Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Panda Express – San Francisco
Panda Express - San Francisco
Photo from Panda Express
Panda Express at a glance
San Francisco Presidio Heights
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#1932 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#191 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
99
Reviews
63.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Value
- Friendly Service
- Clean Environment
Frequently criticized
- Small Portions
- No Seating
- Service Issues
The restaurant Panda Express in San Francisco’s vibrant Presidio Heights neighborhood offers a delightful Chinese dining experience. You’ll find it’s the perfect spot for a quick bite, whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner.
This casual Chinese restaurant is known for its convenient service options, making it a go-to choice for many.
Overview: Introducting Panda Express
Panda Express offers a quick meal option where many appreciate the value for money, often finding the prices quite reasonable. Guests frequently note the friendly staff and efficient service, making for a generally pleasant interaction.
The restaurant often maintains a clean environment, which adds to the overall experience. However, some experiences at Panda Express point to inconsistencies, particularly with the food quality and portion sizes, where some feel they are skimped on entrees.
There are also occasional concerns about disorganized service and a lack of proper seating options, which can be a drawback for those looking to dine in.
Good
6.6
out of 10
99
Reviews
63.6%
Satisfaction
29
negative
7
neutral
63
positive
Panda Express holds an overall 6.6 score, placing it in the average range, suggesting a generally acceptable experience. This is supported by a 63.6% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a mixed but leaning positive reception among diners.
Out of 99 customer observations, 63 were positive and 29 were negative, showing more favorable feedback than critical. Looking closer, Value stands out as a strong point (7.4), often praised for its reasonable pricing.
Service also performs well (6.8), with many appreciating the quick and friendly interactions. While Ambience is considered average (6.7), the Food score (6.3) is slightly lower, suggesting some room for improvement in consistency and quality, which aligns with some of the negative feedback received.
What people like
- Great Value for Money
- Friendly, Quick Service
- Clean Restaurant, Easy Parking
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Portions
- Limited Dine-In Seating
- Occasional Service Issues
Panda Express is a solid choice if you’re seeking a quick, reasonably priced meal, especially when value is a priority. With a 6.7 recommendation score, it generally delivers on its promise of convenient, fast-casual dining.
The friendly service and clean setting often contribute to a positive experience. However, be mindful that food portion sizes can be inconsistent, and dine-in seating might be limited or unavailable.
If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills option for a quick bite, it’s worth considering, but manage expectations regarding portion generosity and dining comfort.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Panda Express
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 6.3 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 60%. Many diners appreciate the tasty food, fresh flavors, and the ability to customize dishes, like ordering half and half entrees. Out of 45 total opinions, 27 were positive, highlighting a good variety of drinks too.
However, 14 negative opinions point to some areas for improvement. Concerns include low food quality, small portions, and bland or salty entree taste, especially with iffy rice and veggies. Some felt there wasnt much actual food beneath the heavy sauces, leading to disappointment.
Food
45
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty food
- Fresh flavors
- Customizable entrees
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Bland taste
- Low quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was always fresh and full of flavors, making it excellent fast food. Additionally, the staff were always very helpful.
- dishestasty dishes
- ChipotleSo I go to Chipotle, 2 blocks away. They have.
- Crispy Crab Rangoonate some of the Crispy Crab Rangoon
- Honey Walnut Shrimpand Honey walnut shrimp
- Panda Expresshappy that Panda Express is available
- chow meinI took the chow mein
- dishes to orderalways with dishes to order 🫡
- fast foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was always fresh and full of flavors, making it excellent fast food. Additionally, the staff were always very helpful.
- flavorsFlavors and freshness that deserve respect
Frequently criticized
- Beef and BroccoliThey overloaded the carbs and skimped on the entrees, with each being just one small ladle-full. My Beef and Broccoli had only three small strips of meat. While the Kung Pao Chicken was the best of what we had, it wasn't particularly good.
