Sabertooth Mexican Grill

Just had the potato tacos, which were surprisingly good (for being in a zoo). Meat may not be great, and they can get busy, but my experience was great. Consider going before noon or even before 11:30am on the weekend to avoid wait times. To the people complaining - it’s a zoo. Plan better and have snacks on you or eat at times when there is no rush.

Kind service, I was greeted the second I entered. Ordered the Carne Asada Fries. 7/10. Portion was ok and tasted alright. I made this review because kind people make my day. Shout out to Paola! I regularly go to the zoo and she is by far the best employee there! She always makes me laugh whenever she’s there. Her energy is the best!

Klarissa Flores

Kind service, I was greeted the second I entered. Ordered the Carne Asada Fries. 7/10. Portion was ok and tasted alright. I made this review because kind people make my day. Shout out to Paola! I regularly go to the zoo and she is by far the best employee there! She always makes me laugh whenever she’s there. Her energy is the best!

NJ Tutor

Just had the potato tacos, which were surprisingly good (for being in a zoo). Meat may not be great, and they can get busy, but my experience was great. Consider going before noon or even before 11:30am on the weekend to avoid wait times. To the people complaining - it’s a zoo. Plan better and have snacks on you or eat at times when there is no rush.

Much better than the last time we went to the zoo to eat. Mexican food was tasty and somewhat imaginative... It was kind of a pain to eat outside because everything was blowing away.

The drink people were quite nice! Others could be a little nicer

Good burritos, fruit cups and deserts. Prices are reasonable for the zoo. The line wasn't too long when we went and service was relatively quick. There is adequate seating.

You'll need to adjust your expectations: it's a fast food restaurant in a zoo. So, very high prices for a very basic fast-prep menu. But the food isn't bad, such as it is. And the elephants are cool to watch.

Nice place to stop and grab a bite to eat. Plenty of shaded seating for both small and larger groups. Food is good too. The chicken strip platter comes with curly fries AND onion rings! Bonus! I would pass on the chicken humus wrap.

Good outdoor seating. Opens at 11am. Located near the elephants. Has a little more Mediterranean options. Still can get Cheeseburgers and kids meal. As of writing this review (during COVID), they have a park employee ready to clean tables as soon as guests leave.

Gluten free.....I was reading reviews about this place not having anything gf but surprised that there was indeed lots of food for my celiac 15 year old son. They have a book upon request with ingredients listed for each item. We had the "family" meal with taquitos and nachos with the chicken and I purchased a Baja Ceasar salad which had tortilla crumbles instead of croutons. He ate everything and didn't even get a belly ache. He would get really really sick if he ate gluten so we were pleased. The line was super long but had a good lunch. The only thing that hurt was our feet! Big big zoo! Loved it!

Counter service restaurant with good chili! Really quiet too. Has a lot of shade a view of the elephants. What you would expect for zoo food. Fries were cold. They serve beer

I was looking for reasonably healthy food & this place had a spinach salad with strawberries & walnuts. Ordered braised chicken on the side for protein. Was pretty good, just wish the Strawberry Vinaigrette had tasted better, that's the reason for the 4 stars.

It was good, again large portions good to share. Because it was an over cast Tuesday in San Diego this eatery wasn't crowded. Right next to an 🐘 enclosure and she very active, fun to watch.

The Sabertooth Grill wasn't to bad of an establishment. The food was actually way better than I expected it to be given where I was. I got their bourbon burger and it was quite well worth it even though it was a little on the pricey side of about 13-14 dollars. The location for eating was a little dirty as can be expected with a high traffic area such as the zoo. One thing I did notice was they put the children's seats for the tables in the sunlight when the attendant went and picked them up. I don't have kids but i figure that's important for some.

Nice & convenient for a quick bite in the middle of your zoo day. Pricy & smaller portions; but I guess that’s what you get at a zoo. We got the tacos & the watermelon agua Fresca, and enjoyed them.

I was initially skeptical about the food quality at a zoo or amusement park, but Sabertooth Grill exceeded my expectations. I tried the Carne Asada Burrito, and the combination of tender carne asada, pepper jack cheese, Mexican crema, guacamole, and pico de gallo was simply delightful. The flavors blended harmoniously, creating a tasty treat that I didn't anticipate from a zoo eatery. Additionally, I ordered the Cheese Quesadilla with guacamole, pico de gallo, and Mexican crema, accompanied by a side of chips. The quesadilla was cheesy perfection, and the sides complemented the dish well. What impressed me the most was the overall quality of the food. It was not only delicious but also reasonably priced, which was a refreshing change from the usual expensive fare found in such venues.

Summer Robbins

The Sabertooth Grill wasn't to bad of an establishment. The food was actually way better than I expected it to be given where I was. I got their bourbon burger and it was quite well worth it even though it was a little on the pricey side of about 13-14 dollars. The location for eating was a little dirty as can be expected with a high traffic area such as the zoo. One thing I did notice was they put the children's seats for the tables in the sunlight when the attendant went and picked them up. I don't have kids but i figure that's important for some.

