We swung by while waiting to go pick up our son and his drum kit from a show. Placed an order online and our order was ready when we arrived, took less than 10 minutes so not too bad and for being later in the evening there was a steady flow of people coming in and out for food. The staff was friendly enough. Food was tasty, standard Panda faire and the benefit of ordering online is it is a time saver, plus there is usually some sort of deal or promo you can use at checkout (this time was an upgrade to an extra item). The store was clean and not too big but had plenty of seating inside and some outside. Also loved the murals inside, very cute and made this location a bit different from the typical Panda. Would go again for sure if/when in the area. read more

Panda Express - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is as good as it gets with a Panda Express! The service is always attentive and on point. These young ladies and gentlemen know their roles and work well as a team. Especially impressed with the lead team members who fills plates to order. The food is as nostalgic as Americanized chinese food gets! Always get the iconic Orange chicken. Download the app to earn free food and place orders for pick up. This is still the most affordable food on the planet. I enjoy eating from this location in moderation. Another parting shout out to team panda at friars location in San Diego! You're a hard working group and I appreciate your work ethic! read more

Panda Express - Double orange chicken tonight! - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

This is the worst service I've ever experienced at Panda Express. I always order a small bowl, which costs $9. I also add veggie rolls on the side. They used to charge $1.50 for them; now it's $1.80. that's fine. I also asked to add a small box of shrimp. It says that the extra charge is $1.50, which is okay. But when I got to the register, they added another $2 on top. It was unclear what it was for. I started arguing about it. The cashier said I was supposed to be charged already. I explained that I was charged $1.50, not $2 and not $3. I asked her to show me where it was written. She couldn't properly explain anything. They are basically overcharging customers by $2-3 out of nowhere. I do not recommend this place to anyone. Terrible service. I also suggest Panda Express review their pricing policy, it's not transparent. At checkout, the total ends up being $2-3 higher than expected. read more

Panda Express - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

Food was good and tasted fresh. They don't go skimpy on the veggies when carb opted out here like some locations The orange chicken and teriyaki chicken were cooked well and not overcooked. The service is fast and friendly. The ambiance is clean and bright. Would definitely recommend and come come here again read more

Panda Express - Plate Super greens, teriyaki chicken, orange chicken - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

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Pretty standard for the most part. Customer service is on point. Interior and exterior tables are always clean and open for part. Zero complaints about the quality of their grub or portion size. read more

Yesterday we went in and it was busy and only one person working . I believe her name was Julia but she was amazing . She was treating everyone so kind and even if she had a big line she still gave the best customer service . read more

I always have a pleasant experience here and find it's one of the better Pandas in San Diego. All the employees are noticeably nice and polite. The food is always good as I am choosy about what I get each time based on how fresh each dish looks. (I mean give them a break all panda expresses premake everything and have it out for who knows how long, be smart!) There's about 8 spots to sit and eat inside and there's a nice little outdoor dining right outside. It's definitely on the smaller side for a panda express but it never is too crowded or busy. I just wish they would bring back the eggplant tofu to all the locations! please! read more

Super disappointed with this Panada. Rice and noodles tasted stale. The gave a good portion of orange chicken but the premium entree I got (the new one with beef and shrimp) was a small portion and the shrimp was bad... Definitely better Panadas around. The one at mission valley next to target is very good and fresh read more

REcently I bought a bowl of rice, chow mein, and shrimp. I got sick with temperature and diarrhea. I took the remaining food back and was given a refund. Altho I usually enjoy their food I am wary about going back to this location. read more

The man who works here is always mean whenever serving and he gives attitude constantly. I am definitely not coming back here. He also constantly yells at the other staff infront of customers I've been here a few times and I won't be back read more

What a great way to try some items from Panda that I haven't yet tried. Thank you, Hannah and Panda Express, for coordinating this! I've never tried any entrees from Panda before (I know, I know. But I'm pescatarian so my options are limited) so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to finally try their Honey Walnut Shrimp. I'm not big on honey, but I loved that the flavor of it was mild. It added a sweet tang and nice, sticky texture to the shrimp that paired well with the outer coating of it. I also loved how the walnuts complemented the shrimp, too! For my side, I got a half order of mixed veggies and white rice. Everything paired well with one another so I think I found my go-to bowl from now on :D This location is really nice! It's clean, sleek and very modern. I like the architecture of it and the patio. It's really nice for groups and the employees here are super sweet read more

