Forgive me Mother, for I have sinned. I very much enjoyed my food and boba at Panda Express + Tea Bar. 10/10 would go again. As an Asian person who usually would go to the San Gabriel Valley for Chinese food and Home Brewed Bar for boba, I ain't even mad that I decided to go to Panda on this wholesome day. This Panda is first of its kind to my knowledge and offers a tea menu and healthier food options like quinoa rice. Food: I got the 8 Treasure Chicken with fried rice ($6.60). The 8 Treasure Chicken is a limited menu item for Chinese New Year. It had tons of fresh, crunchy, and colorful pepper strips with the chicken. It also had dried chili peppers and diced sausage all tossed together in a rich and savory sauce. I picked the fried rice as my side and it tasted better than your typical takeout fried rice. The veggies were crunchy and the rice wasn't oily, which I appreciated. My boyfriend got the Bing wrap with quinoa rice, orange chicken, 8 Treasure Chicken, cucumbers, and crunchy noodles ($7.60). The wrap itself tasted reminiscent of a lighter scallion pancake. He had nothing but good things to say about his wrap! His one-word review is "Whoa!" In terms of portion sizes, the wrap is the size of a small child and the rice bowl I got was more than enough for one meal. Drinks: Again, I'm not sure who I am because I loved the creme brulee milk tea with boba. We ordered a large with 50% sugar, which was perfect and not too sweet. I really appreciated that they ACTUALLY cut down the sugar, because boba shops tend to make your drink too sweet regardless of how much sugar you request. The boba was chewy and slightly sweet. The milk tea had actual black tea flavor, and I'm not sure what they added for the creme brulee syrup but I was impressed. It's not the BEST boba I've ever had but it's certainly better than 85C Bakery and the super artificial flavors at Au79 and TPumps. Service: HELLO, as in the entire staff said HELLO to us as we walked in. I've had better service here than at non-fast food/fancier establishments. Everyone was extremely willing to answer any questions and provide food samples. I requested a Panda Milk Tea sample, and one guy went ahead and made a whole drink just so we can try some. Also got an entire Honey Walnut Shrimp to sample, which was bomb. I ended up not getting the Honey Walnut Shrimp because it had an extra cost compared to the chicken, but next time I will! Ambiance: Super spacious, clean, modern, roomy, bright. The tables with the tree trunks were really cool. Come and take a look at what I'm talking about. read more

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I'm all for more veggies in my fast food - this is a great addition for the Panda family. As someone who avoids chains, it took a glowing recommendation to get me here. I wasn't disappointed, they have pork belly. PORK BELLY. The only weird thing is the carrots in the brussel/carrot side are like weirdly shaped and slippery. I kept dropping them even with a fork, womp womp. But try the teas! They're a little sweet but still good. read more

Panda Express + Tea Bar - Pork belly, Kung pao chick, brussels - Chinese Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Its Panda Express, you get exactly what you expect. Personally I love Panda Express thanks to UCR and dining dollars. There is a parking lot here, the food is usually fresh since I come during dinner times. They made alot of changes to the menu, and are offering alot more premium items (Not a big fan of this since you have to paying more). The tea bar is a nice addition since boba places are not as common in Pasadena. The tea bar does like a bit of consistency between their drinks from day to day. One day I ask for 50 percent sweet passion fruit (green) tea and it tasted great, the next day it taste like there is no sugar inside. The worker also advice that the green tea would be better if you want a stronger tea flavor, and the black tea will be more subtle. This usually is not the case, but just passing that info along. TLDR: New menu items. Taste as expected. I love panda. Free parking read more

Great place to have lunch after shopping. I enjoyed a bowl of some orange chicken which was very fresh. The staff here is polite and the restaurant is clean. Parking is available in the street or back. read more

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Unlike other panda expresses, this one as well as the innovative kitchen in east pasadena, has teas and boba. They also have quinoa fried rice and vegetables as a base item instead of just fried rice and chow mein. There is also extras you can get on the side such as fermented cucumber, I don't remember the rest. However, they dont have some entrees such as the black pepper chicken, my favorite. I also love the yelp check in where you can get 50% off your drink from the tea bar. Try to ask for less sugar because it is overwhelmingly sweet. The boba is also subpar and not that great texture. read more

