P.F. Chang's — Restaurant in Pleasanton

The variety on P.F. Chang's menu, the ambience of their locations, and my good experience over last many years always draws me to it. Till couple of years ago I could have given 5 stars on every visit as they kept up on every customer expectation. However, in last over two years I have seen a decline. And most of it is related to their front of house staff.

My most recent visit was to this location for lunch last Saturday. Having made the reservation over phone, we were seated promptly. Ambience and cleanliness were as expected. Our server A. greeted us within few minutes of being seated, and we gave our order for a bottle of Sake, some appetizers, and entrees. Few minutes later our appetizers were brought to the table, but no plates. We assumed that someone may be bringing those, but after few minutes we had to look for someone and ask for the plates. It took couple of requests to get the plates. In the meantime, we were expecting to get the ordered bottle of Sake. As it was a straightforward order, no pouring or mixing of drinks at the bar, so the expectation was to get it quickly. But we got it after all the ordered food had been brought to the table, and we looked for and reminded our server a few times for the Sake. Every time she said she is going to get it for us, but then was gone. The chili tray comprising of chili paste, chili oil, etc. used to be brought to the table even without asking, but we had to request that as well a few times.

The food was good, as expected, no complaints on that part. But the server did not deliver as was expected. It was not very busy, and she had only three tables with guests, so no reason that being busy compromised the service quality.

One reason that is very commonly heard these days, especially in the restaurant industry, is the shortage of employees, and their attrition rate. In this case the manager could have and should have stepped up to ensure that the customers are being taken care as per PF Chang's standards. Manager's presence with a watchful eye on the floor may have helped to alleviate the minor annoyances that we experienced.

Being a loyal customer, I will still go back and hope to have a better...

Food was good and timely, service was attentive, accommodating, and kind. The green bean appetizer was lovely and the egg drop soup fantastically flavorful. Nothing but good things to say!

The store manager Chris made things right and then some! I filed a complaint and left a one star review both here and on Google Maps after I felt they had been deceptive in one of their promotions and I didn't get the discount I believe they advertised. Chris reached out, made clear he understood my frustration, compensated for my issues with my initial experience and went above and beyond to secure me as a future customer.

Original 1-Star Review for Context: "Food was good and timely, service was attentive, accommodating, and kind. My issue lies with the PF Chang's cash, as I made the decision to go out to use the purported $15 towards my meal. Not once during the signup process did they mention that a $60 purchase was required to apply the promotional Chang's cash. The waiter kept trying to apply it, but couldn't and figured that it was the Chef's Feast dinner choice that made it ineligible. Later when I tried to order it online, the $15 discount goes through just fine, as long as the total is above $60. Even in the final checkout, the "$15 Chang's Ca$h" discount does not list this $60 requirement. The only place I see it is in the account rewards dashboard.

I find it rather opaque and deceptive- not even the waiter knew why the discount would not apply. The $60 requirement is not listed in the FAQ. It's just bait and switch- don't be a sucker, and go somewhere else!"

The manager issued me a refund for the expected discount and then some, heard me out, told me he would speak to corporate about the issues I raised, and sent me a gift card. Could not be more pleased with the way P.F. Chang's handled my complaint. They are deserving of...

This was the second time that I've been to a P.F. Chang's and this was the first time at the Pleasanton location. My first experience was several years ago, and I remember only that I was not at all impressed, so I was not expecting too much this time around. I was with my department colleagues for lunch, and I wasn't paying, so I cannot comment on the cost. I was not too enthused by the all black decor, but everything was sparkling clean, and there was more than ample lighting, both from within and the large windows. The service was impeccable. Our waiter was Ruben, and he was cheery, polite, and efficient. And patient as well, given our somewhat boisterous group. As for the food, I was pleasantly surprised. The standout starter was the Crispy Green Beans -- perfectly done in a light tempura. The two lettuce wraps, one chicken, the other tofu (vegetarians in the group) were OK -- the lettuce fresh and the sauces tasty, but the fillings just missed the mark. I had the shrimp dumplings, which were nice enough, but the chili drizzle had almost no kick to it -- I like it spicy. I also had the hand-folded crab wontons, which were good, but not amazing. I got to try someone's Crispy Honey Chicken, which was done perfectly. Another member of the group had the Korean Bulgogi Steak, which he said was excellent. Our Director ordered the Stir Fried Eggplant, which everyone tried and found to be excellent as well.

This would not be my first choice for Asian cuisine in the Bay Area, but if there were one near by and I wanted to indulge in a slightly more upscale lunch, this is not a bad...