It was just after 7pm on a Sunday and we were heading home from an unsuccessful trip to the local casinos. We were still an hour and a half from home and wanted to grab a quick bite and find a clean restroom. We thought it would be fastest to find a McDonald's and do both. But, the two we found both had already locked their dining rooms...7pm on a Sunday... So on our way back towards the freeway, we saw this Panda Express and a line of people inside. We stopped and low and behold, the dining area was open. We stood in line (with about 5 parties in front of us) and waited to order. They had a Subway style service, you approach the counter and tell them what you want and they pack it for you. It was pretty quick given that people have to decide between about a dozen different items. You first have to decide if you want a one item, two item or three item container. Then, do you want greens, or rice, or low mien? You next pick your main food item, or items and then they walk you to the cash register. Extras like egg rolls and drinks are placed along the way. Our server was extremely friendly and had a heavy hand when it came to serving sizes. Both of our orders were overflowing with food and it was hot and tasty. We ate in the dining room which was a bit cold for both of us. They must have either had the AC on high or the heater wasn't working as it was cold outside. They also have two unisex bathroom which were clean and ready for use. So it is now on our list of places to possibly stop on the way home, whether or not we happen to win. Hope you have a positive experience as well and...enjoy!!! read more

I'm so completely tired of bad service being blamed on being "SHORT STAFFED" I have been to this restaurant three times walking out all three times! 1st was at about 8 pm with almost no choices left being told sorry? We are short staffed! 2nd plenty of selection to have dining room closed due to being short staffed? 3 rd was to get behind a very large order 10 plates! There was one guy filling the order with 4 employees wondering around including the female manager! I stood there almost in amazement for 10 minutes I timed it. I was never acknowledged and nobody was helping the one working guy! He should be asking for help? The most important part was a manager who values her time more than mine? But when I asked to speak to the manager the young guy that was working completely copped an attitude! I was about to complain to the manager that he was the only one working as a compliment but then he messed that up? The manager was so full of apologizing and mentioned being short staffed? But, what she is missing is doing what management should be doing? Managing the restaurant! That includes making sure all of the employees are helping and being involved! Moral of the story! Manager training? Pay the manager to manage, not just unlock and lock the door? read more

Worst Panda Express that I have ever visited. The place was so filthy that it looked like a million people ran their hands down the glass door and no one ever cleaned it. (And that is during COVID!) I asked for vegetables with my entree and received a load of cabbage instead of a mix. That will be the last time I visit this location. read more

All I have to say/recommend is to CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE YOU LEAVE if you're doing online ordering. They've gotten ours wrong so many times! My poor husband keeps forgetting the hard lesson he learns every time. Otherwise, it tastes like Panda if you're looking for Panda. read more

Brenda was the literal best! Such a hard worker and extremely kind even when the restaurant was super busy! Would come here again just for Brenda!!! read more

I'm not really a huge fan of Panda Express, because it's a little on the greasy side for me. It tends to lack flavor, and is about as authentically Chinese as Taco Bell is Mexican... However, what they ARE good at is supporting their local communities. I know it's a fractional amount, but it is still something, and the fact is, they're not obligated to let us out our school fliers up or even give us a penny of the proceeds from any given night. But they do anyway, and I find that to be pretty awesome. The staff were patient while I ordered. It's always hard for me, because I know what my family will eat, but they don't always have the same selection of food available, and ever since they stopped selling potstickers (the genius who came up with that idea needs to be beaten with a chow mein noodle...it was the only thing I actually loved about Panda Express...except their adorable little mascot...just look at it, LOOK!!!) Okay, getting off subject. Patient staff. Yes, SUPER patient, because I was looking at the selection and not super impressed, and their design is a little weird...they've got some entrees out front with the fried rice and lo mein (yes, it's lo mein, not chow mein...even though they refuse to call it that! But who am I to talk? I once ate something called an "enchirito"). Then around the side, there are some more entree items, and beyond that, there are supposed to be side dishes, but they had even more entrees? It was confusing and a little annoying, but the staff were all efficient and didn't rush me to make my decision, which is always a winner in my playbook! Former Senator Gloria Romero; the co-founder of my son's school, was eating there, and she spoke with me for a minute while I was in line waiting. She thanked me for coming, and I appreciated that...because I usually don't like 1) Panda Express Food or 2) This location of said Panda Express...because the parking lot is a nightmare to navigate, and I have to travel all the way to Narnia and back just to get to an exit that won't dump me out one way onto the highway! Location and my dislike of food quality were trumped by my love for any business that actively supports community fundraising...and some really caring, attentive staff go a long way when almost everything else about a location is a complete turn off to you. Thank you to the Douglas Drive location of Panda Express...you weren't on Yelp yet, and I got you on the map...because you deserve to have the community know that you're on board when it comes to supporting our schools, our kids, and education! One request though? Could you bring back potstickers? I'd give you an extra star if you'd just bring back the potstickers, guys... Seriously though...don't love the food, the parking lot's a mess, but the staff and the community dedication win me over every time. Thank you for your support...Scholarship Prep is a great school,and anything that helps support them is worth a few minutes out of my life to write an honest review. :) read more