Rachel Stephens

Nice & convenient for a quick bite in the middle of your zoo day. Pricy & smaller portions; but I guess that’s what you get at a zoo. We got the tacos & the watermelon agua Fresca, and enjoyed them.

Alice Hou

I was initially skeptical about the food quality at a zoo or amusement park, but Sabertooth Grill exceeded my expectations. I tried the Carne Asada Burrito, and the combination of tender carne asada, pepper jack cheese, Mexican crema, guacamole, and pico de gallo was simply delightful. The flavors blended harmoniously, creating a tasty treat that I didn't anticipate from a zoo eatery. Additionally, I ordered the Cheese Quesadilla with guacamole, pico de gallo, and Mexican crema, accompanied by a side of chips. The quesadilla was cheesy perfection, and the sides complemented the dish well. What impressed me the most was the overall quality of the food. It was not only delicious but also reasonably priced, which was a refreshing change from the usual expensive fare found in such venues.

Honestly pretty good food. The carne asada tacos were quite flavorful, and good large portions! Definitely a little on the dry side, though. Rice was an afterthought and a bit crunchy, but tasty too. The beans were delicious. Some of the best. The chips and salsa (extra cost appetizer) were good—be prepared, the chips are spicy! Food came out fast. Expensive for what you get, but that’s expected for a place like a zoo. Definitely one of the better food options in the park! Plenty of outdoor tables with umbrellas for shade.

The food tastes pretty good and it's by far the best restaurant in the zoo. However, some of the staff were unpleasant and it felt like they didn't want to be here today. The people at the cashier were very nice though.

They switched out the register person who was way nicer. The staff mischarged my wife, then lied about why until the manager explained he hit the wrong button. Staff felt like they were really bummed we were ordering food.

Michael Petrillo

They switched out the register person who was way nicer. The staff mischarged my wife, then lied about why until the manager explained he hit the wrong button. Staff felt like they were really bummed we were ordering food.

Kourtney Trimmer

The drink people were quite nice! Others could be a little nicer

PAPI CHUNGLI #HOPPY WOO DINOSAUR

The food tastes pretty good and it's by far the best restaurant in the zoo. However, some of the staff were unpleasant and it felt like they didn't want to be here today. The people at the cashier were very nice though.

Frank O'Connor

Honestly pretty good food. The carne asada tacos were quite flavorful, and good large portions! Definitely a little on the dry side, though. Rice was an afterthought and a bit crunchy, but tasty too. The beans were delicious. Some of the best. The chips and salsa (extra cost appetizer) were good—be prepared, the chips are spicy! Food came out fast. Expensive for what you get, but that’s expected for a place like a zoo. Definitely one of the better food options in the park! Plenty of outdoor tables with umbrellas for shade.

The food isn't exceptional, but it's better than most other locations around the zoo, and it has a wide selection from salads and wraps, to burgers and nachos to satisfy even the a diverse group.

With burgers, chicken tenders, and wraps Sabertooth Grill offers plenty of good food to quell hunger after lots of walking at the San Diego Zoo. There are options for kids and the portions are good. It is pricey though.

Prices are a bit much for food not cooked at time of order and for overall quality of meat used. Did fill us up and the kids menu could be ordered by anyone which is a plus. Customer service was A+ though. Overall in a good place after exploring half the day but would look at another location next time we would eat here.

We go here for the abundance of space and tables, and great view of the elephants, perfect spot for dining with kids, or to grab a beer and hang with friends. If you are looking for good food, this is not your place. Last time we went I grabbed a yogurt parfait which was $5, it was tiny and the granola was soft so either stale or had been sitting there a while. The decaf coffee (about $4) was undrinkable, and I’m a mom of a 2 month old so it has to be really bad to not drink it. Chicken tenders are pretty good (super picky kid approves) and so are fries. If you gotta eat, I recommend staying with the basic selections. I’ve had the jidori chicken before and that was also big disappointment. My biggest tip: bring your own food into the zoo and eat it here, just add a beer on tap and chill!

The food was decent in fact I noticed a lot of people that worked at the zoo eating here, always a good sign. It's hard to give great reviews however under the extorted prices.

Not much to choose from the menu. It's also expensive too.

Prices are what you’d expect for inside a zoo and flavor is just eh.

Chris Jin

Not much to choose from the menu. It's also expensive too.

Damon Tighe

Prices are what you’d expect for inside a zoo and flavor is just eh.

Food portions were great, honestly expected less when we ordered. Food prices were equal to your average regular dine in restaurant. Food was pretty cold though, even though they made it in front of us. Services wasn’t friendly or welcoming. Cashier tried to charge us again when she forgot to give my wife her drink.

Will Pierce

Food portions were great, honestly expected less when we ordered. Food prices were equal to your average regular dine in restaurant. Food was pretty cold though, even though they made it in front of us. Services wasn’t friendly or welcoming. Cashier tried to charge us again when she forgot to give my wife her drink.

Order was incorrect and when asking for salsa they were afraid to hand out more then 2 little cups. Beans were as thick as paste and rice had no flavor.

