New bar/ restaurant located inside the Safari Park! Great view of the Safari. Nice misters to keep you cool. The young lady helping us let us know they've been open for about 5 weeks now. read more

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I don't understand how this place has gotten as many positive reviews as it did. The food was absolutely horrible. The view is amazing, so if you just want to drink and relax it's an incredible experience! I went here at 11:15 on a Friday. It took them over a half hour to bring out the chips, salsa, and guacamole which were a go Eric store brand and extremely plain. Then the kids meal came which was normal Mac and cheese (can't really screw that up). I ordered the power bowl which looked and tasted like the quinoa was smashed on the bottom of the bowl a few days ago. The only good part was the guacamole. The sauce was also terrible. And the hard boiled egg yoke was white?! Then as they were bringing out these two items, they said our third item would be another 20 min. It was 40 after we had originally sat down!! So we would have to wait a total of 1 hour for bacon wrapped pork (which was an appetizer!). When it finally came it was hard, there was white stuff all over it like it came straight out of the pan, and random bbq sauce poured over to try and hide how terrible it looked?? I couldn't believe it. Even the server said it didn't look edible. Absolutely revolting. In all we were there for an hour and a half. Super nice servers but holy Shasta I've never been to a place that was so terrible and slow. read more

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The view and the Monte Cristo panini are both amazing! Had a bad service experience but don't let that stop you from coming here. This place is a must visit if you're in the park for the day. read more

Probably the best place to eat in the whole park, cool shade to sit under, great refreshing drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Try the beef braised short-rib tacos. They do not disappoint. read more

View is absolutely fantastic, staff-friendly, food bland. Pulled pork sandwiches were OK. Impossible sandwich was fine and I was happy it was a menu option. Homemade chips were good. Kids ham sandwich was ridiculous. Cold cut ham on a bun, that's it. No cheese, no lettuce, not even mayo or mustard on it or offered on the side. "Side salad" option with meal is salad greens. No carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers or onions its literally lettuce. Maybe they need a reminder that they are feeding paying customers, not the animals. Actually, the animals probably eat better. read more

We were charge multiple times with no care and when a Mark the manager was confronted with the issue he had no empathy and was rude when all we asked was for them to honor the promises that were made. To go somewhere and spend hard earned money during a pandemic and to be disrespected in the process is a complete slap in the face. read more

Excellent view of the rhinos, giraffes, gazelles. Fancy bar and breezy layout for dining. 3 appetizers, 2 salads, 3 sandwich/wraps and 2 kids meal options. I had the London broil wrap and pear and endive salad, both were pretty good. The service was a little slow but not terrible. The bathrooms were all unisex and there was a large family bathroom for changing babies. Definitely a great place to sit down and unwind towards the end of your Safari visit. read more

Watering Hole - Pear and Endive Salad - American Near Me - Escondido, California

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Great views of the animals from this open air restaurant. Very pleasant with the misters and fans. The service was so friendly, prompt, helpful, and knowledgeable. They made our lunch fun. Got the Monte Christo panini with side garden salad and split it between the 3 of us and it was so good. Never had one before but it is a must try for sure. Also got the 3 Taco special and we each had one. Best street taco I've had. We left all full. If you go to the park, this is the place to eat. read more

Horrible food & Drinks. The view is gorgeous and you get a little breeze at this overlook. But the menu is below sub par, worse than cafeteria. The pretzel dough was thick and hard as a rock in some places . Cheese that went with it was not creamy and smooth , but clumpy goo. Better off getting the pretzel and Nathan hot dog in front of the park . The kids Mac and cheese was horrendous , gummy & flavorless - if they served Kraft or velveeta Mac in a cup from grocery store it would be 10x better than this . Could have gotten a better burratta salad at Trader Joe's . Very strange dish with no balsamic amd nothing Italian or tasty about it . I was excited for the margarita flight but it was literally so strong It was undrinkable (and I'm not one to send something back). The waitress bought food with no utensils or napkins so we had to wait for those , hard to get her attention in between . This menu needs and entire overhaul ... seriously get rid of the entire thing and start over. Import stone brewery pretzels and agrusas subs from nearby if you need to ... but get rid of this disgusting menu. read more

Food was not worth the price. We ordered 3 items and each one was mediocre. The menu is also very small, not many choices. The view was great and the servers were kind. read more

Drinks were weak. Menu was boring. Some food came out still frozen and we had to take it back. Service was slow and less hospitable that I would like to have seen even though more than half the place was empty. Place was really cute and the views were amazing. Would recommend going for a glass of wine/beer and dessert. read more