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Very disappointed in the quality of the service and food at this establishment. Went there for a to go order for my wife and I. Once we returned home and began eating our food we noticed there was mold in our super greens and broccoli. Had to drive back to this location in hopes of them taking our food back and receiving a refund. Employees at this location denied that it is mold, which I can tell when vegetables are no longer fresh and safe to eat, said that their wok that they cook food in does this to their food, and weren't willing to do a refund. I have also eaten at this location multiple times and never had this issue with their wok before. I know that black specks on broccoli is mold as I see often on produce at supermarkets or when I leave it in my fridge too long. Ending up leaving frustrated and wasting $21.22 on food we were not able to eat. Thank you Panda Express. read more

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Okay. They are open. Not a lot of Panda Express' are open during this time, but THIS ONE IS! They are very clean. Wearing gloves. Order is different. You cannot enter the restaurant, so you order outside and get a number. They will call your number when your food is ready. Go online for a full menu. You can even order over the phone and it will be ready when you get there. The "to-go" plates are from boxes. The employees are wearing gloves and other safety measures. You must wear a mask. And be patient. We are all in this together. I give it 5 Stars because they are doing their best to make YOU happy. read more

Panda Express - New rules. - Chinese Near Me - Oceanside, California

The food was good and what was even better was the kind service I received from Jonas and Jessica. Thanks for not making me wait that long and when I did wait the gave me a free drink. I appreacite that it's the little things that will make me come back here. read more

Ever shrinking entrees, smaller cuts of protein. They load you down with carbs- rice and noodles. I have complained about this before to no avail. I'm done. Plus, I got sick after eating it. read more

Their food service changes from customer to customer they will give you food according to if they like you or not everyone pays that same expensive plate but they all get a different food amount so wrong I hardly come to this place it will be another 9 months before I'll come back expansive lousy place read more

I just want to say what an amazing team has in this location. Brenda Aleena Stephanie Colin and there 2 others which ,I don't remember there name so I'll update, They are always so nice and I keep coming back for the great hospitality! Food is always hot and ready and the culinary team is on top to give the best. It's such a great vibe coming in and I will continue to come here cause of the team they have!! Thank you!! read more

Ordered a PLATE, which comes with TWO entrees and one serving of rice and all I got was ONE serving and ONE serving of rice! I will never go to this Panda Express again. read more

Panda Express - AN ENTREE WITH ONLY ONE ENTREE - Chinese Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Found a Bobby pin in my food. I was refunded and everyone was kind, but this was very disturbing especially during the pandemic. read more

Panda Express - Chinese Near Me - Oceanside, California

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This Panda Express location is definitely one of the better ones. It's close to my work and when the ladies in my office unanimously crave a massive sodium bomb for lunch, this is where we get our fix. Our first visit was really underwhelming -- nothing was freshly made and by the time I made it back to the office (about 10 minutes away), all of the food was lukewarm. The second visit, I had a large order of the same menu item, so I requested it to be freshly made if possible, and the young lady was happy to oblige. I was offered a water cup while I waited for our food to be made, and overall the customer service was pretty fabulous that time around. I will definitely return to pick up lunch for the office soon! read more

I wish there was a 0 STAR!! I eat at Panda pretty often and always get the same thing. This time I was out with my wife and we tried this location. That was a big mistake! They didn't offer what I wanted and were extremely rude. I won't be going back to this particular location ever again. read more

Panda Express - the outside of a restaurant - Chinese Near Me - Oceanside, California

Make sure they give you a big portion, new employees might not pay attention but you are a yelper and deserve the best! I ordered the honey shrimp which they charge you an extra $1.25 but they only gave me five shrimp. Next time i will pay attention when they are serving. Otherwise usually fresh and good service, while i am not a big chain king of guy my son loves this place. read more

Panda Express - They charged an extra $1.25 for the shrimp and look at that portion. Must of been a new employee...next time PANDA next time!!! - Chinese Near Me - Oceanside, California

