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MacArthur Park - Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto

4.2
4.2
1676 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

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
    (650) 321-9990
  • 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
  • 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

What 1,676 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.1Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
MacArthur Park in Palo Alto offers a "destination dining experience" with exceptional ribs and truffled mashed potatoes. The historic building's ambiance, featuring "large fireplaces," adds charm. While service can be inconsistent, dishes like salmon, scallops, and unique appetizers stand out. Holiday buffets are "festive" and "delicious," making it a popular choice for celebrations.

1,676 Reviews
  1. Michael VIP

    Philadelphia24 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The wait staff were so friendly and attentive and accommodating it made the whole experience great.

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  2. Wayne VIP

    San Francisco4 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Restaurant was empty, service was slow as if it was packed. One of the weirdest restaurant experiences of my life. How does this place stay in business? Food was fine but so Thing is seriously wrong with how this place is managed.
    MacArthur Park - Palo AltoResponded 6 days ago
    Dear Mr. Campbell, We are truly sorry that you did not have a good experience at our restaurant. The COVID era has impacted our business as a whole. However, we are very committed to this business and we would like for you to give us another chance. We are delighted to have you as our customer again. Please contact us and we will ensure you are accommodated with top-notch service and food. Please be our guest so that we can prove to you that we can meet your expectations. Warm regards, Faz

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  3. David

    San Francisco8 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    In our 30 years together this might have been the worst overall experience we've ever had. * Rez at 7:30, no one came to our table until I approached them at 8:10. I was then addressed as, "What can I get you, boss?" This at a ~$275 meal. * Two tables near us were seated after us. One received their salad and app before we had received even our drinks. The other table was a given a free app because of their wait before we had had anything; they bailed and gave it to us. * Here was the order of our 5 courses + drinks: 1) app from the other table, 2) drinks, 3) salad, 4) app, 5) amuse bouche 6) offer of dessert even though we hadn't had entrees yet , 6) entrees. * In general, 6 tables near us were all laughing about incredibly bad the experience was. I was amazed there wasn't a revolt. I can't imagine a single customer that night will return.

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  4. Kay

    San Francisco1 review

    3.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Great ambience, we went here for Valentine’s Day. They might have been short staffed but our meal took an incredibly long time. We were seated for 20 minutes before anyone came over to take our drink order, and then another 25 minutes before our bottle of wine came out. No water until we asked for it, same with the bread. Food was good, although salmon was over cooked. Hopefully it was just an off night for them.

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  5. Mark

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Had the pre fixe Valentine’s dinner. It was a 5 course meal, and the food was quite tasty. We left stuffed. Service was uneven. Long wait times between certain courses and very short between others. My guess is they were short staffed that evening. We left stuffed. Overall, it was an enjoyable dinner, but I just wish the service had been better.

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  6. Mike

    San Francisco38 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    This was a special Valentine’s Day menu and the food was ok, and we understand it will a big, fixed menu, but the service was snail paced… 3 hours for 5 courses is a bit, a tad or way way too long for table service. We had to continually ask the wait staff to move on to the next course. In fact I had to flag down the hostess in order to pay as the waitress was running ragged. In the future, tell them to post the 3-hour time frame so we know what we are in for.

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  7. Stanley VIP

    San Francisco15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, service, ambience. Will come back often.

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  8. Danny VIP

    Seattle5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Potur was attentive and accommodating. He did not rush, and lent expertise on dishes, and beverage choices. Well done MacArthur Park….

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  9. PJ

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on January 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really great meal. I was there a few months ago for a Stanford event, the first time since early 1990s. Portions are very large, food and serv ice were excellent, and prices are very reasonable - seafood past was just $22-$25, Caesar salad only $12. Very interesting history and old photos from >100 years ago. Will definitely go back, especially in summer when outdoor seating is available.

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  10. Joyce

    San Francisco2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent barbecued baby back ribs and chicken. Must have the fried onion strings, our favorite appetizer. Love the warm ambiance with large fireplaces in a historical building. Have been going to MacArthur Park for over 30 years and always pleased with the excellent food and service.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto offers delivery in partnership with Postmates. MacArthur Park - Palo Alto also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 321-9990.

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto is rated 4.2 stars by 1676 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Phone number
    (650) 321-9990
  • 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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