06/07/09

Has an allergic reaction here

by ChrisBright

I'm allergic to peanuts and although there were not nuts in my lo-mein, it soon became evident that they didn't clean the Wok well enough berfore cooking my dish. It was a mild reaction, but had it been someone else, they could have died.

• Pros: Good Food
• Cons: Don't speak very good English

05/24/09

Very Bad Experience

by daviemc

Stopped in on a Sunday at 5:30pm. One other party in the whole restaurant. 20 minutes after ordering still no appetizer or refills on drinks. Wait staff standing at the bar chatting among themselves. Got up and walked to door. Girl at cash register talking on phone while I stood there. Still no response. I had to interrupt her and tell her the service was slow and unacceptable. Only reply was "sorry". My dining companion and I then left.

I stopped there on the recommendation of a friend. However, judging by other reviews posted my experience was not unique.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Poor Service

09/26/08

How good is it? This is where the Chinese go to eat great Chinese food.

by PolicyAnalyst

If you want good ethnic food, find out where they eat. Panda Inn is popular with local Chinese, and for good reason. The trick for Americans is to know what to order. First, ask for the Chinese menu - otherwise you will get the lame "americanized" standards (General Tso's, Sweet&Sour Pork, Orange Shrimp, etc.).

SOME THINGS NOT TO MISS:

Soup: Fujianese Dumpling Soup (a favorite in owner's hometown - you will never eat wonton again)

Appetizer: Chive Dumplings (split the top and drizzle with the vinegar juice that comes with it)

Vegetable: Order greens sauteed with garlic (ask the server what is fresh today - Chinese Water Cress, Tender Pea Vines, or Chinese Broccoli (very mild - and very different from American broccoli)

Fish: Flounder Paradise (flounder wrapped around scallions and crab meat)

...or for Spicy Fish: fried Szechuan fish

Something Different?: Tender Spicy Bamboo (sauteed with jalapenos)

Something Really Different: Three Cup Squid (we always order this with wary newbies who then proceed to devour it with delight - delicious)

Want something REALLY spicy? Order a bowl of fish served in Szechuan peppercorn broth. Eat the fish on rice. Don't mess with the peppercorns, though, unless you don't mind a numb tongue.

A couple of writers said they had "intestinal discomfort." My wife and I have been going twice a month for 6 years and have never had a bad experience.

• Pros: Authentic Chinese food; all Chinese staff
• Cons: Some servers don't speak great English so may seem taciturn - but they are just quiet

08/14/08

Best chinese restuarant ever!

by amandafrank

We have been going to Panda Inn for a long time. The food, service and price is the best! We especially love the lunch specials.

06/16/08

TASTY!!!!!!!!

by michellevandyke

My mom used to take me when I was a pre-teen and we lived in Hilliard.We both loved the food and the prices then.

Now I am 32, I still LOVE the food and prices.Feeding a family of 6 is never cheap, all of us are about quality food,we can all eat a lot of food with leftovers for about $40 & tip!

The service is always wonderful!

We drive from Pickerington,and is well worth the wait!The kids love to hear "want to go to the Panda Inn?".

I think a lot like them .......YUM.......!

• Pros: The bridge is big with the kids, flip a coin in the pond, watch the fish!
• Cons: Kinda far from Pickerington but, worth the drive!

05/17/08

The Best Chinese Restaurant In Columbus!

by oryeol08

This is one of the few authentic Chinese restaurants in Columbus. Please don't waste your time and money on an Americanized dish like General Tso's Chicken, only because the authentic stuff is so wonderful! The menu is huge, and the value is great. Lunch specials are really cheap and taste great. The staff is wonderful and friendly. Seating and service are great. The owner knows me well and can almost order for me. Highly recommended!

• Pros: Wonderful, romantic atmosphere. It's amazing what they have done with a little plaza store!
• Cons: Can't think of any.

04/27/08

Awful

by libbysu

Terrible food, health dept. issues, cheap but nasty. There is a quality Chinese restaurant right down the street; the last time I ate there other people invited me and I went hesitantly. Couldn't finish my meal. The lack of customers gives a clue, doesn't it?

• Pros: Cheap
• Cons: Might make you sick

02/08/08

Bland Food - don't waste your money!

by yoginimama

My husband and I tried Panda Inn recently and were so disappointed. I ordered jumbo shrimp with mixed vegetables and asked that it be prepared a little bit spicy. It had absolutely no taste at all. Everything including the shrimp tasted like it has been boiled and all the flavor drained out of it. There was no flavor whatsoever, let alone any spices. I actually had to add salt to get it down and didn't even finish it. My husband ordered a beef dish and was similarly disappointed. We definitely won't return and will see out a better Chinese restaurant in the area.

• Cons: bland food

06/11/07

Got sick on their food in 2005

by csmarsh

I had ordered take out food in March of 2005 and was deathly sick that night. It took

my over 24 hours to get over the "sickness". I will never go there again. Beware!!

04/25/07

Awesome food, authentic Chinese, good upscale atmosphere, but not quick

by ddhouser

There's a reason this restaurant was voted best Chinese restaurant in Columbus in 2005.

Extensive menu of traditional Chinese fare appealing to American palates, along with exotic authentic Chinese dishes. I've been to China for two weeks, and SFO/NYC/CHI Chinatowns many times -- this is as authentic as any of the Chinese I've had. Excellent eggrolls, large and tasty pot-stickers, savory soups. The rice is incredible- nutty, flavorful and sticky without being a mess. I could eat a big bowl of it. The eggrolls were crisp, piping hot, and stuffed with great stuff -- among the best in the city.

We've had 8 dishes from there, and all were amazingly good. The TsingTao beer was fresh and cold (had it on 3 visits), never skunky.

It's a bit upscale, so costs more than hole-in-the-wall Chinese, but worth the price. My only complaint is that it takes 90 minutes to eat there for dinner, because they're a bit leisurely... however, many see a relaxed pace as necessary and appropriate in a white linen tablecloth restaurant.

• Pros: Authentic food, Delicious, Atmosphere, Delightful staff, Convenient, Karaoke 10pm-2am
• Cons: $$$, Dinner Service sometimes slow, Karoake 10pm-2am