Update your freaking hours! Your page says open till 10:00 p.m. You guys are telling me that you're only open till 9:30 or I just drove 10 mi to get here at 9:34!!! read more

Horrible customer service. I work in the food industry and I understand that the corona virus has affected work, but I also understand that the reason we still have jobs is because of the customers. Today my mom and I were the only people in the restaurant and they got my plate and by the time it was her turn to order, they had 20 to go orders come in. They proceeded to do the 20 to go orders before finishing our order. When they finally got around to our order a lot of the stuff had been sold out and they told us we would have to wait for our food for 3 minutes. We said that would be fine, and then proceeded to wait for 10 minutes. The food was ready and they didn't give it to us and until we reminded them about it. Then when we went to pay, the lady says "would you like to donate?". My mom said to what? And she said just asked again. She said "no because I don't know what I'm donating to." We finished the transaction and then she said "it was for the children's hospital". Very strange interaction. Also, we should be very careful working around food that is being served to the public, especially now. Today the employees were writing orders, picking up the phone, touching their hats and hair, and charging customers without changing their gloves. Also, there are handwritten signs on the door that say "OPEN". It looks very illegitimate and I'm surprised that a company as big as Panda Express would allow their locations to look so bad and the employees to treat their customers like they are inconveniencing them. If you want Chinese food, save the headache and go literally anywhere else. read more

i love this panda express sooo much the food is fresh good and they hook it up always i will be back soon thank you

Definitely did NOT like this place the customer service was not good at all very slow. An the lady who took my husband order was very rude an inpatient with him an didn't make me feel comfortable at all. She was so rude an unprofessional. We will NEVER come to this place ever again! read more

Five stars for Aleena! I came in to pick up an order for 5pm, but I came about 20 minutes early (got off work early) and the order was not in the system yet. She and a colleague took a look at my order confirmation, but the other lady told her she couldn't fulfill the order until the orders "came in" on the system. Okay no big deal...I went and sat down to wait. Turns out she asked her manager if it was okay to create the order early, and the answer was yes!! I was in and out in about ten(?) mins. Thanks Aleena! read more

This panda could definitely use some work. Sandra is rude. We don't spend almost $30 here to be told "that's a serving size" na if I'm paying that much you don't ask greedy with the food. Panda throws out soooo much food straight in the trash at the end of the end and they have the nerve to bitch about serving sizes. 7 orange chicken isn't shit Sandra. Literally telling us this as an employee piles her personal plate with all kinds of food. None were serving sizes. I get it you work there, but don't you think if a customer is going to be limited to 7 orange chicken pieces, your employees should be as well? Her whole plate was worth the two plates we purchased. Oh my gosh and Christian that young boy there, soooo rude. His little snobby attitude is disgusting and disrespectful. We get it you're fabulous, but that attitude isn't cute toward customers. If a customer asks for something you put a pretty little smile on your face and serve your customers. How can you work in a customer service industry and be rude and snobby. A man had his food orders online and came in asking when it was made and he doesn't want cold food. Christian said we don't know. The man said well I'll be back if it's cold (with absolutely no disrespect in his tone of voice). Christian with his disgusting attitude said and did "okay we'll be waiting *hard eye roll*). Like excuse you that's a customer you smile and say I apologize for any inconvenience and let us know if we can make things right. It's not hard at all to be kind. If you want great customer service go when Brenda and Kimberly are there. They're beyond amazing and always so kind and smiley towards everyone. read more

All these ladies that work here were rude! Especially Brenda! I inconvenienced her because I asked for sauce. I said, "thank you" three times and she never responded. You work at a restaurant and customer service is number one. I would be embarrassed to manage this restaurant. read more

Got food via door dash. We orders 3 bigger plates and one plate. Nothing is cooked properly (rice is crunchy, green beans are raw, rangoons are one shade away from black), the 1/2 power greens is three broccoli florets and some cabbage, and the string bean chicken breast is all string beans with 3 pieces of chicken (for two entrees worth). read more

Had a supppperrrr shitty day today. I normally don't like panda but I came in to get food for my family. Haven't eaten the food yet but just the fact that the girls were friendly and had a good attitude made my shitty day so much better. read more

At first I was hesitant because of the reviews, I manage a fast food place as well, and you guys are doing a great job , if you treat these people like decent human beings, they will provide you great and quality service! The exterior is clean , I will be coming here more often (came in the morning ) read more

Worst managed location!! How can they possibly run out with the most popular dish on the planet (Orange Chicken)! We had to wait! Ridiculous! read more

