Happy Panda Restaurant

I just came and tipped 20% for take out. Was asked if I needed any sauces, and responded extra hot mustard. She grabbed a handful of packets. My trusting self assumed it was what I asked for. I was wrong and she sends me off anyways for my discovery. If you’re out that is one thing and fine. Lying to me is another. I wonder why people have been reluctant to tip…

I've been eating at this restaurant for many years and the food and service is always wonderful. On this particular day they only had 1 server. Rather than fill the restaurant and everyone get slow service and the server get run down, they asked the server with each new customer if she could take another table or if they should turn away the new customers. What a concept. The server remained friendly even though I could hear some of the customers being total a$$hats. Kudos to her and to the managers for not overwhelming her.

I have eaten at Happy Panda many times over the past several years, mostly delivery. Although I haven't eaten there recently, because I'm not a fan of their food on the average, I might try it again. Here's why: My chief complaint has been that their food is beyond bland, almost tasteless, and their portion sizes are a bit small for the price... BUT I've been reading the new reviews, mostly because I live within walking distance and I love Chinese food and I really want to love Happy Panda and I had hoped that some sort of magic had happened. It might have, with the current owner. I'm going to check tonight to see if it's true, and I'll report back. What struck me as amazing is that the new owner (or their representative) actually responds to reviews. And in a professional, timely, and in some cases, educational manner. For example, I had no idea that their food is intentionally bland to appeal to "family" (read: children's) palates, but that you can ask for spicy. I'm about to go in and order, then I'll let you guys know how it went. Edit: So I went in with my newfound knowledge that you can ask for spicy, and this was my experience: I didn't want to spend the $15 on their average plate cost on an experiment so I got my go-to, the hot and sour soup, and I asked for it spicy (you know, the hot part of the hot and sour). What I got was a thin broth with a bunch of carrot strips in it and a few tiny tofu squares, loaded with red pepper flakes. There was no "sour", only "hot", and they clearly conflate heat with burn instead of flavor. But at least they tried. The staff ran hot and cold; one woman seemed eager to please and the other one seemed annoyed that the customers were bothering her. I wish I had caught their names, but the helpful lady was wearing glasses, if that helps management give credit where credit is due. But I definitely won't be returning. With that said, if your particular palate prefers bland, Americanized "Chinese" food, Happy Panda is a lovely place with a great atmosphere. And I hope you get the nice lady. Re-edit: After I let the red pepper meld with the other flavors for a bit, the soup was actually pretty good. I'm still disappointed that there weren't any mushrooms, and I don't like carrots in my hot and sour soup, but I will probably finish this serving.

An average, Americanized Chinese restaurant. The food is alright; it is not overly amazing but not bad either. The sauces and flavors of the three different dishes were fairly bland as well. The portion sizes and prices were also on par with other establishments of this nature. The place was decently clean and the staff was friendly. Overall, Happy Panda is a place that I probably would not seek to revisit anytime soon, but would not be opposed to eating here should someone suggest it.