I got invited to lunch and didn't have a chance to check yelp this place, so I didn't know what to expect. I walked in to find a HUGE three part menu on the right side of the room (seriously- taller than me). After looking the "first tastes" (appetizers), "salads", "noodles/rice bowls", and "signature dishes" we decided to go with the signature dishes. The chicken dishes came with a choice of white or brown rice and at least the signature dishes had a choice of chicken, beef, veggies, tofu, etc. This place is just like PF Changs (actually, it's owned by them- so consider it a younger sibling) in taste (not authentic cuisine) but different when it comes to atmosphere (not dimly lit and always overly crowded) speed (consider it "express"), cost (we got six spring rolls, two drinks, and two chicken dishes for about $25), and selection (there's a good amount of Thai food and even a Korean dish on the menu). Depending on what you order (appetizer, entree, etc), I'd say you could get a big lunch here for $15 or less (that's basically two meals). Got the Pei Wei spring rolls, orange peel chicken and lemon pepper chicken. As we were walking to the register to order, someone let us know we were "number ___" and put the number on a table- so we had a table before we ordered (as it wasn't crowded... but later, there was a long line... and long wait). Drinks, utensils, boxes (for leftovers), and fortune cookies are on a counter on the left side of the room. I liked the fact that you could do everything for yourself- refill your drinks, get utensils (if needed), grab a fortune cookies (or two), grab a box for the food you didn't finish (instead of asking someone for one/waiting forever). The spring rolls were good- not amazing, but something I'd consider ordering again. The lemon pepper chicken was tangy and different- I can't say I've tasted something quite like it. Not bad, but not my taste. The orange peel chicken was good- reminiscent of PF Chang's (who, as I mentioned, owns this chain). *Check out my photos!* If you want PF style of food (good quality, super americanized Chinese) , just faster, cheaper, and a good amount of 15 minute parking for takeout right in front of the building- head on over. But if you're looking for authentic Chinese, look elsewhere.
(3)
Shannon A.
Consistent, fresh chinese food. What is not to like?! Go for the diner select size and you save money and not add to your belly size. They hide the oranges now, but make sure you come some fresh cut oranges before you leave....delicious.
(4)
Josh F.
Pei Wei is a hidden gem nestled in a corner of the East Market shopping plaza in Fairfax, VA. It's right next to the Whole Foods, but you wouldn't see it unless you went looking for it. Pei Wei is a delightful lunch spot. With dishes ranging from 2$ to 10$, it's right in the wheelhouse for restaurant that features lunch dishes. Everything is Americanized Chinese, with a slightly healthier presentation and fresh ingredients. You can definitely feel that the owners (PF Changs property) followed a formula that they reaped for success in their big brother. Serving sizes are very large, and it's served in an almost cafeteria fashion. For 8$, I had enough for two full meals. The greens were crispy and fresh, the Tofu seared JUST right, and the fried rice was excellent. . Give Pei Wei a chance, you wont regret it.
(4)
Yan W.
First and foremost you have to realize that a) this is an "Americanized" "Asian" restaurant; b) none of the dishes actually taste like their authentic namesake; c) no one is pretending like this place really serves authentic "Asian" food; d) I'm sure everything is pre-prepped; e) the staff is mostly Hispanic so it's just really hilarious to get a "dan dan mian" from someone you least expect! Keeping these things in mind, Pei Wei is actually pretty good. It's basically a good "cheap eats" place that's self-serve. The food is "prepped" (notice I did not say cooked) in an open kitchen, and in general, the staff is great. Most of the dishes have a sweet thick sauce on it, and sometimes has hot spice in it. Their hot and sour soup is good and cheap and sometimes, I enjoy their carry out. Like I said, it's not at all authentic, but if you're in the area and have a hankering for generic Chinese food, it hits the spot. I also agree with Katie F.'s summary "wow, the Panera of Chinese food." Exactly!
(3)
Revani G.
We eat here all the time for work so I've tried a lot of things on the menu. I can say that this place is very consistent with their food and that the online ordering is a breeze. It is very crowded at lunch time and the set up is so you order before you sit down. (I've never liked that kind of system)... Anyway...I enjoy eating here and and their take out system is good. You will always get what you expect. The crab wontons are delicious and my favorites right now are the pei wei spicy and the Korean beef and I've heard the Mongolian beef is really good too. I am not a big fan of their brown rice, but the fried rice is really good. It is definitely one of the better restaurants in its price range. Relatively cheap for the quality of food.
(4)
Teresa L.
The restaurant is clean and has a chain-like feel. You order at the register. You can order six or seven styles of dishes or noodles with meat or no meat of your choice. I had the kung pao shrimp and my brother had korean style beef. Both dishes were so salty that they were barely edible. My vegetable spring roll was just okay and my brother said his egg roll was just okay. We were really hungry, since it was 6:00 p.m. and we hadn't eaten since breakfast. For some reason, my brother and I have had two very salty meals from different places in the past two days. I hope I don't have a heart attack before I get back home.
(2)
Sarah S.
I visited this location on a Saturday evening and ordered to take out. I called 3 hours before I wanted to pick up my food to place my order and showed up 15 minutes earlier than I said. They hadn't started my order yet, but had it ready in no more than 5 minutes (which amazed me). I liked their speediness (3 stars for that) in getting my order ready even though I was early. However, I found the food to be mediocre and have had tastier chinese at local establishments. I also didn't like that when I entered the restaurant, there were 5-6 employees just hanging out at the regular tables, watching every customer come in. Granted the restaurant wasn't that busy, but it looked completely unprofessional.
(3)
Craig L.
Good food and huge portions. A little crowded sometimes, but often worth it. Lots of great options. I wasn't thrilled by the soup (I expect my wonton soup to be at least 50 percent wontons) but everything else was awesome. Lots of options and solid, consistently good dishes.
(4)
Neal E.
Regardless of what Jade thinks about Pei Wei - I like certain dishes at Pei Wei. I am under no illusion that what I am eating is authentic Chinese! :-) I like the Mandarin Kung Pao dish - it has a combination of salty, soy flavor, with a crispness and caramelization that appeals to my taste buds. I had a $10 gift card for Pei Wei - so I went by this location for lunch today - first time I had been in this location. Place was packed at 1:00 pm - I was lucky to get a table! It did not take them long to get my meal out to me - I ordered it with Fried Rice. My only criticism is that they don't offer low-sodium soy sauce. I promptly inhaled my lunch!
(4)
Michelle N.
This place is a hit or miss for me, however, the fact it's so close to work *and* I can do online ordering where I can make my crazy modifications for takeaway is a major plus. The food is pretty decent and I like that they have a "base" for the menu, and then you can modify it with chicken, beef, shrimp, vegetables or veg and tofu, as well as the option to have brown or white rice. If you research even further, you find that you can have your food cooked in broth vs oil, you can get sauce on the side, you can sub noodles for rice, etc. My favorite dishes are pad thai with vegetables, sesame shrimp, and fried rice. The price tag is kind of high however you can usually get 2-3 meals out of this (especially when you are eating for lunch). One major dislike I have is that when I order my meals vegetarian, they tend to put a lot of onions and cabbage in there as fillers. Yuck. As for seating, it's all first come first served. You order your food, get a number, then seat yourself. Usually it works out that someone is getting up by the time you're done ordering. If it's especially busy, they will have someone find a seat for you which is nice. But don't you dare get a seat before you make an order, you may get yelled at!
(3)
Christine R.
The food here is good but lacking some serious flavor - aka heat. I love (all) my food spicy. The more painful the better. Make it hurt! Even when ordering a dish here with a little pepper next to it indicating it's "spicy" it's not. Regardless the food here is fresh, cheap and fast. A nice change up from your regular ol' drive thru menu. And a good option for when you want to eat out but don't want to spend extra money tipping a waiter. Can't really complain, except they need to keep real hot peppers on hand for people like me!
(3)
Foodie C.
Solid Asan Hybrid Food Owned by PF Changs So we call it PF Light Prices are better portions are smaller but you net a better experience Food 3.5 Service 4 Cleanliness 4
(4)
Anthony T.
Great little place to grab a quick bite to eat. Another Americanized Chinese place like PF Changs. not much more to say about it. Had the Tofu with ginger sauce and lettuce wraps/
(3)
Jon L.
I've read some of my fellow Yelper's reviews about this place and I'm wondering if we're eating at the same Pei Wei. I was one of the 1st customers at this location. For a week before they opened they were offering FREE lunch certificates and who says there's no free lunch! They' ve been open for over a year now and I've been at least a dozen times. I've never had a bad meal here so I'm puzzled about some of the comments. This place is casual and affordable. After your meal you can hit Wholefoods, Dicks Sporting Good or Kohls for some shopping. I've tried several menu items but always seem to go back to the chicken Lettuce Wraps...the chinese taco! It's a great lunch meal or a lite dinner and @ $4 and change it's hard to beat. The food comes up quick, they deliver to your table and you can dine on the patio if the weather is nice. They have designagted parking for take out. Now and then I like to sit and the bar and watch the cooks in action. If you speak spanish it's even more entertaining.
(3)
Daniel B.
Stopped at Pei Wei for the first time last night. I ordered the sweet and sour chicken with brown rice. The place was very quiet and my meal arrived within 5 minutes. The meal was very good. The chicken was nice and crispy. The sweet and sour sauce was good and there was plenty of it. Definitely worth the stop.
(4)
Bill P.
We have eaten at this restaurant several times over the recent years. Pei Wei is the fast food arm of PF Chang's. They offer a nice selection of Asian dishes. With each dish you normally get a choice of protein (e.g., chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, vegetable). Some entrees are designated as spicy or vegetarian when ordered with vegetables or tofu. The spicy dishes aren't that spicy. I compensate by adding generous amounts of the pepper sauce available at the tables. On our most recent visit we found they had revamped their menu. They now offer a set of entrees (called selects) that are reduced portions but include a choice of a side dish. They also offer a set of small plates (tapas like). The small plates include some of their previous appetizers such as lettuce wraps, egg rolls, and soups. I had the PW spicy entree. My wife had two selects. You order at the counter where they give you a bottled beverage or a glass for self-serve fountain drinks and a number to display at your table. Meals are delivered to your table. The dining area is clean. Customers clear their own tables but the staff is efficient in cleaning the tables. There's a nice outside area. One other change on our last visit was that the old fountain drink dispenser had been replaced with Coca-Cola Freestyles that dispense over 100 different Coke products (it has its own Web site and App, coca-colafreestyle.com ). We continue to enjoy PW and are sure to return.
(4)
Mario O.
For the money, this place is tough to beat. They have near fast food prices with quality restaurant food taste. It costs more to order from the local Chinese takeout place by my house than eating here. The restaurant is always very clean and the staff is friendly. Pei Wei is one of my favorite lunch joints.
(5)
Samantha E.
Who doesn't love a cheap P. F. Changs? They have a lot of the same food but for a much more reasonable price. It comes out very fresh and will definitely fill you up. There aren't many Pei Wei's in NOVA so don't take this one for granted.
(4)
Will G.
Spicy Pad Thai was good. I ordered mine extra spicy and that gave it the needed kick! Tastes and flavors were decent. Cilantro and spring onions were fresh. Even the small portion was plenty. The presentation was also a nice touch, see photos. Maybe not truly authentic Thai Style but a good substitute. Will keep this as a frequent dish and location.
(4)
Imelda K.
This is my daughter (9yo) fave restaurant. It used to be 'really' good. The place is not as clean as before. The clock is dead for about couple months now, and I don't think they want to fix it. The food is OK. They used to have free oranges, but not anymore.
(3)
Erica B.
If I could give it no stars, I would. I used to really love this place until they changed the chefs and the menus. The rice is always over cooked and there is never enough sauce. When you ask for anything, the people there act as if they're doing you a favor. And the new menu sucks! Pei Wei has gone way down in quality.
(1)
Tu H.
It has decent food, nothing extraordinary. Typical non fast food in a order and sit type restaurant.
(3)
J E.