I usually frequent this location whenever I'm looking to get my fix. The staff are friendly and they are good about replenishing dishes on display. I brought my nephew with me on my recent trip here and got us both plates. The honey shrimp is always a hit! My nephew was a little surprised with his plate since he given 1/4 chow mein and 3/4 rice (I opted for chow mein only with my plate) but otherwise he enjoyed the entrees he picked out. Will be back. read more

Love this place! I can say I'm addicted. Never disappoints. Pretty sure everyone working there recognizes me and/or my husband when we come in. The staff is so nice and one lady in particular always talks to me and always joked with me. I should know her name by now for how much I eat there. Definitely a local favorite! read more

I stopped by this Panda Express the other day when I was driving around looking for something to eat. Had Panda Express at the downtown Oceanside location a few days prior, but there was nothing else around and I didn't feel adventurous to try the mom 'n pop Chinese place down the street, so I went on in. I knew at least with Panda Express, the food would be the same and it would at least be a tad bit cleaner and healthier than your typical family owned joint, albeit smaller in portion size. This one seemed newer and cleaner than the downtown location, which was good. One thing I noticed right away was that instead of giant catering pans, all the items were in smaller wok bowls. This kinda gave me the sense that they made smaller portions, more frequently throughout the day. That translated to me that the food was fresher, which it was. The orange chicken didn't have that stale overcooked texture that most other places have because the chicken's been sitting out in the heatpan for hours. There really isn't much more to describe about this Panda, other than that. It was a little cleaner, and the food tasted a little fresher than most other Panda Express chains I've been to. But then again, it really could just be a placebo effect. On a side note, just like every other Panda Express around, the food was made by Mexican guys and there was only one Asian in the entire store.... ME. Not saying it's a bad thing, but I always find it funny when I walk into an Asian food restaurant and I'm the only Asian eating. It's especially funny when I'm the only Asian in there period. Overall I'd give this location a 3.5 star rating, but I'll round it up to a 4 just because I didn't have anything negative to say about this particular location. read more

This is absolutely the best Panda Express!! The tight parking is worth it. Come with a smile and they will always respond back with ccourtesy and kindness. The food is great and they'll cook up any entre that running low. Always fresh. Valued local business! read more

Its my husband's bday today so I stopped at Panda Express on my way home from work to pick up his bday dinner. To my surprise there were only 2 people in line ahead of me at 5:20 PM. I ordered three 2 entree meals. After rushing me through the line I had to wait 10 minutes for the mushroom chicken to be cooked and put in one of our containers. When I got home and opened the containers my husband's 2nd entree was missing which I paid $1.25 extra for. So much for a perfect bday dinner. I didn't want to drive 20 minutes back to ask them correct the meal. Very disappointing to say the least. I won't be eating here again on a special occasion. This used to be one of my favorite restaurants. This is not the 1st time they have forgotten items in my order. read more

Just got the chance to get the lunch! Anna was great, she is so experienced and polite with customers! Thanks for nice lunch. read more

It's a Panda Express. Food is usually fresh and available. Friendly service with a smile. Wednesday nights get busy. I'm not sure why. read more

Noodles to dry. No smile with the sevice. The new chicken taste good. It was convenient and quick

Point and choose chow behind the glass case didn't look too fresh. Service is genuinely friendly and the pricing is average. Good for a quick bite if you're tired of standard fast food, burgers, tacos, etc... Portions are bordering on the measly side for the monies forked. You get better quality, fresher food at a lower cost at WoC down the 76. Flavor with this "gourmet Chinese food" restaurant is meh at best. read more

Geez!!! What happened to the cook? I normally finish a 2 item combo.. always with orange chicken. Today, for God's sake ... I only ate 3small pieces... too spicy for me!!! Is anyone checking the food before it gets served?? This is not the panda's orange chicken I used to eat!! read more

Not a good dinner experience at this Panda Express. It was busy on a Saturday night. I tried to order online, but the site wasn't working properly - a waste of my time. I stood at the register and the employee ignored me several times and helped someone else. After establishing that no online order was received, she took my order. Sorry to say, the food was very disappointing. It was cold, the orange chicken was not orange, but brown. It wasn't sweet nor spicy nor good. The Beijing Beef wasn't spicy, but stoggy. The spicy green bean side wasn't flavorful. All together, a totally missable to-go meal. I wouldn't go back there again. read more

Pretty convenient location, as long as you can grab parking close by, Staff here is normally on top of every thing, while still keep ing things at a level you can imagine the entrees are still fresh. Even when they get busy there isn't too much of a lag time. read more