Panda Express

Panda Express is a well-known chain of Chinese fast-food restaurants, and one of its locations is situated at 1300 E 86th St Suite 6, Indianapolis, IN 46240, serving the local community. For inquiries or to place orders, they can be reached at (317) 581-0998 or via mobile phone at +1 317-581-0998. Recent customer reviews offer insights into the online ordering experience, the restaurant's ambiance, staff service, and potential drawbacks related to their closing time.

One customer shared a positive first-time experience with online ordering from this location. They were pleased that their order was ready ahead of the scheduled time. Although they noted a minor issue with a missing rice order, they seemed to consider it a minor inconvenience ("all good"). This reviewer specifically highlighted an employee named Eric, describing him as "an excellent employee, definitely going above & beyond." Such positive feedback about individual staff members can be a significant factor in a customer's overall satisfaction.

The same reviewer also commented on the physical environment of the restaurant, noting that "The decor & feel of the restaurant was welcoming." A pleasant and inviting atmosphere can enhance the dining experience, whether for those choosing to eat in or those picking up their orders. Additionally, they appreciated that despite it being close to closing time, "the staff didn't make me feel like that," suggesting a courteous and unhurried service even near the end of their operating hours. Overall, this customer described their experience as "Great" and indicated their intention to return ("will be back 👍🏽").

However, another review presented a contrasting perspective, focusing on potential issues for customers visiting closer to the stated closing time. This reviewer pointed out a discrepancy in the posted closing hours, noting that Google indicated a 10 pm closing time while the store itself displayed 9:30 pm. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and potential disappointment for customers arriving based on the information they found online.

More significantly, this review cautioned that visiting after 8 pm might result in a "lousy experience." They reported that "more than half the entrees and appetizers are gone and cook-to-order only," suggesting a significantly limited menu selection during the later part of the evening. This reduction in available options could be frustrating for customers with specific preferences.

Furthermore, the reviewer observed that the staff seemed to be well into their cleanup process as early as 8:30 pm. They mentioned seeing "floor mats rolled up and put on trash cans," "no silverware in their dispensers," the "soft drink machine completely shut off," and "no teas or other drinks in their dispensers." These observations paint a picture of a restaurant that begins its closing procedures quite early, potentially impacting the dining experience for customers who arrive within the last hour and a half of their posted closing time.

The reviewer also noted that even with a "steady stream of customers at 8:30," many of whom were asking "are you closing?," the early cleanup activities were still underway. While acknowledging that some pre-closing cleaning is understandable, the reviewer felt that the extent of the cleanup was "a little extreme." This suggests a potential conflict between serving late-arriving customers and the staff's efforts to prepare for closing.

Considering these two reviews, local users might find that the Panda Express on E 86th St offers a welcoming environment and potentially excellent service from individual employees, particularly for online orders picked up earlier in the evening. However, there appears to be a significant caveat regarding visits closer to their closing time. The discrepancy in closing hours and the apparent early initiation of extensive cleanup procedures could lead to a limited menu and a less than ideal dining experience for late-arriving customers.

For those planning to order online, the positive experience shared by one customer suggests efficiency and good service. The welcoming decor might also be a plus for those choosing to dine in earlier in the evening. However, local users who typically dine out later should be aware of the potential for a reduced menu and a restaurant that is already in the process of closing down well before their posted hours.

It would be advisable for customers planning to visit Foon Ying in the evening to verify the actual closing time directly with the restaurant to avoid confusion. Additionally, they should be prepared for the possibility of a limited selection of dishes and a dining environment that is already undergoing cleanup if they arrive within the last hour or two of the stated closing time.

In conclusion, the Panda Express at 1300 E 86th St in Indianapolis offers a pleasant atmosphere and can provide excellent service, especially for online orders. However, potential customers, particularly those planning to visit in the late evening, should be aware of inconsistent closing hour information and the possibility of a limited menu and ongoing cleanup activities that might detract from the overall dining experience. It is recommended to confirm the closing hours and perhaps visit earlier in the evening to ensure the full range of menu options and services are available.