Panda Express

My friends and I had our dinner in this Panda Express located inside Fashion Center at Pentagon City. We took family set that cost more tha $70 and selected 5-6 items: Prawn, Chiow Mein, fried rice, vegetables with soft drinks. Food was good. The place was crowded and we sat in the common space for food. Serve was good but slow.

Got takeout today as part of a T-Mobile Tuesdays promotion and the lady at the counter was extremely rude to me and kept repeating that only one of my two orders (that my brother and I ordered separately because I paid with two different cards but both orders were under my name for pickup). She refused to hand me my second order. She forced me to show her my order history which I did and I went back and forth on showing her both orders and she still refused saying I was lying. Unfortunately, this is a norm at this Panda. I actually used to work at Panda Express at my first job in one of the highest ranked locations in Texas. We would make fresh batches of food every 2-3 minutes during heavy traffic hours. The mall this Panda is at is always busy, and Panda always has a line. However, their quality is AWFUL and this location should be evaluated and put under new management with new staff. Food quality: 1. Food is always soggy x3 amounts of vegetable over the meat ratio, which isn’t the standard for other Panda’s. I’ve gotten food poisoning from this one at least once to the point where I avoid this location. The quality is far below Panda Express standards. THE SERVICE: AWFUL! No one that is there wants to work there. The DMV doesn’t have the best customer service, but for a busy mall you would at least expect a bit of humility from the employees. Online order pickup is a mess because the employees just tell you to get in line and cause havoc with other customers already in line and embarrass you in front of them even after you tell them online order more than three times. They are so condescending and not properly trained. They don’t really seem to follow health protocols as I’ve seen their surface counters dirty many times and employees not washing their hands every so often after touching new things. When I worked at Panda, I washed my hands so often that they would crack because how on top of higiene the manager there was. Avoid this Panda if you can. If you can’t, expect to be treated poorly and low quality food.

The Panda & the Pentagon: a Flavorful Feast at Panda Express We were spoilt for choice at the food court in the Pentagon City Mall, but Panda Express Chinese Kitchen won out, as we don’t eat Chinese food in the U.S. very often. The mall was heaving (Fri, May 30, 2025) and seemed to be full of (well behaved) teenagers. Service at Panda Express was swift, despite the long line, and we didn’t have time to even consider what we wanted before we were served. We asked the server to surprise us but he wasn’t having it, saying: “It’s all good!” We chose: 🍜 Bigger Plate: Chow Mein plus Orange Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken and Black Pepper Chicken = $12.00 🍜 Plate: Chow Mein plus Orange Chicken and Black Pepper Steak = $12.00 (inc. $1.50 upcharge for the steak) 🥤 Diet Coke (m) ‎ =  $2.30 🥤 Watermelon Mango refresher (24oz) = $3.20 😢 Tax = $2.95 💰 Total = $32.45 We took seats in the food court and enjoyed our large meals. We were impressed at the reasonable price considering the location and the portion sizes. This was probably too much food for a lunch, but we knew it would see us through the rest of our busy day exploring Arlington National Cemetery. The fortune cookie messages said: “YOUR LOVE LIFE WILL BE HAPPY AND HARMONIOUS” and “SPEAK FROM THE HEART”, which we have done with this review.

Food was amazing!!!! Best fast food Chinese I've ever had PERIOD! The food really was amazing so sad we don't have these back home. Staff were also really nice and helpful if you want to try any of the dishes just ask for a taste and they will give you some on a cocktail stick no issues. Seriously amazing stuff would be a 6star if I could!

I came here after it hadn’t been long open so my food was fresh. Definitely is somewhat busy considering its location in the mall, so expect a lot of foot traffic. Overall it was no different than any over Panda Express. When I’m in the area I’ll grab some but I wouldn’t go out my way for it

Ordered the new black pepper beef. It's $1.25 extra, bringing my plate total (with drink) to $15.00. I actually received half an onion, some peppers, and THREE CUBES OF BEEF. I don't normally complain but this is a rip-off.

