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MacArthur Park - Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto

3.9 (1688)
$30 and under
American
27 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 2 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
MacArthur Park - An American Experience
For decades, MacArthur Park has been about bringing people together around outstanding California BBQ and comfort food in a casual yet elegant setting.
You’ll find us nestled in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, and walk back in time in to the simple elegance of a bygone era in a dining room designed by Julia Morgan in 1918.
We take traditional BBQ on a ride with the richness of California’s bounty, offering our signature Baby Back Ribs, fresh fish, meats and chicken, steak, unique salads and comfort food using local farm fresh produce. Portions are large, and there is something for every taste including vegan and vegetarian choices. Join us for cocktails and dining on our garden patio, nightly.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Barbecue, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Faz Poursohi
  • Catering
    Our Catering Department offers you a wide selection of services and menus with a focus ranging from functionality to elegance to fit your event's needs. Choose from our catering packages available or request a customized menu by contacting mitzie@macpark.com or call 650.291.0306
  • Private party facilities
    MacArthur Parks private dining facilities were specially designed for parties, cocktail receptions, business meetings, anniversaries, weddings, rehearsal dinners and other celebrations. We offer distinctive rooms that can accommodate a variety of events.
  • Private party contact
    Mitzie Tiu: (650) 291-0306
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Cross street
    El Camino; adjacent to Palo Alto Train Station
  • Parking details
    We have ample public parking behind and in front of the restaurant. No valet parking currently available.
  • Public transit
    Located right next to the Cal Train Station and Bus Stop.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

What 1,688 people are saying

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.9
3.9 based on recent ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 4.1Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.7Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
MacArthur Park in Palo Alto offers a charming dining experience with a historic ambiance and friendly service. The restaurant is known for its "excellent food and service" and "great value" buffets. Guests appreciate the "warm ambiance" and "large portions," making it a popular spot for celebrations and gatherings.
1,688 Reviews
  1. Frank VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We enjoy the Baby back ribs and the Cobb salad. Have been coming to MacArthur Park since its opening in San Francisco. The service is attentive and the food is delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Carol VIP

    Los Angeles24 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on October 27, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    What a surprising and terrible experience! I hadn't been for 5 years as I don't live in the area but I used to go there when I lived in Palo Alto in the 1980s. I have always had a good experience there. This time not at all. It was a Saturday night. We had a reservation but weren't told that there was a wedding party in the entire front/main part of the restaurant. We learned that upon arrival. So, we were offered a table in a weird side room, which had low ceilings, carpet and seemed like a dining room you'd find at a terrible hotel. We asked to be seated outside instead but needed the heat lamp turned on because it was the end of October. We were promised it would be turned on twice and then a waiter came by and said it didn't work. So, we just left and I will never try that place again. What a sad finish to a place I remember fondly.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jack

    San Francisco Bay Area6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great server & enjoyed the dinner & our time very much!

    Is this helpful?

  4. MICHAEL

    San Francisco Bay Area12 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on October 19, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    It appeared there was only one waitress taking care of the entire indoor dining room. A seemingly interminable wait for our check to arrive as she had one very large table to handle along with the other tables. Food was OK - not superb, not bad.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. Andrew VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area7 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on October 13, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 1
    Very disappointed. We used to come here back a few years and it was outstanding. Bill Clinton even used to eat dinner here when Chelsea was at Stanford. However, it is still the fine restaurant it was in terms of food, service and surroundings BUT it was absolutely empty ON A SATURDAY NIGHT. What happened ????

    Is this helpful?

  6. Riki

    Tahoe / Reno Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on September 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We are never disappointed. The food is delicious and the ambience is lovely.

    Is this helpful?

  7. RODNEY VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area213 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on September 4, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    MacArthur Park is reliably good for quality of food. Portions are most generous and presented with great appeal. This is our go to dining pace for a lovely dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Dennis

    San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food, good service, nice ambiance, price was right. Outstanding! Will definitely come back.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Marie VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area49 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on August 23, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    What was once a wonderful place is now holding on with life support. Beyond disappointment with our meal there . Such a special place for us . We met there 35 years ago. The BBQ got my husband sick . The salmon was good . It’s a we will never go back . Save your money . Have a drink there and go somewhere else.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Sammar

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on August 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and environment. They even made a special drink for us, gracias.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 321-9990.

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto is rated 3.9 stars by 1688 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. Palo Alto

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 2 times today
Google Map for MacArthur Park - Palo Alto

27 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    El Camino; adjacent to Palo Alto Train Station
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Barbecue, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    We have ample public parking behind and in front of the restaurant. No valet parking currently available.
  • Public transit
    Located right next to the Cal Train Station and Bus Stop.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Faz Poursohi
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    Our Catering Department offers you a wide selection of services and menus with a focus ranging from functionality to elegance to fit your event's needs. Choose from our catering packages available or request a customized menu by contacting mitzie@macpark.com or call 650.291.0306
  • Private party facilities
    MacArthur Parks private dining facilities were specially designed for parties, cocktail receptions, business meetings, anniversaries, weddings, rehearsal dinners and other celebrations. We offer distinctive rooms that can accommodate a variety of events.
  • Private party contact
    Mitzie Tiu: (650) 291-0306
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