So I went to get boba since I've never had it from Panda and it was very good. I got half strawberry tea half lemonade with tapioca pearls. The flavor was spot on and the boba pearls were perfectly chewy. This location has the friendliest staff! My experience was awesome. It's very clean and there's parking at the back. read more

I finally got a chance to check this place out!! I've been stoked about this new tea bar twist at Panda. Service 5/5: Customer service exceeded my expectations *whoa* cuz that NEVER happens hahaha. The dude on the register was friendly and doing his job. But I gotta give *two thumbs up* and full *5 stars* to the female shift manager (I did not catch her name, but my visit was on 8/22/18 at 1:10pm). She was super accommodating and nice! Ambience 5/5: Staff greets and shouts out Welcome as often as they can when people start coming in. This Panda is super busy! The tables and chairs were clean. Nice modern layout. Food 5/5: It's your usual Panda, nothing different. The food was warm and tasty. I got chow mein with Beijing Beef. I ordered my food online and went to pick up. They don't receive the order until about 5-8 min before your pick up time. My pick up time was 1:20pm, but arrived at 1:10pm and the manager informed me they haven't received it in their system yet. At 1:13pm, she came to inform me she received it and is making my order. Tea Bar Drinks 5/5: Their drinks are NOT premade!! I had the assumption they were flowing in those clear tub drink dispensers (like at Lemonade) and asked the dude at the register if I can taste the Sparkling Ginger Lemonade first before I order it. He seemed kinda confused but immediately went to ask the manager and she said yeah. She ended up making the drink sample for me and that's when I realized it's made to order!! Ahhhh, shiet lol she was still super nice about making the drink for me to taste. The Sparkling Ginger Lemonade was surprisingly really good! Another *whoa* moment at Panda hahaha. I love the fact that their drinks are made to order. I'm going to try their Matcha Milk Tea next time! Hopefully it'll taste just as good. It really just depends on who's making the drink. This particular location far exceeded my expectations as you can tell. I really never had any expectations at the old panda expresses. Hopefully this new trend here will be followed by the others! read more

Panda Express + Tea Bar - Chinese Near Me - Pasadena, California

Pretty solid chinese takeout! I've been on a diet (which is hard on grad student stipend/schedule), and I'd say this place has pretty decent food that doesn't break the bank. It's fast and nearby Caltech. There's some pretty healthy options too, like the kale stir fry with teriyaki chicken (no sauce). That's my go-to, for a low low $7-8! I also love the eggplant dish as well as the brussel sprouts side. So yummy. Only drawback is if it's not too busy, the food won't come out as fresh. But otherwise this place is pretty good for its price & convenience! read more

Panda Express + Tea Bar - Chinese Near Me - Pasadena, California

I have to admit, at first I did not really like this place. I came here because they were open on Sunday and it was pretty close to my home. As I learned what to order I like it more. I usually get the Bigger Plate with all fried rice. You get 3 items. I like the honey walnut shrimp (extra charge), beef with broccoli and the angus beef with shrimp (extra charge also I think). I like their fried rice. It's pretty good when fresh. Not bad for fast food read more

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Discovered this place after dinner, just walking down Lake Ave. I was happy to see a new twist on Panda Express and to see another boba place. I would come back to try the food, namely the new stuff- like wraps and smaller portion entrees. My gf got a sparkling strawberry yogurt and it was good. read more

This location has completely ruined all other locations, including one that is 5 minutes away from where I live! Their selections are ALWAYS fresh and cream cheese wantons are made to order! My go-to is the string bean chicken! I'm not a fan of the tea bar bc I find it too sweet but other than that, I can eat there everyday and not get tired of it! The challenge is to try to find somewhere else to eat deliciously and within a reasonable budget! read more

I went in to buy a iced green tea raspberry lemonade drink. The drink was perfectly made, and it was not too sweet. Good drink recipe. I'll be back. read more

Panda Express + Tea Bar - Green tea raspberry lemonade - Chinese Near Me - Pasadena, California