Eh, the chow mein was tasty enough, but it was 3/4 cabbage and 1/4 noodle. I'd take my money elsewhere next time. Still hungry.

Good fast food, better and healthier than a lot of American fast food, sweet taste as a lot of Chinese food. The dishes are pretty big, you can choose the size of plate and different dishes. The medium one costs only approximately 9 $. They give you cookie with predictions, I love it so much. Visit it if you don’t have time for waiting.

It was very good. Tasted like real food, not dry or like cardboard a bit overpriced but yummy. Good service.

Standard Panda Express that gets you your food with good service and speed. The food is generally fresh since it's a high traffic area. Sometimes you'll need to wait for the next batch to come out of its especially busy.

Make a pit stop at Panda Express to refuel after a long morning at the Pentagon City mall. You know what you're getting at a fast food place like Panda Express, and this location is no different. Tasty, oily American Chinese in large quantities for a solid price (~$10 for a plate after tax). I ordered chow mein with broccoli beef and mushroom chicken. The noodles were tasty and had a good amount of chewiness, though there was a bit more cabbage than I would have liked. The broccoli was a skillfully cooked crisp-tender, and the beef was full of flavor. Well, more precisely, the sauce was full of flavor. The texture of the beef felt more boiled than wok-fired. But I digress. The point is, it tastes good, and it's an affordable meal in a world of ever-increasing prices. Plus, you get a free fortune cookie!

terrible place. I ordered my food sat there for almost a hour waiting for my food. continuously showing every employee my order number while they are laughing and joking having a good old time. I was down there so long my phone died they already took the money from my bank account which I showed them multiple times with I ended up sitting there for a hour just to not get any food while they were making orders for a hour. very unprofessional everybody down there. nobody including the manager cannot do their job. the manager doesn't posses the basic customer skills to do his job. I was speaking to him and he just walked off while I was speaking which was very unprofessional I will never buy food from there again and I will be disputing the charge. they are lucky I couldn't give them zero stars because if I could I would. on top of that they are always rude down there. dont ever go here I'm trying to save you your time and money

If I could give zero stars I would! I placed a pickup order which was paid for when the order was placed. When I came to the counter Celinda, who was working the register, was helping a large group of at least six guys. I stood there for about 10 min without being acknowledged, then I asked her if I could just get my pickup order. She rudely refused this request, saying she needed to finish with them first. I pointed out there were six of them but she persisted to not help me. When she finally grabbed my order it took her less than a minute. Terrible customer service!!! She needs to be fired, but since I'm pretty sure they are not going to do that they have lost a customer!!!!!!

It receives two stars for the following reasons: 1) They under-portioned the chicken in my order 2) There was a hair (looked like body hair) in said chicken 3) Did nothing to address this issue when I brought it up

Bad Bad Panda! Don't go here! The noodle is different from other panda that I visited and the taste isn't the same. You need to replace your chef. Even on the menu they say brewed iced tea. When I ask them about it; they say they don't have it anymore. That means permanently no more or discontinue at this place! Then you are misleading guests, fake advertising. You need to take your got damn money to make a new one. I know you guys ain't broke!

Every time we buy here, they do not serve us as they should. They serve little food. When we were in other pandas, they gave us the pleasure. This place is really disappointing

Panda Express in the mall is very clean and the staff is very friendly. I visited on a Wednesday afternoon around noon. The line wasn't long at all. They made sure all the containers were consistently filled with food. Although I knew I wanted to order the orange chicken the sever informed me I had a free sample. I tried the Baja beef which was really good. I ordered a bowl of orange chicken with friend rice. The checkout process was quick and easy.

I bought their buy 35 dollar, get a free bowl gift card. I was trying to redeem my gift card today. The manager said she could not scan my card first. Then I showed her the code. She said her computer was not working for the redemption code. Then she asked me to order online, but the online ordering was not available. The free bowl card was expiring tomorrow, I told them. And I had to redeem it today. Then they asked me to call customer service. I have been on phone for the customer service for almost half another, and came back to the register to try to meet the manager again. And now the other worker asked me to wait for the manager for an hour because she was fixing the computer. Words cannot enoughly describe how awful they are. Don't buy their gift card, please!

