Why Locals Love Panda Express
Located in the heart of Sylmar, CA, Panda Express offers a vibrant and satisfying dining experience for lovers of Chinese and Asian cuisine. This fast-casual restaurant expertly blends the flavors of traditional Chinese noodle dishes with the convenience of fast food, takeout, and delivery, making it a go-to spot whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or ordering a comforting dinner at home.
The menu at Panda Express is thoughtfully crafted to provide customization and value with highlights such as the Build Your Own Bigger Plate, where you can select from three delicious entrees paired with either two half sides or one full side for just $11.95. For a lighter option, the Build Your Own Bowl allows you to enjoy one entree alongside your choice of sides for $8.35. Among the sides, the Chow Mein stands out—prepared fresh with tossed noodles, shredded onions, crisp celery, and fresh cabbage, ensuring a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The classic White Steamed Rice offers a comforting, neutral complement that pairs beautifully with the savory entrees.
Customers consistently praise the freshness and quality of the food here. The iconic Orange Chicken, known for its crispy coating and tangy-sweet glaze, truly shines in this location. One diner described the Orange Chicken as being "freshly cooked even late into the evening," a testament to the kitchen’s commitment to quality no matter the hour. The Fried Rice, bursting with perfectly seasoned grains and subtle smokiness, also earns high marks.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Panda Express Sylmar is welcoming and vibrant. Patrons appreciate the clean, inviting space where staff members are not only efficient but also polite and respectful, creating a hospitable environment. The team’s ability to warmly greet guests, including Spanish-speaking customers, adds a personal touch that makes every visit feel comfortable and inclusive. The general manager, Chris, is highlighted by guests for his friendly and professional leadership, fostering a team that treats customers and their portions with equal care.
Though occasional distractions such as uninvited street visitors can momentarily impact the dining experience, guests overwhelmingly recommend Panda Express for its flavorful dishes, prompt service, and overall pleasant atmosphere. This combination makes it a reliable and satisfying choice for anyone craving fast, authentic Chinese flavors in Sylmar.
Whether you’re craving a hearty plate filled with multiple entrees and crisp chow mein, or a simple bowl with your favorite side, Panda Express at 13681 Foothill Blvd is an excellent culinary destination that balances speed, flavor, and friendliness with finesse.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Seating
- Table service
- Toilet
- Casual
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Feb 17, 2026
As far as panda goes, it was really good. It was late yet. My Orange Chicken was still freshly cooked. Fried rice was good, and I love a good barqs Root beer. Service was polite and respectful. Only think I dislike in any restaurant.Is somebody slinging a dirty mop while i'm in the restaurant. Other than that, I recommend it.If you're hungry for chinese, it was fast and good.And then we were out of there in ten minutes
- Jan 24, 2026
Very clean, friendly, and efficient location. Food is tasty as per usual for panda. The atmosphere is very nice.
- Jan 20, 2026
Greeted since we got there, Spanish spoken associates that understood our inquiries. Freshly made food is always a +plus!! Great team work guys, thanks a lot.
- Jan 8, 2026
I always get really good service when I come here. Everybody's very polite and respectful. My only gripe is a homeless woman walk up to me while I was eating picking her scabs asking me for change. I will 100% come back.
- Jan 8, 2026
chris the gm was super nice. his staff are also really cool— they give good portions and the food tastes a thousand times better here tbh! super clean restaurant too :) i can tell that the employees are treated well
- Jan 1, 2026
Panda Express = Chinese Fast Food. Went go karting and we were so hungry afterwards. This was the only restaurant that seemed decent in the area. Store Location: Surrounding area isn't the best. Seems like this is in the bad part of town but it was the only other restaurant that was OK. There's a Shakey's Pizza (and Starbucks, if you count this) nextdoor but this is the only place where you can get hot food quickly. Parking: Parking lot is small & is shared with Starbucks and the AT&T Store; space is very limited.
- Dec 30, 2025
I went in at 8:40 on 12/28/25 after work, I wanted to make this reviews because the staff is always outstanding there. I truly like that panda location on foothill, I believe that the general manager was serving up my food. The portions were nice, I’ve been to LA Cañada Panda, Paxton, Lakeview locations and from my perspective the customer service and food is always on point on foothill Panda. Even though I work in fast food too, I truly believe this panda on foothill is the best. I go there once a week or sometimes twice a week the quality there is outstanding there. I truly appreciate it and for that reason I’ll be returning soon.
- Dec 22, 2025
I really do love panda express because of the variety of food that is offered they are just in one place! My favorite thing to get always is white rice with the walnut shrimp and orange chicken. This specific panda express is super clean and they get your food really quickly! Something though that I will never understand is how they will always give me more orange chicken and they do walnut shrimp!