Franky is the best! He was very helpful and professional. This is the cleanest panda I've been in and the food is soo amazing! Always have the best meal here! read more

Fresh new look!!! Enjoyed the carrot and Brussels spouts dish. Also felt the ginger lemonade it's my new go to drink. Cannot wait to try their other new items but one thing at a time. This is Panda Express all grown up! read more

Came here for lunch today and the food was just sitting there all still and did not look fresh or warm. Usually Panda Express places are always inviting but I noticed also when I was already ordering my 2 item plate, a customer cut in front of me refused to even excuse himself, but the worst part is the assistant behind the counter REFUSED to tell that guy to wait his turn. The rudeness of this place is just awful. Yes, the food is good, but the portion here is on the small end and food was also cold. I did not appreciate also at the end always being asked if I want to donate money for kids. STOP ASKING MONEY when this is a food place and it is just tacky to ask people when they can donate at their own leisure. Never again will I return here. Rude staff, small portions, cold food, rude customers, NO WAY. read more

What the hell is going on ??? Called this place to ask about the menu, picked up once and hung up on me.. called back 5 times and no answer.. finally on try #6 someone picked up and said its their "Rush Hour".. I don't care if its Happy Hour please pick up your god damn phone when someone calls during business hours. read more

Not bad, but it could be better. The salad was turning pink when I was there. Otherwise, neat location, friendly staff, nice ambience. Most food was fresh read more

Panda Express + Tea Bar - Plate - Chinese Near Me - Pasadena, California

This place opened up in my neighborhood right next to the old Panda Express. This new one is more modern and cleaner than the old one. You can look through the kitchen from the glass while you line up. It was interesting to see how the machine is stirring the fried rice. I have never seen how the kitchen was like in the old Panda Express. The style of this restaurant is more like when poke meets Panda Express. You can choose a base and dishes of protein. The menu is not exactly the same as Panda Express. It has the usual Orange chicken, Kung Pao Chicken and chicken with string beans, etc but my favorite tofu with eggplant is gone. I was so disappointed. I am vegetarian today and there are not many choices. I got half half the fried noodles and honey glazed vegetables with brussel sprouts, carrots and parsnips. My entrees are chicken with string beans (which I was going to just eat the string beans) and the vegetable spring rolls. I was going to get a third one but all entrees have meat in it so I just got two. The honey glazed vegetables are not too sweet so I kind of like it. However, I think it's better eat it with steam rice. Honestly, I think the food is good here. I wanted to try the pork belly and I will have to go back some other day when I can eat meat. Overall I like it but I will still want to go back to Panda Express just to get the eggplant with tofu again. Can they add this back to their menu? It's better to have more vegetarian choices in this new restaurant. read more

Went in at 1 pm on a weekday, food trays empty, portions have shrunk or the gal in charge must have direct correlation between food given and her pay. You get a heap of fried rice and a sprinkle of chow mein with half a scoop of entree in each small compartment. Wonder. I wonder if this is the direction Mr/Mrs Cherng had in mind when they opened up their 1st store!? read more

Here we have the bbq chicken and broccoli beef paired with the super greens and fried rice. Now, I have NOT been to Panda Express in over 3 years and have sworn to never go there again cuz who tf puts CELERY in their chow mein?!?!, but I went today at ~2 after the gym and boiiii this was some of the most bussin not just Chinese food, but food in general. I didn't get the chow mein cuz... still celery... but errthin else was bussin bussin. And Melanie was also super helpful and patient when I was being indecisive. read more

Panda Express + Tea Bar - Chinese Near Me - Pasadena, California

Ah yes a panda tea bar! Hard to come by these days it seems. The Thai tea was perfect other than it not being sealed all the way - uh oh. Boba was fantastic too really looking forward to trying the creme brûlée milk tea in the future. read more

