a great value-- four 7 oz glasses. If I were to visit again, I'd get drinks and share the nacho plate. The restaurant has expansive views of the African savannah, with giraffes closest to you. That's what you ate there fof! I could totally see this as a wedding venue. read more

See all

While in the safari park; we chose to eat here. We had been there for a wedding years ago. It is open air with a roof. Nice views of the African open wildlife area. My Cuban sandwich was very good. My wife had a burrata dish that was excellent. Kaylee provided excellent service. read more

If you're going to the San Diego zoo wildlife park, I'd definitely recommend the Watering Hole, 1000% make a reservation in advance to have either lunch or dinner here! (You can make it on OpenTable ;)! ) The view is an 11/10. You are practically in the safari park, with great views of the mountains and animals. We had 3 rhinos lounging on the hill as our view. From a food and beverage standpoint, this is nothing to write home about. But I will say for an amusement park I thought this food was good and got the job done. For 2 people the lunch was around 100 bucks with tip. Note we got 2 cocktails and an appetizer. What we ate: - the hummus plate. Surprisingly was refreshing and what we needed after a hot day. But they put strawberries on there. Very bizarre... - pulled pork sandwiches - the buns seemed like they were straight out of the bag, not toasted or anything. The pork was good but they could have put way more on the sandwhich. The homemade potato chips were FIRE!! Get them! - watermelon margarita - I expected authentic but it was more like a premade sugary watermelon mix. Very sweet. But it was yummy. Overall the staff was great and the view was incredible! So make that reservation days prior and enjoy!! :) read more

See all

Although we have been going to the Safari Park this was our first time eating at the Watering Hole. We had the most enjoyable meal. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! Seated with incredible views of the animals in the African Plains. Our waitress Vu was super friendly and our kind of people ( not afraid to have a conversation) She was very attentive and helpful. As for the food- we loved everything we tried starting with the Burrata (excellent!) My wife had the Vegan Mapo Tofu Banh Mi and we could not believe how flavorful and delicious it was. My mother had the Truffle Mushroom Grilled Cheese on their grilled sourdough bread. It was the bomb. And I had the Braised Short Rib Hoagie. All very good. Very peaceful and relaxing vibe. Best lunch in quite awhile. Thanks Vu for making our dining experience a great one! read more

Alright - so when you go to a restaurant like this, inside the San Diego Safari Park - you're not exactly looking for awesome-quality food. The main draw to this restaurant is the view - the amazing view you get of the "African Safari" area of Safari Park. I booked a spot for two using OpenTable and the restaurant was able to honor my appointment time. without issue. I ordered the burger, while my friend ordered a salad. The cheese wasn't melted completely, the burger was "okay" - the price is typical for a restaurant where whatever view they are offering is the main feature. Drinks were refilled regularly, and our awesome waitress even offered to refill our reusable water bottles with ice cold water - a huge plus. She even offered to snap a few photos of my friend and I with the African safari in the background. I was able to get a discount off the final bill since I had a San Diego Zoo membership. read more

See all

Food was ok. Kids hated the Mac and cheese, but loved the short rib sandwich. Caesar salad was swimming in dressing, so I'd ask for that on the side next time. Ambiance was amazing. Giraffes and rhino walked up near the restaurant. Overhead fans were nice and wasn't too hot. read more

Restaurant was mostly empty, but as a party of one I couldn't sit at a table, only the bar. Really disappointed as I eat at Albert's everytime I go to the main zoo (as a party of 1) and was looking forward to trying the only table service restaurant at the Safari Park. read more

It was ironic how this just happened to be the closest restaurant in the Safari Park when we decided we were hungry. One apparently can make reservations here and this is the only sit-down, table-service restaurant in the park. We waited about 30 minutes and it was only 11:30 on a weekday. The dining room view can't be beat and there's a full bar on site, although the beer selection is limited and they were out of Pliny the Elder. But, hey, it's a bar at a zoo, so I'll take it (they had Piggy instead). The food and service were both great. And did I mention the view from here? read more

Watering Hole - view across the backyard of the restaurant dining room - American Near Me - Escondido, California

See all

Ok food, ok service gorgeous views. Had nachos and the pulled pork sandwich. Don't think you are coming here for the food. It's just mediocre. But the views are really lovely. read more

New menu, new items, still beat spot to eat at the park in Escondido. I would recommend it read more

Watering Hole - New menu, Many items are new. Still best spot to eat in Safari park - American Near Me - Escondido, California

The Watering Hole is located in the SD Safari Park towards the south end of the park near the tram rides. Reservations are highly recommended. Note, the restaurant was not taking any walk in's on a Saturday. Upon arrival, make sure you ask for a table close to the grass area. They gave us a table behind the bar and I couldn't see anything so I complained to the hostess and she moved us to a better table. The scenic backdrop of the safari just makes this restaurant an experience you don't want to miss. We took some amazing family photos. Definitely Instagram worthy. The menu is basic and the sandwiches & salads are ok. I recommend the pretzel appetizer. We nick named it the dinosaur pretzel. It was ginormous. Kids meals come in a souvenir bag with animal crackers and apple sauce. The margarita flight was delightful. We ended our meal with their brownie sundae. Highly recommended. The service was excellent and our party of 7 was satisfied. read more

