Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Panda Express in El Cerrito

3.8 (161) 5020 El Cerrito Plaza #e-2, El Cerrito, CA 94530, United States

Categories

Chinese restaurant
Asian restaurant
Restaurant

Location on the map

El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California, US

Phone: +1 510-526-9989
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–9:30 PM
Saturday:10 AM–9:30 PM
Sunday:10 AM–9:30 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 3.8

161 Reviews for Panda Express 2024:

Review №1

2023-10-26 13:53:28

Have eaten here several times over the years, very tasty food. Was there last week, an older asian gentle man was the server. He coughed into his hand, had no gloves on, and asked me what I wanted. My appetite was ruined after that so I just left without purchasing anything.

Review №2

2022-06-25 03:02:13

Had to wait for the honey walnut shrimp, but I didn’t mind. I’m paying for it so waiting it’s never going to be an issue. The service was great, that’s why I come all the way out here to the one in Richmond, then I go back home to Berkeley. Yikes!!! #shady🐼❤️Panda hacks: bring your own water bottle, metal if you wanna keep your agua cool,) also I was given extra sauce yayOh and I gotta plastic bag that I will reuse at home. Love today man. Thank you God for being alive. And I can afford to buy myself a meal. Children of the world with common sense, please save up money. Next review I will test a theory: is this locations food and customer service consistent? We will test next review.

Review №3

2023-01-09 21:13:38

Excellent customer service everywhere is a clean bathroom available for the public and is very clean. Our tables are immaculate. The food was eterrific, and the fresh price was reasonable. That’s one of the best Hondas I have ever seen. It would help if you tried this branch.

Review №4

2022-04-12 16:09:12

Good food, good size portions, good price. I ordered online and this time my order wasnt made until I got there, last time it was. Slightly annoying because I then had to wait for my order to be prepared yet it was hot when I walked out of the door. So not a huge complaint there.. I would like to see an online order pick up line separate from the walk in. They dont seem to have figured that one out yet.. you order online so you dont have to wait. The staff was friendly, quick and accurate with me and all the customers that were there in that moment. No hidden fees!

Review №5

2023-11-12 20:11:22

Extremely stingy location, I ordered a bowl and they tried to give me half a scoop of chicken on top of a huge heap of rice. I was so unimpressed by this obvious disdain for the customer I canceled my order and left.

Review №6

2023-08-22 20:44:01

How could you not do what a person is asking for, if I said I want a bigger plate with chow Mein and white rice on the side half and half but put the white rice as a dish okay that got corrected, next personi asked for mainly broccoli with a little meat on top and teriyaki chicken in the plate why would you put the side dish on the plate orange chicken and think you can make my teriyaki chicken my side.. cashier’s was slow as heck the line was backed up waiting for people to pay.. I just left them with the messed up order..

Review №7

2023-07-24 04:13:41

This visit was like my review; nice, short, sweet and 5 ⭐ all around. Great job Panda, thank you, n

Review №8

2023-03-03 23:52:29

I am disappointed in Panda Express. Been here twice. The first time I came here I ordered a bowl steam rice and eggplant tofu it had good portions.Second time I ordered the same thing but, I want them to put it in separate boxes. The lady looked liked she had a attitude about it. She gave me a medium box of steam white rice and a small box of eggplant tofu that had 3 pieces of eggplant and 3 pieces of tofu.After this Im never coming back to Panda Express again. I rather spend my money on a mom and pops restaurant that taste better.Order: 222167 Server Gisela

Review №9

2023-04-18 01:52:35

I always love panda. Great prices and great sides. The cream cheese Rangoon are amazing and the orange chicken with super greens. Id give them 09/10 if possible

Review №10

2023-08-02 18:07:43

Best Panda ✋️ down.

Review №11

2023-07-14 01:23:14

Great service. Great Chinese food. Clean establishment. 5 stars!

