Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Food - President's Terrace - Graduate Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA

President's Terrace - Graduate Palo Alto

3.8 (33)
$30 and under
American
488 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Make a reservation

A photo of President's Terrace - Graduate Palo Alto restaurant

President's Terrace - Graduate Palo Alto

3.8
$30 and under
American
Palo Alto

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 3 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • Good for groups
The President's Terrace team is currently working on enhancing your next visit. Please check back for availability in May!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (650) 843-9755
  • Website
    https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/paogpgu-graduate-palo-alto/dining/
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    President’s Terrace is an intimate rooftop venue for groups of 20–50 guests, featuring Spanish Colonial-inspired design, lush greenery, handcrafted cocktails, and Silicon Valley views. Located at Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto, it offers a memorable setting for private events and celebrations.
  • Private party contact
    Chelsea Parcero: (650) 843-9755 ext. 5012

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Menu

This menu from President's Terrace - Graduate Palo Alto.

View menu on restaurant's website (opens in a new tab)

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at President's Terrace - Graduate Palo Alto.

3.8

3.8
(33)
  • 3.5Food
  • 3.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 3.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
President's Terrace offers a "funky, fun little gem" experience with a rooftop oasis perfect for cocktails, snacks, and sunsets. However, be mindful of an 18% rooftop service charge and occasional slow service. Guests appreciate the "beautiful setting with views of Palo Alto" and the attentive team led by Jesus.
33 Reviews

  1. Sandeep

    Central Coast2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on October 10, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Very slow service on a Saturday night and a HIDDEN 18% charge for being on the rooftop that is NOT good towards tips for the servers. So basically if you want to give an 20% tip, it’s an additional 38% extra cost to your tab. Total scam in my opinion by the restaurant. I’d rather the restaurant add the extra charge to their menu so at least we know what we’re paying vs the hidden charge slapped at the end! Borderline unethical. Will definitely not come back and I would highly recommend others to also skip this place!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Aubrey Gold

    New York City3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on September 6, 2026

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Poor service. Had to ask each time for utensils, plates, refills. We weren’t checked on once. Overpriced

    Is this helpful?

  3. Barak Gold

    San Francisco7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 23, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    A wonderful place to have a cocktail and snacks and watch the sunset.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Lori Gold

    San Francisco2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on August 23, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    We were surprised to find there’s a charge incurred for enjoying the rooftop. It was $50 for us and we tipped on that. We asked them to waive the fee which they did. Staff is supposed to let guests know about the charge, which they didn’t. Still — the place is lovely and nice to enjoy.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Larry

    San Francisco10 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on August 22, 2026

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    I have not been here in about a year. It was my birthday with friends. Now a DJ, a bit loud. Menu has been reduced to almost nothing, it was fun and tasty before. Service was inexperienced and very spotty. They charge an 18% service charge on top of if a tip ! I am sad to say I will not be back..

    Is this helpful?

  6. a

    San Francisco1 review

    2.0

    Dined on August 2, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    Pretty crummy restaurant for Palo Alto and for the price. More like a student dive, not for adults. Plastic cups for cocktails. Too sunny on the roof, totally exposed. Almost no food. Mandatory minimum service charge they charge, which is fine, but then they just ask for a tip on top of that by default on their cards. Borderline unethical.

    Is this helpful?

  7. James

    San Francisco8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 3, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Funky, fun little gem, a rooftop oasis of cactus and sun in Palo Alto. On a nice, sunny day it's a pleasant, mellow escape. Cons: Used to have pretty good food, if a limited selection, from the restaurant on the first floor. Apparently, that disappeared after the Hilton came in. Now, there are a few items of mediocre finger food.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Siobhan

    San Francisco2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on July 3, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Unfortunately service was slow nd miscommunication on both drink order and food order. The prosecco es brought to me after a long wait and was flat and not chilled. The sardines were delicious but not enough crackers for the amount of crackers and tapenade. We ordered a second round of drinks but they never appeared nor our waiter so I went to the bar to pay. Beautiful setting with views of Palo Alto.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Raymond

    San Francisco2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 9, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We'd been to the President's Terrace a few times before, so it was a great choice for my wife's birthday party. Jesus and the team were absolutely fantastic. I can't think of another visit to a bar where I felt so taken care of. I can't recommend them highly enough!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Karenne

    Monterrey1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 6, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Good place to hang out and for the vibe. Just during the time I went there it was super windy. Mainly snacks with the drinks. Cheese and crackers with figs was the best. Prices a bit high too on some choices.

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (650) 843-9755
  • Website
    https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/paogpgu-graduate-palo-alto/dining/
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    President’s Terrace is an intimate rooftop venue for groups of 20–50 guests, featuring Spanish Colonial-inspired design, lush greenery, handcrafted cocktails, and Silicon Valley views. Located at Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto, it offers a memorable setting for private events and celebrations.
  • Private party contact
    Chelsea Parcero: (650) 843-9755 ext. 5012

FAQs

Fridays are a top pick for lively rooftop nights with a DJ, while Wednesday early evenings can feel more relaxed for a quieter visit.

Yes, President's Terrace accepts private parties, and guests have used the rooftop for celebrations such as birthday gatherings.

Some shareable items shine here, the Artisanal charcuterie board is noted by guests as being served in a generous portion with meats and three cheeses.

Yes, President's Terrace is a lovely date-night choice, with rooftop sunset views, a fire pit, and multiple guests praising it for romantic evenings and anniversary visits.

President's Terrace is a rooftop spot with striking Palo Alto views, cozy and relaxed, with blankets and heaters on chilly nights and a DJ some Fridays for a livelier evening.

Business casual is the guide, aim for neat, put-together clothing that’s comfortable without being formal.

President’s Terrace is at its best at sunset, guests repeatedly praise the rooftop sunset views, and Friday nights bring a livelier vibe when a DJ is on. Afternoons (or weekday early evenings) tend to feel quieter.

President’s Terrace is a rooftop venue with outdoor terrace seating (both sun and shade), a dedicated bar area and a fireplace seating area, and the venue accepts private parties.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. Palo Alto

Make a reservation

A photo of President's Terrace - Graduate Palo Alto restaurant

President's Terrace - Graduate Palo Alto

3.8
$30 and under
American
Palo Alto

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 3 times today
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo