Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Panda Express in La Mesa

3.9 (138) 8011 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941, United States

Categories

Chinese restaurant
Asian restaurant
Restaurant

Location on the map

La Mesa, San Diego County, California, US

Phone: +1 619-462-6836
Site: https://pandaexpress.com/loc...

Opening hours

Monday:9:30 AM–9:30 PM
Tuesday:9:30 AM–9:30 PM
Wednesday:9:30 AM–9:30 PM
Thursday:9:30 AM–9:30 PM
Friday:9:30 AM–10 PM
Saturday:9:30 AM–10 PM
Sunday:10 AM–9:30 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 3.9

138 Reviews for Panda Express 2024:

Review №1

2023-10-29 02:04:19

I wasn’t happy with the customer service. The guy who helped was rude didn’t even say hi gave me burnt rice. The girl in the scarf was very nice. They have good food but the customer service can be better.

Review №2

2019-11-20 00:46:58

Stopped by to get a quick bite the food was amazing and fresh Carol I think thats her name at the register was super nice and checked up on us to make sure we had everything we needed and made me and my wife feel so comfortable had a pleasant meal thank you so very much.

Review №3

2023-11-14 23:03:09

Love Panda! Walnut shrimp for dad and Orange Chicken for the kids. This Panda is run very well.

Review №4

2021-09-06 02:10:52

Food is good and service was quick but I wish I opened my plate before I got home (ordered online so my food was packed and tied shut). I asked for Beijing beef and they gave me orange chicken.

Review №5

2023-06-17 21:27:04

This specific Panda Express is probably our favorite location. The staff are very friendly and the food is always fresh.Our favorite are the orange chicken and the Teriyaki chicken.🍲🍜

Review №6

2023-01-30 02:33:03

They serve very little and the white rice cold and yellowish/brown.

Review №7

2023-02-20 00:25:11

Really displeased because I’ve never had a problem with Panda Express until I came here. I didn’t know their policy on they stop cooking at 9pm. I arrived 9:10 and got 2 plates to which I was disappointed on portion and quality. I called the following day simply asking for a new plate ofFood and the little girl argued with me over the phone and hung up on me

Review №8

2022-10-18 02:38:58

About 1/5 servings of orange chicken i have ordered were either raw or undercooked, with purple-red coloration inside. I tend to get such inedible chicken from this store when I order delivery. So its like flushing $25 down the drain. Never again, not from this store. Almost vomited the last time. All it takes is consistent use of a thermometer to prevent this. I have informed management about this, but i have not seen any improvement; if anything it has gotten worse over time. I would be reluctant to eat again at this particular PE even for free. I do want to say that the employees are always friendly to me and work hard under pressure.

Review №9

2022-08-06 22:48:09

I drive to this Panda Express when there are 2 more closer to me. The food is great and not dried out like some. The staff is friendly. This Panda Express is right next to Vons (not inside Vons like some are.) So you can shop too. I feel safe here. They are always wiping down everything. Very clean place.

Review №10

2023-09-10 03:54:14

I just got here and is closed at 8:37 PM!! Much before of the time they supposedly need to closed

Review №11

2022-11-22 19:56:22

They barely put anything in your order. But on a positive note the place is clean & the pretty girl who rang me up was very friendly & had such a nice welcoming smile.

Review №12

2022-06-01 04:28:32

Steamed rice was hard as a rock. Orange chicken is soft and chewy. The fried rice was old. The string bean chicken was old as well. The whole meal was old. Had to call them. Drive back. Order again. Got the food home and it was fresh, the orange chicken was crunchy, the steamed rice fluffy but it was still off. I dont know if they got a new cook but the chow mein was Sooper greasy. Orange chicken was crunchy but gross inside the teriyaki chicken pieces tasted soggy and weird and hard inside but gross. Couldnt eat much of this. Only reason for 2 stars because I have been coming here for a while. The staff also forgot my teriyaki sauce. The staff and kitchen are off. Staff shortages. Lol 😂😂😂😂At least they showed up to work. Not coming back.

Review №13

2022-11-19 09:35:43

Its always a great place for lunch. Everything is fresh and yummy and staff works hard to provide good customer service.