Review №12

2022-08-12 23:21:03

I ordered a bowl with white rice and string bean chicken and the woman serving me put one scoop on it, saw that there was literally no chicken on there, and didn’t care at all. The beans were also not cooked enough and very hard. Would not recommend.Should be advertised as just beans.Edit: the fortune cookie didn’t have a note in it. Not a pleasant experience.

Review №13

2023-02-18 18:16:51

Above average buffet-style Chinese fare. Had kung pao chicken and orange chicken. However, fried rice lacks flavor, better labeled as dyed rice. Ill get plain rice next time and shave a few calories.

Review №14

2021-12-10 02:08:46

I used to come here 3-5/week. After today, never again. This location has continually taken longer and longer. I primarily use the app to order and it used to work to get food on time, 10-15 min. Over the last few months, this has increased to todays record of 50+ min. The + is because for the second time, I just left without getting food I paid for. So who knows when it finally got done. Part of the problem is that the staff doesnt consistently acknowledge the pick-up line at all, with food waiting 15 min on the pick-up shelf before it finally gets handed off because theyre just ignoring or serving one person in the pick-up line at a time instead of either calling out names on the order or going through the line. As wait times have gotten longer, serving sizes have gotten smaller. A combination that means Im staying away. If only the Richmond location could prepare its food right, but looks like Im out of decent local options.

Review №15

2022-12-22 05:20:15

One of the worst locations I have ever been to. Every single time I have come here they have no entrees available over 30 minutes before they close. Why be open until 9:30pm if you have literally nothing available after 8:45pm?? I will never be coming back, change your hours or actually serve your customers who are coming in while you’re open

Review №16

2023-07-03 00:12:02

Do not come here panda.They give u very small amount of food.

Review №17

2023-04-26 01:41:06

Panda Express at this location has good food. As you know, they give very small portions.

Review №18

2022-02-25 04:32:41

Never will I return here. Today I found a short n curly in my chow mein -after I put the bite in my mouth. Soon as it hit my lip I felt it, grabbed it and as soon as I saw what it was, I freaked and shook it off my fingers. After the initial horror, I looked on the floor for it, found it, and brought it and the plate up front. The young individual working the register offered me a new plate, and apologized. I got a new plate, fried rice instead, and even though that was hours ago, I still cant bring myself to eat it. Considering what I found in the noodles, its safe to say it was put there deliberately by someone who just shouldnt work with people and/or food. Just saying. Tainted food, in exchange for more tainted food? Nope.

Review №19

2019-07-10 02:51:04

Ordered online, food came out on time. this is great because the dine in line was long (more than 10 people).food was fresh, but no soy sauce, chilli sauce and fortune cookies in the bag (was requestes on line and on the receipt). when asked for it, cashier gave plenty but did not say anything or smile. other than that, all was good. manager came out to dining area to clean dirty tables, changed garbage bin and keep everything nice and clean.

Review №20

2019-09-28 17:28:16

I like their food, but sometime they lack the consistency which is disappointing. Since its a franchise they maintain this place clean and better. This is not a Chinese cuisine but more of Americanized Chinese food with sugars. Staffs are friendly and attentive. Overall its worth the price and quality.

Review №21

2021-05-07 01:35:51

The portions are tiny! The server was so stingy. I paid for a large entree and only got 4 tea spoons of rice. Ended up spending a lot, could’ve had a better deal at a formal Asian restaurant.

Review №22

2022-01-20 00:52:28

In terms of the food here, its Panda Express. Kind of standard. However, the staff are always helpful and hard working. Not bad if youre feeling like eating Chinese fast-food.

Review №23

2022-09-17 19:35:37

Its a Panda Express. Nice, mostly safe shopping center.Like most places in The Bay, dont leave packages visible in your car.

Review №24

2018-07-26 23:02:52

If there were negative stars they would have received them. The service is very poor and I believe it is due to my race. I consistently experience poor service at EVERY Panda Express which is why I refuse to any longer patronize the Panda Express establishments.

