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Panda Express - Seattle

Chinese Restaurant Panda Express in Seattle
Photo from Panda Express
How do the guests rate it?
Panda Express at a glance
Seattle Cedar Park
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#792 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#48 Chinese Restaurant out of 53 in Seattle
Average
5.3 out of 10
5.3
Food
5.4
Service
5.2
Ambience
4.2
Value
275

Reviews

48.4%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Friendly service
  • Fresh dishes
  • Affordable pricing
Frequently criticized
  • Small portions
  • Cleanliness issues
  • Water charges

The restaurant Panda Express is a Chinese restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Cedar Park neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere here, perfect for grabbing a quick bite or enjoying small plates with friends and family.

Overview: Introducting Panda Express

Panda Express offers a quick and generally satisfying experience for those seeking fast-casual Chinese fare. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the overall cleanliness of the dining areas.

It’s often seen as a reliable choice when you’re looking for a convenient meal. However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding food quality at times, and there are occasional complaints about inconsistent portions.

While it serves its purpose, it’s worth managing expectations for a consistently perfect experience.

Average
5.3 out of 10
275

Reviews

48.4%

Satisfaction

133

negative

9

neutral

133

positive

Panda Express holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.3 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 48.4%. This indicates a fairly balanced experience for many, where positive aspects are often met with some areas needing improvement.

The feedback comes from a substantial 275 customer opinions. Looking closer, Service (5.4) and Food (5.3) are rated similarly, suggesting a generally acceptable experience in these key areas.

Ambience (5.2) also falls into the average range, while Value (4.2) is perceived as slightly lower, often due to specific charges. There are 133 positive and 133 negative opinions contributing to these scores.

What people like
  • Friendly, prompt service
  • Specific fresh dishes
  • Affordable pricing
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent portions
  • Cleanliness issues
  • Water cup charges

If you’re seeking a quick and convenient meal with generally friendly staff and some reliably tasty options like orange chicken, Panda Express can be a decent choice. Just be aware that experiences can vary, particularly concerning portion sizes and overall food consistency.

With a Recommendation Score of 5.4, it suggests a visit might be worthwhile if your expectations are aligned with a fast-casual setting. It’s a practical option for a casual bite, but perhaps not for a consistently premium dining experience.

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Verdict: Our expert take on Panda Express

Food (5.3 out of 10)

mentioned by 88% of the guests

When it comes to the food, many diners appreciate the freshness and find several dishes like the orange chicken, honey walnut shrimp, and chow mein to be quite tasty. There are 64 positive remarks praising the quality and often generous portions, suggesting that when its good, its really good. However, the experience isn't always consistent.

With 65 negative comments, some customers have reported issues with food quality, small portions, and even concerns about food poisoned incidents or bad odor. Overall, the food scores an average 5.3, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 47.1% across 136 total opinions.

5.3 Food

136

Reviews

47%

Satisfaction

65

negative

7

neutral

64

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Fresh, tasty food
  • Favorite dishes excel
  • Good food preparation
What people don't like
  • Food safety concerns
  • Inconsistent food quality
  • Small, dry portions

Often praised

  • food
  • orange chicken
  • chow mein
  • honey walnut shrimp
  • portions
  • veggies
  • Beijing beef
  • Chinese food
  • Chow Mein
  • Impossible Orange Chicken

Frequently criticized

  • food
  • food quality
  • Beijing beef
  • bigger plate
  • broccoli beef
  • orange chicken
  • portions
  • vegetarian options
  • Coca-Cola
  • Orange Chicken

If youre craving some fast Chinese food, this place can certainly hit the spot with its popular dishes. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience regarding food quality and portion sizes. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.

Service (5.4 out of 10)

mentioned by 82% of the guests

When it comes to service, there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers (55 out of 108 comments) praised the helpful and nice staff, often highlighting individuals like Jorge for their exceptional customer service. People appreciated how quick and good the service could be, with employees often described as friendly staff who were fast and efficient, making for a smooth experience.