Review №14

2023-04-15 13:05:14

My mom loves Panda Express and so once I week I am picking up lunch for us...

Review №15

2022-02-01 23:22:54

Order online with Door dash, food was delivered. But when upon opening box, you can smell burnt food coming from the box. My entree was double Kung Pao and the veggies were soggy as if left in the boiling water for too long. Also, the chicken had burnt chili pieces on it and did not taste appetizing. My chow mein was also cold and was for sure the bottom batch of the tray. Luckily enough I was able to eat some of it but most part of it went to trash.

Review №16

2015-08-22 20:47:03

Decent portions. staff was friendly. the rice was old but the chow main looks fresh. a lot of choices were close to empty and i couldnt tell if they were going to be refilled but it didnt look like it. i normally get Beijing beef but it was gone so i went with Angus steak and orange chicken. both were good but the orange chicken tastes like it might have been sitting for a while, probably due to low customers in the location.

Review №17

2019-12-03 16:02:17

Service is ok but for some reason the string bean chicken breast I had was extra salty. And the orange chicken felt rubbery. It still tasted good though. But I couldnt eat the first entree.

Review №18

2020-03-15 21:52:08

Really good as panda always is. The only problem that I had was the person taking my order. We were the only ones inside yet she was rushing me and my friend with a very loud and demanding tone. Other than that it was good!

Review №19

2022-12-19 12:59:24

Staffs were super friendly and welcoming. Good menu and the food portion is fair.

Review №20

2019-05-31 18:46:38

I work with adults with disabilities and a couple of my guys and myself went here on a outing to buy lunch, it was two of my clients who werent buying and the lady was soooo rude!!!! She tells us if you arent buying you can not eat here Im running a business OK, understandable we wouldve taken our business elsewhere. But there is a way to talk to people and you DO NOT point your finger in someones face. There was another customer in there who asked what the problem was when it was empty so she told us to sit our people in a corner like theyre children. I just think if things were handled different it couldve been better. But to keep my consumers from experiencing discrimination we wont be bringing them there anymore.

Review №21

2022-08-10 20:52:29

I ordered fried rice and Kung pao chicken.When i got home there was no Kung pao chicken.Had to go back to get it. There portions are very small not worth it. I wont be back here.

Review №22

2019-04-12 09:01:43

There is always fresh hot food ready to go. I was a little bit upset that I wasnt asked if I wanted condiments or told thank you. The cashier also never smiled. However the food was delicious as always.

Review №23

2021-01-29 06:12:48

Love this place, food is always fresh, good portions. The staff is amazing-fast but very polite and professional, always busy but always great service!!! Been coming more and more lately, definitely five stars!

Review №24

2021-03-12 03:41:26

Great staff and service! Their chicken is what is making me leave a review... it tastes like grilled chicken... both the kung pao and mushroom. Im in the middle of some, Ill definitely choose this location going forward.

Review №25

2023-03-27 19:59:04

NOT the same portion anymore! Quantity went aaaall the way down at this place. Used to be my favorite

Review №26

2022-10-24 04:31:47

Cold food (probably past food safety levels), always forget the fortune cookies...its just a no from me. They are expensive too, for how cold and old the food is after 8.

Review №27

2017-08-28 21:52:14

I love panda, I eat it all the time. With that being said this is the WORST one Ive been to! Food is ALWAYS COLD OR COOKED WRONG! I work in this parking lot and am really bummed this place is so bad because I would probably eat it every single day. Hopefully they get it fixed

Review №28

2023-04-07 05:18:39

Great service! Ordered for the office they delivered fresh

Review №29

2022-10-31 04:12:43

Food is like all other Panda Express restaurants. Taste is good for me. Service is good.

Review №30

2018-05-10 05:41:00

It was just like I was imagining before I got to Panda Express, and all ready to taste my favorite dishes. I am here in Lemon Grove as my mother passed away. I live on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.When I walked inside Panda’s it was comfortable and the workers were just as nice as my Hawaii Panda’s. Of course I got my favorite choices— half fried rice, half chow mein, mushroom chicken and teriyaki chicken. Same familiar dishes made me feel like I was home.Untamed from Paradise

Review №31

2018-11-29 14:07:20

This might be more of a rant about basic customer service. when customers are lined up at the counter dont stop taking their orders to work on four online or phone in orders. Help the folks standing right in front of you and let one of the five employees fill the orders.