Salsa for chips is more like vegetable water. the only season the meat has was probably just pepper. Fries sitting out too long not fresh. Unsalted chips. No beans and rice on a $17 burrito, really? Employees seem to all be new walking around like their heads are cut off. I would blame that on management for not having any more efficient system.

Everything was spicy. Not kid friendly food. It also caused some tummy aches.

Sadly not leading “Zoo dining into a new era” but rather stuck in the past with what you would typically expect from a Zoo food court. Brioche buns were actually food service grade white hamburger buns, frozen French fries, tough, over-cooked low quality chicken breast, avocado was tasteless guacamole-ish paste. No one had any idea what I was talking about when I asked for the Jidori Chicken & Rice (grilled chicken, rice, and veggies) that appears on their PDF menu. Only surprise was that I expected better here based on their marketing. Bottom line, the zoo is Amazing. Take advantage of the guided tours; staff were fantastic! But don’t expect much from the food if this is the 2nd best restaurant (best quick service) in the Park.

Food was MEH. Only grab and go was available, because ya know, covid times. We had some sort of wrap thing that wasn’t even worth taking a picture of, or even remembering what the heck it was we ordered. Sorry I am usually a little more thorough. Maybe when the grill opens up it will be better? I don’t plan on finding out.

Ka A

Food was MEH. Only grab and go was available, because ya know, covid times. We had some sort of wrap thing that wasn’t even worth taking a picture of, or even remembering what the heck it was we ordered. Sorry I am usually a little more thorough. Maybe when the grill opens up it will be better? I don’t plan on finding out.

Really really bad. Carne asada burrito… not it. Terrible flour tortilla provider. This place makes Chipotle feel like authentic Mexican.

The zoo is a regular place for me. I come here very often and always eat at the sabertooth grill .Service is very on and off, depends on who’s working that day. I have one person in mind that I want to write about very briefly, Emmarie. I’ve noticed that whenever she works, she’s always giving attitude. It seems that she doesn’t want to be there, which I can understand, but at the end of the day she chose that job. Her customer service is absolute trash and the way she talks to people is horrifying. Her customer service is -5/10. It’s not hard to be nice but it takes a lot of unnecessary effort to be a mean stuck up little girl. Something really has to change.

Jessica B

Really really bad. Carne asada burrito… not it. Terrible flour tortilla provider. This place makes Chipotle feel like authentic Mexican.

Overpriced "Mexican" food, no vegan options although the Manu says "V" at the bottom. Not even mentioning the Arab music throughout the whole meal. Personally I hoped for more Mexican vibes and not Middle East. Find another restaurant to eat at the zoo, do yourself a favor.

Eating here was a mistake. After waiting 20+ minutes in line, my wife and I split a $25 burrito filled with grey ground beef and little else, served with stale tortillas and no sauce/salsa of any kind. My son‘s taquitos were almost inedible. They even omitted the salt rim for my margarita. Next time we will pack lunch.

A terrible experience. DO not come here. We paid 50 dollars for the family meal (8 taquitos and 2 nachos and 4 fountain drinks). The best thing was the fountain drinks. The taquitos were overcooked, and the red rice was way too salty and spicy. The beans were even worse and I couldn't even take more than a bite. I'm not really a person to not finish my meal, but I literally could not finish the meal because it was so terribly made. My friends also couldn't finish their nachos because the beef was overcooked, rough and disgusting. We threw away more food than we ate. 50 dollars for a pile of trash. Don't ever come here. Bring your own food or something. The food completely ruined my zoo experience. Would give zero stars if i could.

Top 5 worst Mexican food I've ever had. E V E R. Spent $109.91 and the food it bad. Every dish was horrible. Rice, beans, taquitos were the worst previously frozen taquitos, burrito, tacos and dessert. This place should come with a warning. Really bad cafeteria food. Oh please don't waste your money or time. And we were very hungry. We threw the food away and chalked it up to a loss. The staff should have warned us

Been in line for 30 minutes. They serve one person at a time. Terrible system. If I ever get my food I’ll let yall know if it’s good.

The food here wasn't good. Bland salad and dry burgers. It's school cafeteria food at best. Reminds me of how bad food in Disneyland used to be. Come on, San Diego Zoo, you can do better than this!

Took forever to get the food, they are understaffed. Like 30+ minutes for a cafe.

The food is like a school cafeteria but airport prices; SDZ would benefit from investing in their food options a bit more. I ordered the beef taquitos which comes with rice and beans and the portion size for the rice is a complete joke. Not even a handful.

On the photo Cessadillia for child12$. beer 19$

Omar Khan

The food is like a school cafeteria but airport prices; SDZ would benefit from investing in their food options a bit more. I ordered the beef taquitos which comes with rice and beans and the portion size for the rice is a complete joke. Not even a handful.

MYGO

On the photo Cessadillia for child12$. beer 19$

Food overpriced. Needed a bit more flavor. Tacos were served cold. Service was okay. We asked for no pico on nachos and it was left on. The atmosphere was pleasant. Got a really nice view of the elephants.

addy munoz

Food overpriced. Needed a bit more flavor. Tacos were served cold. Service was okay. We asked for no pico on nachos and it was left on. The atmosphere was pleasant. Got a really nice view of the elephants.