However, the service isnt always stellar, leading to an average score of 5.4 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 50.9%. A significant number of comments (51 out of 108) pointed to issues like rude or unhelpful staff, slow service, and problems with online orders. Some experiences mentioned unhygienic conditions, poor communication, and even a managers attitude that left customers feeling ignored or mistreated.

5.4 Service

108

Reviews

50%

Satisfaction

51

negative

2

neutral

55

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly, helpful staff
  • Quick, efficient service
  • Great customer care
What people don't like
  • Rude, unhelpful staff
  • Slow service times
  • Online order mix-ups

Often praised

  • service
  • staff
  • customer service
  • Jorge
  • employee
  • other lady
  • Jing
  • Robert
  • Service
  • Staff

Frequently criticized

  • service
  • staff
  • delivery
  • manager
  • order
  • TV order monitor
  • abusive language
  • business owner
  • card cloned
  • customer follow-up

Service here can be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter incredibly helpful and efficient staff, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or communication issues, especially with online orders. If you're looking for consistent, top-tier service, you might find it hit or miss.

Ambience (5.2 out of 10)

mentioned by 24% of the guests

When it comes to the overall vibe, theres a decent effort being made! Out of 20 comments, 10 customers shared positive thoughts, often highlighting the cleanliness and general atmosphere as pleasant. Many found the area to be super clean, contributing to a comfortable visit.

The ambience scores an 5.2, suggesting a not bad but not great impression. However, the experience isnt universally glowing, with 10 negative opinions balancing things out. Key concerns revolve around the location being problematic, and some found the place to be dirty, especially the bathroom.

There were also mentions of homeless and druggies around the building, impacting comfort. Customer satisfaction sits at 50%, reflecting this mixed bag of feelings.

5.2 Ambience

20

Reviews

50%

Satisfaction

10

negative

0

neutral

10

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Clean interior
  • Pleasant atmosphere
  • Super clean area
What people don't like
  • Problematic location
  • Dirty conditions
  • Unsafe surroundings

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • Atmosphere
  • area
  • cleanliness
  • location
  • place
  • store seems clean

Frequently criticized

  • location
  • bathroom
  • dirty
  • homeless and druggies
  • napkins
  • place
  • restaurant
  • restroom code
  • site

If a clean, pleasant atmosphere is your top priority, you might find it here, but be prepared for potential issues with the specific location and cleanliness in certain areas. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations regarding the overall environment, especially if youre sensitive to surroundings.

Value (4.2 out of 10)

mentioned by 15% of the guests

When it comes to value, some folks find a silver lining, especially if youre looking for a quick, affordable bite. With 4 positive remarks out of 11 total, many appreciate the cheap price and the fair kids meal price, often mentioning getting a meal for around 5 bucks. It seems like a decent option when you're craving fast Chinese food without breaking the bank.

However, the overall sentiment for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with 7 negative remarks. The customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 36.4%, contrasting with an average score of 4.2. Many feel the quantity is no longer a good value, and frustrations arise from charges for a cup of water or extra costs for a premium entree.

It seems the value proposition has diminished for some.

4.2 Value

11

Reviews

36%

Satisfaction

7

negative

0

neutral

4

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Affordable prices
  • Fair kid's meals
What people don't like
  • Poor portion value
  • Charged for water
  • Premium entree fees

Often praised

  • 5 bucks
  • Prices
  • cheap price
  • kid's meal price

Frequently criticized

  • cup of water
  • glass for water
  • paper cup
  • premium entree
  • stole money
  • tip
  • value

If you're after a quick, budget-friendly meal, especially for kids or a fast Chinese fix, this spot might hit the mark. However, be prepared for potentially smaller portions and unexpected charges for things like water or premium entrees, which could impact your overall perception of value.

How are the prices at Panda Express?

You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 55 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 diners here land squarely in that $11–$20 range, showing a clear sweet spot. While a few go for a lighter bite or a more premium experience, the majority stick close to the average.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 55 reviews.

How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.

