Panda Express

Panda Express, located within the St. Louis Galleria at 1155 St Louis Galleria St FC-5, St. Louis, MO 63117, USA, falls under the category of Chinese Restaurants, specifically operating as a fast-food chain offering a variety of American-Chinese cuisine. While Panda Express is a well-known brand with numerous locations, it's essential for local users to consider recent feedback regarding the specific branch within the St. Louis Galleria to make an informed decision.

Based on recent customer reviews, the experience at this particular Panda Express location appears to be a cause for concern for some patrons. One detailed review paints a picture of declining quality and service issues. The customer, identifying themselves as a loyal visitor frequenting the establishment five to ten times a month, expressed significant dissatisfaction with several aspects of their recent experiences.

The review highlights alleged issues with the management, specifically mentioning a "very rude young lady name Ann" who purportedly lacks respect for loyal customers. Furthermore, another employee named Yadira is mentioned in connection with justifying "bad quality food preparation." The reviewer details specific examples of substandard food, including noodles and chicken teriyaki described as having a "black burnt taste," dry rice, and a beef pepper or "hanged chicken" dish deemed soggy. This suggests potential inconsistencies in food preparation and quality control at this location.

Adding to these concerns, the reviewer claims that the fast food quality has been on a downward trend over the past nine to twelve months, while prices have simultaneously increased, and portion sizes have decreased. This combination of declining quality and reduced value is a significant point of contention for this customer.

Service issues were also noted in the review. Several young male staff members working as cashiers, one specifically named Vickie, are described as lacking people skills and being more engrossed in texting on their mobile devices. This perceived inattentiveness to customers can detract from the overall dining experience. The reviewer also recounts an instance of being met with irritation when requesting napkins, despite the dispenser being empty, while straw wrappers and wet napkins were present at the register. This lack of basic service attention is a further cause for concern.

Beyond individual interactions, the reviewer also mentions a potentially unpleasant environment, noting a "bad odor like sewer problems" in the mall and lobby area leading to the restaurant. While this may not be directly attributable to Panda Express itself, it could impact the overall perception and comfort of visiting the location.

The staffing levels and efficiency during peak hours also came under scrutiny. The reviewer observed that only two people were preparing food during evening hours, contrasting with five staffers present during the 12-2 PM lunch rush. This apparent imbalance in staffing could contribute to the reported long wait times, with customers experiencing delays of 15-25 minutes. The reviewer suggests that the pressure on the limited kitchen staff during busy periods may lead to rushed cooking, resulting in issues like burnt chicken and inadequately prepared noodles and rice.

Another, more recent review corroborates concerns about service and value. This customer, who ordered on April 19, 2025, around 12:30 PM, recounts an instance of potentially dishonest service regarding extra charges. The customer inquired about what was included in the plate price and was shown the options. However, they were allegedly charged extra for shrimp without prior notification, and the subsequent shrimp portion was described as "embarrassingly small." This experience led the customer to conclude that the service was dishonest and the portions skimpy, vowing not to return.

Based on these recent reviews, local users considering Panda Express at the St. Louis Galleria should be aware of potential issues related to food quality, customer service, portion sizes, and even the surrounding environment. While Panda Express is a familiar name, the experiences reported at this specific location suggest a need for caution. There is no promotional information available in the provided text, and given the concerns raised, it would be prudent for potential customers to weigh these negative experiences before deciding to dine at this particular Panda Express outlet.

It is important to note that these reviews represent individual experiences and may not be representative of every customer's interaction with this Panda Express location. However, the consistency of complaints regarding food quality and service in the provided feedback warrants consideration for local users seeking a reliable and enjoyable dining experience within the Chinese Restaurant category at the St. Louis Galleria.