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MacArthur Park - Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto

3.8 (1683)
$30 and under
American
27 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • 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.

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
  • Area
    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
    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Experiences

  • Father's Day Brunch Buffet

    US$0.00 - US$75.00 per person

    15 Jun 2025 only
    Treat Dad to a special celebration at MacArthur Park’s Father’s Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Enjoy a generous spread featuring slow-roasted prime rib, BBQ baby back ribs, mesquite-grilled sausage, and classic breakfast favorites like French toast, eggs benedict, and crispy bacon. With seasonal sides, fresh salads, housemade desserts, and refreshing drinks—including beer, wine, and cocktails—there’s something for everyone. Adults $75 | Children 12 & under $40 | Kids 5 & under eat free. Reserve your table today and give Dad the delicious day he deserves!
    Father's Day Brunch Buffet photo

Private dining

What 1,683 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

3.8
3.8 based on recent ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 3.8Service
  • 3.8Ambience
  • 3.7Value

NoiseModerate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Peninsula

    Good for groups

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
MacArthur Park in Palo Alto delights with "excellent lunch/brunch buffet" options and a "lovely patio" ambiance. The historical building offers warm, inviting surroundings with large fireplaces. While service can be uneven, friendly staff like Aureliano and Ellen enhance the experience. "Great food, service, ambience" make it a beloved dining spot.
1,683 Reviews
  1. Kristen VIP

    San Francisco5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful evening at MacArthur Park! It was our first time, and we were celebrating our anniversary. Food was wonderful, ambiance felt upscale yet casual, and Chef Faz came out and greeted us warmly. It was a lovely evening, we'll definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  2. James VIP

    Orange County20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was very good. The BBQ meal for two was a great value. Our server, Ellen, was outstanding. We enjoyed our visit to MacArthur Park.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Avy

    Central Coast2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 11 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very nice food was good everyone was happy at our table
    MacArthur Park - Palo AltoResponded on 12 May 2025
    Thank you, Avy! We’re so happy to hear that everyone at your table enjoyed the food and had a great time. It was a pleasure having you with us for Mother’s Day!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Rebecca VIP

    San Francisco7 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on 11 May 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Terrible food, terrible service. I will not go back.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Barbara

    San Francisco7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 11 May 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this place. Our family has been going here for years(80s). I'm glad the food quality & service have stabilized.
    MacArthur Park - Palo AltoResponded on 12 May 2025
    Thank you so much, Barbara! We're honored to have been part of your family's traditions for so many years. We're glad to hear you’re enjoying the food and service, we truly appreciate your continued support!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ava VIP

    San Francisco4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 11 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent lunch/brunch buffet with many delicious and high quality options. Lovely patio and overall ambiance.
    MacArthur Park - Palo AltoResponded on 12 May 2025
    Thank you so much, Ava! We’re so glad you enjoyed our Mother’s Day brunch buffet and the patio. It means a lot to us, hope to see you again soon for another special occasion (or just a great meal)!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kandice

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 11 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely server - thanks Aureliano! Best buffet for a hungry bunch. Nine of us celebrated Mother’s Day.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Delynn

    New York City2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 20 April 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 1
    Always been a staple in PA but this venue is looking very tired & needs a refresh. The room is old & cold. The back patio needs some newness to it. The bathroom was also a bit of a mess. 1 stall flooding. The other stall door didn’t lock & not clean. Someone needs to go in there & revamp it -

    Is this helpful?

  9. Daniel

    San Francisco1 review

    2.0

    Dined on 13 April 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was terribly disappointing. Ribs were chewy and under-cooked. Service was pretty good but food needs substantial improvement.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Russell VIP

    San Francisco48 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 20 March 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Very tired restaurant. needs updating or a new concept.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

MacArthur Park - Palo Alto is rated 3.8 stars by 1683 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 booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.
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
  • Area
    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
    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan
  • 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
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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