Business Details
45 Years
experience
Historic American BBQ & Comfort Food in Palo Alto
Established in 1981, MacArthur Park has been a cornerstone of Palo Alto's dining scene. Our historic venue, housed in California Historical Landmark No. 895, combines architectural significance with modern culinary excellence. Originally designed by pioneering architect Julia Morgan as a Hostess House for World War I troops, our space has been meticulously preserved while offering contemporary American BBQ and comfort cuisine. Under the leadership of original chef Faz Poursohi and restaurateur Chuck Frank, we've revitalized our menu while maintaining the building's original charm. Our team brings decades of combined experience in hospitality, ensuring every guest experiences exceptional service and quality. We prioritize sustainable sourcing of ingredients, working directly with responsible farms and fisheries.Our menu features wood-grilled specialties, signature BBQ dishes, and seasonal creations that honor both tradition and innovation. The restaurant's unique history as a community gathering place continues through our private dining options for weddings and events. We maintain strict food safety standards while offering diverse options for casual dining and special occasions. Our commitment to quality extends to our curated beverage program, featuring craft cocktails and regional wines. As stewards of this historic landmark, we balance preservation with modern comforts to create memorable dining experiences.
Services
American BBQ
Comfort Food
Private Dining
Catering Services
Happy Hour
Wood-Grilled Entrees
Seasonal Menus
Wine Pairings
Event Planning
Sustainable Cuisine
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Revitalized menu by original chef team with decades of experience
- Historic venue offering unique private dining spaces
- Commitment to sustainable sourcing of ingredients
- Award-winning American BBQ in a California Historical Landmark
- Diverse menu catering to both casual and special occasions
Services
American BBQ
Our American BBQ features slow-smoked meats prepared using traditional techniques in our historic Palo Alto venue. Choose from baby back pork ribs, free-range chicken, and specialty combinations served with house-made sides. The menu balances classic flavors with modern presentation while honoring our 1981 origins as a neighborhood favorite.
Private Dining
Host weddings, corporate events, or private parties in our historic California Landmark No. 895. Our venue offers multiple rooms accommodating various group sizes with dedicated event planning support. The space maintains Julia Morgan's original architectural elements while providing modern amenities for special occasions.
Wood-Grilled Cuisine
Experience signature dishes prepared on our Wild Wood Grill, including steaks, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. The cooking method enhances natural flavors while complementing our commitment to sustainable sourcing. Each entre pairs with house-made sides and sauces reflecting California's culinary diversity.
Happy Hour
Enjoy daily happy hour specials featuring craft cocktails, house wines, and draft beers alongside bar-focused menu items. The program runs Tuesday-Friday 4:30-6:30 PM with discounted pricing on select appetizers and drinks in our casual dining environment.
Catering Services
Bring MacArthur Park's signature flavors to your location with our full-service catering. We offer customized menus for corporate events, weddings, and private parties with options spanning BBQ classics to contemporary American cuisine. Our team handles logistics from preparation to on-site service.
People
Faz Poursohi
Chef & Co-Owner
Chef Faz Poursohi co-founded MacArthur Park in 1981 and returned as owner in 2008. With decades of culinary experience, he revitalized the menu while preserving the historic venue's legacy. His approach combines traditional techniques with modern innovation.
Questions
What is MacArthur Park Restaurant's historical significance?
Our venue is California Historical Landmark No. 895, originally built in 1918 as a Hostess House for World War I troops. Designed by architect Julia Morgan, it's been serving the Palo Alto community since 1981.
Does the restaurant offer private event spaces?
Yes, we have multiple private dining rooms suitable for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. Our venue accommodates various group sizes with dedicated event planning support.
What type of cuisine do you serve?
We specialize in American BBQ and comfort food with wood-grilled entrees, house-made sides, and seasonal specialties. Our menu balances traditional flavors with modern presentation techniques.
Are there sustainable sourcing practices?
Yes, we prioritize working with farms, ranches, and fisheries that follow sustainable practices. Our menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
What are happy hour details?
Happy hour runs Tuesday-Friday 4:30-6:30 PM with discounted cocktails, wines, and bar menu items. Special pricing applies to select appetizers and drinks during these hours.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide full-service catering for events off-site. Our team creates customized menus ranging from BBQ classics to gourmet options with complete logistics support.