We were in the area for a meeting and since we were hungry and knew about Pei Wei being here and also knew that Pei Wei typically has very good service and food, we gave it a try. Upon entering the complex where the Pei Wei was and realizing it was lunch time, we were worried that the place would be crazy-busy and/or lack-luster in taste. What we found was that it was very busy, but we still found a table. We ordered and the food came quickly and was tasty too. But the Coke fountain machines they had weren't working properly, so after paying $2 for a soda, we were wishing we simply asked for water, as that's all we ended up drinking. As mentioned, the food was good, but the service is what appeared to be lacking, as there were managers walking around, but none stopped to ask how things were, nor did they simply go over to inspect those Coke fountain machines to find that BOTH weren't functioning properly. When we did tell the girl who dropped off our food, nothing was done to correct the problem. Really don't like "popular" places that seem to get too busy during busy times to keep all customers happy. I'm sure many will overlook small issues like this, but I see small issues as an opportunity you don't want to miss out on. Will I go back? Yes, as Pei Wei is typically MUCH better than this and the food was prepared perfectly and tasty and was made with fresh ingredients. But the management needs to pay more attention.
(3)
Nicole W.
In the pursuit of good, quality local grub... I decided to check out Pei Wei. They're they little sister restaurant to PF Changs... So I was expecting good things... And I wasn't disappointed. The orange peel chicken was delicious... Flavorful, sweet... Very satisfying and it came with snow peas (one of my fav veggies). I also loved the crab wontons...they came with a tasty dipping sauce. My friend really enjoyed her pad Thai... she said the chicken was "amazing and really fresh". The restaurant also sells lo mein, sushi, lettuce wraps and a number of other foods that I love but didn't have a chance to order. I hope to try everything at some point. We got take out... We walked in, ordered, and got our food in less than 10 mims... Awesome! Basically I'm happy to have found a new local favorite for my Asian food cravings!
(4)
Kate H.
Stopped by for dinner on a Saturday evening and had an okay meal. Nothing special and the flavors seemed kind of like they'd come from a flavor packet, particularly the lo mein. We shared chicken lettuce wraps, mongolian beef, chicken lo mein and a kid's meal with honey glazed chicken and rice. Add two drinks and the total was $34 -- not too bad a deal. Surprised to learn that they don't serve milk -- kid's drinks are limited to soda or lemonade. Really? Get some Horizon individual milks.
(3)
K N.
There was a bug crawling in our sushi roll. Yuck! We received a new one promptly, but still, it was crawling in the food, I'm not talking about a fly around a table. Appetite was pretty much gone. Other food was exceedingly mediocre. Bland. That will be the first and last time we eat here.
(1)
Jenn C.
Stopped by on a snowy night! Atmosphere- a little dark, but clean and simple. Service- it's a walk up and order place, so the service wasn't over the top or anything. The guy who took our order was friendly and patient- especially because we weren't 100% ready when we started to order ha. We also had a 5 month old and a rowdy 2 year old we were trying to control! The lady who brought out our food was also kind. Food- kung pap shrimp- yum!! Great flavor, shrimp was cooked perfectly! It was a little spicy- as it says on the menu. I love the sugar snap peas- cooked, but still a nice crunch to them. Chicken lettuce wraps- classic and delicious! Chopped Asian salad- really good flavor and a good size. I think the chicken would have been better if it was marinated or something- it seemed like it was just boiled and put on there- kinda bland, but the salad dressing was good. Thai lettuce wraps- they weren't bad, but I wasn't a fan of them. I didn't like the mint or cilantro in them. My mother in law loved them, but it just wasn't something I'd order again. Overall- great place to get a quick bite to eat! Prices are reasonable and the food comes out quickly!
(4)
Kino A.
This place is an americanized fusion restaurant. The thing to get here is the mongolian beef with brown rice. It's got an amazing flavor. The hot and sour soup here is pretty good too. Definitely filling.
(3)
Bobby B.
Wow, this place has apparently hit a wall in a bad, bad way. My wife and I have been here probably a dozen times over the last few years and things were always up to par. In fact, last night during our bad experience, I commented to my wife that I would Yelp it with 4*s and make note of all the past good experiences and that if it were bad twice in row I would lower it to 1* later. However, as the dinner dragged on and the disappointment grew, I decided this place really deserves a 1* rating at the moment and IF I were to ever go back, they'd have an opportunity for at redemption then. BUT, it turned out so bad that I won't ever go back to this location. It's clearly being run very poorly from the top down. Here are the specifics... Arrived at 8:20pm Fri. 9/12/14. No line and restaurant was a little over half full with seated patrons. Walked up to the register, which was momentarily unattended while the one gal behind the counter was over at the 'Take-Out' register. No "I'll be with you in a moment" or anything like that, and then not even a "hello" when she finally came over to take our order. Very unfriendly and not what you'd expect from a corp restaurant like Pei Wei. After I paid, she was looking the other way and talking to someone else...and just kinda waved my receipt in her extended hand, so I just plucked it away. Everyone has a bad day or an off moment, so yeah...whatever. We collected our soft drink cups from her and started to wander around to sit at one of the 7 open tables (I counted). ALL 7 of them were dirty. Food, liquid and straw wrappers, etc. W-T-F! It wasn't even crowded and this place can't keep the tables wiped down in a timely fashion? Really?? After a few minutes of standing there looking around, someone (my friendly cashier) appeared and said I'll wipe that down in just a moment. She reappeared quickly and gave it a quick wipe down. About that time my wife returned from the fountain drink machine (they have the fancy touchscreen kind that has tons of soda/flavor selections) and she warns me..."they're out of most flavors". I thought to myself "OF COURSE THEY ARE". So we sit, and we wait...and we wait...and wait. As we were waiting, I saw my favorite cashier and a manager running food around. My concern only grew because EVERY time they carried the food, they wandered around and around and around trying to find what table it belonged to. We were asked once "did you order this __insert name__" and we saw them also asking other tables the same question. We double checked our receipt to make sure the number on the placard they gave us appeared on the receipt accurately, which it did. So I really can't understand their complete confusion over where to deliver the food. Finally, after 25min of waiting my wife's order of Caramel Chicken appeared. It had an arrangement of onions/peppers that she didn't recall ever being part of this dish in the past. Easy enough to just pick it off I suppose. But, where was my dish?? After another 5 minutes or more my Kung Pao chicken appeared. My brown rice had little dark flecks in it....presumably from being cooked on a filthy grill or whatever they use. My chicken itself was exceptional greasy, probably indicative of the same dirty environment. In summary, service was inattentive and extremely slow. Restaurant was filthy. Inventory wasn't being addressed as evident by the mostly empty soda machine. And on top of all of that, the quality of the food was terrible. If I wanted to wait 30 minutes I would've just gone to PF Changs and enjoyed the ambiance. If I wanted lousy food and poor service I would've just to Tony's NY Pizza (see my other reviews). I wanted a quick and easy, reasonably good meal. What I got was a headache of frustration, upset stomach and $21 down the drain. This location is failing miserably and I won't be going back. I'll also be writing corporate to let them know how poorly run this location is.
(1)
M S.
a good place for lunch. my favorite things to order and the Kong Pao chicken and the Thai lettuce wraps
(3)
Gonzo T.
Very disappointing! I have been to several pie wei restaurants, always had good experiance, but this location is horrible. First off, the guy who took the order was very impatient, felt like he was doing us a favor. Then while preparing the food they decided that the hood and back walls need to be cleaned. They sprayed the area with cleaning detergents while our food was cooking right there. Needless to say I didn't touch anything, the manager was not available so we just left. Will I ever go back there again??? NO
(1)
Sarmed A.
I was there yesterday, we ordered chicken with honey sear and noodles, we were starving and once our dish was ready we started eating like hungry babies, and suddenly we found dirty mustache hair mixed with the honey sauce !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I went to the waitress and told her about that, they reacted in a very normal way and they did not apologize for this situation!!!!!!!! So Ill never go to this place again never" even if we are starving to death:-).
(1)
Lyn L.
We stopped in for a quick snack. Parking is easy as long as you arrive off hours. There's also short term parking for the pick up patrons! Eggrolls of all kinds are my downfall.. Pei Wei has the best pork egg rolls. We can make an order of 6, a meal for two. I come here just to order their egg rolls. We had the won ton soup and egg rolls. The rest of the food doesn't come close to PF Changs, but they do try....
(3)
Nug E.
Crab Rangoons :/ I always grab these when I go there, menu is set so there are many different combinations. Not bad, but not the best.
(4)
GLenn C.
Passed by here often going to Whole Foods. Heard this place is pretty good, so we finally stopped by. What I did not know was that this place is a low scale PF Changs, which I do NOT like. Almost didn't want to eat here, but why not? First, the kids meal sucks. my 5 year old's was like a spiced up ramen. I almost wanted to ask for a refund for that. horrible!!! I forgot what I got but it was not all that either. I'd rather have eaten at "Panda Express" and I do not like place either. Finally I asked for our table to be cleaned and I was ignored. We didn't notice but afterward we got my son's nasty noodles the table was a little greasy. Never again will be walk in this place. P.S. I hate when Chinese food is not cooked by Asians. Ethnic foods should be cooked by their respected ethnic. There is exceptions, but this isn't one of them.
(1)
Fevi Y.
I normally dont write reviews until I visit a place more than once. We came back to pei wei because of the Lo Mein chicken. Sadly, second time around the chicken lo mein was so disappointing. I even complained to the manager but all he did was recook the noodles and make them soggy. Will we be back? Im really not sure now.
(2)
Frank F.
Good affordable Chinese food. I never go to the typical chinese take outs because of the quality of their food. Pei Wei is actually good quality and has nice options. Crispy Honey shrimp and chicken are great options. Its sister company to PF Changs
(4)
Anya W.
Ordered food online, when I arrived at the time I was told it would be ready, they informed me at that time they were "out of sushi". Not sure why someone didn't think to call me vs. waiting until I arrived to pick up my order. The food was cold and unfortunately I ended up in the ER due to food poisoning... Would not recommend going there!!
(1)
Ashley F.
This is a very funny location, and not funny as in "ha ha" but funny as in I can't quite figure it out. The times I have been there have been each drastically different than the last. The first time I went with my boyfriend was on a very crowded night, I ordered to go and expected the service to be slow, but things moved very quickly, I mean it was awesome. The place was like a well oiled machine! I got the orange peel chicken which was tasty and they give such good portions I was even able to save some for the next day!! Now the SECOND time was a pain. The guy behind the counter was clueless and quite distracted but he got the job done I guess. After we had ordered and sat, they promptly brought over a plate of cabbage or lettuce...whatever, that we didn't order. The staff was extremely confused as to where the table next to us order of lettuce/cabbage had gone. And we had to flag them down to show them that we had it. Okay, NEXT after they had brought my SO's food over I sat and waited for 15 minutes for my food which didn't come until after the waiter guy had come to the table twice asking if I had ordered something.... Nooooo I didn't order anything, I just came to watch my man eat.... They finally brought it plopping it in front of me not really caring that 20 minutes had already passed. The team seemed disoriented and not on task. Maybe it was an off night?
(3)
Margaret Z.
Reminds me of a cut-rate P.F. Chang's. I ordered the chicken lettuce wraps, which I do not recommend. You get far too little chicken filling for the amount of lettuce you're given--either your lettuce wraps end up tasting like mostly lettuce, or you can only make 2. The portions of the rice + meat dishes seemed to be a little more reasonable for the price, but my friends didn't really enjoy the flavors of their meals either. I realize that this place serves Americanized Chinese food, but it's still doing an extremely poor job of even meeting those standards. I personally think this place is way overpriced for what you're getting... you're much better off going to the Whole Foods next door.
(2)
Wynton F.
Been going to Pei Wei since it opened. When I want a quick meal that is cost friendly Pei Wei is the place to be. I like to call it the Asian version of Chipotle. Yes people may say the service has taken a dip over the last couple of years. But not enough to turn me away, as I usually get take out.
(4)
Carolyn P.