Review №25

2018-04-29 05:07:22

Panda is an old reliable. If I cant make dinner, for some reason, I usually order Panda online, then go pick it up at the local store. Its so fast. I like them because they source fresh ingredients and its a much better fast food choice than the big burger chains.

Review №26

2018-12-06 08:20:12

My friend and I were treated by Suling so badly today, we had to wait 30min for simple 3 dishes. Our dishes were not cooked yet so we waited by the side, quietly. The server then offered free egg rolls to a white couple but not us. Then another white couple. We waited the longest and were there 1st, served last for dishes still cooking...all white people got free egg rolls and expedited orders. We asked what was going on and if we could have a roll while we waited, now 30min in...We were told to be quiet.PANDA EXPRESS...EXPLAIN WHY YOU ALLOW THIS AND EXPLAIN HOW YOU CONTINUE THIS WITH MANY NEGATIVE COMMENTS HERE

Review №27

2023-09-22 22:17:43

It was just fine, for Panda Express.

Review №28

2019-10-21 01:09:35

The quality of the food is terrible - dry, undercooked. Unfortunately not the first time, not even the second. Either their kitchen equipment isnt working correctly, or their cooks are cutting corners. I also regurly eat at the Antioch location and its 1000x better. Not spending my money at the El Cerrito Plaza location again.

Review №29

2019-06-16 18:05:07

I have loved Panda Express for a while and I would go there with my friends every time we hung out. I now dont like it because one time I got sick from a mystery meat in the orange chicken. But that is a risk you take for eating fast food...

Review №30

2017-06-19 00:19:42

Its okay. some of the reps are really cool. But not all of them.The food/service is not always satisfactory to be honest. But maybe I dont have enough experience with Chinese food in America to make a sound judgment yet

Review №31

2022-08-30 22:46:00

I do not recommend El Cerrito Panda Express. The workers do not give me my money’s worth. The portions are extremely small.

Review №32

2022-07-18 01:59:54

Panda Express sucks only because their food is not true Chinese food at all.. It is completely Americanized and none of the flavors taste authentic.

Review №33

2020-10-24 03:58:46

This store is terrible. I ordered food by ubereats and it took 1.5 hours. When I arrived there, my food was really cold. They prepared my food ome hour ago, however, theu did not give me any message that my food was prepared. This restaurant is really horrible. I am not gonna order any food here, again.

Review №34

2018-12-06 08:33:23

Today, I stood inside and ordered after several minorities. I am Caucasian. The people ahead of me ordered simple common dishes...kung pao, mushroom chicken, however these dishes were not yet ready and Suling and Kim the Manager stated they would be in about 5 minutes. I ordered the Orange Chicken which was ready but my veggies took some time, but somehow I ended up getting my food first after a 3min wait. I was given 2 free egg rolls, a free soda and a discount on my meal....The folks ahead of me waited over 30min and were not provided anything. I told the ladies at the counter, Suling and Kim that they should be equal, the ladies told me not to worry. I saw how nice the team is to White people, some of whom can be very rude and demanding...but quiet and polite minorities are treated like trash. I have seen this many times.Who owns this Panda? Remove their license.PANDA EXPRESS CORP: EXPLAIN YOURSELF.WHY DO YOU HIRE SUCH racist TRASH AND ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO BEHAVE AS SUCH. Suling and Kim should go. Its hard for me to want people fired, but I cannot stand by and allow this...I have observed this many times. Today was bad.I have forwarded this to the ACLU

Review №35

2017-11-14 22:12:16

For the most part, the food at this Panda Express is fairly fresh and not sitting there all day. The servers who work there have been there for a number of years and they are fast and efficient.

Review №36

2017-05-18 06:41:39

The quality of service is problematic. Ive found that some staff members are unprofessional and arrogant. Sometimes they are ignorant to customers requests and change what they ask for, and seems very impatient if asked to correct their mistakes. I personally feel this is really offending to customers and makes people unhappy.