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We have been waiting for this location to open ever since we saw the sign. It's across the street from In n Out and Starbucks so be careful during prime time because those lines can be insanely long that it goes into the street blocking your entrance into the Panda plaza. Panda is located next door to Jamba Juice and parking can be limited with Petco and Denny's. This location is new so it's clean and spacious. Nice outdoor seating with shade. We got (3) two combine meals for $9.40 each. 1. Half rice, half chow mein with walnut shrimp and broccoli beef. The shrimp was extra $1.25. The beef was tender, not chewy. 2. Half rice, half chow mein, mushroom chicken, grilled teriyaki. I like that the teriyaki sauce came in it's own packets. 3. Half rice, half chow mein, kung pow chicken, orange chicken. Every location is different and I have to say we were happy in the quality and selection that we received today. The food was fresh and packed with flavor. One thing I do wish they have is a vegetarian option whether is just veggies or impossible meat option. read more

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Panda Express is a kitchen utilizing Chinese wok-cooking techniques to serve cuisine that is a unique fusion of Chinese and American tastes. The kitchen recently opened on 10406 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92120 for dine in, takeout, mobile orders, and deliveries. 5/5 atmosphere: the interior is colorful, bright, and clean with contemporary decor including stone high top tables and chairs. There's also plenty of covered exterior seating. 5/5 Honey walnut shrimp: perfectly cooked, fried shrimp in a mayonnaise honey sauce that gives it a slightly crisp, creamy, sweet exterior. The caramelized walnuts have a nice contrasting, crunchy texture. 5/5 black pepper angus steak: perfectly cooked, tender bite sizes of beef, peppers, mushrooms, and onions in a savory, sweet, black-pepper, soy glaze. 4.5/5 chow mein: cooked yakisoba noodles with sautéed slices of celery, cabbage, and onion in a savory sauce 4/5 Steamed veggies: freshly prepared, steamed, bright greens 5/5 Parking: I found a parking space relatively easy in the ample sized parking lot. 5/5 service: there was a long line and fortunately a friendly, efficient, properly-sized staff to keep the line moving. I love the fortune cookies that always come with the meal. The fortune cookie paper messages were self-affirming. I can always count on Panda Express kitchens to deliver consistent, quality Chinese-American fare. I'm happy to know there is another location open for me to go to. read more

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The parking lot is pretty tight because it shared between a few businesses. The location is convenient. I would come here over the other locations just because they use paper packaging as opposed to the styrofoam. The restaurant is clean inside and out and the customer service is good. The food was fresh and warm. read more

The Panda Express team members were very polite and welcoming. I hadn't noticed this new location, but it is in a great spot on Mission Gorge. The restaurant was packed at lunch, but they kept the line moving quickly. The food was what I expect from Panda. Everything was fresh and tasted great. The store was very clean. The only downside is the parking lot is very tight, the spots are on the smaller side and they are shared with a number of other businesses. read more

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They are skimpy with their portions. Barely gave me any fried rice and they were counting every piece of orange chicken after each scoop for a 2 entree plate smh. And the orange chicken wasn't even good which is first. read more

I love Panda Express. They've perfected standout Chinese dishes, and here, fast means flavor!! Try their new location in Mira Mesa. Food was fresh, savory perfection. Loved my orange chicken. Service is fast and friendly. read more

I came here for a Yelp event and this location is so nice ! I love their outdoor patio! I got 2 bowls, fried rice with orange chicken and chowmein with orange chicken. Can you tell orange chicken is my favorite item from here!? I came around 6pm on a weekday and all the food were stocked and fresh! Staff were very friendly. Can't wait for my next visit! read more

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Brand new location which means lots of foot traffic! This place was poppin' and everybody was eager to get their Panda Express. The folks working the line were very efficient and quick. They wasted no time greeting and helping me order my orange chicken and beef bowls. Chow mein and rice are both good. Orange chicken will always reign supreme I believe. It was super tasty. Decent size serving. I didn't get a chance to take pics of my food because I was so hungry but managed to get some pics of the menu :) all together, I have no complaints. Makes me want more!! read more

Panda Express - Menu 7/22 - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

While this may look like an ordinary Panda Express from the outside, the experience is by far the best I've ever had at a Panda Express! The staff were very friendly and efficient and really went above and beyond to make sure you had the best experience possible. The food was fresh (did not just sit out in the heated counters) and the staff gave generous portions. 5 stars well deserved! read more