Review №32

2019-02-09 01:09:17

Its sad that this place has become so commercialized and it seems that they really only care about the bottom line and the dollar now. The quality of the food is gone, the portion size has gone down and it seems that they are just using too much filler in their dishes now. This used to be my favorite Chinese food in town and now it seems I am just constantly being disappointed when I go there.

Review №33

2020-07-13 04:21:22

Went out of way to get here before they closed, showed up at 9:08 and they were closed. I had googled the hours and it said La Mesa closing time is 930. NO, that was grossmont mall in La Mesa that closes at 930. This is only one of 2 Pandas thats closed by 9, most close at 1030. This is just prejudice against minorities because were likely to be ones stuck working swing shifts and will never be able to make it before this early closing time.

Review №34

2021-05-21 07:11:45

Only place I buy orange chicken. Its really good. I used to also buy crispy noodles in the bag. They changed the recipe and the ones they sale now are not as good.

Review №35

2017-05-24 20:58:43

Chicken is always dry. The soda machine is never Working. I visited twice in a month, both times the machines were not working. Today it was working, but with No ice. Is it really that hard to just run into Vons next door, and get a couple of bags of ice and pour it in the machine. I guess their heads would catch on fire if they tought that hard.

Review №36

2020-07-04 18:51:42

Used to love this place. Food taste different each time. Lack of good management from what appears for a couple of years nowChanging to 4 stars from 2. Management changed. Things got better.

Review №37

2022-05-19 18:09:58

Cindy and Eli! Top service!!! We had to place a last minute order for an office pot luck and they made it happen. These ladies were beyond friendly and exceeded my expectations for customer service!!

Review №38

2023-01-23 09:35:32

Theyre all fun and the food is yummy as always. 😍

Review №39

2018-09-19 21:31:19

Very consistent, the orange chicken is always good. Im bummed out that very few of the Pandas have the tofu and eggplant dish anymore. That was my favorite.

Review №40

2021-10-05 15:21:39

Always good eating here. Fast service with a smile. Food tasted great too.

Review №41

2019-10-15 14:32:06

The food was great although they only gave me the food and I needed forks and napkins. The lady checking me out was very rude and just didnt care about what we needed

Review №42

2019-10-01 11:27:42

Undeniably one of the best meals Ive had in this city. Thank you #millennials The stars and reviews speak for themselves. Nothing more I could add. Just go here!

Review №43

2021-11-02 21:20:02

30 mins before close and they act like your a bother to them rushed me out the door and didnt listen to what I ordered 3 stars because the food was hot and the cashier was nice

Review №44

2021-07-07 20:33:12

Terrible attitude. Horrible service. Dry old nasty food. Chow main with absolutely no vegetables. Zero... just noodles. What a horrendous experience.

Review №45

2018-08-23 03:36:19

Delicious and fresh. Friendly, even though it was busy at 8pm! Popular for a good reason. Clean. Donations to Radys Children Hospital (optional). :)

Review №46

2018-03-04 23:36:58

Ive been coming to this place for a long time and nothing changed so I decided to rate this place........This place is very clean do to the fact that the owners/managers present are litterally next to the employees always looking at them and giving them the Evil look to make sure The food portion are as little as posible:( Very Dissapointed!!!!

Review №47

2020-11-02 00:10:19

I love you Panda Express I love you so much and this one especially because while Im shopping in Vons I stop over to Panda and get a single order of orange chicken and I go into Vons and I shop while I eat my orange chicken yum yum yum I love Panda Express!!!

Review №48

2021-05-17 14:46:52

Always good food. I also love how they have adapted to the pandemic. As serving open food had became a challenge.

Review №49

2023-03-19 04:40:09

Realy nice to have authentic asian food

Review №50

2021-09-07 22:18:37

Tried their new almond chicken, was very good! Everything we got was delicious!

Review №51

2021-07-12 22:18:38

I love panda express it is always great food but it is always some kind of wait but its okay though.