Watering Hole - American Near Me - Escondido, California

I think its the exclusivity of this place that made me so eager to go. Its like that club that you have to be on the VIP list to get into. Seriously, if you want to dine here on a weekend you best be planning it out several weeks to a month in advance. You have to reserve on open table. Sometimes open table is all broken and causes stress in getting a simple 4 person res (my experience - couldnt reserve for more than 3 people). Is this place worth it for lunch? Ab-so-lut-e-ly not. Its massively expensive and terribly underwhelming. But the atmosphere and being the "fanciest" of dining in the park really make you want to splurge and go at least once. The view is great and even on the hottest day its all covered and gets a fantastic cool breeze. Nice to grab a cocktail and spy on the rhinos below. Be prepared to drop some cash if you are getting multiple drinks and even more if food. I've actually gone twice, once on my birthday this year and then back with our friends for lunch. And I'm not saying I won't ever go again but you just have to go in with expectations. I can provide some guidance. Skip the entrees and just come for cocktails and apps. Which app? Hands down get the nachos and add chicken. That was so delicious and I would have been happy if thats all we got. The rhino pretzel is indeed huge and funny but it was rather dry/stale-ish. If you do want a meal, their tuna melt was good. I asked for it to just be lightly toasted and the cheese not melted and I was happy with it. Their items change, esp seasonal salads, and they are redic small for the price of them. I'm telling you, get a classic margarita and nachos with chicken and you will thank me for the successful meal. read more

See all

You have to be ready for park prices. The food was actually very good. We had the chicken club and the grinder. Both of them were very tasty. Our waitress Vu was exceptional. Very personable very helpful and visited our table and was there whenever we needed her. read more

What an experience! Highly recommend making a reservation and asking to sit near the grass or on it. We had the best view in a private spot on the grass. The server was so sweet and attentive. The food was great as well! I've been to a lot of zoos and theme parks and this had to be one of the best meals I've had at one. I got the Cuban Sandwich and my husband got the Grinder and the kids had the Mac n Cheese. read more

Watering Hole - Rhino taking a snooze while we eat - American Near Me - Escondido, California

Food is ok. Pulled pork is tasty, would really pop with more pickle. House made chips are great. I am always skeptical of house potato chips. These were perfect. The margarita flight was so-so. The chili lemon one was fantastic. It isn't on the regular menu but if you like a margarita with a spicy kick, you can ask for a full size. The lawn is special. You can walk out and get more up close with many of the animals. Worth the visit for that exclusive touch. Make reservations well ahead, it books up! Unfortunately, we went out to look at the giraffes and they cleared our table including my daughter's lemonade and my wife's cocktail, neither of which were finished. They put our stuff in the stroller. My wife is upset about that as the best part of the cocktail was remaining. read more

See all

Watering Hole is great for primarily location. Food quality and service was what you would expect from a Safari Park. It's got some better options for food and drink than what you get at most of the Kiosk's. The staff is friendly enough and it has a great area to go and watch the African Safari area from a different perspective that most of the park has, so that is really cool. read more

Food, service and ambiance were great! Price is a little high, but it goes to a good cause. I would not classify the food as American but more eclectic, Beef rib Hogie was great, but I was expecting a more traditional BBQ flavor. The ambiance and weather could not be beat! read more

Watering Hole - 6 Rhinocerous lazying in the sun, while we ate. I wanted to join them in their nap after we ate. - American Near Me - Escondido, California

This restaurant was not what I expected. It was an open sided hit design to match the African Safari region of the part it is located in. We ate fresh food, drank tasty libations, received exceptional service from the three ladies working hostess, service, and bar and the gentlemen who delivered our food from the kitchen were as polite and as accommodating as possible. We were sat at one of the best seats in the house also not rushed out of it. And the desserts were perfect as well. It gave my husband and I a date vibe within our day at the Safari. (We lucked out with the weather and the non-busy day of the establishment. Reservations are the best way to experience this location.). They even hold wedding here!!! read more

See all

Make a reservation on Opentable or you will be sitting at least an hour in the sun. Had a reservation but hostess- Tammy is definitely getting beaten up. They have lots of large empty tables for parties of 6- no idea why they do not get smaller tables and put together accordingly. Decor and location are pretty. Had a cocktail- girl has to drink on her bday- got margarita was good and they have a small bar I think we should have sat at. Food is a solid 2.5-3. Looks like micowaved airplane food- not appetizing but that is not the point of a zoo restaurant. Would go back for a quick drink or appetizer not a meal. It is cool to have a nice place to sit there but needs more help at hostess desk and better food. Also- all this "save the environment" in the park and the restaurant serves all disposable and wasteful plastic for all drinks. Get re-usable plastic cups at least please. Nice environment- but food and wait not worth it. read more

See all

I gotta say, so far I have only been disappointed by zoo/Safari park food once and no this wasn't that time! I honestly booked a table here without any high hopes because it's a restaurant inside a park.. but my nachos turned out to be delicious! I killed it. Husband got the burger and it wasn't bad either. The service was very friendly and our food came out at a timely manner too. I wouldn't say it's a spot where foodies would come and explore, but the food was decent and with that open view, what more can I ask for!? Definitely worth a visit for the experience. read more

Watering Hole - Delicious nachos! - American Near Me - Escondido, California

See all