There aren't many good Chinese restaurants nearby me, but this place has been my go to place for many reasons. I suppose one of the main reasons I come back is that I feel I'm never cheated out of my money.
Food: I am in love with their chow mien! I always make sure to get both my sides chow mien instead of fried rice. You can also get their white rice too which is a bit "meh." Yes, white rice can vary, don't judge me! To be honest one of the reasons Panda Wok receives four stars instead of five is because of the meat items. I really only love two and the rest are just ok. For example, I've ordered their mushroom chicken, teriyaki chicken and BBQ pork, and they weren't anything worth ordering again. That said, their orange chicken and sweet and spicy chicken is my go to, and I basically will eat there when I'm feeling both of those items.
Also, I absolutely love the portions they give you! If you're hungry or want to have leftovers later, I highly recommend eating here! They pile on the chow mien, but don't overrun it to the point where it takes away from the meat items. In fact, sometimes, they will throw a few more on top of the chow mien, which makes this fluffy person happy! ^_^ No Panda Express-like portions here, and the food is better too!
In terms of the sides, I have had their eggrolls, and they are ok. Nothing special. They do have potstickers on special order and they are pretty decent. Although you do need to have some time to spare because they make them fresh.
Staff: Never had an issue with a staff member. In fact, they have been polite and easy to talk to, which is a welcoming experience to me since most similar establishments have the awkward silence and absolutely no social skills. Here, it almost feels like seeing old acquaintances, and I'll take that any day over awkward silence. They are also helpful enough to offer samples if you aren't quite sure what to order. I should have taken this route with the mushroom chicken...
Atmosphere: This place is not decked out with too much decor. It's definitely a comfortable place to eat your food. The dining area is kept really clean, there are a few decorations but they aren't overbearing to the point where it is blatantly obvious that they are trying to sell to the customers that they are indeed a Chinese inspired restaurant. You know, as if you couldn't figure it out by the sign outside.
What really impressed me are the restrooms! I try never to use the bathrooms, especially at fast food places. But to my surprise, it is kept really clean. Kudos to the staff on a job well done!
Price: In terms of price, it costs about the same as any ordinary Chinese restaurant. If you get just a meal, it will cost you between $5-10 per person depending on what you order. In my case, it generally runs me about $7. Still cheaper than Panda Express. But to me, the food is much cheaper because of the quantity you receive for each meal. I've even seen bowls stacked to the brim! Also, they do have punch cards that are worth getting if you attend frequently like I do. Fill up your card, and they give you a free meal! They do the same thing for their Boba Teas! That's caring about your customers right there.
What does kind of disappoint me is they charge if you use a debit/credit card. They aren't the only ones, but still disappointing nonetheless.
Overall: They may not have the best food I've ever tasted, but they are still good enough to keep me as a regular customer. The staff is great, the dinning experience is great, and my wallet... well maybe not great, but the hurt is much more bearable with this place. :) read more