DO NOT COME DURING COVID, RUDE STAFF, VIEWING AREA NOT OPEN. Since the trams through the African Plains exhibit are no longer running, the Kijami Overlook is one of the only places to see the animals, and the only place to view the watering hole. However, this restaurant has blocked the open viewing area (large, wide path) and only allows people ordering food in the viewing area at all. This is clearly not COVID related as there is plenty of space. When we asked why there wasn't a sign stating the viewing area was closed, the staff said they had one but took it away because it "looked bad". Sad to see Safari Park embrace elitism, closing viewing areas while charging full price. Long time customer lost. read more

We came to celebrate my friend's birthday this past wknd and was told that it would be an hour wait. And When we came back after an hour, a different host told us it would actually be another hour. This happened to several people apparently. She explained that it was a manager that quoted us that time and she wasn't there anymore to help us. But the host (Cindy) was able to get the actually restaurant manager (Jason) to help us. He was very nice, apologized and explained what had happened. And made sure we were taken care of once we eventually got a table. He was able to seat us right on the edge of the lawn. And even brought us out a nice desert! The burgers were a little pricey but you pay for having access to the amazing views and great service. But be sure to make a reservation bc this place gets busy! read more

We had an excellent experience here. Our servers Adrian and Elizabeth were fantastic. The food is also pretty good. We saw rhinos, giraffes and other animals from our table. Highly recommended, especially if you are looking for healthier options within the park. read more

This place used to be so good - but now it's pretty bad. They replaced their interesting menu with pre-cooked hamburgers at $19 and very limited other choices. Safari Park just ruined their only upscale restaurant. So disappointing!! read more

When you arrive at the Watering Hole restaurant, you are seated with a fantastic view and you would expect to get a fantastic meal. This was not the case. The menu is very limited with a few appetizers, sandwiches and salads. We ordered and the food was delivered quickly. I ordered the sandwich and you could tell it was pre-made, hence the quick delivery. It didn't even come with chips or fries or even a pickle. A friend ordered the salad and the height of the salad didn't even reach an inch in height. I kind of expected the quality and originality of Albert's at the Zoo but this was not the case. Check out the menu first to see if this is what you want to pay about $16 a plate plus tax and drinks: http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/sites/default/files/menus/WH_Menu_11.14.2017.pdf read more

Unless you are ready to gnaw your arm off in hunger, there is no reason to eat or get a drink here. Pack yourself a lunch or pick up take out and you can still enjoy the view. read more

Awesome place to have lunch while visiting the zoo! No loud kids running around, and what a view! We observed giraffes a few hundred feet away enjoying their lunch too. There was a full bar here as well. It was a trek to get here but it was absolutely worth it. Great lunch. read more

Beautiful view. The pretzel and the margarita flight were delicious! My daughter loved seeing the animals while she was eating. I will definitely be making another reservation next time we go to the safari park! read more

atmosphere! If you are hungry, thirsty come here! We sat looking over the safari park. What great picture opportunity. We shared the hummus and had some drinks. read more

Food is not worth it here, especially for the price. Ordered the rotisserie sandwich and there was one layer of thin meat. Husband ordered the London broil wrap and he said that was "ok". Overall cheap ingredients. We've been to the safari park many times and the hot dogs, corn dogs taste better and look better than any of this at the Watering Hole. This place is only good for the bar and view. Get yourself a hot dog elsewhere. read more

I much prefer the laid back feel of the watering hole before they redid it. It now feels very touristy. The view is still fantastic, but you definitely get a resort feel. It might be a great location for an event or big party read more

An amazing place to sit down and eat with friends or family! The food was great and the staff was excellent! Deja was my server and she was fantastic and made the whole experience amazing! read more

Bad food, bad service. Hostess Jasmin was rude. Server was low energy and never smiled. Sandwiches are poorly made with wilted lettuce and stale bread. Tasted pre-made. Come see the view, but don't eat here. read more

Awesome escape at the Safari park. Away from the park crowds and noise. Great craft beers and African motif with music. The view of the African enclosure is great! read more

Decided to come here while at the Safari Park and I was really excited! Our server paulina barely said hi and then with a straight face asked "do you know what you want?" Mind you this was after 2 minutes of us being here. At least we looked at the menu before we came so we were ready. She didnt ask for our drinks or anything. Food was bland and cold, as well as not worth the 15 dollars. We paid more for the view than anything else. Hector did come in and help when we were waiting for 10 minutes for our server to come back and check on us and bring us our check. Paulina was just walking around not paying attention to anyone and drinking a cup of water in front of guests. The only reason I'm leaving 2 stars is because Hector was nice and brought us our check and checked in on us. So good job to Hector. read more

Review for food only. Fifteen dollars for a tortilla wrap that was obviously pre-made, stored in a refrigerator, and served cold is almost criminal. I am a longtime zoo member and donor and have had very good meals at events. I know they can do better and I will continue to support the zoo. I will not return to the Watering Hole for the food on the menu. Go for the view not for the food. read more

Super yummy food for a zoo! Good for kids. Charcuterie plate was great! Definitely recommend.