I have been a fan of Pei Wei since it opened at this location. The last two visits were quite disappointing. Evidently they have changed the type of noodles in the Lo Mein; they now taste like overcooked linguine. My husband feels the same about the quality of the ingredients in his food as well. It appears they are using cheaper ingredients. They no longer have the fresh oranges for the Mandarin iced tea, which I loved. In the past it has been very crowded, but today at lunch time, it was nearly empty. Has this happened at all locations? The service was fine, the food is sadlyjust not what it once was.
(1)
Joanne W.
Always good food here. Pushy waiter today but on the plus side very fast, so I guess it depends what you want. Weird things to like, always takeout boxes by the soda fountain, lime gingerale
(4)
Annie K.
Pei Wei is pretty much an "express" P.F. Chang's because they offer dine-in and carry-out, and their prices are way cheaper and comparable to most other fast food places while replicating the P.F. Chang's taste. Most of the popular items from the P.F. Chang's menu are also featured here. Although it's Americanized Chinese food, I can't get enough of their crab wontons, chicken lettuce wraps, and spicy chicken! The restaurant is clean and the service is always efficient. You can also order carry-out online!
(4)
Linda C.
Just a quick update....new soda machines have replaced the old standards. These machines are "electronic" with touch screens. They consist of Coca-Cola products, but when you touch on a type of drink, you get several sub-choices. All in all, I think this raises the variety to about 28 different kinds (including Dasani water and flavored waters). I guess it is the next gen of soda dispensers!
(4)
Elizabeth O.
This was the worst Chinese food I've had in a long, long, long time. Not only was the food bad, but the restaurant was dirty. The tables and chairs desperately needed to be wiped. The teenagers who apparently run the place were standing around chatting and looking at their phones.
(1)
Lindsey R.
Awesome, healthy, delicious Asian food! Our go-to for take out!
(5)
Kimberly K.
On a Budget? In the mood for some Americanized Chinese food? Pei Wei is your place. {Ambiance} Relaxed. There are seats available outside as well. {Service} Self serve. When you enter, their is a huge menu to your right. Once you've placed your order at the cashier, you will be given a number card and cups for your beverage. Food comes out quick. There are chop sticks, forks, napkins, sauces, take out boxes, etc at the back of the restaurant. When you are done, you can leave your empty dishes at your table. {Food} Small Hot and Sour Soup- Not the best I've tasted. It wasn't bad either. Lots of tofu and there was some heat to it. Mandarin Kung Pao w/ Vegetables and Tofu- For the most part, the vegetables were cooked well and packed a lot of flavor. Beautiful pieces of broccoli. There were some carrot pieces that were overcooked. The tofu could have also been a bit softer. Pei Wei Spicy w/ Chicken- More meat than batter. Always a good thing. The sauce is more sweet than spicy (to me at least). Pad Thai w/ Veg and Tofu- Yum! The noodles are cooked perfectly. Plenty of soft tofu here (why aren't they just as soft in the Kung Pao dish?). Sweet and Savory. My Favorite dish! Sesame Chicken- The soy citrus glaze goes perfectly with the lightly crisp chicken. Thai Dynamite w/ Shrimp- Huge pieces of lightly battered shrimp tossed with Sriracha chile sauce. My 2nd Fave! {Prices} $2.00- 9.25. {Note} All of their Signature Dishes are served with rice. Your choice of white or brown.
(4)
Jamie G.
Excellent food. We had the steak lettuce wrap and vegetable lo mein. We can't wait to come back and try more.
(4)
Chow N.
This is a good location for this joint. I like this one a bit better than the one by Dulles. Went to order a few combos but switched when I learned that the combo is 1/2 the size of the regular entree. There was plenty of mongolian chicken and steak in the regular entree to stuff us. Only complaint was slow service/response to fix a change in the order from the combo to the entrees.
(3)
Lisa G.
Food is good but the service for To Go stank! I got there early to pay and the cashier kept saying "Okay?!" After each sentence out of her mouth. I'm not deaf and I'm not stupid. OKAY?! The cashier left to take care of the sit down customers and forgot to check on my order! I had to wait for another worker to get me my food sitting there for a while! Nice soggy spring rolls. Thanks!!
(3)
Emily T.
Good! I've been going here with my family for years. My favorite dish is the Kung Pao beef, its crispy and delicious (orange chicken, orig. lettuce wraps, and crab rangoons are great too :). They will happily make vegetable substitutions, and you pretty much customize your order. I always see tons of kids, must be really good for families. Outdoor seating is nice too. Staff is always polite, fast, and attentive. You can watch your food being made if you want. Only complaints: -recently have been getting the wrong type of rice (usually pretty good about getting order right) -they've changed the menu boards 6 times in the past 4 years (confusing sometimes) -they don't refill the soda freestyles very often (out of a lot of types) -sometimes a long wait (need to expand next door to meet demand!)
(4)
Norry H.
I was always curious to know what Pei Wei was like but was afraid I would be disapointed if I tried. So I never tried until recently. But I went to Pei Wei in Fairfax a couple of weeks ago after a friend of mine told me good feedback about Pei Wei. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. The prices are very reasonable. The food, I liked the Mongolian beef but not the fried rice and Dan Dan noodle. This is a kind of place where depending on what you order, it can be good, or bad. The system is like Corner Bakery. You pay first and get a number and the food will be delivered to your table later. You can save the tip money here. I think Pei Wei is the only restaurant providing a self service doggie-bagging counter.
(3)
Alexa C.
Fast, Quick, Delicious and with an ample gluten free menu, what's not to love? Large dining room for eat in, or easy carry out service too.
(4)
Stacy G.
This location is fine and is always clean, and the employees nice enough, and the food is fresh. But I just really don't care for the food. I feel like they try to hide "spicy" in every dish. Even when I order bland items like the honey chicken with fried rice I find red peppers in my rice and it tastes awful (totally ruins the meal for me). When I have gotten other dishes like a beef stir-fry it was spicy, even though the menu had no indication of spiciness. Also it seems overpriced to me because the entire meal consists of rice and vegetable. The "dinner select" comes with 5 small chunks of meat.
(2)
Krystal S.
If you are looking for fast, decent tasting take out, this is a good place to go. The crab wontons are really good, and I love the honey seared shrimp with fried rice. You can also order online so that your food is ready when you arrive. Its not the best tasting asian food, but its good overall. This is definitely on the option list for dinner when I have a late day and am tired after work.
(4)
cosmo h.
amazingggggggggggggg. Its very salty however, so if you dont like salty foods, then do not come here. It is pretty much Asian fast food, so many white people do not like it.
(5)
Chunnu B.
Thank you P.F. Changs for this place. Cheap, fast, and delicious (really very delicious) is the way I like my... restaurants! It's like...really good, Chinese fast food. Dine in or carry out, can't go wrong. When you walk in you will be standing right next to their giant menu. It's giant because they have it displayed on these 3 big black boards with a little screen showing pictures of some menu items. Move on forward to the register so they can take your order then you're on your own finding a table. Which can be a pain if the place is crowded and annoying if they haven't cleared tables. My favorite yums from this place: Hot and Sour soup (that is actually a little hot, yes!) and Spicy Chicken Salad - so spicy, so good! Wonton Soup is "meh", Crab Wontons = yum, Spicy Korean "alright." If you want a medium between take out Chinese and dine-in Chinese, this is it.
(4)
Michelle B.
We always go visit Pei Wei when we want a quick bite to eat that's not fast food. This place is a chain restaurant and is not really "Asian," if you understand that, you're good to go. I normally would have given this place a 2, as their food is normally bland. But today we must have hit the jackpot because the food was actually somewhat flavorful. Either that, or I was starving. I like their little patio, it allowed us to eat outside with our infant in the stroller. Inside space is a little tight, and if you come during a busy time you may have difficulty finding a seat.
(3)
Lindsay L.
Pei Wei is delicious and easily tops my list of "favorite casual dinning spots" . Why you ask? 1. It offers a select few of its "Big Brother" Changs awesome items and it tastes just as good. 2. It takes half the time and money as PF Changs 3. The crispyiest most delicious Crab Wontons around. 4. You can customize as much as you want and they get it...(they are cooks not Chefs so don't leave to much open to interpretation)...you won't be disappointed. 5. Fast"ish" food but they serve beer and wine (+5) They also make a really good Iced Chai and Mandarin tea. 6. Last but definitely not least....The Spicy Korean. Caution: Pei Wei is Asian in the way that PF Changs is Asian. If you are looking for authentic Asian you are in the wrong place.
(4)
Valencia W.
I'll have to say Pei Wei's is pretty good. I only get one or two things when I get there so I usually stick with what's good. The Mongolian Beef seems to always be cooked right when I go. I've been trying to find a good place to have chinese food as I used to live in Alexandria and House of Dynasty was king but until I have found that place Pei-Wei's will be just fine. The customer service is always great when I go in for carry-out and when something is taking too long I get an extra "complimentary" item. I haven't had a problem with Pei Wei. But I am definitely open for any suggestions for great chinese food! Try it out and see how you like it.
(3)
Johnny P.
I sometimes come here for lunch since it's close to work. The food is great if it's been a while, but it can get tiring. I like the Japanese Teriyaki. You can substitute the rice with noodles
(3)
Amy S.
Pretty blah, and even sometimes awful, pad thai. How can anyone make pad thai blah? It's one of the most delicious dishes on the planet, yet Pei Wei found a way.
(2)
Coolest C.
This restaurant takes an American spin on Chinese food, so don't confuse it with real Chinese food. The food sucks. It's too greasy, and unappetizing.
(1)
Katie F.
Wow, the Panera of Chinese food. The Edamame was good, I liked that it came with a little side bowl of kosher salt---but it is pretty hard to mess up Edamame to begin with . They must have accidentally dropped one of those little bowls of salt into the filling for the lettuce wraps, because they were salty, salty, salty. Which makes me a little salty myself. I got the spicy Korean beef. Yeah--this stuff wasn't spicy--just sticky and sweet. Blah. My friend got the General Tso look alike--and his was spicy, spicy, spicy. I liked that they had Ichiban beer available--but next time I want one Ill make the haul to Sticky Rice in DC and have a good noodle bowl. One nice this is that my fortune cookie told me I have a secret admirer who is gonna put his admiration into action soon! I can't wait.
(2)
Jen H.
Oh hiiiiii Pei Wei! Edemame, yes please. Orange Peel, don't mind if I do. Lemon Pepper, bring it on. Being that I like PF Changs, I had a sneaking suspicion that I would like Pei Wei Diner (since it's owned by PF). Obviously... as others have said... it's an Americanized version of Chinese food... but it's still yummy, and my taste buds love it. I was super excited to find out that there is one on the other side of Herndon from my parent's house... so now I have one even closer than Fairfax!
(4)
Matt Z.
I only get one dish every time -- sesame chicken with white rice. It's good for fast Americanized Chinese. I'd give a fourth star if they delivered -- but they do not. Definitely go here over P.F. Changs as its essentially the same menu, minus the alcohol, and significantly cheaper. Fast. Quick. Filling. Cheap. Not a ton of dining space -- my recommendation is to do take out.
(3)
Glen B.
I like this place. I like the good, and if you're a chop stick user like me, Pei Wei has the BEST chop sticks of anyone around. The dining room is large at this location. and I do carry out a lot, the staff on the phone has always impressed me with efficiency!
(4)
AL K.
the lettuce wrap is my favorite but sometimes the quality is inconsistent.It can be very salty at times and sometimes it could be bland.
(2)
Julie R.
When this Pei Wei first opened, I was thrilled because you could get fried tofu in a large variety of entrees there. I definately took different friends to this new restaurant and we enjoyed it, up until the last two times I've gone.... The second to the last time I went to Pei Wei's, I got my usual dish of kung pao tofu & veggies on white rice &... the white rice was absolutely unedible, it looked like it has been sitting in a pot for hours and severely undercooked. I asked a staff member if I could get a new bowl of rice & she delivered the exact same rice. I definately didn't have a pleasant dinner that night. The last time I went to Pei Wei was about 3 months after the first incident, my food was delivered and I took two bites into my saucy vegetables & found a long, thick black hair strand halfway in my mouth, on my tongue. I instantly wanted to vomit. I asked someone who worked there if I could have my money back since I was so grossed out & the manager on duty denied me of my money back & tried to give me coupons for next time! I told them their isn't going to be a next time, I was angry & walked out. They don't care about making their customers satisfied.
