Bad Bunny hosts Super Bowl after-party at Palo Alto restaurant

Macarena restaurant owners scrambled to prepare for the surprise visit from the pop star.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican singer and rapper, bought out Macarena, a Spanish tapas restaurant in Palo Alto, California, for a private Super Bowl halftime show after-party on February 8, 2026. The restaurant's owners, David Linares and Elizabeth Reviriego, were initially surprised by the request but worked quickly to prepare the 180-seat establishment for the event, which included a special 'Benito Edition' menu and securing the premises to protect Ocasio's privacy.

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's visit to the relatively new Macarena restaurant was a major milestone for the business, highlighting the draw of celebrity patronage and the ability of small, independent restaurants to accommodate high-profile events. The story also showcases how celebrities can choose to celebrate in more intimate, private settings rather than large, public parties.

The details

With only 24 hours' notice, Linares and Reviriego had to cancel existing reservations, prepare a special menu, and secure the restaurant to host Bad Bunny and around 60 of his friends and family. Despite the short timeline, the event went smoothly, with Bad Bunny and his group enjoying Macarena's best-selling dishes like paella, dry-aged rib eye, and tuna tartare. The group also danced to reggaeton and salsa music, and Bad Bunny took the time to personally thank each member of the Macarena staff before leaving.

  • On Saturday, February 8, 2026, Linares and Reviriego received a call that a major celebrity wanted to buy out their restaurant for a Super Bowl after-party.
  • On Sunday, February 9, 2026, Bad Bunny and his group of around 60 people visited Macarena for the private event.

The players

Bad Bunny

The Puerto Rican singer and rapper, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, hosted the private after-party at Macarena restaurant following his Super Bowl halftime show performance.

David Linares

The co-owner of Macarena restaurant in Palo Alto, California.

Elizabeth Reviriego

The co-owner of Macarena restaurant in Palo Alto, California.

Macarena

A Spanish tapas restaurant in Palo Alto, California that hosted Bad Bunny's private Super Bowl after-party.

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What they’re saying

“I was shocked. At the beginning, I didn't believe it.”

— David Linares, Co-owner, Macarena (sfgate.com)

“Although, like 10 minutes before him showing up, we were all shaking.”

— Elizabeth Reviriego, Co-owner, Macarena (sfgate.com)

“Obviously, when you receive the call, you have certain expectations, but they were such a kind, gracious, humble group of people.”

— Elizabeth Reviriego, Co-owner, Macarena (sfgate.com)

“He was very appreciative. He really wanted us to know that he had the greatest time and that the food was delicious.”

— Elizabeth Reviriego, Co-owner, Macarena (sfgate.com)

The takeaway

Bad Bunny's surprise visit to the relatively new Macarena restaurant highlights the draw of celebrity patronage and the ability of small, independent restaurants to accommodate high-profile events. The story showcases how celebrities can choose to celebrate in more intimate, private settings rather than large, public parties.