Review №52

2016-09-13 04:57:35

AWSOME place. Staff is friendly and the food is always great. If you think the portions are skimpy then your too fat.

Review №53

2021-10-22 02:20:17

Food is decent as-usual. Except the employees will scream at you if you take a second long to decide.

Review №54

2020-11-01 20:21:39

Its a cool place to buy fresh foods.They are so friendly. I enjoyed buying orange chicken and teriyaki chicken.

Review №55

2015-08-27 02:53:30

The worst place ever 10 customers got there food before I did and I was in front of them all I was waiting for is chow mein they replenish it and started serving everyones order and Im still waiting it for been 15 minutes sitting down.I already paid for my food waiting for my food by the damn time I get my food is cold the I always spend 20$ on this place and to get cold ass food and veggie chow mien thats freakin retard Panda Express owners should be ashamed of this place!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review №56

2016-09-08 20:18:58

The portions are VERY SKIMPY, POOREST customer service. I wont eat here anymore. Its too much money for barely any food. VERY disappointing.

Review №57

2020-01-26 04:02:41

Waited 16 minutes after I ordered and paid for them to cook string bean chicken.. Meanwhile the rest of my food was getting cold. No real happy even though its Chinese New Year.

Review №58

2019-10-07 14:32:40

Food is constantly coming out fresh. Nice selection. Always clean inside.

Review №59

2019-01-27 20:32:32

Met the nicest lady in the restraunt who greeted us and talked to us and made funny jokes...she has a great attitude and should be rewarded for her service.

Review №60

2022-05-30 01:03:35

Wish theyd bring back their honey chicken as it was my favorite

Review №61

2018-12-07 07:56:30

Great if you like this type of Chinese food. Its quick its tasty Ill go back! Again and again...

Review №62

2018-06-28 05:44:31

Good food, portions were not a big as expected, but made well and tastes great ❣

Review №63

2022-01-11 03:01:54

One of employee she was yelling at me because I said hi i am uber eats bad customer service not one star ⭐️ minus 5 star ⭐️

Review №64

2019-05-05 21:27:16

And express is good its a small place they were friendly past gave me a couple samples so yeah a good not excellent but pretty good

Review №65

2017-04-25 20:22:35

Had a great experience. They gave me a lot compared to a usual Panda Express serving size

Review №66

2022-01-15 02:59:39

Hair in my food. Small portions and the food was warm not hot.

Review №67

2018-09-05 23:58:53

I like coming here the staff is nice and the food has always been tasty

Review №68

2022-01-11 03:10:11

Never seen this type of services ever in my life, still Dont know why this employees were rude

Review №69

2018-06-18 21:10:33

Love the food! Always good! Nice portions. Fresh!

Review №70

2020-08-21 03:06:05

Every time I have bought chow mein from this locationit was burned it smells like the sauce is burned.

Review №71

2018-05-22 20:26:51

Awful restaurant. the toilet is permanently closed. water costs 2 bucks. the Chuviha rolled without turn. all very unreasonably expensive.

Review №72

2018-09-23 20:50:10

Food is usually fresh at the La Mesa location but the old lady that is usually there is stingy and cranky.

Review №73

2017-08-13 21:15:53

Good fresh food good portion sizes friendly staff clean environment

Review №74

2018-10-17 20:03:28

Food was very fresh and tasty! Staff was very cordial and welcoming!

Review №75

2018-11-11 06:59:08

I asked for teriyaki chicken but got orange chicken instead should have paid attention other than that it was good

Review №76

2019-10-24 03:23:29

Terance gave fantastic service and helped me in the busiest of moments! Great employee!

Review №77

2022-09-08 12:16:58

We have been eating here for over 20yrs

Review №78

2021-04-19 22:52:13

Better places for this food type are abundant in san diego. Nothing special here

Review №79

2017-10-14 00:50:43

Panda is always a good idea. This is a great location with plenty of parking and other shopping available.

Review №80

2018-12-15 07:11:05

Great choice for lunch or dinner if youre looking to not spend a lot

Review №81

2022-08-07 23:50:17

Best food selection for the price.

Review №82

2021-10-11 21:43:07

Great new dish almond chicken breast .👍

Review №83

2023-03-26 04:44:09

Yummy! Always good.