(1)
Chris D.
Pretty decent Asian cuisine and fair prices to boot. I would recommend the ramen or the teriyaki with any choice of protein. They go a little heavy on the rice with some entries. Their hot & sour soup is excellent and I recommend getting it with your dish.
(3)
Chris S.
Cook says "Here is your empanada! Ooops I mean wonton." Or how about "Here is your taquito! Oops I mean eggroll....." I understand restaurants like to hire hispanic cooks to lower cooking costs but pei wei's food is morbidly disgusting. I heard a few people get sick from the food here. One time I ordered plain old fried rice from pei wei and when I sat down, half of my dinner was cold/frozen... Seems like the cooking process is pretty simple @pei wei, flash fry/pan sear here, and a little teriyaki or soy sauce there and BOOM! Asian Diner/Manadarian style cuisine dishes coming right up! This is just another product of yuppy fairfax food at its best.
(1)
lttlod i.
I don't know about you but I think these chains are getting better and better all the time. Cheap prices and great food keeps me coming back, cus well I saved money and it's yummy. Love this place! Every time I visit it just gets better and better. I actually went to the one in Centreville this last time, twice in one week but used to frequent this location as well since I lived across the street. I get the chicken pad thai with tofu. It's very very good. Huge portion with a kick. As good as if not better than pad thai I've had at local traditional places. I also get the mongolian beef. This can be hit or miss. Sometimes the beef can be melt in your mouth or it can be slightly tougher. I have found this to be the case anywhere I order mongolian beef more than once. It's like different cuts of meat sometimes. The chicken lo mein is also very good. I do believe this is Americanized out of everything but they are a chain so what do you expect. It's very good actually if you want something mild and sweet. The chicken stir fry is also a favorite, sweet and great with brown rice. Their veggies are totally fresh and never every mushy. I like that you can get as many lemons to squeeze i your water and you can also grab as many fortune cookies you want. They are tasty little bits I might add! Very clean environment whenever I go. These locations are always hoppin and sometimes very difficult to find seating, frustrating but there is quick turnover. The fact that it's packed is a good sign. Also, clean bathrooms if you wanted to know and I do : ) Another place I wish would come to Des Moines. I think it would do pretty well in this area. I alone would keep this thing in business!
(4)
Al F.
New Korean BQ dish brings the heat. All the dishes are good though.
(2)
Jade T.
0 out of 5 Stars I KNEW Pei Wei Asian Diner was going to be bad. But no, I didn't listen to my conscience. I decided to try it while I was in the area. What a horrible foodie mistake. Pei Wei Asian Diner is basically P.F. Chang, but much worse in quality and in everything. (I already DESPISE P.F. Chang's.) - If you like chain restaurants, Pei Wei is for you. - If you think that P.F. Chang's is the greatest restaurant in the area, P.F.Chang Junior's (I mean, Pei Wei) is for you. - If you want pseudo-Chinese food, Pei Wei is for you. - If you have no taste in food whatsoever, Pei Wei is for you. - If you're about to die from starvation, Pei Wei MIGHT be for you. - If you want miss out of over-rated, "tastes like it was nuked" food, Pei Wei is for you. - If you have any standards when it comes to food, then Pei Wei is certainly not for you. I still believe all (okay, most) restaurants deserve a chance. Pei Wei doesn't deserve ANY and is to be avoided at all costs. If you want inexpensive and tastier Asian food, check out that Mom and Pop joint at your nearest strip mall. It's BOUND to be better than Pei Wei! I really hate this place.
(1)
Cory M.
In terms of Quick Casual Dining experiences (a term I've made up to describe places like this, Noodles & Co., and Panera that are in between a Casual Dining experience like Chili's and a Fast Food experience like Burger King), this one is okay. It borrows from the PF Changs menu which basically serves Americanized Asian food (with a mixture of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influences). It gets packed during lunchtime since the nearby entirely-too-expensive townhouse & condo crowd seems to really like this joint. The platters are quite large and reasonably priced. Like Changs, it's all fairly unhealthy and covered in grease. But...that may not bother you. Because the kitchen is an open fast order line and much of the menu is fried in some way, there is a permanent but unseen cloud of grease and Asian spices that hang in the air. If you eat here and then venture to one of the 8,000 nearby retail stores and find yourself wondering, "what in unholy God is that smell? Did I not shower, not apply deodorant, and then bathe in a vat of random Chinese takeout leftovers?" then worry not. You probably did shower. But you also sat in Pei Wei too long. So what's the break-down? Staff - Good Atmosphere - Good Menu - Good Wait Time - Good Quality - Good I'll probably try not to return here but if you like PF Changs and you're on the run, you'll likely be happy. And if you are a smoker, you will probably not notice the smell that clings to you.
(3)
Kwan C.
i guess I should know about the quality of food of this place just doing some research and reviews from various sites. I have been here a couple of times and both time, from what i have ordered, the food has been severely underwhelming. The entree was too salty (can you say MSG) even though we requested to not to have any. Other than the food, the price is par for the course. if it was any more pricier than that, i would be distraught though. Eben then, i think the price does not match the quality. Food came quick, so i would have to give them kudos for that, and the place was pretty clean. The decor reminds me of a cookie cutter, Asian version of Chipolte's decor, which was ok, i suppose. But in a place like this, you basically come here to get some cheap food real quick, and i have to agree, that is what you will get. However if we are just basic the ratings on just the food alone, I think 1 star would be to high.
(1)
Gues T.
Great options. Fast and with plenty of healthy options. The salads are fresh and delicious. The shrimp are plentiful and fresh. I hope they bring egg drop soup to their menu, especially come winter. I'm a real fan.
(4)
Doris Y.
yucky i tried this place when they first opened and found it to be way toooooo salty and almost inedible a few years later, i gave it another chance and just got disappointed again. I guess they cater to the americans that like tons of salt in their food. never will go back
(1)
Margaret V.
This bargain asian dining restaurant is pretty good. They offer all different types of asian food, from Thai to Chinese. My favorite is the Mongolian beef with noodles. I would recommend this place to anyone who likes asian food at a decent price.
(4)
kei c.
The good: cheap prices, trendy decor, large servings The bad: the FOOD. UGH. I don't know why this place is crowded all the time. We ordered a couple noodle dishes and the sauces were the grossest tasting 'chinese' sauces ever. And the noodles, veggies, meat? totally NOT fresh. PF Chang is ok, but it's hard to believe this place is related. I'd rather have mall food.
(1)
Patrick B.
I really want to like this place. It has a trendy feel and I think it's in a good location. But the food... is so... disappointing. I have given the place more than enough chances to make me a regular. During these visits I have strained to find something to enjoy. For example, some of the dishes include the Mandarin Kung Pao; Pad Thai; Asian Chicken Salad; Lettuce Wraps; and Edamame. It's not that the food is bad, it's just not good.
(1)
Phil P.
Again another place I go to weekly. A must try dish is the Mongolian Beef its amazing!
(5)
Ross A.
I won't be returning after ordering a "spicy" dish that turned out to be sweet. And the salt was overdone. Disgusting is how I describe that place. Better Chinese places all over.
(1)
Robin W.
For cheap, not authentic Chinese food, this place is okay. It's like the Panera of Chinese food. It's not the best food, it's not the worst. It's quick and cheap, yet not really fast food. You can actually sit down and have a nice meal. That said, if you want a really good restaurant, this isn't really that place. It's a cheaper, not as good PF Changs. And it's a mass produced food chain. If you can accept that, then it's worth your time to go here. Otherwise spend a few extra bucks (and probably drive a little further towards DC) and get something more authentic.
(3)
Allan N.
No Wei! I don't mind the Americanized Chinese food at PF Changs, but this is where I draw the line. Pei Wei food is so bland you could blindfold me and substitute my food with paper shreds and I wouldn't know the difference. It's cool looking and it's a great concept, but I'd rather eat at China King.
(1)
Keisha D.
Sometimes you just want quick and spicy! Pei Wei works for me.
(3)
Robert K.
I guess I could give this place one-star like many others did. If you hold everything to a universal standard without context, that's probably what you'd do in general. But without context, people who don't know you won't get any value from what you write, in my opinion. So here's what Pei Wei is. It's a fast way to get at PF Chang's style food. The quality is not as high as PF Chang's in terms of preparation speed; everything at Pei Wei is quick to prepare. If that's your taste due to time considerations or anything else, it fits the bill. Some of us may not feel we have the time to eat a proper meal all the time, but would still prefer something better than McDonald's and with an Asian influence instead of Mexican (like Chipotle). Pei Wei fits the bill. They also have two flavors of iced tea that are unique (at least at this Fair Lakes one) - so if you're a big fan of iced tea, that may be worth a try as well. I think one was Chai and the other was Mandarin Orange. They have a decent selection of noodle dishes and "signature dishes" and the wait time is usually less than 10 or 15 minutes. You have options like shrimp, chicken, beef, or vegetarian with most of the dishes (sorry I can't remember the specific breakdown right now). Anyway, if you're in the area looking for a quick bite that's better than typical fast food, and with an "Asian" flavor to it (yes, obviously Americanized) check this place out. It will more than serve that taste.
(4)
John E.
Some of you are being way too harsh with your stars for Pei Wei. Or maybe your expectations are just way too high. Pei Wei is a fast food, cheap version of PF Changs. The service is always quick, the food isn't great, but it's not one star worthy either. There are some dishes that are really tasty for example the mongolian beef and orange peel chicken. Who cares if the cooks are hispanic? It's not like I'm going to a fast food chinese eating establishment expecting authentic cuisine.
(3)
Bobby F.
Obviously not authentic, but food is always on point service is quick. Perfect place to take a someone on a cheap date and easy place to bail.
(4)
Nathaniel L.
For all those looking for authentic chinese food this probably is not it. However, for all of you who can't help yourself and order General Tso's (knowing it's not real chinese food) and still love it, you'll like this place. The dishes are tasty and the portions are good. The Pei Wei Spicy is good and so is the Mongolian Beef. I like that you don't have to wait *forever* to get a table, like at PF Chang's. If I have a guilty secret it's that I eat here a lot.
(3)
wayne m.
Gross. The food is salty, saucy, and at times overly sweet slop. Four of us ate here and we are not going back.
(1)
Vickie Y.
just ok , nothing spectacular!
(3)
Scott F.
Usually I'm over here for something quick. If I wanted the real thing I'd go down the street and have the $20 PF Changs. Considering this is the cheap knock off I"ll stick with it.
(4)
Sofia S.
Cheap and yummy. I think its funny that so many people review this place and say its not "authentic chinese". I don't think most people walking into a chain chinese/asian restaurant in the US would expect "authentic". The food was good and came out quickly...good value for the amount of food you get. I also like that you can get your own drinks, utensils, and fortune cookies from the side....they also have little boxes on the side for leftovers that you can grab yourself.
(4)
Mark D.
This restaurant is basically an express version of P.F. Changs. The food wasn't quite as good as the father chain but the menu had most of the same popular dishes and it wasn't quite as expensive. It is a step above Noodles & Company and your typical steamer tray Chinese place.
(3)
Rowena E.
good food, served quick - it's basically fast food PF Chang's. average prices and large portions, with entrees big enough to share. Part of the PF family chain, it definitely beats having to wait over 3 hours for a table while you're starving and gnawing on your chopsticks -- like at a regular PF Chang's restaurant.
(3)
Maddie N.
Seriously? How do you hate Pei Wei? It's the fast food version of P.F. Changs, and to be honest, I like it so much better. The dishes are pretty varied and the spices are excellent. It's perfect for a small get together, the casual atmosphere is perfect for anything from a first date to just a random night out. Oh, and the staff is SO helpful! I lost my retainer there and they dug through the trash cans for me.......too bad it was lost forever, though.
