Panda Express is one of my sister Katherine's favorite chains. We go there when she is in town and practically never otherwise. However someone mentioned that they often went for take out there, and it occurred to me that we could give it a try. My conclusion is that it's OK, but nothing special.

I had a three entree plate ($6.75) with chow mein (one side dish is free), orange chicken, mandarin chicken and chicken with mushrooms. I liked the bitter tangy sauce that came with the mandarin chicken and the mushroomy one that came with the chicken with mushrooms. The orange chicken tasted good enough, it was just a tiny bit spicy, but the breading was pretty thick. It was even thicker in the sweet and sour pork that I ordered for Mika ($4 for a kid's meal which includes a side, a small drink and a cookie), but it also wasn't unpleasant. The chow mein was the most disappointing part of the meal. The ultra thin noodles were crispy but had no flavor at all. I'd definitely wouldn't order them again.

The restaurant itself is pleasant enough, though the high tables and chairs are not the most comfortable in the world.

Panda Express
1271 Marina Blvd.
San Leandro, CA
510.667.9585