- actual foodnot much actual food underneath
- amounts of meatso cheap with the amounts of meat
- battered, fried, saucedHeavily battered, fried, sauced, glazed meat & veg
- entree portionssmall entree portions
- entree tasteEach entree taste was bland and salty
- food qualityLOW FOOD QUALITY
- freshnessNothing tasted fresh at all
- noodles/ricedry tasteless noodles/rice
- nutritional valueVery Little nutritional value in the offerings
If you're looking for a quick, customizable meal with decent flavors, you might find something to enjoy here. But if you prioritize high-quality, generously portioned, and consistently fresh dishes, you might want to manage your expectations or look elsewhere.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have had some really positive experiences. With 23 positive remarks out of 35 total, its clear that the friendly staff and their efficient and caring service often leave a great impression. Guests frequently praise the service speed and appreciate staff who can assist in different languages, making everyone feel welcome and well-cared for.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as the overall customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.7%, and the service score is a decent 6.8. Some diners encountered rude staff, frustrating waiting times, and issues like staffing issues or a lack of customer orientation, leading to disorganized experiences and confusion over order status.
Service
35
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Efficient, caring service
- Quick service speed
What people don't like
- Rude staff encountered
- Long waiting times
- Disorganized service
Often praised
- staffthe staff are friendly and helpful
- service5 star service at a Panda Express is craaazy
- 15 minutesbe back home in 15 min
- AlexaHer smile and kindness were appreciated
- ServiceService is quick but doesn't lose any niceties
- different languageswith diferente lenguage for good Customer service
- efficient and caring serviceservice was both efficient and caring
- free small drinkgave me a free small drink while I was waiting
- friendly serviceExcellent friendly service though!
- friendly staffpersonal amable
Frequently criticized
- Google mapsays dine in on Google map
- customer orientationMy experience at this restaurant was disorganized and unprofessional. There was zero customer orientation, and they had no idea where any order was. I won't be coming back.
- dine inI was planning a dine-in experience with my whole family, but upon arrival, I discovered that the restaurant does not actually have tables for dine-in, despite what was indicated on Google Maps. This meant I had to drive somewhere else with my entire family, which was a significant inconvenience.
- food orderdidn’t asked me for the food
- order statusno idea where any order is
- rude staffstaff was Rudge
- serving staffMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, but the serving staff was stingy, giving really small portions for a big plate. The service was rated a 1, while food received a 4, and atmosphere a 2.
- staffing issuesHowever, the service can depend on the specific location. I've noticed staffing issues, which seems to be a common problem with restaurants these days.
- tipsthose poor people can’t accept tips
- waiting timewaiting there 15-20 minutes
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While you can expect friendly and efficient interactions, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like longer waits or occasional disorganization. If you value quick, welcoming service, it's worth a try, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! This spot scores a respectable 6.7 for ambience, which is pretty good, and customer satisfaction sits at a rather mixed 64.3%. Based on 14 customer opinions, with 9 positive and 4 negative, many appreciate the clean place, great location, and welcoming atmosphere, plus the bonus of ample parking.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. Some folks found the space a bit small, leading to issues with seating and a lack of tables and chairs. It seems the desire for a comfortable sit-down experience is a common point of contention, with a few even describing the back area as a sweat shop.
Ambience
14
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean restaurant
- Great location
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- No seating
- Small space
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurant cleanlinessThe restaurant is always clean
- ample parkingample parking made arrival easy
- clean placelugar limpio
- locationThe best location so far from my experience.
- restaurants and shopsBig kudos to the people who opened this location. The Laurel Village area needs more restaurants and shops like this.
- welcomenice I felt welcome
Frequently criticized
- seatingThe only sad thing is that there isn't any seating
- small spaceit's a small space that doesn't allow for it
- sweat shopIt’s a sweat shop back there
- tables and chairsWhat's the problem with having tables and chairs for customers? I went to this restaurant and found it lacking.