Panda Express - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

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Wow! This new Panda Express took over an old Starbucks that has moved on the other side of the road. It looks absolutely stunning inside. It is very clean and I love the additional patio they built for more seating. This location is not in central Mission Valley however, it's close to the Kaiser in Zion as well as grocery stores, banks, a Costco up the street or for those fur babies a Petco. It's a perfect place to stop and grab a quick bite as staff was so quick and efficient. It's been over 15 years since I have eaten at good old Panda. Recently I feel like everyone has been raving about them so a friend and I decided to give them a whirl. I was blown away with the price and choices. As an elite today we were able to try their bowls which consists of a side and an entree at $8.30. For the choices of side were fried rice, brown rice, white rice or super greens. Next the entree had such a wide variety 9 different combinations to select from. We got 4 bowls which were: Kung pao chicken with white rice, green been and chicken with fried rice orange chicken with white rice, green bean and chicken with fried rice, chow mein and 2 orders of egg rolls to get the full feel for their menu or just because we are fatties. The bowls were a great individual size for the value. I enjoyed the spice of the kung pao chicken and the egg rolls the best. I loved all the veggies in it. It seems maybe different locations carry different items as o was told to try dishes they didn't have. I think it's awesome they even have walnut shrimp as an option. I wish they had more veggie and vegan options at this location. Overall we were happy to enjoy all the food. If your in the area or waiting for your pup it's nice to be able to get a quick meal while your waiting. read more

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Panda is panda so it's going to be solid the food will always be great it's the service that will change. Walked in at 8:48 pm I think they thought that was it for the night but it seems as if the people In line at In-N-Out Burger didn't want to wait and decide to get Panda Express, I bet you that's going to happen a lot! I would not recommend cleaning up super early and anticipating walking out ever at 9:00 pm people are up late around here and they want their food. So let's keep the food coming up until 9:00 pm you may even consider staying open later this was on a Wednesday evening. The place is spotless it's brand new the service is quick and friendly and efficient just don't start getting all cleaned up early it's only been open a few days let the people get what they want. read more

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Usually this location is fine, but whichever girls were working tonight, Dec. 10, were so unhappy that people were coming in nearly 45 mins before they closed. Even if you think the customers that look like they don't understand the Spanish you're using with your coworkers, they may still. The eye rolls were endless and the employees had a really awful tone of voice and attitude with everyone. I asked for an entree that wasn't going to be ready for a few minutes, which was completely fine. The other employee comes up, to which the one helping me told her I was waiting for said entree. The new employee said in a really condescending manner "Five minutes!!" as if I was the impatient one. I ended up walking out because it's not like they closed soon, and I didn't like being treated as if I wasn't standing right in front of them. I've worked in the food service industry for 7 years, it costs nothing to be nice even after a long day. read more

The service was terrible. I ordered 2 bowls and a plate. The only thing they didn't have was chow mein. Which is fine. They asked me if I could wait 5-7 mins for a new one and I said okay. I sat down and waited almost 15-20 mins and nothing. While I proceeded to see them sell chow mein and everything I've been waiting for. Then I hear them try to sell someone else my exact order so I stand up and they ask what I'm waiting for. I said the meal you just tried to give to the last people. she just ran back and took other orders. So I told them nvm i don't want it anymore and left. So unprofessional. Like just talk to each other and let them know I was there waiting for my order ! And finish my order before starting 20 new ones !! read more

This place is literally perfect it it soooooo gooddddd the food here is amazingly good!!!! read more

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They just opened this location and it is so conveniently located! The parking lot is a little tight with the lanes being very narrow, but it is located in a plaza and there is parking available. The outdoor seating option is ample and in the shade, so bring your partner, bring your friends, bring your family, bring them all! There is also seating indoors! Like all panda expresses, it has all the works you need. But this establishment in particular has a presence like no other. The service is really great here! I was very pleased with how we were helped and how kind and friendly all the employees were. read more

Orange Chicken is VERY spicy and Mushroom Chicken has a TON of ginger. I hate ginger and I cannot eat spicy food sp both of these itens were inedible for me. Would not expect either of these entees to be spicy or overwhelmed with ginger, but both were true. Very sad. Entree portions were small and I liked the Lo Mein better than the fried rice. read more

Panda Express - I liked the Lo Mein better than the fried rice. Entee portion were small. - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

Ordered online through their website. Half my order never showed so when I called the store, they told me that I'll have to complain to the food delivery company responsible for it. I ORDERED ON PANDA EXPRESS's website. The employee's answer, "oh well." I ask to speak to someone and they hang up on me. Awesome customer service. Will never go here again! Straight trash read more

