Panda Express — Restaurant in Eatontown

So I’ve been coming here since they’ve opened and I left them a good review because everything was great. The last four times I’ve come it’s steadily been running downhill so my visit today looks like everyone jumped off the hill half of the drive-through is always closed. The person serving the food to the customers inside appears to have to serve the customers in the drive-through this creates an issue because for some reason, he’s helping two people at one time so you think he’s pulling your food out, but it appears he’s pulling the food for the drive-through The kid looks like he’s miserable doesn’t respond to your question or acknowledge. He heard what you said this makes him have to go back-and-forth on the line. I don’t see how this is cost-effective. When your customer service drops your employees are miserable and the other thing is it’s starting to look like a New York bodega in here with all of the other things they’re trying to sell you at the register if I wanted a refresher, I would go to Starbucks other thing is the cashier is wearing rubber gloves for some odd reason because taking your money and putting it in the cash draw then grabbing your change which comes out of an automatic dispenser facing the register instead of the customer with the gloves on then grabs food and puts it in the bag makes absolutely no sense. I think if they had a surprise inspection from anyone from panda express corporate, they probably would be disenfranchised...

“This place is just really good and quick”

If the plate you want isn’t there be happy because you’re going to get a super fresh one and only have to wait like 3 minutes!

FOOD - the food here is delicious. It’s pretty busy so you’re constantly getting FRESH food. It’s and all cooked right there where you can see. I recommend the sweet fire, the honey sesame, and the teriyaki.

MENU - the menu is top notch because there is a lot to choose from. So many good dishes it’s hard to choose. There is also variety of options for all different preferences. They have super greens and veggie spring rolls for vegan. Shrimp dishes and more for vegetarians, dairy free dishes. Also multiple different size options. Cute KIDS MEALS with good portions.

Price and portion - good prices. Takeout Chinese will usually cost $12 for an entree on average. For $12 you will get 3 entrees and a side

SERVICE - GREAT service. These employees are definitely NOT lazy, they are moving quick and efficient. they take responsibility and are polite even when people are being rude. Keep reasonable expectations please. 3 minutes is not a long time to wait. Jayla is great.

LOCATION - good location right on the corner of busy road with lots of parking. Drive thru available.

It’s kinda crazy I see people getting mad when the plate runs out and they have to wait 3 minutes like damn fast food isn’t even that quick and takeout Chinese...

11/30/2023 - bumping up from 1 to 4 stars. Docking a star because as others have said the protein portions are smaller than at other panda express locations I’ve been to (this is probably because of how slammed the place still is post-opening, they can only make food so quickly). Ordered inside this time for science, the drive-thru lanes were packed. Interior was pretty clean and stocked considering how many people were there. Employees were nice, especially the girl at the register. I look forward to it being less crowded.

11/22/23 - didn’t end up ordering. we got trapped in the drive thru lane for 25 minutes and watched as five cars in the other lane went ahead of us while we were boxed in. Finally made it to the speaker and when hope was in sight they continued to just take orders from the other lane. Will update whenever we end...