If youre looking for a clean spot with a good location and dont mind grabbing your food to go, this place could be a solid choice. But if a comfortable sit-down experience with ample seating is a must, you might find yourself a bit disappointed.
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4, and customer satisfaction sitting pretty at 80%, many folks are finding the prices to be very reasonable. Out of 5 observations, 4 rave about the great deal you get, often mentioning the price per person as a real win for your wallet.
However, its not entirely without a hitch. While the overall sentiment is positive, there was one instance among the 5 comments where a customer felt overcharged. This single negative feedback suggests that while the value is generally good, there might be an occasional hiccup to watch out for, but it doesnt overshadow the overwhelmingly positive experiences.
Value
5
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great deal
What people don't like
- Felt overcharged
Often praised
- PriceMixing it up made for a delightful meal experience! 🍔🍚 Price-wise, Panda Express always hits the spot!
- dealit is a great deal
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesThe prices are very reasonable
Frequently criticized
- overchargedovercharged me
Overall, if youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this spot seems like a solid bet. Most diners find the prices reasonable and the experience a great deal, so youre likely to leave feeling satisfied with what you paid.
How are the prices at Panda Express?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 24 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests (19 out of 24!) stick right within that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given its a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, and the pricing is firmly in the mid-range with most customers spending around the average, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Its a good spot for a reliable meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Panda Express
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Rude Staff and Long Wait
My experience at the restaurant was marked by rude staff. I was left waiting for 15-20 minutes without anyone approaching me to take my food order.
- rude staff2
- waiting time2
- food order2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Consistent Food, Variable Service
I've visited this location twice and have been to other locations more than 10 times. The food is consistently good. However, the service can depend on the specific location.
I've noticed staffing issues, which seems to be a common problem with restaurants these days.
- food8
- service6
- staffing issues4
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disorganized and unprofessional service
My experience at this restaurant was disorganized and unprofessional. There was zero customer orientation, and they had no idea where any order was. I won't be coming back.
- customer orientation1
- order status1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Beef, Excellent Service!
My experience at the restaurant was positive. I ordered the super green Beijing beef, and while there was a slight wait time of 10 minutes, the staff member at the counter was very accommodating. He offered me a free small drink while I waited, which was a nice gesture.
The food and service were both excellent, as reflected in the high ratings for both.
- super green Beijing beef9
- wait time6
- free small drink10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Panda Express: A Delightful Takeout Option
I embarked on a culinary journey with my brother today and opted for Panda Express takeout as Super Duper Burgers lacked dining. We enjoyed their savory fried rice with chicken right outside the Super Duper Area. Mixing it up made for a delightful meal experience!
🍔🍚 Price-wise, Panda Express always hits the spot!
- fried rice with chicken9
- Price10
What Panda Express offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Panda Express in San Francisco accessible for all guests, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Panda Express in Presidio Heights is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom. For your convenience, paid street parking is available nearby, making your visit straightforward and stress-free.
What dining options are available at Panda Express, and is it suitable for families with children?
You can enjoy Panda Express for lunch or dinner, and they also offer catering services for your events. It’s definitely good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu to ensure even the youngest diners find something they love.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Panda Express?
Panda Express receives an overall score of **6.6**, indicating an average experience. Customer satisfaction stands at **63.6%**, suggesting a mixed but generally acceptable reception. The **Value** (7.4) is a strong point, while **Service** (6.8) and **Ambience** (6.7) are also rated well. **Food** (6.3) is considered average, with some room for improvement.
Is Panda Express a good option for budget-conscious diners?
Yes, many customers find Panda Express to offer good **value** for money. Opinions frequently highlight the reasonable **price** and good **deals**, making it a practical choice for those looking for an affordable meal.
What are common issues customers experience at Panda Express?
Some customers report issues with **food quality** and inconsistent **portions**, noting that entrees can sometimes be skimped. Additionally, a common concern is the lack of **seating** or tables for dine-in, despite what might be indicated elsewhere.