Review №37

2018-12-06 08:26:42

Suling and Kim the manager called me the N word while I asked why I was not being served and many others ahead of me were getting special accommodations for waiting for food that had not yet been cooked. I waited long while and so did 2 other women, Latin decent...we were told to be quiet.An Indian gentleman also spoke up and asked why white customers who were after him got their food and freebies, while we were first, paid and had no food or special freebies for waiting 30min.Both Suling and Kim told us to stand in the corner...the corner of being a colored person. Brown, Black. We were all strangers to one another.The Indian gentleman spoke up and then Kim told Suling to give him an egg roll to shut him up, and then said, Dont give to the N%&#. they were looking at me. No one ended up getting an egg roll.Panda Express...Chinese jingoism at its best.

Review №38

2021-04-04 04:49:16

Great value. The beef with broccoli is most excellent as is the chicken teriyaki. Great and friendly service. Good place for a case of the munchies. Recommended

Review №39

2019-07-04 04:13:46

Had a very unpleasant experience with Kim the manager on duty who engaged me in a nasty back and forth: telling me to ...next time, respect that she is on break..... According to her, she can ...do anything she wants to anyone.... while on her break including showing little to no regard for customers who ask for the code to their restroom. I guess its over Kims head that paying customers dont appreciate her rolling her eyes and muttering under her breath. Someone should train her to know that never under any circumstances should she argue with customers. Bad training, bad temper, bad experience at El Cerrito Panda Express with Kim V.

Review №40

2021-03-17 01:39:57

I have to say this is the worst panda express ive ever had. I ordered online and they shorted me an item not to mentiom the chowmein was horrible. Wastete of 10 dollars

Review №41

2022-01-19 22:44:00

I come here now and then.. Food portions are getting tiny and pricy. They charge me full kids menu but forget to put the apple crips..

Review №42

2021-08-21 13:41:11

Needs outdoor dining area, got crowded quickly in the early afternoon, I didnt feel comfortable eating in an enclosed space when it got crowded... food was good as expected from Panda Express

Review №43

2021-08-30 22:46:22

Eggplant tofu is the only reason i still go to Panda, but this one was dry and had no sauce on it. Rice was dry too unfortunately.

Review №44

2019-11-06 21:30:23

It was one of my favorite places to come eat. Everytime i come to eat at el cerrito plaza. But their flavor is missinf and they intend to give less and food. For what i pat for.

Review №45

2018-02-24 17:24:24

Always tastes exactly like you want it to when you have that cheap Chinese food craving. Plenty of seating and parking in a nice shopping center.

Review №46

2021-03-22 22:58:13

These people cheat their customers by giving really small portions. Go to local Chinese restaurant or Berkley Bowl that also serve similar dishes. Waste of time and money here...

Review №47

2023-02-07 14:42:16

Food is ok. fried rice was burned

Review №48

2019-03-04 05:46:51

Im going back again soon 🔜 because they have the food and everyone was Excellent with Customer Service took 😁😀

Review №49

2018-11-10 01:04:54

Fairly service. Food is as other panda expresses, nothing different. If you like Panda Express you would like there.

Review №50

2019-01-09 12:02:53

Fast and efficient, as expected from a fast food restaurant. The food tastes ok and we go there often.

Review №51

2021-11-17 05:59:24

Ready-to-serve food, good taste, fast service. There is a lot of parking.

Review №52

2020-11-06 03:35:26

Its the second time... this was the best, great taste, a good meal for me and to my kids

Review №53

2018-04-28 05:15:52

It panda Express, does not disappoint..orange chicken is still the same and location could be cleaner.

Review №54

2018-12-06 19:39:21

Fast service, fresh food, courteous staff. We eat here about once a week.

Review №55

2019-05-08 22:13:33

Decent food. Limited vegetarian options. No tea including ice tea. Just unheakthy sodas.

Review №56

2016-11-29 19:04:30

The service quick and friendly. The fried rice, kung pao, and beef broccoli were good.

Review №57

2021-04-25 23:38:04

Ordered online, only got 3 pieces of beef. Avoid going late I guess

Review №58

2021-09-26 23:16:10

I had to ask the server to change gloves because she was taking cash at register.

