A delicious new lineup of culinary delights awaits you this summer at the San Diego Zoo, just in time for Nighttime Zoo.
From May 24 to August 10, the Zoo stays open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and an exciting new energy takes over. You’ll enjoy live music and spectacular entertainment starting at 3:30 p.m. daily, plus one-of-a-kind moments with your favorite wildlife, and more unforgettable fun that’s perfect for the whole family. With so much to see and do, you’re bound to work up an appetite.
Fortunately, 30 snack and dining locations at the Zoo are ready to fuel your adventures and many of them are offering limited-time-only summer menu items you won’t want to miss. Whether you're craving a decadent dessert, a delicious meal, a savory snack, or a celebration-worthy cocktail, you’ll find tons of tasty new options to feed your appetite, available all day long. Each unique treat is offered at individual dining locations, so you might want to map out your adventure in advance on the San Diego Zoo app. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the culinary delights that will make your summer visits to the Zoo even more memorable.
Savory Snacks
Discover two tantalizing new options making their debuts. Sesame Garlic Fries with Sriracha Ranch, available at Hua Mei Cafe, offers a winning combination. Cool ranch and hot sriracha provide the perfect accent for delicious nobody-can-eat-just-one french fries, covered in rich and savory minced garlic and tuxedo sesame seeds. The result is a munchable treat that is both decadent and delicious.
Some like it hot(ter)—and if that’s you, check out the Flaming Hot Summer Pretzel at both The Bridge and Jungle Snacks. Coated with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and served with melted cheese, this soft yet crunchy treat brings a little heat and a lot of flavor.
Enticing Entrées
Ready for lunch or dinner? Try the sweet and smoky Summer Pork Slider Sampler at Sydney’s Grill. This trio of tempting barbecue bites wrapped in Hawaiian-style buns comes topped with coleslaw and pickle slices, served alongside ribs of corn drizzled with zesty chipotle sauce.
For even more barbecue goodness, Busy Bee Café is serving up their Backyard BBQ Baked Potato, loaded with bacon, cheese, jalapenos, and crispy onions, and served with fresh and tasty salad greens.
Looking for a sweet-and-spicy favorite served in a whole new way? Order the Buffalo Chicken Basket at Safari Kitchen, featuring hot, saucy, and delicious chicken strips paired with classic golden french fries.
At Lagoon Terrace, you’ll find an unexpected throwback treat—Pineapple Pizza. This updated homage to traditional Hawaiian pizza features sweet chunks of pineapple and savory slices of ham atop a thick layer of melted cheese on an artisan pizza crust.
Don’t miss the savory Adobada Tacos at Sabertooth Grill, loaded with fresh salsa and served with spanish rice, refried beans, and lime.
For a new spin on an iconic crowd pleaser, try Sweet Shack’s Cheesy Chicken Nachos, piled high with crispy chicken bites, cheese, jalapeños, guacamole, and more.
Light Bites and Salads
Summer-inspired salads are also making their debuts, including the Summer Berry Salad at Treetops Bistro. It’s packed with delicious seasonal fruits, leafy mixed greens, and crunchy nuts.
Refreshing Beverages
Nothing captures summer vibes like a great beverage, and the Zoo delivers. At Albert’s Restaurant, you’ll find two delicious new cocktails. Sip and savor the Tiki Toucan, an island-style tropical libation that looks as exotic as it tastes. Or try a Honey Badger, a tall and sweet sunshine-hued cocktail served with a lime slice and a cherry.
Boardwalk Beer Garden is serving up the thirst-quenching Koala on the Beach, made with orange and cranberry juices and peach liqueur, topped with a garnish of orange and a cherry. Meanwhile, Bamboo Bar offers a Zoo twist on a traditional favorite with the sweet and satisfying Yun Chuan’s Rum-N-Cola, and Oasis Lounge is mixing a tropical summer classic: its new Mai Tai (not pictured).
Prefer non-alcoholic options? Sip and savor the tangy summertime flavor of Strawberry Lemonade at Zoo Brew, or revel in the fresh-picked sweetness of Raspberry Lemonade from Java Cart.
Cool Desserts
After all the savory delights, indulge your sweet tooth with a Strawberry Bliss Sundae at Treetops Canteen. Featuring luscious strawberry topping and sweet soft-serve vanilla ice cream, it’s served in a crispy waffle bowl. If you’re looking for something chockful of chocolate, the Oreo Cookie Churro at Ituri Hut (not pictured) promises to satisfy your dessert craving.
Explore and Indulge
Special summer menu items are available all day long, but for a limited time only, so don’t miss your chance to taste these one-of-a-kind creations. Plan your visit today, savor enchanting summer vibes, and enjoy incredible experiences with wildlife at the San Diego Zoo. Your adventure awaits!
Summer menu items are subject to change, and are available for a limited time only.
