Find My Perfect Chinese Restaurant Near Me

Exploring Panda Express on Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA
  1. Chinese Food
  2. Chinese Restaurant
  3. California
  4. San Diego County
  5. El Cajon
  6. Chinese Restaurant in Magnolia Avenue
  7. Panda Express

Panda Express

606 reviews

Panda Express Photos

Panda Express 1Panda Express 2Panda Express 3Panda Express 4Panda Express 5Panda Express 6Panda Express 7Panda Express 8Panda Express 9Panda Express 10

Hours

Monday, 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday, 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday, 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday, 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday, 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Saturday, 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Sunday, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About Panda Express

Welcome to Panda Express, a well-established chain of Chinese fast-casual restaurants, with a location situated at 190 Magnolia Ave in El Cajon, California (CA 92020), USA. As a familiar name in the American Chinese food landscape, Panda Express provides a convenient option for those seeking quick service and a variety of popular dishes. This particular outlet in El Cajon serves the local community and passersby looking for a fast and accessible meal.

The customer reviews for the Panda Express on Magnolia Ave in El Cajon present contrasting experiences, offering insights into both potential strengths and weaknesses of this location. One review details a significantly negative encounter, starting with an issue of order accuracy. The customer reported that one of the three entrees they ordered was missing upon arriving home. This necessitated a return trip to the restaurant to rectify the mistake. The compensation offered for this inconvenience was a soda, which the customer found inadequate, especially since they had already purchased three sodas with their initial order. Furthermore, upon closer inspection of the food at home, the customer found the teriyaki chicken to be "extremely bland" and the "fried rice" to resemble "plain white rice with some vegetables," leading to complete dissatisfaction with their meal.

In stark contrast, another customer shared an overwhelmingly positive experience at the same Panda Express location. This reviewer described the food as "fresh, flavorful, and served quickly." They also noted that the store was clean and had a "great atmosphere." A special commendation was given to an employee named Maria for her "exceptional service," highlighting her "friendly attitude and attention to detail," which significantly enhanced the overall experience. This positive feedback suggests that the restaurant is capable of providing high-quality food and excellent service, indicating that the negative experience might not be representative of the typical customer interaction.

The environment of a Panda Express restaurant is generally characterized by a brightly lit, clean, and efficient space designed for quick service. Located on Magnolia Ave in El Cajon, this outlet likely features a serving counter with a display of various entrees and sides, allowing customers to make their selections visually. Seating areas are available for those who wish to dine on-site, typically offering a casual and family-friendly setting. The emphasis is on a streamlined process that allows customers to receive their food promptly, whether for dining in or taking away.

In terms of services, Panda Express primarily operates on a fast-casual model, offering both dine-in and takeout options. Customers can walk in, place their orders at the counter, and either enjoy their meal in the restaurant or take it to go. The availability of a phone number, (619) 401-8301 and +1 619-401-8301, indicates that phone orders for pickup are also likely accepted, providing a convenient option for customers who wish to order in advance. While Panda Express is primarily known for its quick service and in-store experience, delivery services may be available through third-party delivery platforms. Customers interested in delivery should check with these services to see if the El Cajon location on Magnolia Ave is within their delivery range.

The features of Panda Express as a brand include its standardized menu of American Chinese-inspired cuisine, with popular dishes such as Orange Chicken, Sweet Fire Chicken Breast, Kung Pao Chicken, Black Pepper Chicken, and a variety of chow mein, fried rice, and steamed rice options. Appetizers and beverages are also available. The fast-casual format allows for customization of meals through combination plates with choices of entrees and sides. However, the negative review mentioned issues with the quality and preparation of specific items like teriyaki chicken and fried rice, suggesting potential inconsistencies in food quality at this particular location.

The positive review, on the other hand, highlights the freshness and flavor of the food, as well as the cleanliness of the store and the great atmosphere. The exceptional service provided by an employee named Maria is also a significant positive feature mentioned, indicating that some staff members are committed to providing a pleasant and helpful experience for customers.

Regarding promotional information, Panda Express, as a national chain, frequently offers various promotions and special deals throughout the year. These can include discounts on specific entrees, family meal bundles, online or mobile app exclusive offers, and seasonal promotions tied to holidays or events. To stay informed about any current promotions at the Panda Express location in El Cajon on Magnolia Ave, customers are advised to check the official Panda Express website or mobile app. Additionally, promotional materials might be available in-store or through local advertising. Given that the provided reviews do not mention any specific promotions, it is best to consult official Panda Express channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

In conclusion, the Panda Express located at 190 Magnolia Ave in El Cajon, CA, offers a fast-casual dining experience with a menu of familiar American Chinese dishes. Customer reviews present a mixed picture, with one customer reporting significant issues with order accuracy and food quality, while another praised the fresh and flavorful food, clean environment, and exceptional service from a specific employee. This suggests that while the potential for a positive experience exists, there might be inconsistencies in food preparation and order fulfillment. Customers in the El Cajon area looking for a quick Chinese meal should consider these varying experiences. For the most accurate information on the menu, hours of operation, delivery options, and any ongoing promotions, it is recommended to visit the official Panda Express website or contact the store directly at (619) 401-8301 or +1 619-401-8301.

Panda Express Location

190 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020, USA

Customer Reviews

4.0
606 reviews
R
Reina Gonzalez
Apr 28, 2024

Worst panda I’ve been to! Went home to open 1 of the 3 plates we got & was missing an entire entree had to go back to get it fixed was offered nothing but a soda for compensation when we already bought 3 sodas with our order also once home looking more at the food the teriyaki chicken was extremely bland & the “fried rice” looked like plain white rice with some vegetables! Completely unsatisfied !

A
Abdul Basit
Sep 06, 2024

I had an amazing experience at Panda Express! The food was fresh, flavorful, and served quickly. The store was clean and had a great atmosphere. Special shoutout to Maria for her exceptional service—she made the experience even better with her friendly attitude and attention to detail. Highly recommend this location!

A
Amy Moro
Feb 14, 2025

Love going here its close to home and they always greet me with fast friendly service. I have always gotten the freshest food here with the same delicious flavors everytime and the staff here are amazing. The prices are amazing I can feed my family for $25 better than anywhere else we love this Panda give them a try you won't regret it!!

M
Maddie Hale
Apr 08, 2025

Bad service. Manager had a bad attitude and is really rude. Messed up on our order and refused to redo the transaction correctly. I think overall I will not come to this location again. I will be taking my business elsewhere, more specifically the Panda Express in santee because I have always liked their service way better and have never had a problem.

A
Amir Ahmadi
May 01, 2025

Customer service zero, the lady at the front is so f rude and even don't listen what I ordered and got it wrong items. Not coming here anymore.

MORE