We think the pricing feels pretty fair for a mid-range Chinese spot. It offers good value without breaking the bank.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Panda Express

Price per Person
  • $101+
Group Type
  • Large Group
Group Size
  • Large Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Andrew S.
Review date: 11/24/2025
7
Great Food, Manager Needs Training
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The team was great, but the manager was not. I had ordered catering for 12 people, and upon arrival, the staff was very nice but couldn't locate my online order. When they asked the manager for help, he was unhelpful and seemed busy cooking. Eventually, with a grumpy face, he went to the TV order monitor to find my order, which took a while. He really needs to train his team so they can handle issues and not get stressed out when things go wrong. On a positive note, the food was good.
  • team8
  • staff7
  • food8
  • manager2
  • online order3
  • TV order monitor4
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Family Dinner
Group Type
  • Family
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Jeannett T.
Review date: 11/23/2025
9
Fresh Food, Efficient Service, Great Value!
My experience ordering a family meal for five adults to go was excellent. The meal included black pepper sirloin steak, Beijing beef, kong pao chicken, and two servings of super greens. The food was notably fresh and tasted great. The service lady was very efficient and generous with servings. I highly recommend this place!
  • black pepper sirloin steak9
  • Beijing beef9
  • kong pao chicken9
Price per Person
  • $41–$50
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Louis V. A.
Review date: 11/02/2025
2
Disappointing Experience Despite Good Food
We only visit Panda occasionally because it's so far from our home. While the food was good and hot, the Beijing beef seemed burnt or excessively crispy. The restaurant itself was messy, and the service was not desirable. We arrived at 6: 40 PM and were the only ones in line, yet we were rushed through our order. The staff didn't listen to our requests and cut us off while speaking, leading to underportioned scoops. It was also unsettling that the entire staff spoke to each other in a different language, creating a feeling of exclusion for those who don't speak it. Additionally, there were homeless individuals and drug users hanging around the building. I would not recommend this restaurant for dining out.
  • food7
  • Beijing beef2
  • restaurant2
  • service1
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Group Type
  • Solo Dinner
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Quiet
J V.
Review date: 10/07/2025
9
Consistent Quality and Efficient Service
My experience at this Panda Express has been consistently positive. The food quality and preparation are always reliable. The staff is helpful and has implemented effective systems to manage busy periods in an orderly fashion. I also appreciate their rewards program, which is easily accessible through their app.
  • food quality9
  • preparation9
  • staff8
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Isela C.
Review date: 09/21/2025
10
Amazing Food and Service at Panda Express!
My experience at this Panda Express has been consistently great. I've been here many times, and the food is always amazing! Michael, an employee, provided exceptional customer service; he was incredibly sweet, and I hope to see him again soon.
  • food10
  • employee10
  • customer service10

What Panda Express offers

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • College students

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Kids' menu
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs

Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining

Amenities

  • Restroom

Offerings

  • Small plates
  • Quick bite

Dining options

  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Lunch
  • Catering

Service Options

  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery

Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Usually plenty of parking

Atmosphere

  • Casual

FAQs

What parking and accessibility options does Panda Express in Seattle offer?
You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot at Panda Express, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
At Panda Express, you can enjoy a casual dining experience perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer seating for dine-in, and you can also opt for takeout or delivery. Catering services are available for your events, and there’s even a kids’ menu with high chairs for families.
Panda Express receives an overall Restaurant Score of 5.3 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction at a mixed 48.4%. Customers rate Service (5.4), Food (5.3), and Ambience (5.2) as average, while Value (4.2) is slightly lower.
Many customers appreciate the prompt and friendly service, with specific mentions of helpful staff. The affordability of meals and the freshness of certain dishes, like the Beijing beef, are also often highlighted.
Recurring concerns include inconsistent portion sizes and occasional issues with food quality, such as cold or burnt items. Some patrons also note cleanliness issues in certain locations and charges for water cups.
Loading map…
Location
12513 Lake City Way NE SUITE A & B, 98165 Seattle
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
9:30 AM – 10:00 PM