Seemor
Pasadena › Pasadena › Panda Inn
Panda InnB+Worth Trying
3488 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
· Chinese restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1606 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Modernized Chinese American spot with creative twists, strong cocktails, and lively service; book ahead and expect premium pricing and occasional service delays.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Panda Inn delivers competitive quality for a modern Asian fusion destination, anchored by exceptional setting appeal and strong customer loyalty. However, inconsistent food quality across visits and service delays during peak hours prevent a higher grade. The crowd-pleasing menu and vibrant atmosphere make it worth visiting, though operational reliability remains a concern.
Restaurant Summary
The remodel turned Panda Inn into a bright, polished room where lively service and a buzzing bar set the tone. Diners praise the refreshed design and easy parking, with one guest noting, "The space felt special and the team kept us smiling." However, some nights bring waits past reservation times and operational hiccups during rush. The cooking blends Chinese American comfort with modern flourishes. Favorites like Panda Beef, orange chicken, noodles, and crab wontons share space with creative sushi rolls and wagyu chow fun. Cocktails like the lychee martini and yuzu lemon drop earn raves. This is a contemporary, fusion-leaning take rather than a purist temple, best for guests who enjoy bold, crowd-pleasing flavors over strict tradition. Families do well here: soups, fried rice, lo mein, and orange chicken are kid-friendly staples. The menu includes tofu and veggie sides that suit selective eaters, though sushi and spicier plates skew adventurous. There is no explicit kids menu mentioned, so plan to share larger dishes or order simpler items like broth with rice.
At a Glance
- Modern, beautiful dining room with easy validated parking
- Crowd-pleasing Chinese American classics plus creative sushi and cocktails
- Strong service stories when not slammed; several standout servers by name
- Delays and host stand confusion at peak times; reservations may still wait
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- brand_heritage_foundation
- creative_sushi_in_chinese_setting
- large_parking_with_validation
- polished_redesign
What People Love
- Warm, polished atmosphere after the rebuild
- Panda Beef and noodle dishes with nostalgic appeal
- Balanced, photogenic cocktails
- Attentive servers who guide the menu
Points of Concern
- Service bottlenecks at peak: waits past reservation, missed items, and slow refills reported by some
- Portions feel smaller than pre-renovation to a subset of regulars
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($18+ noodles, premium rolls) which may surprise casual diners
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
- Review patterns show signs of operational variability; experiences differ widely between peak and off-peak
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$44-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Tofu & Green Treasure Roll ($17) and Spicy Tofu Eggplant ($18)
- For seafood lovers: Honey Walnut Shrimp Tempura Roll ($19) and Baked Hokkaido Scallop Roll ($26)
- For noodle fans: Classic Lo Mein ($18) or Chow Fun ($18); upgrade to Wagyu Chow Fun ($26) for indulgence
Perfect For
- Group celebrations with sharable plates
- Date nights with cocktails and sushi
- Family dinners with varied palates
- Out-of-town visitors curious about brand heritage
Location Insights
Area: Auto-row corridor of East Pasadena with big-box retail and offices; draws families, shoppers, and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit commercial strip with steady traffic; comfortable day and evening.
Nearby: Near retail centers on Foothill Blvd; on-site multi-story parking structure; easy freeway reach.
East PasadenaEast Pasadena is a primarily residential area with a mix of commercial corridors along major streets like Foothill Boulevard. The dining scene here is diverse, featuring casual eateries, family-friendly restaurants, and some ethnic cuisine options, reflecting the multicultural community.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:30–22:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →