Pagoda Asian Grill by P.F. Chang's — Restaurant in McKinney

Wow, what a terrible experience!

I guess this is PFCs attempt at challenging Panda Express and what an epic fail.

The setup is similar to PE but more industrial, not as inviting. They offer a bowl with one protein or a plate with two. The base options are lo mein, steamed or fried rice which looked ok. The protein choices sounded familiar but didn't look familiar, certainly not what I get at the parent PFC. Everything looked like it had been sitting all day, nothing looked fresh. Reluctantly I decided to give it a try, opting for the bowl. At the register the price was higher than on the menu and I inquired why, the young lady couldn't explain. The manager stepped in and told me my protein was more expensive but I couldn't see anywhere that that was indicated. I expressed my concern and the manager basically blew me off, he said he would forward my concern. When I told the cashier I would do something else she just threw the bowl in the trash, the manager could have cared less.

At this point I told them I would just go elsewhere, again, no concern whatsoever, so I went nextdoor, there are plenty of options around.

There was one couple besides me in the entire restaurant at lunch, now I know why. The food did not look appetizing at all but I was willing to give it a shot because it's PF Chang's. The customer service was non-existent which was shocking.

I had high hopes but unfortunately left hungry and unimpressed. There are too many good options in the area to settle for this place, my suggestion,...

first time visiting Pagoda Asian Grill by P.F. Chang. I felt dissatisfied with the experience because I like P.F. Chang but I didn't expect the food quality and guests so much different at full-service P.F. Chang restaurants, but still, they had to downgrade. when I first came through the door, no one greeted me or welcomed me. There are no customers at all when I come in so they should notice and greet me right away. I saw one of the tables at the corner, a 2 ladies were sitting at that table, possibly a manager or trainer. Also, I saw one person wearing chef's clothes, I know he saw me but was not great to me either. this makes me think, isn't it this store just open but I don't feel welcoming at all. They need to improve guest service. Then I ordered the food, ordered a plate of half rice and half noodles with orange chicken, Kung Pao chicken, and an egg roll. the person who scooped the food needed more pay attention to detail because a few noodles were sticking out from the box when he gave it to me. so I taste the noodles and rice. the tastes rather bland I have to put soy sauce to add flavor. the orange chicken and Kung Pao taste almost the same in my opinion and the chicken is not juicy but dry. The egg roll is too dry. the amount portions of food are ok. overall my experience was not good. In my opinion for the price is almost the same I rather go to Panda Express, they have great taste food and I feel welcome in the store. I wish the best of luck...

It is a surreal experience getting fancy restaurant quality PF Chang's through a drive through. Normally when you get food through a drive in window you don't expect such high quality. Dare I say it was a luxury type food experience...miles above the Pei Wei's and Panda Express's of the world in flavor profile and overall yumminess. The service and food is excellent and they hire really amazing people here who go the extra mile to make you feel special and taken care of.

The one downside is you pay for the quality. Normally food to go has somewhat of a discount Vs dine in. This is not $10-12 range. Expect to pay $18/minimum for a single entree (at the time of this review).

That being said... I am grateful this place exists and when my wife are wanting exquisite Chinese food to go we pick up some Chang's spicy chicken with the noodles instead of rice...or lettuce wraps. It has always felt like a treat...and there has also never been any line or wait time when we have ordered.

Oddly I felt the food quality was even better than the sit down PF Chang's in Allen, TX which is weird. Either they have an unusually good chef or the consistency is improved due to the reduced menu (yes not the full menu is here, only the "hit items"). Still there is something...