MacArthur Park

About MacArthur Park

MacArthur Park is a long-running Palo Alto restaurant. Its website says it has been a neighborhood favorite since it first opened in 1981. It sits at 27 University Avenue, at the foot of the avenue beside the Palo Alto Caltrain station, which makes it one of the first restaurants many visitors see when they step off the train.

The building is a large part of the story. The restaurant describes it as a 1918 landmark designed by Julia Morgan, the noted California architect. According to MacArthur Park, the building first served as a Hostess House for visiting families of World War I service members. It later became a community center and then a veterans hall before the restaurant moved in.

The website says the restaurant has been "reclaimed by its original owner and chef team," who brought back a revitalized menu and carried out a careful renovation of the landmark building.

What is on the menu

MacArthur Park calls itself the Peninsula's destination for barbecue and California comfort food. Its website describes the menu as American favorites, including signature barbecue, classic comfort dishes and drinks. Much of the cooking comes off a mesquite-fired grill.

The restaurant names three dishes as highlights: baby back pork ribs, a grilled avocado salad and Petaluma chicken. It also says it offers gluten-free and vegan options, which is useful for mixed groups at a barbecue restaurant. Menus change, so check the current version on the website before you go.

Private events

Event space is one of MacArthur Park's strengths. It lists about 10,000 square feet in total, with grand fireplaces, a garden patio and a baby grand piano. The private dining rooms are designed for parties, cocktail receptions, business meetings, anniversaries and weddings. The restaurant also mentions rehearsal dinners. The restaurant offers catering packages and custom menus as well. Its event and catering contacts are listed on its reservation page.

For a large event in the historic building, contact the restaurant early. Spring and early summer are busy with graduation and wedding season around Stanford.

Reservations and takeout

MacArthur Park takes reservations through OpenTable, linked from its website. Dress is casual. For meals at home, the restaurant says you can order takeout and delivery directly through macpark.com.

The restaurant's reservation listing shows dinner service on most days of the week. We could not confirm a full schedule on the restaurant's own site, so check the reservation page or call before you go.

Getting there and parking

The location is one of the easiest in town for train riders. The restaurant notes that it sits next to the Palo Alto Caltrain station and a bus stop. For drivers, it says there is ample public parking both behind and in front of the restaurant, with no valet service. Our Caltrain guide covers fares and schedules if you are coming from San Francisco or San Jose.

Who it suits

MacArthur Park suits several kinds of outings. Train commuters and visitors can walk straight from the platform to dinner. Families and groups who want ribs and comfort food get a casual setting with a dress code to match. Companies and families planning a party get one of the larger event spaces in downtown Palo Alto, in a building with real history. Vegetarians and vegans are not left out, since the restaurant says it offers vegan and gluten-free options. If you want a quiet, intimate meal, mention it when you book and ask whether a private event is scheduled in the building that evening.

Tips for visiting

• Look at the building. Arrive a few minutes early to see the Julia Morgan design. Our architecture guide and historic landmarks guide give more context.
• Book ahead for groups. Large tables and private rooms need advance planning, so reserve early on OpenTable or contact the events team.
• Order takeout direct. The restaurant says takeout and delivery can be ordered direct through macpark.com.
• Pair it with downtown. University Avenue's shops and the downtown district start a short walk up the street.

Location and getting there

MacArthur Park is at 27 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301, in the Downtown area of Palo Alto. Our Downtown guide covers what else is around.

The Palo Alto Caltrain station is less than a quarter mile away, a walk of a few minutes.

Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).

What is nearby

• Coupa Cafe Lytton, cafe, 0.1 mi
• Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care, salon or spa, 0.1 mi
• Patagonia, store, 0.1 mi
• Starbucks University Avenue, cafe, 0.2 mi
• T-Mobile University Avenue, shop, 0.2 mi
• Lytton Plaza, 0.2 mi
• El Camino Park, 0.2 mi
• University Avenue, 0.2 mi

Other restaurants nearby: Arya Steakhouse (0.1 mi); P.F. Chang's (0.1 mi); Sweet Maple (0.2 mi); Onigilly (0.2 mi). Browse the full restaurants list.

Before you go

• Popular dinner spots in Palo Alto fill up on Friday and Saturday nights, so book ahead where the restaurant takes reservations.
• Many kitchens close earlier than in big cities. Plan to order by about 9 p.m. on weeknights unless the posted hours say otherwise.
• If you have allergies or dietary needs, call ahead or check the current menu on the restaurant's website.

About this listing

Checked October 30, 2026 against MacArthur Park official website; MacArthur Park on OpenTable (restaurant description and reservations). How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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