As with all Chain restaurants, the rating are usually sub par because people get used to the same things and if something is just slightly off they write a poor review. Well this Panda is different, I'm not sure if it's because it's new, but as soon as I entered they welcomed me in, usually Panda doesn't do that, but I don't expect it every time. I order Panda once a week usually, I can eat 4 entrees in one sitting, my go to is half veggie half rice double honey walnut shrimp and double teriyaki chicken! Always great and this Panda was no different!! I always enjoy reading the bad reviews on other panda restaurants for literally the smallest inconvenience. People have become entitled, and that's no problem if they say "I will never come here again" more for ME I guess In all this Panda was great, as with all Pandas! I don't have pictures as I eat as fast as I order. Great service, great food and fast and easy! Hope they can install the mobile app pickup soon, as I know it's a new restaurant so it will take time! read more

I love this place and never complain. But today don't know who was chief. Super green was too salty and chicken with string bean had too much starch. Hopefully do it better please. Thanks read more

The outdoor seating area, very spacious and clean. Went to this location for the first time and it didn't disappoint. The people who work here were friendly. The food was fresh! The vegetables were steamed perfectly. I used to go to a different location because my kids love panda, but this is my new go to location now. read more

Panda Express - Outdoor seating area, very spacious and clean. - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

I went to Panda for the first time in a couple of months. I usually don't go here bc fast food usually sucks. However, Albert had a full crew and they were on top of it. Clean space and fresh food. Ate that s*** up. Thanks read more

Usually pretty good. I order green bean chicken. They could cook the green beans longer to soften them up a bit. Overall it's pretty good. Delicious flavor. read more

What's not to about Panda Express? If you want a more Americanized quick "chinese" food then this is your spot, and u love it's down the street from my place. The service was fast and efficient, place was clean and the food was good. I had the steak, orange chicken and shrimp. Also had some chicken egg roll and that was really good as well. read more

This is my favorite panda location. It was a little shaky when they first opened, but now the wait time is reasonable, the food tastes up to standard, the portions are decent, and the veggies are SO DELICIOUS with the garlic. I'm disappointed when I go to other locations and they use little to no garlic. Keep it up! read more

Agree with most of the positive aspects of the reviews below. Review is based on a business traveler. Looking for a place where the food and service is dependable. Four stars for satisfying those requirements. Not particularly good Chinese food for minus 1 star. Good customer service. read more

I've been to this location a few times and it's always been great. Food, customer service and the expediency of the food delivery has always been great. No complaints and will be coming back again and again. read more

Disappointed with my first visit to this location. Like Panda Express in general but the food this time was subpar. The orange chicken which my seven year old son got was too spicy to eat and the teriyaki chicken I got was spongy and they forgot to put the teriyaki sauce on top. This was takeout so I couldn't go back to get the teriyaki sauce. Hoping my next visit will be better than the first or I will not be back. read more

I LOVE Panda, so I wanted to love this location because it's close to home and I've been waiting for it to open ever since I saw the signage. Unfortunately, it's trash. 5 stars for a nice, new, fresh & clean location, but 0 stars for food and service. With Panda Express being such a large food chain, you expect pretty much the same thing across the board, but I have not experienced good food here yet (including today), and I'm over it. When I go to my sister's in El Cajon, the Panda around the corner from her house (near Parkway mall) is our go-to-spot. The service is always good, portions good, food fresh and hot, and tastes delicious. Same for the Fashion Valley location in the mall. El Cajon also stays open later, so that's awesome! But this one here on Friars, like someone else said, they prepare to shutdown early, when I've had the orange chicken at night, it's been hard (I will say today it was fresh and tasted good during rush hour lunch), noodles undercooked with hard cabbage. I absolutely (usually) LOVE the veggies. At this location, they are way undercooked and missing all the kale (my favorite part). There's just miniature bits and pieces of kale in the mixed veggies here. One night, the girl forgot to put my side of teriyaki sauce in the bag for the chicken so when I got home I had dry chicken. There's 2 ladies in there with attitudes when you ask questions (I encountered one during day shift and one during night shift, but I couldn't tell if it was the same woman or two different women). They close way to early considering this is a pretty busy area. They should close at at least 10pm during the week and 11pm on the weekends; however, I'm not sure if staying open later would be good for business since the food hasn't been so great. There's also a lack of flavor in the green bean chicken and the greens beans were undercooked, so I've been going with the mushroom chicken. I am really disappointed since I frequent Panda so much, and was so excited to know there was a location opening right next to me, but I am pretty underwhelmed with my experience this far. read more

I got food to go from here and it was pretty bland. I got the Beijing Beef and Orange Chicken, the noodles were bland as well. I eat at the location by my work on occasion and there is definitely a difference. read more