The last time I had Panda Express, it was at Bush International Airport. It expressed it's hate for me and made my airport experience even worse. My fault for flying Bush. And by the way, I believe those allegations against him and not about to not mention them because he's 90 plus. That's that. This is Panda Express the Pentagon City Mall edition. The same city where R. Kelly met that young lady in the YouTube video I watched that time. Any way, time was of the essence and it my time to give P.E. another go. The line was long and it was halftime BRASIL vs. Suiza so this was a grab and go situation. I wanted to see BRASIL "commence to ass kickin."* Everyone in line wanted Fried Rice as a side. I know this because folks that wanted Mixed Vegetables on the side were able to move ahead and order. I guess the fried rice is really hitting. I order the Plate which is a side and two entrees as opposed to the the bowl which is a 1 and 1. For my entree I doubled up on the Orange Chicken. A Ginger Tofu would have been progressive. Maybe next time that'll be on the menu. The food was aight. Not at all as bad as Bush. More like Slick Willie circa '92. *Get Money

This is my first time going to their D.C location. I've been to Panda Express multiple times out of the state and EACH time there is a problem. I love their food but I absolutely cannot take the utter disrespect every time I go. I ordered a orange chicken with white rice in a bowl and a small drink. As I got to the register the lady was speaking very quietly and mind you, I am understanding, I understand if you can't hear me over the loud backround noises, because I'm soft spoken too. She points to things as she speaks, and as she asked me a question she pointed to the Childrens Donation sign. Typically, I would donate but I give so much to the world already, today I knew I wouldn't have enough money to donate AND buy my food so I chose not to. After I pay, for ONLY my food, I'm waiting for my drink. She doesn't hand me the drink. I'm waiting patiently at the register, to the side, because I don't want to get in the way, as I'm waiting she says AND I QUOTE "What do you want?" That is no respectful way to ask a LOYAL customer what they need. I tell her, I ordered a drink. She says I asked you THREE times if you wanted a drink and she held up her fingers with attitude. I said, Yes I ordered a drink, and she treats me with disrespect as If I'm the one in wrong here. I CLEARLY ordered a drink and I never heard her ask me for one either. If you're going to be rude, do it the right way, and come correct with it because I'm not in the wrong. I'm tired of disrespect EVERYTIME I go to Panda Express, no matter the location. I'd like to say Im surprised but I'm not. P.s I didn't catch her name but I will not be returning to do so. Yep.

Contrary to the other reviews, this is one of the BETTER Panda Express' that I've been to. I've been going here for 4 years now, and the service has been consistently good and quick. I'm usually in and out in 2 minutes. Highlights - - Like any fast food joint, I would go during peak hours when food is likely the freshest. I wouldn't go at say 3pm when the food as been sitting out there for a while. - Get a 3 entree and split it into 2 meals. It's about $10 total and a pretty large amount of food - Get half fried rice and half chow mein to mix it up - Kung Pao Chicken, Orange Chicken are the 2 best options. Black pepper chicken a close 3rd. Overall, I don't see any issues with this Panda Express location. It's been consistently good every single time.

Phew we, so I've gone back and tried the honey walnut shrimp. I did not get sick! The shrimp was actually so delicious and fresh! I'm so glad I gave them another try! The staff was also friendly and helpful! I wanted to order the vegetable-base option and they encouraged me to wait a few short minutes for fresh, hot veggies! I was so thankful! That showed a lot about their commitment to serving good food! I also ordered the cheese Rangoon with the plum dipping sauce! They were delightfully crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy in the middle. They were perfectly fried and perfectly golden brown. I only wish I had more than three to four? I cannot remember the exact amount, but I would love it if five to six came with an order. I can't wait to go back on my next lunch break.