(4)
Deidra B.
Not bad. It's kind of like an Asian version of Silver Diner Metro (FFX City), Fosters, Panera Bread, Mama Lucia's or Pomodoro's. You order in line then find a seat and wait for your food to come to you. Good location. Nice decor. What I didn't like: so packed it was pandemonium inside; you don't know if you'll have anyplace to sit until you get there (remember musical chairs?); and the food was OKAY. And there wasn't one Asian person cooking the night I went (not that there's anything wrong with that). I'll go back when I need something different again.
(3)
Queen W.
I have never eaten in Pei Wei but have gotten take out many times. It is similiar to PF Changs but not exactly the same. Their lo mein and lettuce wraps or similiar but the portions are similiar. It is a shame they got rid of their pork dishes. The pork fried rice was one of the best I've ever had-large chunks of white meat pork (not scary questionable meat). Their kung pao, beef with green curry, lo mein, and fried rice are very good. The tomato pepper sauce with rice noodles was disgusting.
(4)
J. David B.
Clean, inviting atmosphere, but kinda "meh" food. I wouldn't call it Chinese - Chinese influenced maybe. Flavor was lacking and unimpressive - I felt like I was eating at a renovated Panda Express. The spring rolls were good, but those are hard to mess up aren't they? I would have liked more chicken and less rice - overall the portion size was good, but the mix was wrong between amount of meat and rice.
(3)
Shannon W.
Mostly writing this review for one thing, the Wonton Soup. I normally dislike Wonton Soup. However, the soup at Pei Wei has a strong ginger taste to the broth that is more reminiscent of a nice Miso Soup or other Japanese soup. So good! I am also a HUGE fan of their tofu. It is so firm it gives you much more of a sense of eating meat than the normally mushy, deep fried stuff served at most Asian restaurants. Tofu Brown Rice Teriyaki Bowl and the Crab Rangoon are my other go-to dishes here.
(4)
Geoff O.
It's Pei Wei. What more do you want me to say? P.F. Chang's for someone without time or money. That said, food here is usually satisfying and doesn't sit under a heat lamp.
(3)
E D.
This was, hands down, the saltiest food I've ever had. I could imagine it would be akin to pouring table salt down your throat. It took all the saliva out of your mouth. The friend who recommended this place officially lost their "where should we eat?" recommendations in our social circle.
(1)
Joey D.
Always busy and the staff is always on top of things. Food is always quick, and tasty. For what it is, fast casual american style chinese food - I like it! Tofu is great.
(4)
Tuesday's S.
I love Pei Wei. Have weeknight dinner here a lot. Lots of variety, quick, tasty and an easy environment. Yes, it's more processed than a more authentic place - it's like a Chipotle of Asian food. I don't care. It's always good, and always hits the spot. I'd eat here weekly.
(4)
Lucas S.
Working and living near this Pei Wei, I have been here probably 10-15 times. I have never been disapointed with the food, and the only issue has ever been that it has been slightly crowded around meal times. I am not a "high class" food eater, but I have eated real Asian food through trips to China and Japan and still enjoy Pei Wei as a quicker way to get some tasty Asian food. I actually am a big fan of the semi sit down restraunts like Pei Wei where you don't have a real waiter, and don't have to tip, but get most of the other benefits. Only note would be that this place isn't very quiet so if you are looking for that, just go somewhere else.
(5)
Joanna C.
I like Pei Wei for it's convenience and Vietnamese Salad Wraps. It's a chain, so you can't expect too much authenticity, but it's tasty (and affordable) all the same. Despite it's Ponderosa-style service (you order and pay up front and they bring the food to you), the food runners are friendly and attentive. They also serve wine, beer and some yummy teas! Good for lunch or a quick dinner... kid friendly too!
(3)
Austin A.
My family and I started to dine at this restaurant soon after it open and until recently we returned often. While it still offers interesting Asian food at reasonable prices, the menu has changed so often we now find many of our favorite dishes, such as lemon pepper dishes, are no longer available. Also the last few times we've dined at Pei Wei the place did not seem to be especially clean or tidy. I have not yet completely written the place off, but I hope they get their act together soon.
(2)
Bill P.
This place is basically fast-food asian, so we shouldn't expect much. I agree with the other reviewers who say it's pretty generic, fast-foodish, non-authentic chinese food. The chicken pieces in my chicken and broccoli dish were way too large to eat properly with chopsticks. Also, they skimped on many of the ingredients in the garlic/onion/broccoli dish I ordered. Lots of the cheap ingredients, but not too much in the way of the other stuff that was supposed to be in there. Kind of a pre-fab generic dish. Meh. Also, a lot of families with kids go here....so be ready for that. If you're in a rush, try walking next door to the Whole Foods, which has a great little sushi bar as well as fresh asian food choices, with plenty of tables for dining in. Also, Sakura is nearby.... One recent incident here bothered me. I showed up at 9:25 PM on once recent evening to grab a quick bite....their posted hours are until 9:30. Yeah, it was Sunday (I think...) but hours are hours, right? The lights were on, the cooks were working, and some people were still seated and eating with all the lights on. However, the door was locked. So I knocked on the door and watched as the girl working at the ordering counter looked at me for a second, and then COMPLETELY and deliberately ignored me. She just turned off the lights at her counter and started shutting down early. Again, the cooks were still working and people were seated and eating (or waiting for food). So...I took out my cell phone and CALLED her from the other side of the glass door and let it ring for about 50 rings...she kept ignoring me, as well as the six other people who also showed up wanting to grab some food. Finally, on ring number 51 or 52, some manager guy came out of the deep recesses of the place and finally picked up the phone. He reluctantly agreed to let the large group of us -- myself alone and the six other people -- in to buy some food, but he didn't seem too apologetic. I left and went to Sakura.
(2)
Keely F.
A good restaurant...nice to sit outside and enjoy the weather. The food was pretty good; Dan Dan noodles are not great, but the Sesame chicken was really good.
(3)
Beth L.
Obviously not authentic Chinese food but actually pretty decent and a good value, if you know what to order. I love the signature dishes with vegetables and tofu and I always ask for the sauce on the side (because it can be overwhelming and some sauces, e.g., Korean, are SOOO salty!) I like to get the coconut curry sauce on the side with the veggies/tofu and brown rice. It's a lot of food! The tofu is also really excellent, very firm and tasty (I think even non-tofu eaters would like it). If you order carefully, you shouldn't be disappointed. I also like their Vietnamese garden rolls.
(3)
Jay D.
Quick lunch spot in Fair Lakes that serves good quality tasting food!
(3)
Josh Y.
Tried this place a couple of time right after they were opened. Never went back again. Plus: a long list of selections. minus: if you are a fan of American Chinese food, this is a place for you. I 'd agree on one review of comparing this place to PF Chang's. Cheaper and faster. Food: 1 star, service: 3 stars.
(2)
CYNTHIA C.
The mongolian beef was pretty good but other than that, I was not impressed at all by this place. I went once and never went back....nor do I ever plan on it unless I was completely starving and had no other alternative.
(1)
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Address :4461 Market Commons Dr.
Fairfax, VA, 22033
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : No Caters : Yes
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Judith L.
I got invited to lunch and didn't have a chance to check yelp this place, so I didn't know what to expect. I walked in to find a HUGE three part menu on the right side of the room (seriously- taller than me). After looking the "first tastes" (appetizers), "salads", "noodles/rice bowls", and "signature dishes" we decided to go with the signature dishes. The chicken dishes came with a choice of white or brown rice and at least the signature dishes had a choice of chicken, beef, veggies, tofu, etc. This place is just like PF Changs (actually, it's owned by them- so consider it a younger sibling) in taste (not authentic cuisine) but different when it comes to atmosphere (not dimly lit and always overly crowded) speed (consider it "express"), cost (we got six spring rolls, two drinks, and two chicken dishes for about $25), and selection (there's a good amount of Thai food and even a Korean dish on the menu). Depending on what you order (appetizer, entree, etc), I'd say you could get a big lunch here for $15 or less (that's basically two meals). Got the Pei Wei spring rolls, orange peel chicken and lemon pepper chicken. As we were walking to the register to order, someone let us know we were "number ___" and put the number on a table- so we had a table before we ordered (as it wasn't crowded... but later, there was a long line... and long wait). Drinks, utensils, boxes (for leftovers), and fortune cookies are on a counter on the left side of the room. I liked the fact that you could do everything for yourself- refill your drinks, get utensils (if needed), grab a fortune cookies (or two), grab a box for the food you didn't finish (instead of asking someone for one/waiting forever). The spring rolls were good- not amazing, but something I'd consider ordering again. The lemon pepper chicken was tangy and different- I can't say I've tasted something quite like it. Not bad, but not my taste. The orange peel chicken was good- reminiscent of PF Chang's (who, as I mentioned, owns this chain). *Check out my photos!* If you want PF style of food (good quality, super americanized Chinese) , just faster, cheaper, and a good amount of 15 minute parking for takeout right in front of the building- head on over. But if you're looking for authentic Chinese, look elsewhere.
(3)Shannon A.
Consistent, fresh chinese food. What is not to like?! Go for the diner select size and you save money and not add to your belly size. They hide the oranges now, but make sure you come some fresh cut oranges before you leave....delicious.
(4)Josh F.
Pei Wei is a hidden gem nestled in a corner of the East Market shopping plaza in Fairfax, VA. It's right next to the Whole Foods, but you wouldn't see it unless you went looking for it. Pei Wei is a delightful lunch spot. With dishes ranging from 2$ to 10$, it's right in the wheelhouse for restaurant that features lunch dishes. Everything is Americanized Chinese, with a slightly healthier presentation and fresh ingredients. You can definitely feel that the owners (PF Changs property) followed a formula that they reaped for success in their big brother. Serving sizes are very large, and it's served in an almost cafeteria fashion. For 8$, I had enough for two full meals. The greens were crispy and fresh, the Tofu seared JUST right, and the fried rice was excellent. . Give Pei Wei a chance, you wont regret it.
(4)Yan W.
First and foremost you have to realize that a) this is an "Americanized" "Asian" restaurant; b) none of the dishes actually taste like their authentic namesake; c) no one is pretending like this place really serves authentic "Asian" food; d) I'm sure everything is pre-prepped; e) the staff is mostly Hispanic so it's just really hilarious to get a "dan dan mian" from someone you least expect! Keeping these things in mind, Pei Wei is actually pretty good. It's basically a good "cheap eats" place that's self-serve. The food is "prepped" (notice I did not say cooked) in an open kitchen, and in general, the staff is great. Most of the dishes have a sweet thick sauce on it, and sometimes has hot spice in it. Their hot and sour soup is good and cheap and sometimes, I enjoy their carry out. Like I said, it's not at all authentic, but if you're in the area and have a hankering for generic Chinese food, it hits the spot. I also agree with Katie F.'s summary "wow, the Panera of Chinese food." Exactly!
(3)Revani G.
We eat here all the time for work so I've tried a lot of things on the menu. I can say that this place is very consistent with their food and that the online ordering is a breeze. It is very crowded at lunch time and the set up is so you order before you sit down. (I've never liked that kind of system)... Anyway...I enjoy eating here and and their take out system is good. You will always get what you expect. The crab wontons are delicious and my favorites right now are the pei wei spicy and the Korean beef and I've heard the Mongolian beef is really good too. I am not a big fan of their brown rice, but the fried rice is really good. It is definitely one of the better restaurants in its price range. Relatively cheap for the quality of food.
(4)Teresa L.
The restaurant is clean and has a chain-like feel. You order at the register. You can order six or seven styles of dishes or noodles with meat or no meat of your choice. I had the kung pao shrimp and my brother had korean style beef. Both dishes were so salty that they were barely edible. My vegetable spring roll was just okay and my brother said his egg roll was just okay. We were really hungry, since it was 6:00 p.m. and we hadn't eaten since breakfast. For some reason, my brother and I have had two very salty meals from different places in the past two days. I hope I don't have a heart attack before I get back home.
