P.F. Chang's — Restaurant in Chesterfield

What was to be a celebration for our 16th anniversary and my 40th birthday was less than spectacular [husband made the reservation in advance letting them know of this after it was suggested by a friend who said they celebrated their 15th anniversary there—don’t know how long ago—and 1)decorated the table, 2) have a special menu for celebrations—neither of which we received]. I should have known to step away from the moment we were coldly received at the hostess stand: the hostess who seated us did not even speak—no “right this way” or anything—and just expected us to follow her. As we made our way to the table and sat down the first thing I noticed was tables that had not been bussed and dirty floors. The feeling that we were just another table and inconvenience continued with our waiter. As I watched some of the waiters around us attentive, smiling, dare I say jovial, our waiter…I don’t even think we caught his name…just started with the ‘know what you want to drink?’ My fault, but I feel like the menu is misleading. Top of the ‘feast’ menu says something about “18.95 per person,” but should have known that’s too good to be true. Each entree and side ends up being rang up separately (walked out of there $80 for 2). Our fault for also not speaking up sooner but literally no one knew why we were there or cared. Debated even leaving before asking about dessert for celebrations, and wish we would have: I don’t know if customers are normally given a choice in the matter but we did not receive a choice, and instead of receiving the infamous chocolate cake that I saw go out to two other celebration tables (it’s what’s advertised on the website), we were stuck with a banana dessert that had a scoop of ice cream and berries. We didn’t have to pay for it, but I was really looking forward to chocolate cake. Restaurant needs an update and good deep cleaning: we had not been there in years but now I know why I won’t be back. 2 stars for the decent but overpriced food. The beef fried rice might be the best thing on the menu. Side note (and not affecting my review): ladies, if you have rings, watch out when washing your hands—the soap is really slippery. Lost one of my rings last night [I guess in the trash?]—it was an Avon one I had had for a while but still...

POSITIVES :

I Frequent this Restaurant probably at least 3 or 4 times per month . I am treated wonderfully by a hard working bartender ( Carrie ) when I come in after work to have a nice meal and a couple of drinks. She works very hard and can run that bar by herself even on busy nights, and should be commended from Corporate and local Store Management.

Occasionally, I eat in the dining room , and was there last weekend with a friend on crutches. Carrie noticed me and immediately got our drink order while we waited briefly for a booth ( as she had to keep her injured leg up) The Manager ( Monica) was extremely helpful making sure we were taken care of. She was terrific..

Our server was equally outstanding and she went out of her way checking on us , recommended entrees , etc. Her name is Jenna . She was very busy on a Saturday night , but continued to do an outstanding job and made sure we were taken care of as well. When we go back and eat in the dining room , I will absolutely ask for her. Top notch server !!!

A COUPLE NEGATIVES - front door ( Host ) Matt - needs an attitude adjustment . He was condescending and does not make a good first impression. He is the first person encountered at the restaurant. Maybe he was just having a bad day, but other customers echoed my sentiments who were there as well that evening.

I know during Covid times , that the host job isn't easy but you can't assume every customer that comes in is going to be rude. I believe he needs some serious coaching.

Did the Back of the House Management change ? The Portion size of the lettuce wrap appetizer seemed to be mostly noodles and way less meat . That Is a Pf Changs staple and I hope that was just a fluke . Monica brought us out an extra plate and took care of us.

OVERALL : Monica and Jenna , and of course Carrie at the bar is Outstanding !!!

ENTREE WAS GOOD AND SERVICE WAS EXCEPTIONAL .

Just a couple of minor things , but overall this place is highly recommended. Realize that everyone needs to bring extra patience during these unprecedented times .

TIP BARTENDERS And SERVERS MORE THAN YOU USUALLY DO !! THEY ARE ON THE FRONT LINES AND ARE WORKING SHORT STAFFED...

I love this place. Weekends reservations are a must, as it can be super busy. Service is almost always good, sometimes great. The wait can be long to get food or add-ons on busy nights, so be sure to plan accordingly. I highly recommend ordering everything you want right when you sit down.

Appetizers: Brussels are to DIE for, we get them every time. They are honestly delicious. Perfect mix of charred and sweet with the bitterness of the Brussel sprouts. Highly recommend.

Chicken lettuce wraps, also a favorite. They are SO flavorful and the crunchiness of the water chestnuts are amazing. When I’m craving PF Changs, it’s to eat these!

Others I love are Dynamite shrimp and green beans, both super good.

Drinks: The ginger beer is in a small can but super gingery and great paired with the flavor profile of the food. I also really enjoy the house-made refreshers. I’m not a fan of the coconut one, but all others are great pomegranate lemonade is my favorite.

Mains: Kung Pao Shrimp or Chicken is my usual go to. Super good sauce with a little kick, I usually upgrade to veggie fried rice.

Sesame chicken is super good, I love sesame seeds. Its fried and crispy with really good flavor, can’t go wrong with most of the chicken dishes honestly.

Mongolian Beef is delicious, super tender and a bit tangy. Honestly the perfect combination. I usually get it with brown rice.

Sushi is also good, my favorite is the Dynamite roll. The sauce on top is super creamy and it is great to share if you’re with a group.

Vegetarian: I used to frequently order Buddah’s feast when I was vegetarian. They have ample options for non-meat eaters.

**Not a fan of the Salmon (I prefer a seared).

Kids: Kid friendly with easy grip chop sticks and coloring menus with two crayons. Kids meals come with fruit and a choice of side. Noodles are a top choice with honey chicken being a close second.

Dessert: They used to have a dessert that they lit on fire that was amazing, but it has been discontinued. Still searching for something as impressive or worth...