Panda Express

Welcome to the Panda Express located at 1544 OK-9, Norman, OK 73072, USA. Situated as a franchise within the Riverwind Casino, this Panda Express caters to those seeking a quick and convenient option for American Chinese fast food. As part of the broader Chinese Restaurant category, Panda Express offers a familiar menu and service style to those acquainted with the larger, standalone locations, though some nuances specific to its casino setting have been noted by customers.

One reviewer describes this Panda Express as offering "typical Panda Express fare," indicating that customers can expect the standard menu items and preparation methods associated with the chain. However, they also suggest that the quality might be "just a notch below the larger brick and mortar stores." This could be due to the operational constraints or the high-traffic environment of a casino food court setting. It's important for potential customers to be aware of this slight perceived difference in quality.

Consistent with other Panda Express locations, the service involves selecting meals from "precooked bins" by the server. This is a hallmark of the fast-food model, allowing for quick service. The pricing structure is also reported to be "similar to the bigger stores," with meals tiered into combos featuring a selection of entrees and vegetables. This familiar pricing model makes it easy for regular Panda Express customers to understand the cost.

The vegetable choices at this location are mentioned as being "usually limited to chow mein noodles or rice." This is a narrower selection compared to some full-service Chinese restaurants that might offer a wider variety of vegetable sides. Customers looking for more diverse vegetable options might find the choices here somewhat restricted.

The entree selections are described as the "typical Chinese buffet selections" often found at Panda Express. Examples provided include pepper chicken, broccoli beef, and orange chicken. These are popular and widely recognized American Chinese dishes that form the core of the Panda Express menu. For those familiar with these offerings, the selection at this Riverwind Casino location should be consistent.

One particular entree that received positive mention is the Teriyaki chicken. This dish is noted for being served in "large pieces that the server will slice before serving." The reviewer found that the "sliced teriyaki chicken seems juicier than the other battered and deep fried choices." This is a valuable insight for customers who prefer a non-battered and potentially more tender chicken option. The preparation method of slicing the chicken fresh from larger pieces might contribute to its perceived juiciness.

In terms of accessibility, the counter at this Panda Express is reported to be "handicap and wheelchair accessible," ensuring that customers with mobility challenges can comfortably place their orders. Additionally, the common dining area that serves all the food court franchises is also accessible. This is an important consideration for a diverse range of customers visiting the Riverwind Casino.

A significant nutritional note provided in the review is that "all the entree items are high in sodium." This is crucial information for individuals who are on sodium-restricted diets for health reasons. Such customers may need to be mindful of their choices at Panda Express or consider alternative options with lower sodium content.

In contrast to the generally informative first review, a second review details a negative customer service experience. The customer attempted to use their Riverwind card for payment, but when it didn't work, they had to leave to get it checked. Upon returning, they encountered an employee named Claribee who allegedly made them wait while serving approximately ten other customers before finally providing the food that had been "already served 10 min earlier." This account raises concerns about customer service efficiency and the practice of serving food that was prepared significantly earlier, potentially impacting its freshness and temperature. This isolated incident suggests a lapse in service standards for this particular customer.

Considering these two reviews, the Panda Express inside Riverwind Casino offers the typical American Chinese fast food menu in a convenient location within the casino. While generally consistent with the larger chain, one reviewer noted a slight dip in quality. The vegetable options are limited, but popular entrees like orange chicken, broccoli beef, and teriyaki chicken are available. The location is accessible for those with mobility needs. However, customers should be aware of the high sodium content of the entrees. Additionally, one reported incident highlights potential issues with customer service and food handling.

For local users in Norman, OK, visiting the Riverwind Casino, this Panda Express provides a familiar and quick dining option. If you are accustomed to Panda Express's menu and are looking for a fast meal while at the casino, it can be a convenient choice. However, it's worth keeping in mind the potential for slightly lower quality compared to standalone stores and the reported high sodium content. The negative customer service experience described by one reviewer should also be noted, although it appears to be an isolated incident. As this is a franchise within a larger entertainment complex, the environment is that of a common food court shared with other vendors. There is no specific information about promotions for this particular location in the provided reviews, so customers would need to inquire on-site for any current offers.

In conclusion, the Panda Express at Riverwind Casino in Norman, OK, offers standard American Chinese fast food in a convenient, accessible food court setting. Expect a familiar menu with limited vegetable choices and high sodium levels in the entrees. While generally adequate for a quick meal, some customers have perceived a slight difference in quality compared to standalone stores, and isolated customer service issues have been reported. If you are at the casino and looking for a known quantity for a fast meal, Panda Express is an option, but be mindful of these considerations.