Review №59

2019-06-21 04:48:31

I like the food a lot great place to find on a trip because you know the food will be the same

Review №60

2015-12-10 20:52:07

Busier location -- so the food turns over quickly. Staff not the most friendly.

Review №61

2022-08-11 03:31:54

Lower quality than average for a Panda Express location

Review №62

2018-11-15 16:09:49

It is like most Panda Express’s. Good cheap food.

Review №63

2021-05-02 10:29:15

Fresh food but that one scoop is not enough and they are pricey

Review №64

2021-04-16 23:07:57

To over price for the skimpy food you have, wont be going back there.

Review №65

2022-02-25 00:35:59

Carlos in Black Panda Shirt, not using gloves. May be the manager.

Review №66

2019-05-03 03:00:09

Decent chain restaurant Asian-american fare . A little on the pricey side based on quality.

Review №67

2019-12-28 00:48:51

The other food was fine but was dissapointed, theres no real panda.

Review №68

2017-07-23 04:21:10

Hi, The service was great, friendly staff, great food.

Review №69

2018-11-10 02:41:55

Poor service the food server is rude & difficult treats customers harsh..

Review №70

2020-02-07 19:41:06

As much MSG they put in their food and over priced foods i believe they need to rethink about the people who they are serving!

Review №71

2018-12-31 19:29:12

Cheap but pretty tasty. The menu is a bit difficult to figure out.

Review №72

2019-07-22 19:11:09

Ok but servings are small and food sometimes cold.

Review №73

2023-06-25 20:28:20

Favorite

Review №74

2019-06-23 19:48:08

I get a double order of the tofu and eggplant every week. Yum!

Review №75

2020-09-29 03:33:48

Great food, although a guilty pleasure for sure

Review №76

2022-06-10 14:27:48

Good food good prices good service

Review №77

2017-04-29 00:44:54

Not bad food..but panda though.

Review №78

2020-06-06 04:51:43

Apreciate food safety procedures! Good crew.

Review №79

2021-05-08 18:11:46

Food was not up to par what happened to you panda express

Review №80

2021-05-04 05:13:18

Good food, and pretty quick and sanitary!

Review №81

2022-03-18 04:18:44

They pull the food about an hour before close.

Review №82

2022-12-25 20:06:33

🥰

Review №83

2019-02-11 23:04:18

Good food. Good prices. Fast.

Review №84

2020-11-15 22:23:39

Parking is still hary post rona.Its still worth going to.

Review №85

2021-05-31 23:35:03

Always busy. Food is good

Review №86

2018-08-27 08:11:11

My guilty pleasure orange chicken while I am shopping in EC Mall

Review №87

2019-04-13 23:27:58

Very good grilled chicken, with teriyaki sauce

Review №88

2018-05-06 03:40:27

Lemon pepper chicken and fried rice ! 🤗 Love it 😎

Review №89

2019-02-20 03:52:18

It was alway good...love shinghai steak

Review №90

2020-05-27 23:42:44

Food is consistently good and fast.

Review №91

2023-02-27 01:14:13

Luv the combo plates!

Review №92

2018-05-07 02:29:03

They give really little food for the price

Review №93

2019-05-22 12:55:52

Very good panda express food

Review №94

2016-11-04 07:24:22

Orange chicken isnt as crispy as other locations

Review №95

2019-06-27 20:35:52

Quick and convenient tasty bites

Review №96

2021-11-10 06:24:14

Got there late way limited selection

Review №97

2021-10-29 22:30:20

Good people, good food!

Review №98

2019-01-02 18:04:32

Great when you need something quick

Review №99

2021-06-20 03:58:18

Good food reasonable price

Review №100

2021-07-23 02:15:48

Fast and courtesy service, loved it

Review №101

2020-12-01 05:33:36

They close early at 9 every night

Review №102

2019-05-28 01:51:36

Ver good food clean good srevis

Review №103

2016-03-26 05:41:42

Quick and reasonable taste

Review №104

2019-07-13 09:59:51

Better quality would be great

Review №105

2019-08-01 10:48:29

Do I Get a Free Entree for Posting this?