Ok so yes, this is a Panda Express. It is in a mall. And I still went here because I wanted veggie spring rolls. All things told, the food was hot and fresh and the spring rolls were really good (for mall food but also in general). The teriyaki chicken was solid as well. No complaints here!

Don't ever attempt to order the bigger plate (3 entrees and 1 side) You'll either get 2 entrees and 1 side or get charged for a regular plate, a medium side, a small entree, and a soda (when you just wanted to replace an entree with a side)

Edit: I gave this place one more star as management made the effort to get back with me on my concerns with my experience at this location. Thanks!!! I'm not sure how this company stays in business. They have horrible Chinese food that looks like it's been sitting in the trays for days, tastes like it too. I went here for just some General Tso and white rice and they didn't allow just that, rather they insisted on me also getting the noodles as a main dish, telling me that it's part of the meal. I didn't want the noodles, I didn't feel like arguing with the lady so I just said, whatever. I shouldn't have allowed this to happen at all. Everything about the meal was truly a disgrace to depression. The fried rice was the only thing worth eating, which I also didn't really want. I wanted white rice to go along with the Central Tso Chicken as for me, the pairing works best, but I also was not allowed to have it the way I preferred. This'll most certainly be the last time I ever bother going to this crappy Chinese joint.

I have eaten here at least a dozen times. Every time they are extremely efficient and usually have a line. In my opinion if they are busy and can get individuals through their line quickly then that says something about their service. The food tends to be fresh and usually when I am in line they are calling back for more food to be prepared. I tend to get one of the deep fried chicken dishes and sometimes one of the beef entrees. Usually I get either one entree or the plate that comes with two. Both fill me up. Great location (mall food court), quick service (in/out), not too expense

This is a 5 star rating for a FAST FOOD CHINESE RESTAURANT and not to be measured against a full service sit down restaurant. They do so much business that the cafeteria style serving insures fresh food just "off the wok." Compared to any other Chinese fast food, this food is fantastic, This is a small counter operation in a large mall food court. It is part of a chain with some 1000 plus stores in malls and stand alone buildings. The orange chicken is wonderful as is the Bejing Beef, Kung Pow chicken and the chow main.. I have eaten at Panda Expresses (over 75 different ones) from the East Coast to the West coast and have only had one "just adequate" experience. Don't fool yourself, this food is really good. If you want to do take out you just go and they immediately have what you want freshly prepared. No ordering over the phone and then waiting for your order. Who would think that fast food Chinese could consistently outperform cook to order Chinese restaurants. Well Panda Express consistently does. You get more than you can eat for under $6, it's fresh and very tasty and very healthy. I realize that I sound like a PR man for Panda Express, but I am a fairly sophistic consumer who had an unlimited expense account for many years and have eaten at the finest establishments in the world. Now that I am paying, Panda Express is a favorite when we just want good food and are not going for a fine evening. Remember the ambiance is mall food court, a small fast food restaurant, or, your home or party place. Do not be afraid to entertain at you home with Panda Express takeout if that fits with the occasion like a football gathering, or some other thing where you don't want to be tied up with the cooking for the occasion. YOu won't be sorry. The Panda Inn in Glendale Ca is where the Panda Express was derived. Now that is definitely a 5 star dining experience as measured against ANY RESTAURANT.

Favorite panda ever. I have never had a bad experience here and I come all the time. Unlike other pandas I have been to, this one just piles the food in the container and you walk away with a massive amount of food. Today I got the two entree meal with half chow mein and half fried rice with the hot and spicy szechuan bean curd and the pacific chili shrimp. I also got teriyaki sauce on the rice/noodles. The shrimp is a little spicy but super good. I like the rice/noodles with the teriyaki sauce and a little soy sauce although they are good alone as well. This was the first time I had ordered the szechuan bean curd and was definitely impressed. I come here whenever I go to the mall (which is often) and I am never disappointed.

I have no complaints about this place. It's located conveniently in the Pentagon City mall food court, the service is decent, and the food is your standard Panda Express fare. If you want to eat healthy, this is not the type of food you should be eating. The food is full of grease, is processed, and is not at all authentic Chinese food. But nonetheless, it's Panda Express and people should go into the experience knowing the quality of food they'll be getting. For a Panda Express, this location is above average. I recommend the orange chicken and the black pepper chicken.