Review №84

2020-06-08 01:39:34

Awful customer service. They take your payment and no food. Terrible.

Review №85

2020-01-18 20:38:46

Amazing service, clean place, yummy food ❤️

Review №86

2018-04-25 23:25:14

Great place for healthier fast food options...

Review №87

2016-12-13 14:49:47

Friendly staff and good fast food Chinese place

Review №88

2019-11-09 14:24:12

I love e their fresh food

Review №89

2018-12-22 04:55:17

Never got a correct order here. Absolute idiots work here. Worst.

Review №90

2019-01-06 22:12:08

When youre in the mood for fast food Asian. Thier to he tops.

Review №91

2020-11-14 00:41:18

Associate was super nice and very efficient.

Review №92

2017-05-12 22:55:31

Very awesome but not muchAvailable at the time

Review №93

2021-04-14 22:45:22

Honey Walnut Shrimp, was reasonably priced.

Review №94

2018-12-07 04:43:09

I love the teriyaki chicken and steamed veggies.

Review №95

2017-02-05 20:54:37

They gave me a pube hair in my food

Review №96

2018-10-24 17:23:35

Love panda no plum sauce

Review №97

2021-07-26 03:06:29

Their servings are extremely small

Review №98

2016-03-16 19:30:59

Love coming here for quick fix Chinese

Review №99

2019-03-07 16:06:58

Best for sit down, dine in.

Review №100

2019-11-26 00:08:11

Very good customer service

Review №101

2021-11-05 22:01:23

I love the food.

Review №102

2018-09-28 05:23:51

Great food and service

Review №103

2022-02-01 02:48:47

Its very dirty🤮🤮🤮🤮

Review №104

2020-11-22 01:59:08

Need to work on customer service

Review №105

2020-08-08 19:02:52

Fresh fresh fresh...yummy always!!!

Review №106

2018-06-24 02:30:33

Good food

Review №107

2019-01-12 23:31:07

Love their food

Review №108

2018-04-23 23:41:32

Good fast food.

Review №109

2019-07-17 17:28:23

I love it,its to expensive

Review №110

2019-07-24 20:03:54

Ive outgrown this place.

Review №111

2020-09-03 20:37:24

Mediocre food. Fast service.

Review №112

2019-11-09 02:37:50

Very tasty!

Review №113

2022-04-18 12:15:09

Toooo expensive

Review №114

2018-03-17 20:24:50

Not the best, not the worst...

Review №115

2020-12-23 00:20:58

Review №116

2020-07-07 19:54:14

Always amazing

Review №117

2021-11-28 07:43:02

Very friendly

Review №118

2018-05-28 23:06:35

Great service

Review №119

2018-01-01 14:37:18

Food is garbage.

Review №120

2018-12-28 13:47:06

Always good

Review №121

2018-12-31 00:04:23

Three words PANDA, PANDA, PANDA 🐨🐨🐨 🥡👌🏽

Review №122

2018-10-10 17:15:21

Great food

Review №123

2020-08-01 22:15:41

Delicious food 😋

Review №124

2019-07-03 00:37:47

Good stuff

Review №125

2022-11-03 22:08:36

Good Panda

Review №126

2018-08-31 20:15:25

Good service

Review №127

2016-09-12 15:16:42

👍🏽

Review №128

2017-07-26 21:46:13

So friendly

Review №129

2021-07-02 22:55:07

Gone way downhill.

Review №130

2018-09-26 14:04:51

Assortment. Fast

Review №131

2022-07-16 23:56:04

Agree with Alex

Review №132

2020-01-12 18:22:40

Its a Panda Express....

Review №133

2019-10-09 05:20:00

Quaint place]

Review №134

2018-09-11 12:14:50

Good fast food

Review №135

2019-01-16 14:59:19

Great Chinese

Review №136

2018-10-21 09:59:24

Super restaurant with freshly made food prepared in front of you, is clearly recommended in the states, at least for us.

Review №137

2017-09-17 15:32:51

It is a clean place with a good atmosphere, its staff is very friendly, it is a pleasant experience.

Review №138

2019-07-25 19:28:09

Good place and tasty