Panda Express + Tea Bar - Inside - Chinese Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Hey what's up yelpers? Hope my review finds you well. The following review of Panda Express is broken up into different categories: drink, environment, service, price and overall thoughts. Drink: The Panda Milk Tea without boba was delicious. Honestly thought the milk tea was better tasting than other boba tea spots. It probably has a lot to do with the sweetness of the drink. (5 stars) Environment: Due to covid restriction the place was take out only. The establishment did look clean inside. The surrounding area was also clean and safe. Plenty of parking in the back. They also had this cool display of vegetables. (4 stars) Service: The staff was friendly and quick. Did not have to much of an interaction since I had to wait outside.(4 stars) Price: I only paid. Fair compared to nearby boba tea spots. (4 stars) Overall Thoughts: I personally do not like the food here however I was thirsty and saw this big advertisement for milk tea and thought to give it a try. And I'm glad I did since it tasted good. Thank you Panda for adding a new drink. Thank you yelpers for reading, until next time. Peace and Love! read more

Normally we always order food from panda and get it to go, but this location has a great interior and lighting, for a good atmosphere. When I'm in the area, I would not hesitate to eat here over other places :) staff was accepting when i got a bit frazzled with my auto immune disease today. I was running on incredibly low energy and was in a rush to leave--- I'm sorry y'all already go through so much as just customer service--- I appreciate that you accommodated my needs when I was stressed out. 10/10 would come back just for that kindness. read more

This panda has the worst customer service. They do not know how to take food orders and serve with a friendly what can I get you. It's a hurried up fast order but no food is ready. Then you have to wait for food to be made and if your not careful they will forget your order. They skimp on serving too! This use to be a great place? Get rid of the guys at night working. I'm not going back. read more

I have been to many panda takeouts and the food at this location was the worst I have ever had. Even the white rice was awful. It was dry and hard, I even sent it back and then they gave me another portion of it and it wasn't any better. What The heck!?! How does anyone screwup white rice? Everything I ordered was awful. Even the vegetables were as hard as a rock. ;( Whomever was cooking today was totally off. Won't be back read more

I like this place! I came in for a few drinks only but I know this location has been here forever...I really like their tea bar selection and I'm happy this is here. I ordered the strawberry yogurt sparkling drink and the matcha milk tea. The strawberry yogurt drink was refreshing and the matcha milk tea had just the right sweetness. I was able to take advantage of their 50% off drink yelp check-in. The cashier and the girl making my drinks both were welcoming to not only me, but every person coming into the place. I'm not a soda machine girl so I appreciate that I can eat here and have a tasty beverage with my meal. I'll be back! read more

I am absolutely stunned with my experience. I was serviced on December 19 - 8:10pm by Ana. Me and my friend was craving some cheap Chinese food. So, Panda! Here we come! Super stoked since I haven't had Panda for a bit over 10 years. Upon arrival, we were half azzed greeted by Ana, and she asked, "any samples?" We said, "no" and proceeded to order. All things were fine until she addressed my friend who's a transgender as a "Sir" Okay!! Let's stop right there. My friend was wearing a fawking dress, shoulder length hair, with a fawking make up! So, I promptly corrected Ana - I said "Ma'am. Not sir" "She's a woman. Not a man." I sheit you not, she walked away chuckling. Are you fawking serious? What's funny? Anyway, we got our food, and on our drive back to my friend's place, she shed tears! Fawk! This is extremely fawked up! I cannot believe Panda would even hire a bigot! Fawk you Panda! I'm still so fawking mad, I'll be calling the management tomorrow. We shall see their BS response. No one should be treated this way! No one! There was nothing worth chuckling about. Instead, we expected Ana to correct her mistake and maybe even apologize. But No. that bietch needed to chuckle and make my friend tear up on our ride home. Fawk You! read more

I'm not really sure what was going on, but this is the second time I've been upset from trying to order a simple hot milk tea. There is an attempt to separate the line of people ordering food from those who just want a drink, but no clear delineation and only one cashier (despite there being two registers). So, I stood in front of the "order tea" sign....for FIFTEEN minutes. No one acknowledged me, greeted me, told me they'd be with me shortly, nothing. Finally a woman who seemed to be somewhat in charge approached and told me I'd get to order after the six-person line ordering food finished. After I placed my order, the employee went back to serving food and I waited for another ten or so minutes before finally getting fed up and asking them where my stupid tea was--he had put the cup down, and hadn't even STARTED IT. When I finally got the tea, it wasn't even hot!! Lukewarm at best. I usually try to be forgiving of employees in restaurants and cafes, especially if they seem short staffed or rushed, but this was absolutely ridiculous. There's an over-emphasis on food and I felt completely overlooked and forgotten. I'm not sure if I'll go back. read more