No complaints. I had a delicious bowl filled with lo mein and chicken with mushroom. I devoured it, and found it to be quite delicious. Better than even some sit down Chinese that I have had. Better yet, I didn't feel disgustingly full or greasy afterward - just satisfied with the meal. Oh, and I ordered a large Dr Pepper - their large is bigger than my head! That was awesome! I am so sick of places where you order a large and it barely holds any soda and you are basically done within a couple of sips. Not the case here - in fact, that bumps Panda Express up into the 4-star range. This is my favorite place in the food court next to McDonald's. And it may even beat McDonald's because I can get satisfying McDonald's almost anywhere but not truly satisfying Chinese. So in fact, this IS my favorite place in the food court. Way to go Panda Express!

I've been to Panda Express twice now. I liked them the first time but I didn't want to rush my judgment. These mall shops tend to disappoint me the more I go to them. I've ordered the Honey Walnut Shrimp both times. First time with rice and this time with noodles. Both times, I've eaten the shrimp which was very good without finishing the rice or the noodles. I wish there was a sauce to put in the base. I asked this last time for a honey walnut sauce but the answer was no. There's just the plum sauce packets. So i won't get that again unless I'm not that hungry and just want some sweet shrimp. On a side note, they are more efficient than their neighbor Chipotle.

The line for this is LONG! So be prepared. That the line for the food is long and by the time you finally eat. It may go one of two ways. One) the food or anything will be too delicious. You won't believe your luck. Or two) the food won't taste that great because you'll be too upset you waited that long. Either way, the food outside of the line is very good. For being Mall food. And while some of the mall food is very excellent. The Panda Express is very good. Especially on the fact they are consistent. For example, their broccoli in their Hunan meals is always very green and very delicious. So on that alone, the place is very good. Now if they could only get more ways to ease the line. Then, that would help everyone.

When I go to a fast food place, I want fast food that tastes good, for a reasonable price. What I do not want is to asked if I want to donate to some no name charity when I am trying to pay for my order. Seriously, I am all for people or corporations donating to charity, but I don't want to be asked by every other place I visit if -- I -- want to donate. I know nothing about this charity, nor do I want to help Panda Express look good when they donate other people's money to some no-name charity. People would go broke if they gave money every time they are at check out. Stop asking! I will no longer go to Panda Express until they focus on the food, and getting people through the line quickly.

What can I say. I dont think any food court cares about their customers due to so many customers coming in. This place can get really crowded and sometimes their food is pretty old. It depends what time you come (I came at 5:15ish) and the food was really old. The workers are meh and the food is meh.

The food was fresh and tasty like it had just come out of the wok. The Beijing Beef was cooked just right. Sometimes, at other locations, I've found it to be over-cooked, but here it was tender and very delicious. The Orange Chicken was also fresh and perfectly cooked. I usually get the lo-main noodles, but decided to try the fried rice. It was good, but could be so much better. It's not as succulent and flavorful as I usually find when dinning at other Chinese restaurants. Maybe adding some Yum-Yum sauce while cooking, or frying it in a wok after preparing other foods to give it more flavor? It definitely needs something to make it "Great"! The staff at this location were friendly and efficient in filling my order with smiles on their faces. Overall a very good dinning experience.

What happened to Lang? I haven't seen here there in a long time. Does she still work here? You want medium pepsi? Best Chinese take out in the area.

Predictable quality is always a good thing when it comes to fast food. When i crave Chinese food but fear the consequences of trying a new joint, I eat at Panda Express. It's not exceptional food but you won't get sick or utterly disgusted like the crap they serve at the Cajun Grill.

