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MacArthur Park - Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto

4.3
4.3
1673 Reviews
$30 and under
American

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2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 p.m.
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At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 2 times today
  • Good for groups
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • 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.

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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
  • Neighbourhood
    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 1,673 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
MacArthur Park in Palo Alto offers a "warm ambiance" within a historical building, praised for its "excellent food and service." Guests rave about its "delicious ribs" and "friendly staff." The restaurant's holiday buffets are a hit, and the "large portions" provide great value. Enjoy "beautifully decorated" spaces, especially during the holiday season.
1,673 Reviews
  1. Kay

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    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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  2. Mark

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    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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  3. Mike

    VIP

    San Francisco

    38 reviews

    4.0

    38 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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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  4. Stanley

    VIP

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    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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  5. Danny

    VIP

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    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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  6. PJ

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    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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  7. Joyce

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    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.

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  8. Kathleen

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We attended the Xmas buffet in 2024. Everything was wonderful and Xmassy as we were greeted and seated by the smiling owner. The food was the perfect temperature and plentiful even though we had the last reservation. Service was impeccable. I will definitely be back.

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  9. Anthony

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We were there for the Christmas buffet. The food was marvelous and plentiful: prime rib, salmon, pork loin, ribs, bbq chicken, assorted salads and sides, and desserts. The service was fine and the price was great. We'd like to go for a regular dining experience in addition to the holiday buffets as we also went to the Thanksgiving buffet.
    MacArthur Park - Palo AltoResponded on December 31, 2024
    Dear Anthony, Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our Christmas buffet and found the food to be marvelous and plentiful. It’s wonderful to know that both the service and value met your expectations. We’re also excited to hear you’d like to join us for a regular dining experience – we’d love to welcome you back for that as well! Thank you for choosing us for your holiday celebrations, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

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  10. B. Tina

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nikita made a big difference when she called ahead and included a last minute guest to our table. Really a warm and wonderful Christmas dinner. Thank you!
    MacArthur Park - Palo AltoResponded on December 31, 2024
    Hello B. Tina, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience with us on Christmas Day. We’re especially happy that Nikita was able to help make your evening special by accommodating your last-minute guest – we’ll be sure to share your kind words with her! It’s great to know that you enjoyed the food, service, ambience, and overall experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and are so glad we could be part of your holiday celebration. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for more memorable meals in the future!

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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 4.3 stars by 1673 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation


Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 2 times today

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
  • Neighbourhood
    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
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  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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