(2)Sarah S.
I visited this location on a Saturday evening and ordered to take out. I called 3 hours before I wanted to pick up my food to place my order and showed up 15 minutes earlier than I said. They hadn't started my order yet, but had it ready in no more than 5 minutes (which amazed me). I liked their speediness (3 stars for that) in getting my order ready even though I was early. However, I found the food to be mediocre and have had tastier chinese at local establishments. I also didn't like that when I entered the restaurant, there were 5-6 employees just hanging out at the regular tables, watching every customer come in. Granted the restaurant wasn't that busy, but it looked completely unprofessional.
(3)Craig L.
Good food and huge portions. A little crowded sometimes, but often worth it. Lots of great options. I wasn't thrilled by the soup (I expect my wonton soup to be at least 50 percent wontons) but everything else was awesome. Lots of options and solid, consistently good dishes.
(4)Neal E.
Regardless of what Jade thinks about Pei Wei - I like certain dishes at Pei Wei. I am under no illusion that what I am eating is authentic Chinese! :-) I like the Mandarin Kung Pao dish - it has a combination of salty, soy flavor, with a crispness and caramelization that appeals to my taste buds. I had a $10 gift card for Pei Wei - so I went by this location for lunch today - first time I had been in this location. Place was packed at 1:00 pm - I was lucky to get a table! It did not take them long to get my meal out to me - I ordered it with Fried Rice. My only criticism is that they don't offer low-sodium soy sauce. I promptly inhaled my lunch!
(4)Michelle N.
This place is a hit or miss for me, however, the fact it's so close to work *and* I can do online ordering where I can make my crazy modifications for takeaway is a major plus. The food is pretty decent and I like that they have a "base" for the menu, and then you can modify it with chicken, beef, shrimp, vegetables or veg and tofu, as well as the option to have brown or white rice. If you research even further, you find that you can have your food cooked in broth vs oil, you can get sauce on the side, you can sub noodles for rice, etc. My favorite dishes are pad thai with vegetables, sesame shrimp, and fried rice. The price tag is kind of high however you can usually get 2-3 meals out of this (especially when you are eating for lunch). One major dislike I have is that when I order my meals vegetarian, they tend to put a lot of onions and cabbage in there as fillers. Yuck. As for seating, it's all first come first served. You order your food, get a number, then seat yourself. Usually it works out that someone is getting up by the time you're done ordering. If it's especially busy, they will have someone find a seat for you which is nice. But don't you dare get a seat before you make an order, you may get yelled at!
(3)Christine R.
The food here is good but lacking some serious flavor - aka heat. I love (all) my food spicy. The more painful the better. Make it hurt! Even when ordering a dish here with a little pepper next to it indicating it's "spicy" it's not. Regardless the food here is fresh, cheap and fast. A nice change up from your regular ol' drive thru menu. And a good option for when you want to eat out but don't want to spend extra money tipping a waiter. Can't really complain, except they need to keep real hot peppers on hand for people like me!
(3)Foodie C.
Solid Asan Hybrid Food Owned by PF Changs So we call it PF Light Prices are better portions are smaller but you net a better experience Food 3.5 Service 4 Cleanliness 4
(4)Anthony T.
Great little place to grab a quick bite to eat. Another Americanized Chinese place like PF Changs. not much more to say about it. Had the Tofu with ginger sauce and lettuce wraps/
(3)Jon L.
I've read some of my fellow Yelper's reviews about this place and I'm wondering if we're eating at the same Pei Wei. I was one of the 1st customers at this location. For a week before they opened they were offering FREE lunch certificates and who says there's no free lunch! They' ve been open for over a year now and I've been at least a dozen times. I've never had a bad meal here so I'm puzzled about some of the comments. This place is casual and affordable. After your meal you can hit Wholefoods, Dicks Sporting Good or Kohls for some shopping. I've tried several menu items but always seem to go back to the chicken Lettuce Wraps...the chinese taco! It's a great lunch meal or a lite dinner and @ $4 and change it's hard to beat. The food comes up quick, they deliver to your table and you can dine on the patio if the weather is nice. They have designagted parking for take out. Now and then I like to sit and the bar and watch the cooks in action. If you speak spanish it's even more entertaining.
(3)Daniel B.
Stopped at Pei Wei for the first time last night. I ordered the sweet and sour chicken with brown rice. The place was very quiet and my meal arrived within 5 minutes. The meal was very good. The chicken was nice and crispy. The sweet and sour sauce was good and there was plenty of it. Definitely worth the stop.
(4)Bill P.
We have eaten at this restaurant several times over the recent years. Pei Wei is the fast food arm of PF Chang's. They offer a nice selection of Asian dishes. With each dish you normally get a choice of protein (e.g., chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, vegetable). Some entrees are designated as spicy or vegetarian when ordered with vegetables or tofu. The spicy dishes aren't that spicy. I compensate by adding generous amounts of the pepper sauce available at the tables. On our most recent visit we found they had revamped their menu. They now offer a set of entrees (called selects) that are reduced portions but include a choice of a side dish. They also offer a set of small plates (tapas like). The small plates include some of their previous appetizers such as lettuce wraps, egg rolls, and soups. I had the PW spicy entree. My wife had two selects. You order at the counter where they give you a bottled beverage or a glass for self-serve fountain drinks and a number to display at your table. Meals are delivered to your table. The dining area is clean. Customers clear their own tables but the staff is efficient in cleaning the tables. There's a nice outside area. One other change on our last visit was that the old fountain drink dispenser had been replaced with Coca-Cola Freestyles that dispense over 100 different Coke products (it has its own Web site and App, coca-colafreestyle.com ). We continue to enjoy PW and are sure to return.
(4)Mario O.
For the money, this place is tough to beat. They have near fast food prices with quality restaurant food taste. It costs more to order from the local Chinese takeout place by my house than eating here. The restaurant is always very clean and the staff is friendly. Pei Wei is one of my favorite lunch joints.
(5)Samantha E.
Who doesn't love a cheap P. F. Changs? They have a lot of the same food but for a much more reasonable price. It comes out very fresh and will definitely fill you up. There aren't many Pei Wei's in NOVA so don't take this one for granted.
(4)Will G.
Spicy Pad Thai was good. I ordered mine extra spicy and that gave it the needed kick! Tastes and flavors were decent. Cilantro and spring onions were fresh. Even the small portion was plenty. The presentation was also a nice touch, see photos. Maybe not truly authentic Thai Style but a good substitute. Will keep this as a frequent dish and location.
(4)Imelda K.
This is my daughter (9yo) fave restaurant. It used to be 'really' good. The place is not as clean as before. The clock is dead for about couple months now, and I don't think they want to fix it. The food is OK. They used to have free oranges, but not anymore.
(3)Erica B.
If I could give it no stars, I would. I used to really love this place until they changed the chefs and the menus. The rice is always over cooked and there is never enough sauce. When you ask for anything, the people there act as if they're doing you a favor. And the new menu sucks! Pei Wei has gone way down in quality.
(1)Tu H.
It has decent food, nothing extraordinary. Typical non fast food in a order and sit type restaurant.
(3)J E.
We were in the area for a meeting and since we were hungry and knew about Pei Wei being here and also knew that Pei Wei typically has very good service and food, we gave it a try. Upon entering the complex where the Pei Wei was and realizing it was lunch time, we were worried that the place would be crazy-busy and/or lack-luster in taste. What we found was that it was very busy, but we still found a table. We ordered and the food came quickly and was tasty too. But the Coke fountain machines they had weren't working properly, so after paying $2 for a soda, we were wishing we simply asked for water, as that's all we ended up drinking. As mentioned, the food was good, but the service is what appeared to be lacking, as there were managers walking around, but none stopped to ask how things were, nor did they simply go over to inspect those Coke fountain machines to find that BOTH weren't functioning properly. When we did tell the girl who dropped off our food, nothing was done to correct the problem. Really don't like "popular" places that seem to get too busy during busy times to keep all customers happy. I'm sure many will overlook small issues like this, but I see small issues as an opportunity you don't want to miss out on. Will I go back? Yes, as Pei Wei is typically MUCH better than this and the food was prepared perfectly and tasty and was made with fresh ingredients. But the management needs to pay more attention.
(3)Nicole W.
In the pursuit of good, quality local grub... I decided to check out Pei Wei. They're they little sister restaurant to PF Changs... So I was expecting good things... And I wasn't disappointed. The orange peel chicken was delicious... Flavorful, sweet... Very satisfying and it came with snow peas (one of my fav veggies). I also loved the crab wontons...they came with a tasty dipping sauce. My friend really enjoyed her pad Thai... she said the chicken was "amazing and really fresh". The restaurant also sells lo mein, sushi, lettuce wraps and a number of other foods that I love but didn't have a chance to order. I hope to try everything at some point. We got take out... We walked in, ordered, and got our food in less than 10 mims... Awesome! Basically I'm happy to have found a new local favorite for my Asian food cravings!
(4)Kate H.
Stopped by for dinner on a Saturday evening and had an okay meal. Nothing special and the flavors seemed kind of like they'd come from a flavor packet, particularly the lo mein. We shared chicken lettuce wraps, mongolian beef, chicken lo mein and a kid's meal with honey glazed chicken and rice. Add two drinks and the total was $34 -- not too bad a deal. Surprised to learn that they don't serve milk -- kid's drinks are limited to soda or lemonade. Really? Get some Horizon individual milks.
(3)K N.
There was a bug crawling in our sushi roll. Yuck! We received a new one promptly, but still, it was crawling in the food, I'm not talking about a fly around a table. Appetite was pretty much gone. Other food was exceedingly mediocre. Bland. That will be the first and last time we eat here.
(1)Jenn C.
Stopped by on a snowy night! Atmosphere- a little dark, but clean and simple. Service- it's a walk up and order place, so the service wasn't over the top or anything. The guy who took our order was friendly and patient- especially because we weren't 100% ready when we started to order ha. We also had a 5 month old and a rowdy 2 year old we were trying to control! The lady who brought out our food was also kind. Food- kung pap shrimp- yum!! Great flavor, shrimp was cooked perfectly! It was a little spicy- as it says on the menu. I love the sugar snap peas- cooked, but still a nice crunch to them. Chicken lettuce wraps- classic and delicious! Chopped Asian salad- really good flavor and a good size. I think the chicken would have been better if it was marinated or something- it seemed like it was just boiled and put on there- kinda bland, but the salad dressing was good. Thai lettuce wraps- they weren't bad, but I wasn't a fan of them. I didn't like the mint or cilantro in them. My mother in law loved them, but it just wasn't something I'd order again. Overall- great place to get a quick bite to eat! Prices are reasonable and the food comes out quickly!
(4)Kino A.
This place is an americanized fusion restaurant. The thing to get here is the mongolian beef with brown rice. It's got an amazing flavor. The hot and sour soup here is pretty good too. Definitely filling.
(3)Bobby B.
