ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Financial District
Master Critic Review
Panda Chinese Restaurant
7.8
Panda Chinese is a long-running takeout-and-delivery specialist serving American-Chinese standards to Two Bridges and the edge of Chinatown late into the night. It stands out more for speed, portions, and hours than finesse, but locals lean on it as a reliable, inexpensive default.
Must-Try Dishes:
General Tso’s Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, Chicken with Broccoli
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A late-night American-Chinese standby with big portions and fast delivery.
Who should go: Locals wanting inexpensive Chinese takeout after regular hours
When to visit: Late nights when most nearby kitchens are already closed
What to order: General Tso’s Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, Chicken Broccoli
Insider tip: Combo platters stretch easily into next-day leftovers for one.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight near East Broadway, easier after 9pm on weeknights
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly a takeout counter with limited seating
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for takeout; delivery may stretch to 45+ minutes
Weekday lunch: Often no wait; food ready within minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and veggie fried rice options
Vegan options: Limited—custom vegetable/tofu orders possible, but sauces may contain animal products
Gluten-free options: Minimal—soy sauces and most fried items contain gluten; request steamed dishes if needed
Best For
Better for: Late-night American-Chinese classics with generous portions and fast delivery at lower prices than nearby sit-down spots.
Skip if: If you want regional Chinese cooking, table service, or ambiance—choose a dine-in Chinatown restaurant instead.