P.F. Chang's — Restaurant in Winnipeg

We were excited to try the new PF Changs in town. We had spoken to people that had waited in line Saturday afternoon for Changs to open as well we had spoke to people that had gone to the VIP soft opening. All said it was fabulous. Our lunch started out very well. We sat down and we were taken care of. Everyone was friendly. The decor is modern, clean , and comfortable. The small table for two where we sat was tight and a little too close to the table beside and behind. The menu is large and has a variety of Asian foods for all pallets.The menus not great for a small Saturday lunch as many of the dishes are large and intended for sharing. During the week there are several lunch items available that include a full meal in one bowl or plate. We chose the Mongolian pot stickers, Chicken lettuce wraps, and the ahi tuna poki bowl.The food came with in about five minutes. It was tricky to get everything on our small table.The pot stickers were amazing.There was a unique creaminess to them wit out cream. We enjoyed every bite. The lettuce wraps we ordered with chicken. It seemed they may have made a mistake because we did not see or taste any chicken. The wraps were mediocre, a generic Asian flavor available other places. The poki bowl was large, enough food for one or two to share along with another dish. It was very fresh, a perfect cool temperature with out feeling it was pre-made and pulled from the fridge; It was fabulous. The food was presented perfectly and each time a dish arrived the servers would ask if we had any questions and politely offered direction for consuming.

We had finished our meal and there was much left. A manager type stopped by to ask if we were okay. We said we were done and like to pack some of the food to go. He said he would return shortly. He returned with a serving table and tray and began boxing our food. We struck up a conversation about the history, locations, and the new PF Changs restaurant. He explained that he was the manager, but also the operating franchisee partner. He has recently moved from Saskatchewan. He finished up and we wished him success.

This is when our great lunch took a turn. Our server that was looking after a number of table close to us, disappeared. There was a table two over from us that had finished before us. They waited and waited and finally put there jackets on and waited at least a half hour for the server to come by with the bill. The table right beside us was seated and they two had to wait at least 20 mins for the server to acknowledge them. We were impressed with the welcoming, relaxing feel of the place, the food and the service until we had to wait 20-25 minutes for the bill. This wait took away from the entire dining experience.

Our server abandon us and the many other staff, some who were standing , ready, and waiting, did not jump in to help.

Over all the our experience was okay. It is easy to over look a couple of hiccups on the second day they have been open. We will return, Most likley not for two but with a group of four or more. There are many items on the menu I would like to try but not easy for two people as the serving are large.

Give it a try and enjoy

I gave a 3 three star rating for now and I will amend my review after...

Initial Review: I went with a group of people. 2 of which are from China (One Northern, One Southern.) I myself am a Winnipeg born Chinese. My other friend is from Kansas City Missouri where there is a PF changs. So we had quite the group.

Our server was very patient with us. We took our time ordering. We appreciated her honesty and candor which made the experience better. Service 4-5 star (I felt her patience was wearing thin at the end, but our group was a bit rowdy).

If you are looking for real Chinese food, don't come here. This place does not try to pretend to be a Chinese restaurant and bills itself as an Americanized Chinese Restaurant which is quite different. Expectations are important. If you like Americanized Chinese restaurants, then this might be for you.

Drinks Changs Coconut Cooler: 4* Ginger Beer: 4* Strawberry Limeade 3-5* depending on who you asked We all tried them. I found them all fine. Depending on my mood, I could drink whichever one. There was no standout drink for me.

Hot and Sour Soup (Cup for $4.25) : 2-3* Egg Drop Soup (Cup for $4.25): 4* Everyone made a face when trying to Hot and Sour soup. It was not anything like we were expecting. No depth for me. The others had their own complaints. The Egg drop soup in comparison was much better. We did bring it up to the server and she just agreed that it wasn't her favorite. She never mentioned if we didn't want to eat it that she would take it off the bill, so someone (not me) finished it. After that we didn't mention anything else because if it doesn't make a difference, why bother?

Ambiance 5 * Its a really nice place to sit. My friends description was, "An Earl's with a Chinese concept." They put money into it, and it shows.

Food: Mongolian Beef ($20.95) 3-3.5* Kung Pao Chicken ($19.25) 3* Walnut Shrimp with melon ($21.95) 3.5 - 4* VIP Duck ($26.25) 4*

My overall favorite was the VIP duck. It was cooked well. My only complaint is the wrap is too thick and takes away from the flavor. We were told the portion sizes were large, family style. They weren't in my opinion. For our city when it comes to Chinese food, they were average sizes, if not smaller than normal, especially for the Mongolian beef. The Mongolian beef received a lot of complaints. Cut into chunks instead of sliced thin, the beef was a bit overcooked and tougher than it had to be. Flavor was ok. The Kung Pao Chicken is slightly breaded and spicy. I just didn't really care for this dish. The chicken was rather dry. I took one piece but didn't eat anymore after. It wasn't terrible, but I'd rather eat the duck. If I have other options I wouldn't choose this. I liked the walnut Shrimp with melon. My friends who seemed to like it less than me ate a lot more than I did as they didn't want to waste it.

Overall, its an ok place. I would give it a 3-4 star rating, but as it just opened I went with the more generous rating. Also because they were very hospitable. Based on this initial try I'm not very inclined to return, but if I want decent service and some drinks in a nice atmosphere, this is a good spot. For the price, I am expecting to be wowed. I wasn't on this visit.

Parking is abundant. Located close to where the old target used to be (Now the...

This is the second time at this restaurant and the second time with a bad experience. Both times were with larger groups (13 + 15 ppl) The first time, our large group was split into 2 sets of tables. One set of tables got their food 40 minutes after the other table, so we didn't get to eat together and we're left waiting for the rest of our party to finish at the end. I will say we did get a price reduction so at least the issue was resolved.

The second most recent time (October 8, 2021) our appetizers were served at the same time as our meals. The rice came 15 minutes after our meals were served. After we were done eating we waited for the bills for 30 minutes and then once we had the bills another 30 minutes before someone came to tell us the machines were down and that we would be required to pay cash or write our confidential credit card information on the back of our reciepts for them to use later. We declined the later because of obvious reasons. Then the machines were "working again" but still declined debit. Some people do not have credit cards! A female server was clearly upset at the fact we were getting anxious to leave and the fact we were frustrated we weren't told about this issue until now, and was frustrated we didn't want to write down our financial information somewhere for anyone to come across. We had now been in the restaurant for 1 hour after our meals with young kids (Now 10 pm) A server we had not seen all night and who wasn't involved with our table came to accept payment once the machines were working and threw my family members debit card at my family member after it finally was accepted (after the 5th attempt) and then proceeded to RIP the machine out of my family members hands and throws a temper tantrum while getting everyone else's payment. and yet had the audacity to tell us our table made ALL the staff cry and that all the tables in the restaurant complained about our table. Apparently we cannot voice frustrations with poor service without being treated with even worse customer service. This all could have been avoided with simple communication and letting us know the machines were down prior to us ordering so we had an opportunity to decide if we wanted to stay.

I think this company needs to re-evaluate it's ability to serve large parties and it's staffs ability to provide customer service, and maybe have more supports in place as the servers all seemed disorganized and unable to handle a situation where the machines are down.

(3 hours spent in the building) Perhaps an ATM in your building would be a wise choice

Wont...