Wow, this place has apparently hit a wall in a bad, bad way. My wife and I have been here probably a dozen times over the last few years and things were always up to par. In fact, last night during our bad experience, I commented to my wife that I would Yelp it with 4*s and make note of all the past good experiences and that if it were bad twice in row I would lower it to 1* later. However, as the dinner dragged on and the disappointment grew, I decided this place really deserves a 1* rating at the moment and IF I were to ever go back, they'd have an opportunity for at redemption then. BUT, it turned out so bad that I won't ever go back to this location. It's clearly being run very poorly from the top down. Here are the specifics... Arrived at 8:20pm Fri. 9/12/14. No line and restaurant was a little over half full with seated patrons. Walked up to the register, which was momentarily unattended while the one gal behind the counter was over at the 'Take-Out' register. No "I'll be with you in a moment" or anything like that, and then not even a "hello" when she finally came over to take our order. Very unfriendly and not what you'd expect from a corp restaurant like Pei Wei. After I paid, she was looking the other way and talking to someone else...and just kinda waved my receipt in her extended hand, so I just plucked it away. Everyone has a bad day or an off moment, so yeah...whatever. We collected our soft drink cups from her and started to wander around to sit at one of the 7 open tables (I counted). ALL 7 of them were dirty. Food, liquid and straw wrappers, etc. W-T-F! It wasn't even crowded and this place can't keep the tables wiped down in a timely fashion? Really?? After a few minutes of standing there looking around, someone (my friendly cashier) appeared and said I'll wipe that down in just a moment. She reappeared quickly and gave it a quick wipe down. About that time my wife returned from the fountain drink machine (they have the fancy touchscreen kind that has tons of soda/flavor selections) and she warns me..."they're out of most flavors". I thought to myself "OF COURSE THEY ARE". So we sit, and we wait...and we wait...and wait. As we were waiting, I saw my favorite cashier and a manager running food around. My concern only grew because EVERY time they carried the food, they wandered around and around and around trying to find what table it belonged to. We were asked once "did you order this __insert name__" and we saw them also asking other tables the same question. We double checked our receipt to make sure the number on the placard they gave us appeared on the receipt accurately, which it did. So I really can't understand their complete confusion over where to deliver the food. Finally, after 25min of waiting my wife's order of Caramel Chicken appeared. It had an arrangement of onions/peppers that she didn't recall ever being part of this dish in the past. Easy enough to just pick it off I suppose. But, where was my dish?? After another 5 minutes or more my Kung Pao chicken appeared. My brown rice had little dark flecks in it....presumably from being cooked on a filthy grill or whatever they use. My chicken itself was exceptional greasy, probably indicative of the same dirty environment. In summary, service was inattentive and extremely slow. Restaurant was filthy. Inventory wasn't being addressed as evident by the mostly empty soda machine. And on top of all of that, the quality of the food was terrible. If I wanted to wait 30 minutes I would've just gone to PF Changs and enjoyed the ambiance. If I wanted lousy food and poor service I would've just to Tony's NY Pizza (see my other reviews). I wanted a quick and easy, reasonably good meal. What I got was a headache of frustration, upset stomach and $21 down the drain. This location is failing miserably and I won't be going back. I'll also be writing corporate to let them know how poorly run this location is.
(1)M S.
a good place for lunch. my favorite things to order and the Kong Pao chicken and the Thai lettuce wraps
(3)Gonzo T.
Very disappointing! I have been to several pie wei restaurants, always had good experiance, but this location is horrible. First off, the guy who took the order was very impatient, felt like he was doing us a favor. Then while preparing the food they decided that the hood and back walls need to be cleaned. They sprayed the area with cleaning detergents while our food was cooking right there. Needless to say I didn't touch anything, the manager was not available so we just left. Will I ever go back there again??? NO
(1)Sarmed A.
I was there yesterday, we ordered chicken with honey sear and noodles, we were starving and once our dish was ready we started eating like hungry babies, and suddenly we found dirty mustache hair mixed with the honey sauce !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I went to the waitress and told her about that, they reacted in a very normal way and they did not apologize for this situation!!!!!!!! So Ill never go to this place again never" even if we are starving to death:-).
(1)Lyn L.
We stopped in for a quick snack. Parking is easy as long as you arrive off hours. There's also short term parking for the pick up patrons! Eggrolls of all kinds are my downfall.. Pei Wei has the best pork egg rolls. We can make an order of 6, a meal for two. I come here just to order their egg rolls. We had the won ton soup and egg rolls. The rest of the food doesn't come close to PF Changs, but they do try....
(3)Nug E.
Crab Rangoons :/ I always grab these when I go there, menu is set so there are many different combinations. Not bad, but not the best.
(4)GLenn C.
Passed by here often going to Whole Foods. Heard this place is pretty good, so we finally stopped by. What I did not know was that this place is a low scale PF Changs, which I do NOT like. Almost didn't want to eat here, but why not? First, the kids meal sucks. my 5 year old's was like a spiced up ramen. I almost wanted to ask for a refund for that. horrible!!! I forgot what I got but it was not all that either. I'd rather have eaten at "Panda Express" and I do not like place either. Finally I asked for our table to be cleaned and I was ignored. We didn't notice but afterward we got my son's nasty noodles the table was a little greasy. Never again will be walk in this place. P.S. I hate when Chinese food is not cooked by Asians. Ethnic foods should be cooked by their respected ethnic. There is exceptions, but this isn't one of them.
(1)Fevi Y.
I normally dont write reviews until I visit a place more than once. We came back to pei wei because of the Lo Mein chicken. Sadly, second time around the chicken lo mein was so disappointing. I even complained to the manager but all he did was recook the noodles and make them soggy. Will we be back? Im really not sure now.
(2)Frank F.
Good affordable Chinese food. I never go to the typical chinese take outs because of the quality of their food. Pei Wei is actually good quality and has nice options. Crispy Honey shrimp and chicken are great options. Its sister company to PF Changs
(4)Anya W.
Ordered food online, when I arrived at the time I was told it would be ready, they informed me at that time they were "out of sushi". Not sure why someone didn't think to call me vs. waiting until I arrived to pick up my order. The food was cold and unfortunately I ended up in the ER due to food poisoning... Would not recommend going there!!
(1)Ashley F.
This is a very funny location, and not funny as in "ha ha" but funny as in I can't quite figure it out. The times I have been there have been each drastically different than the last. The first time I went with my boyfriend was on a very crowded night, I ordered to go and expected the service to be slow, but things moved very quickly, I mean it was awesome. The place was like a well oiled machine! I got the orange peel chicken which was tasty and they give such good portions I was even able to save some for the next day!! Now the SECOND time was a pain. The guy behind the counter was clueless and quite distracted but he got the job done I guess. After we had ordered and sat, they promptly brought over a plate of cabbage or lettuce...whatever, that we didn't order. The staff was extremely confused as to where the table next to us order of lettuce/cabbage had gone. And we had to flag them down to show them that we had it. Okay, NEXT after they had brought my SO's food over I sat and waited for 15 minutes for my food which didn't come until after the waiter guy had come to the table twice asking if I had ordered something.... Nooooo I didn't order anything, I just came to watch my man eat.... They finally brought it plopping it in front of me not really caring that 20 minutes had already passed. The team seemed disoriented and not on task. Maybe it was an off night?
(3)Margaret Z.
Reminds me of a cut-rate P.F. Chang's. I ordered the chicken lettuce wraps, which I do not recommend. You get far too little chicken filling for the amount of lettuce you're given--either your lettuce wraps end up tasting like mostly lettuce, or you can only make 2. The portions of the rice + meat dishes seemed to be a little more reasonable for the price, but my friends didn't really enjoy the flavors of their meals either. I realize that this place serves Americanized Chinese food, but it's still doing an extremely poor job of even meeting those standards. I personally think this place is way overpriced for what you're getting... you're much better off going to the Whole Foods next door.
(2)Wynton F.
Been going to Pei Wei since it opened. When I want a quick meal that is cost friendly Pei Wei is the place to be. I like to call it the Asian version of Chipotle. Yes people may say the service has taken a dip over the last couple of years. But not enough to turn me away, as I usually get take out.
(4)Carolyn P.
I have been a fan of Pei Wei since it opened at this location. The last two visits were quite disappointing. Evidently they have changed the type of noodles in the Lo Mein; they now taste like overcooked linguine. My husband feels the same about the quality of the ingredients in his food as well. It appears they are using cheaper ingredients. They no longer have the fresh oranges for the Mandarin iced tea, which I loved. In the past it has been very crowded, but today at lunch time, it was nearly empty. Has this happened at all locations? The service was fine, the food is sadlyjust not what it once was.
(1)Joanne W.
Always good food here. Pushy waiter today but on the plus side very fast, so I guess it depends what you want. Weird things to like, always takeout boxes by the soda fountain, lime gingerale
(4)Annie K.
Pei Wei is pretty much an "express" P.F. Chang's because they offer dine-in and carry-out, and their prices are way cheaper and comparable to most other fast food places while replicating the P.F. Chang's taste. Most of the popular items from the P.F. Chang's menu are also featured here. Although it's Americanized Chinese food, I can't get enough of their crab wontons, chicken lettuce wraps, and spicy chicken! The restaurant is clean and the service is always efficient. You can also order carry-out online!
(4)Linda C.
Just a quick update....new soda machines have replaced the old standards. These machines are "electronic" with touch screens. They consist of Coca-Cola products, but when you touch on a type of drink, you get several sub-choices. All in all, I think this raises the variety to about 28 different kinds (including Dasani water and flavored waters). I guess it is the next gen of soda dispensers!
(4)Elizabeth O.
This was the worst Chinese food I've had in a long, long, long time. Not only was the food bad, but the restaurant was dirty. The tables and chairs desperately needed to be wiped. The teenagers who apparently run the place were standing around chatting and looking at their phones.
(1)Lindsey R.
Awesome, healthy, delicious Asian food! Our go-to for take out!
(5)Kimberly K.
On a Budget? In the mood for some Americanized Chinese food? Pei Wei is your place. {Ambiance} Relaxed. There are seats available outside as well. {Service} Self serve. When you enter, their is a huge menu to your right. Once you've placed your order at the cashier, you will be given a number card and cups for your beverage. Food comes out quick. There are chop sticks, forks, napkins, sauces, take out boxes, etc at the back of the restaurant. When you are done, you can leave your empty dishes at your table. {Food} Small Hot and Sour Soup- Not the best I've tasted. It wasn't bad either. Lots of tofu and there was some heat to it. Mandarin Kung Pao w/ Vegetables and Tofu- For the most part, the vegetables were cooked well and packed a lot of flavor. Beautiful pieces of broccoli. There were some carrot pieces that were overcooked. The tofu could have also been a bit softer. Pei Wei Spicy w/ Chicken- More meat than batter. Always a good thing. The sauce is more sweet than spicy (to me at least). Pad Thai w/ Veg and Tofu- Yum! The noodles are cooked perfectly. Plenty of soft tofu here (why aren't they just as soft in the Kung Pao dish?). Sweet and Savory. My Favorite dish! Sesame Chicken- The soy citrus glaze goes perfectly with the lightly crisp chicken. Thai Dynamite w/ Shrimp- Huge pieces of lightly battered shrimp tossed with Sriracha chile sauce. My 2nd Fave! {Prices} $2.00- 9.25. {Note} All of their Signature Dishes are served with rice. Your choice of white or brown.
(4)Jamie G.
Excellent food. We had the steak lettuce wrap and vegetable lo mein. We can't wait to come back and try more.
(4)Chow N.
This is a good location for this joint. I like this one a bit better than the one by Dulles. Went to order a few combos but switched when I learned that the combo is 1/2 the size of the regular entree. There was plenty of mongolian chicken and steak in the regular entree to stuff us. Only complaint was slow service/response to fix a change in the order from the combo to the entrees.
(3)Lisa G.
Food is good but the service for To Go stank! I got there early to pay and the cashier kept saying "Okay?!" After each sentence out of her mouth. I'm not deaf and I'm not stupid. OKAY?! The cashier left to take care of the sit down customers and forgot to check on my order! I had to wait for another worker to get me my food sitting there for a while! Nice soggy spring rolls. Thanks!!
(3)Emily T.
Good! I've been going here with my family for years. My favorite dish is the Kung Pao beef, its crispy and delicious (orange chicken, orig. lettuce wraps, and crab rangoons are great too :). They will happily make vegetable substitutions, and you pretty much customize your order. I always see tons of kids, must be really good for families. Outdoor seating is nice too. Staff is always polite, fast, and attentive. You can watch your food being made if you want. Only complaints: -recently have been getting the wrong type of rice (usually pretty good about getting order right) -they've changed the menu boards 6 times in the past 4 years (confusing sometimes) -they don't refill the soda freestyles very often (out of a lot of types) -sometimes a long wait (need to expand next door to meet demand!)
(4)Norry H.
