P.F. Chang's — Restaurant in City of Syracuse

Took a friend to PF Chang's on New Year's (2024) for a dinner; he never been there, and I believe in opening up your horizon and trying new foods. Appetizer - We got the Lettuce Wrap. Absolutely delicious, as always! Was the perfect amount for the 2 of us to eat, saving space for dinner. Always loved that the Lettuce is a smaller size; allows you to taste the seasoning in the the actual food itself, and not be watered down by the Lettuce. Dinner - Between the 2 of us, we got the Korean Glass Noodles (combo) and Chang's Spicy Chicken. I loved the fact I was able to exchange the Rice with Glass Noodles for my meal (didn't know that in the past). My Spicy Chicken was good sized Chicken. Was easy to hold with the Chop Sticks, no knife needed, nor was it little midget Chickens. Full of flavor, and a great temperature; been to places where the food was blistering hot, or cold. My friend told me the Korean Combo was great. The fact he took the leftovers home, tells me he truly did like it. Why would you take something home, if you thought otherwise? Dessert - This is where our waitress Ky (I believe that was her name) was phenomenal! I personally never had dessert there. I asked for her personal opinion on the desserts. She mentioned the Banana Spring Rolls, and Chang's Apple Crunch. She put great detail in the food; something you very rarely hear from a food server in general. My friend and I agreed to try both, and just split them in 1/2, so we could both try them each. The Apple Crunch almost tastes like a handheld Apple Pie to me. The Spring Roll was a little different. Never had a heated Banana. It was exact what is stated; a Spring Roll, but stuffed with Banana instead of vegetables. Forget which one it was, but it came with a Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream. I am not a big Coconut person, but that Ice Cream was AMAZING. I almost want to buy a bowl of it right now, while typing this out. Fair warning those 2 desserts, they are more of a group size, and not a personal size. So, we had a lot to eat, and you can't take leftover Ice Cream home. Price - I know PF Chang's is a little higher end for restaurants, so I expected it to be high. My grand total actually came to $92.88 (not including tip). Which, I didn't think was too bad for the amount of food we received. $46.44 per person is pretty much what you'll pay at any other restaurant (if not lower). Especially with having drinks, appetizer, dinner, and dessert. Atmosphere - I am not sure what happened. In the past, it seemed like people were so serious looking, and didn't talk much; but that was pre-covid. This time around, it was calm, and Ky (waitress) had a glowing smile, perky, and just made the place feel very welcoming. Even the woman that worked in the entrance...

So anyone that knows me knows I don't typically rate food establishments poorly because I love pretty much all food.

Enter today. My wife and I were on a day trip and stopped to charge and grab something to eat. I had never tried pf chang's but I had heard good things so I wanted to go.

The resturant was very nest and clean and it was only about 50% full at the most on a Sunday afternoon. We had about 45 minutes before our car was done charging so I figured we should be done in time. Boy was I wrong.

We were promptly seated and brought drinks and then our waiter disappeared for about 10 minutes. When we came back we ordered lo mein, brocolli beef and steamed dumplings. Given the exorbitant prices (about $20 per item) I was excited to try everything.

The steamed dumplings came out first but to my dismay were completely cold. The sauce was delicious but the dumplings were so cold I was concerned they weren't even cooked.

At this point I had to go move my car (about 40 minutes after seating) and I hoped the other items would be out by then. When I came back my wife informed me that the waiter told her that there was a large party before us and that we would have to wait longer (why weren't we told at the beginning?). I was confused because the resturant was not very busy and I didn't see any large parties. My wife had tried to speak with the manager about the issue ; however, the manager decided to avoid us during the visit.

About 20 minutes later our food comes out (about an hour after we came in) and the waiter apologized offered a small discount and promptly left.

Looking at the food I was horrified. the lo mein was literally greasy noodles. No seasoning or additives I'd any kind and and the brocolli in the brocolli beef was completely raw! It had never even seen heat. In fact I'm not sure it was even washed before it was put in the plate.

I don't know if this is regular practice or if it was an off day or new chef but I would highly recommend you go somewhere else. Not only will I never go to this location again but I will never go to this...

I had the immense pleasure of dining at P.F. Chang's recently, and my experience was absolutely elevated by the exceptional service provided by the remarkable server, Mike. From the moment I walked through the restaurant's doors, I was enveloped in an ambiance of hospitality and sophistication that set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

Mike's attentiveness and knowledge of the menu were truly outstanding. He expertly guided our party through the extensive menu, providing detailed descriptions of each dish and offering insightful recommendations tailored to our preferences. His depth of understanding regarding the ingredients, flavors, and preparation methods of each dish demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his craft.

What truly set Mike apart was his ability to anticipate our needs before we even realized them ourselves. Our glasses were never empty, and each course arrived at our table with impeccable timing, showcasing Mike's impeccable timing and coordination with the kitchen. He seamlessly managed multiple tables with grace and poise, ensuring that every guest received the same level of care and attention.

Furthermore, Mike's warm and engaging personality added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience. He engaged us in meaningful conversation, making us feel not only like valued customers but also like cherished guests in his own home. His genuine passion for his profession shone through in every interaction.

In short, Mike at P.F. Chang's is a shining example of what exceptional service should be. He elevated our dining experience from excellent to extraordinary, and I can confidently say that his dedication, expertise, and personal touch left an indelible impression. If you're seeking a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, be sure to request the honor of being served by Mike at P.F. Chang's. Your taste buds and soul...