This Panda Express location is wonderful! The interior is well designed and very modern. I ordered a bing with Chow Mein, Fried Rice, and Orange Chicken. This burrito was really yummy and well worth the price! I only at half my burrito for lunch because it was pretty big. I also ordered the sparkling yogurt strawberry pineapple drink with boba and was pleasantly surprised. Never have I had this drink before or seen it it on the menu of a boba shop. It was really fruity and not too fizzy, which I really enjoyed. Overall, I was really pleased. read more

Panda Express + Tea Bar - Bing - Chinese Near Me - Pasadena, California

We thought it would be fun to check out the innovation kitchen because of the orange chicken burrito. It is basically like a regular Panda Express, except bigger and with more fun options. For the burrito you can choose a side and 1 or 2 entree to put in, as well as toppings. I got half chow mein and half rice with orange chicken. It was pretty good, but you get less food. I will say the person who rolled my burrito did an amazing job! I also got a hibiscus green tea which was the perfect balance of sweet and tart. I probably wouldn't make the drive again, but it was fun to experience once. read more

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Chinese food at its best. My favorite thing about Panda is they give really big portions of food so you get your money's worth. And you will be full all day from just one meal. They also have family deals for a very good price if you have a big family and want everyone to be full and happy. I love that they make the food right in front of you so your able to see exactly what's going onto your plate. Everyone here is always nice, and ready to serve. The food is great for an on the go lunch. And they always give you a receipt at the end of your purchase, for a free meal. This is a no brainer, when you're low on cash. read more

This is my favorite Panda Express. It's the only one I go to now. The tea bar is my favorite. I enjoy it here but I will say that the milk teas are extremely sweet. If they'd allow for altered levels of sweetness it would make it better so if you're not big on overly sweet things I'd look more into that. The boba is actually pretty good. I'm not a fan of mushy boba and the texture of their boba here is the perfect texture. The food is just like any other Panda Express location. The service is great. They get orders done quickly and are always nice. read more

So glad they have the hot & sour soup here!!! So many Panda Express don't carry this soup anymore. I love their hot & sour soup and also the fruit tea they have here!!! read more

TL;DR The tea is a gimmick The good - If you like the food at Panda Express, then you'll love it here. - Clean and modern decor. - Friendly staff. The bad - Parking can be difficult to find (park on the street). - The tea bar is a gimmick, not worth it. read more

Mediocre service!! Food under cook!! We will stick with the east Foothill Location in Pasadena

Came in on a Thursday around 3pm we were greeted as soon as we walked in. Place was clean and food display area was clean and full. We ordered 2 bowls and 2 drinks. One of the drinks took a while to get (this is why the 4 star) the server called another employee to make my drink but she had no clue. I stood there for a bit waiting but then went to eat my food, the two kept going back and fourth about how to make the tea while the girl who was making my drink was trying to read the instructions off a paper. I just think they should teach them before work or when its slow how to make the teas. Overall It was good, will be coming back. read more

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Panda food is great Chinese food for takeout and the price and the fast service. It's some of the best fast food now as has become a staple for most households. read more

I love this place! Everyone is super friendly!!! Drinks and food is soo good with a twist of a healthier option! I will definitely come back!! Its super clean in here and everyone is super friendly! Will be coming back :) read more

Painfully PAINFULLY slow service here. Go in and ask for something they don't have out. "It'll be out in 5 minutes, we're making it fresh now". Roll on 20 minutes and you're still waiting. Staff here need to learn how to speak properly to people also. Speaking 100 miles an hour is not very polite at all. You're working in a fast food chain, not the stock market. You're not that important!! read more

Couldn't even be bothered to add a fork and napkin after already getting my order totally wrong the first time