Review №106

2017-11-13 19:57:14

Serves a lot for a bowl. 😊 w

Review №107

2016-06-24 18:34:34

Food isnt very authentic

Review №108

2021-01-11 02:59:34

Soo good

Review №109

2013-12-05 07:46:54

No good as others panda express

Review №110

2018-11-07 04:58:17

Its ok. Nothing special.

Review №111

2019-07-07 03:40:54

Almost no vegan options

Review №112

2021-08-24 15:31:04

Its a 🐼Express, what can I say.

Review №113

2021-11-20 06:45:13

Good people,good foods!

Review №114

2022-09-10 00:02:55

Healthy American Chinese food

Review №115

2019-04-13 14:33:09

Good food

Review №116

2021-05-29 19:17:27

Okay, the price is better.

Review №117

2022-06-27 02:19:41

Great food and service.

Review №118

2020-06-18 19:30:56

Excellent quality and service.

Review №119

2018-06-12 02:37:03

Good food and service

Review №120

2021-05-09 06:10:12

They were good

Review №121

2017-05-03 02:33:50

Fast and Fresh. Dougie Fresh!!

Review №122

2021-07-09 05:27:25

The staffs are friendly.Clean .

Review №123

2021-07-20 02:57:02

Great food.

Review №124

2019-05-18 03:20:33

Best food ever

Review №125

2020-02-18 15:45:46

Great place to eat

Review №126

2018-07-15 23:59:47

Tasty and quick

Review №127

2021-03-21 07:23:34

Chow main was dry

Review №128

2018-08-29 17:42:31

All tym favorite

Review №129

2019-11-21 14:14:59

Its... Quick

Review №130

2019-11-06 00:24:35

Not the freshest.

Review №131

2019-03-17 23:01:53

Love the food

Review №132

2020-09-12 22:52:12

Great service

Review №133

2019-06-20 22:34:13

Cheep and good!

Review №134

2019-09-22 20:55:31

Good

Review №135

2018-11-15 00:21:16

I like the food

Review №136

2018-12-20 01:26:55

Fresh veggies!

Review №137

2018-12-28 05:55:08

Horrible service

Review №138

2019-10-24 17:28:27

Beautiful food

Review №139

2021-06-02 19:47:38

Fast service

Review №140

2019-06-07 16:31:47

Fast food Chinese

Review №141

2018-12-28 05:08:53

The food is good

Review №142

2019-03-11 00:56:15

Mediocre Chinese food

Review №143

2018-11-29 09:05:40

Great place

Review №144

2016-12-22 06:00:16

Typical Panda

Review №145

2019-11-09 21:06:34

Great food 👌

Review №146

2019-09-21 08:21:55

Review №147

2023-08-04 14:26:55

Very good, excellent service great dishes.

Review №148

2022-12-15 20:33:13

Good food, good price but above all very good service

Review №149

2023-08-01 20:56:34

Very good place

Review №150

2019-04-18 19:08:05

Good service but not a taste that suits us.

Review №151

2022-07-18 05:49:36

Very delicious food 😋 and good service

Review №152

2018-07-13 20:49:17

The food lacks more seasoning, but good service

Review №153

2021-08-07 06:14:35

Good food but very small quantity

Review №154

2021-06-08 12:43:53

Good public service

Review №155

2020-09-05 00:05:40

There is excellent food in Panda.

Review №156

2021-02-22 18:05:50

Very good service

Review №157

2022-07-22 02:23:10

Excellent place

Review №158

2021-03-13 02:25:40

Very good 👍🤤🤤

Review №159

2019-07-10 03:49:59

Very good, thank you

Review №160

2017-06-29 04:06:53

Excellent meal

Review №161

2022-01-03 03:12:35

No no no no