This place has horrible customer service! I will not be going back. The ladies were rude and were not helpful and when I asked questions about the food they seemed like it was a bother to them. Also when I asked what was in one of the good items she was like she did not know. How does she not know what's in something that they cook and serve! Overall experience was awful and I will not be going back

It's a treasure worth searching the world for, but it's only at Panda Express!!!!. i love golden treasure shrimp ...its delicious mouth watering wen u think of it..every single person needs to try at this place for sure!!!! price wise also perfect..

Great Service and Great Knowledgable Staff . Awesome Food Choices . Affordable Prices and Great Food Portions. Quick and Accurate Service. Great Location in the Mall.

not the best panda, definitely would go with one not in the mall. food is still good but I think their stand alone locations have much better atmosphere!

Attention sucks, specially from the cashier name Alba, she's really rude with the customer. Personally I will never eat in this panda again

I always like eating at this food establishment. The orange chicken is usually good and so is their honey walnut shrimp. The only catch is that there is an older lady that works there that always looks upset, however I do not blame her as scooping food is not a career.

I'm a harsh critic of Chinese food but I like Panda Express. For mall fast food, it is tasty and reliable. I would pick Panda Express over many mall choices in a pinch.

I went here twice on a six day trip, the first time the customer service was great and personally I love panda express food on occasion so I was thrilled with the food as usual. The second time I went I asked for sweet and sour sauce with my egg rolls and the lady behind the counter threw plum sauce packets at me, when I again asked for sweet and sour, because I know that panda express at least used to have it so I assumed maybe she was confused by what I had asked for, she started yelling at me. I tossed the plum sauce packets back on the counter payed and left while she was still yelling at me. I gave it two stars because like I said, the first time around the customer service was awesome.

You already know the deal when you go to Panda Express. Its not authentic but definitely greasy and tastey! I usually get Half rice and Half Noodle and 1 entree. I"m not a van of their Spring rolls and the Cream Cheese wontons are okay.

I never had anything bad here, but the food is not something that really stands out either. It is the average mall food court Chinese food so it is good for when I want something quick and cheap to eat. Whenever I came here, the line moves pretty quickly.

Horrible food! The white rice was a weird texture (like barley), the teriyaki chicken was dry and, although they had a bowl of uncut, cooked chicken thighs set aside, they dished me the dried out, already sliced thighs. The broccoli beef was soggy and definitely not fresh. 1 star for the cheese rangoon, which was the only saving dish. Will not go to this one again.

Not bad for the price you pay, I like it. Tastes a whole lot better than the Chinese carryouts in the area

I know I shouldn't expect much at Chinese fast food places, and compared to others, this place is the same. I can't bring myself to eat here again though, as the food seems to be of the cheapest grade with sauces too colorful to be natural.

I think you all should offer my side dishes more choices and maybe a bit better decor at some of your establishments it might attract more people to the restaurant and maybe more things for kids and sales on certain days

This place isn't bad for the price. I had the Kobari beef and Kung Pao Chicken. The chix wasn't fried enough to firm up the coating. The beef was good as was the fried rice. They give you a lot of food for the price.I've had better but for the price it's ok.

Not bad for Mall Fast Food. The food is usually pretty fresh...it could be more consistent however. Sometimes the chicken/beef is cut into decent size pieces sometimes it looks like whoever cut it just wanted to get his/her day over with. The veggies are sometimes fresh, crisp and flavorful, other times a big MUSHY Flavorless pile of stuff. The portion sizes are decent for the price. Could be much better if there were consistency. The staff is usually friendly, sometimes not so much. Hit or Miss !!

Orange Chicken as banging as ever. Only downside was they don't have duck sauce anymore and try to convince you that plum sauce is better (it isn't).

what else to say? it's another Panda Express, in a big mall. everything is quite standardized. i sticked to kung pao and orange chicken all the time. i ate there so many times, never disappointed. sometimes tourists could make a huge long line in summer. so it's always better go there off lunch time.

I mean, it's Panda Express, you know? But in my experience this location has good food and reasonably good service, and there's a ton of seating in the food court. Took a star off because they always seem to have the same number of people working, whether it's Tuesday morning and super slow, or Saturday afternoon and slammed.