I was always curious to know what Pei Wei was like but was afraid I would be disapointed if I tried. So I never tried until recently. But I went to Pei Wei in Fairfax a couple of weeks ago after a friend of mine told me good feedback about Pei Wei. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. The prices are very reasonable. The food, I liked the Mongolian beef but not the fried rice and Dan Dan noodle. This is a kind of place where depending on what you order, it can be good, or bad. The system is like Corner Bakery. You pay first and get a number and the food will be delivered to your table later. You can save the tip money here. I think Pei Wei is the only restaurant providing a self service doggie-bagging counter.
(3)Alexa C.
Fast, Quick, Delicious and with an ample gluten free menu, what's not to love? Large dining room for eat in, or easy carry out service too.
(4)Stacy G.
This location is fine and is always clean, and the employees nice enough, and the food is fresh. But I just really don't care for the food. I feel like they try to hide "spicy" in every dish. Even when I order bland items like the honey chicken with fried rice I find red peppers in my rice and it tastes awful (totally ruins the meal for me). When I have gotten other dishes like a beef stir-fry it was spicy, even though the menu had no indication of spiciness. Also it seems overpriced to me because the entire meal consists of rice and vegetable. The "dinner select" comes with 5 small chunks of meat.
(2)Krystal S.
If you are looking for fast, decent tasting take out, this is a good place to go. The crab wontons are really good, and I love the honey seared shrimp with fried rice. You can also order online so that your food is ready when you arrive. Its not the best tasting asian food, but its good overall. This is definitely on the option list for dinner when I have a late day and am tired after work.
(4)cosmo h.
amazingggggggggggggg. Its very salty however, so if you dont like salty foods, then do not come here. It is pretty much Asian fast food, so many white people do not like it.
(5)Chunnu B.
Thank you P.F. Changs for this place. Cheap, fast, and delicious (really very delicious) is the way I like my... restaurants! It's like...really good, Chinese fast food. Dine in or carry out, can't go wrong. When you walk in you will be standing right next to their giant menu. It's giant because they have it displayed on these 3 big black boards with a little screen showing pictures of some menu items. Move on forward to the register so they can take your order then you're on your own finding a table. Which can be a pain if the place is crowded and annoying if they haven't cleared tables. My favorite yums from this place: Hot and Sour soup (that is actually a little hot, yes!) and Spicy Chicken Salad - so spicy, so good! Wonton Soup is "meh", Crab Wontons = yum, Spicy Korean "alright." If you want a medium between take out Chinese and dine-in Chinese, this is it.
(4)Michelle B.
We always go visit Pei Wei when we want a quick bite to eat that's not fast food. This place is a chain restaurant and is not really "Asian," if you understand that, you're good to go. I normally would have given this place a 2, as their food is normally bland. But today we must have hit the jackpot because the food was actually somewhat flavorful. Either that, or I was starving. I like their little patio, it allowed us to eat outside with our infant in the stroller. Inside space is a little tight, and if you come during a busy time you may have difficulty finding a seat.
(3)Lindsay L.
Pei Wei is delicious and easily tops my list of "favorite casual dinning spots" . Why you ask? 1. It offers a select few of its "Big Brother" Changs awesome items and it tastes just as good. 2. It takes half the time and money as PF Changs 3. The crispyiest most delicious Crab Wontons around. 4. You can customize as much as you want and they get it...(they are cooks not Chefs so don't leave to much open to interpretation)...you won't be disappointed. 5. Fast"ish" food but they serve beer and wine (+5) They also make a really good Iced Chai and Mandarin tea. 6. Last but definitely not least....The Spicy Korean. Caution: Pei Wei is Asian in the way that PF Changs is Asian. If you are looking for authentic Asian you are in the wrong place.
(4)Valencia W.
I'll have to say Pei Wei's is pretty good. I only get one or two things when I get there so I usually stick with what's good. The Mongolian Beef seems to always be cooked right when I go. I've been trying to find a good place to have chinese food as I used to live in Alexandria and House of Dynasty was king but until I have found that place Pei-Wei's will be just fine. The customer service is always great when I go in for carry-out and when something is taking too long I get an extra "complimentary" item. I haven't had a problem with Pei Wei. But I am definitely open for any suggestions for great chinese food! Try it out and see how you like it.
(3)Johnny P.
I sometimes come here for lunch since it's close to work. The food is great if it's been a while, but it can get tiring. I like the Japanese Teriyaki. You can substitute the rice with noodles
(3)Amy S.
Pretty blah, and even sometimes awful, pad thai. How can anyone make pad thai blah? It's one of the most delicious dishes on the planet, yet Pei Wei found a way.
(2)Coolest C.
This restaurant takes an American spin on Chinese food, so don't confuse it with real Chinese food. The food sucks. It's too greasy, and unappetizing.
(1)Katie F.
Wow, the Panera of Chinese food. The Edamame was good, I liked that it came with a little side bowl of kosher salt---but it is pretty hard to mess up Edamame to begin with . They must have accidentally dropped one of those little bowls of salt into the filling for the lettuce wraps, because they were salty, salty, salty. Which makes me a little salty myself. I got the spicy Korean beef. Yeah--this stuff wasn't spicy--just sticky and sweet. Blah. My friend got the General Tso look alike--and his was spicy, spicy, spicy. I liked that they had Ichiban beer available--but next time I want one Ill make the haul to Sticky Rice in DC and have a good noodle bowl. One nice this is that my fortune cookie told me I have a secret admirer who is gonna put his admiration into action soon! I can't wait.
(2)Jen H.
Oh hiiiiii Pei Wei! Edemame, yes please. Orange Peel, don't mind if I do. Lemon Pepper, bring it on. Being that I like PF Changs, I had a sneaking suspicion that I would like Pei Wei Diner (since it's owned by PF). Obviously... as others have said... it's an Americanized version of Chinese food... but it's still yummy, and my taste buds love it. I was super excited to find out that there is one on the other side of Herndon from my parent's house... so now I have one even closer than Fairfax!
(4)Matt Z.
I only get one dish every time -- sesame chicken with white rice. It's good for fast Americanized Chinese. I'd give a fourth star if they delivered -- but they do not. Definitely go here over P.F. Changs as its essentially the same menu, minus the alcohol, and significantly cheaper. Fast. Quick. Filling. Cheap. Not a ton of dining space -- my recommendation is to do take out.
(3)Glen B.
I like this place. I like the good, and if you're a chop stick user like me, Pei Wei has the BEST chop sticks of anyone around. The dining room is large at this location. and I do carry out a lot, the staff on the phone has always impressed me with efficiency!
(4)AL K.
the lettuce wrap is my favorite but sometimes the quality is inconsistent.It can be very salty at times and sometimes it could be bland.
(2)Julie R.
When this Pei Wei first opened, I was thrilled because you could get fried tofu in a large variety of entrees there. I definately took different friends to this new restaurant and we enjoyed it, up until the last two times I've gone.... The second to the last time I went to Pei Wei's, I got my usual dish of kung pao tofu & veggies on white rice &... the white rice was absolutely unedible, it looked like it has been sitting in a pot for hours and severely undercooked. I asked a staff member if I could get a new bowl of rice & she delivered the exact same rice. I definately didn't have a pleasant dinner that night. The last time I went to Pei Wei was about 3 months after the first incident, my food was delivered and I took two bites into my saucy vegetables & found a long, thick black hair strand halfway in my mouth, on my tongue. I instantly wanted to vomit. I asked someone who worked there if I could have my money back since I was so grossed out & the manager on duty denied me of my money back & tried to give me coupons for next time! I told them their isn't going to be a next time, I was angry & walked out. They don't care about making their customers satisfied.
(1)Chris D.
Pretty decent Asian cuisine and fair prices to boot. I would recommend the ramen or the teriyaki with any choice of protein. They go a little heavy on the rice with some entries. Their hot & sour soup is excellent and I recommend getting it with your dish.
(3)Chris S.
Cook says "Here is your empanada! Ooops I mean wonton." Or how about "Here is your taquito! Oops I mean eggroll....." I understand restaurants like to hire hispanic cooks to lower cooking costs but pei wei's food is morbidly disgusting. I heard a few people get sick from the food here. One time I ordered plain old fried rice from pei wei and when I sat down, half of my dinner was cold/frozen... Seems like the cooking process is pretty simple @pei wei, flash fry/pan sear here, and a little teriyaki or soy sauce there and BOOM! Asian Diner/Manadarian style cuisine dishes coming right up! This is just another product of yuppy fairfax food at its best.
(1)lttlod i.
I don't know about you but I think these chains are getting better and better all the time. Cheap prices and great food keeps me coming back, cus well I saved money and it's yummy. Love this place! Every time I visit it just gets better and better. I actually went to the one in Centreville this last time, twice in one week but used to frequent this location as well since I lived across the street. I get the chicken pad thai with tofu. It's very very good. Huge portion with a kick. As good as if not better than pad thai I've had at local traditional places. I also get the mongolian beef. This can be hit or miss. Sometimes the beef can be melt in your mouth or it can be slightly tougher. I have found this to be the case anywhere I order mongolian beef more than once. It's like different cuts of meat sometimes. The chicken lo mein is also very good. I do believe this is Americanized out of everything but they are a chain so what do you expect. It's very good actually if you want something mild and sweet. The chicken stir fry is also a favorite, sweet and great with brown rice. Their veggies are totally fresh and never every mushy. I like that you can get as many lemons to squeeze i your water and you can also grab as many fortune cookies you want. They are tasty little bits I might add! Very clean environment whenever I go. These locations are always hoppin and sometimes very difficult to find seating, frustrating but there is quick turnover. The fact that it's packed is a good sign. Also, clean bathrooms if you wanted to know and I do : ) Another place I wish would come to Des Moines. I think it would do pretty well in this area. I alone would keep this thing in business!
(4)Al F.
New Korean BQ dish brings the heat. All the dishes are good though.
(2)Jade T.
0 out of 5 Stars I KNEW Pei Wei Asian Diner was going to be bad. But no, I didn't listen to my conscience. I decided to try it while I was in the area. What a horrible foodie mistake. Pei Wei Asian Diner is basically P.F. Chang, but much worse in quality and in everything. (I already DESPISE P.F. Chang's.) - If you like chain restaurants, Pei Wei is for you. - If you think that P.F. Chang's is the greatest restaurant in the area, P.F.Chang Junior's (I mean, Pei Wei) is for you. - If you want pseudo-Chinese food, Pei Wei is for you. - If you have no taste in food whatsoever, Pei Wei is for you. - If you're about to die from starvation, Pei Wei MIGHT be for you. - If you want miss out of over-rated, "tastes like it was nuked" food, Pei Wei is for you. - If you have any standards when it comes to food, then Pei Wei is certainly not for you. I still believe all (okay, most) restaurants deserve a chance. Pei Wei doesn't deserve ANY and is to be avoided at all costs. If you want inexpensive and tastier Asian food, check out that Mom and Pop joint at your nearest strip mall. It's BOUND to be better than Pei Wei! I really hate this place.
(1)Cory M.
In terms of Quick Casual Dining experiences (a term I've made up to describe places like this, Noodles & Co., and Panera that are in between a Casual Dining experience like Chili's and a Fast Food experience like Burger King), this one is okay. It borrows from the PF Changs menu which basically serves Americanized Asian food (with a mixture of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influences). It gets packed during lunchtime since the nearby entirely-too-expensive townhouse & condo crowd seems to really like this joint. The platters are quite large and reasonably priced. Like Changs, it's all fairly unhealthy and covered in grease. But...that may not bother you. Because the kitchen is an open fast order line and much of the menu is fried in some way, there is a permanent but unseen cloud of grease and Asian spices that hang in the air. If you eat here and then venture to one of the 8,000 nearby retail stores and find yourself wondering, "what in unholy God is that smell? Did I not shower, not apply deodorant, and then bathe in a vat of random Chinese takeout leftovers?" then worry not. You probably did shower. But you also sat in Pei Wei too long. So what's the break-down? Staff - Good Atmosphere - Good Menu - Good Wait Time - Good Quality - Good I'll probably try not to return here but if you like PF Changs and you're on the run, you'll likely be happy. And if you are a smoker, you will probably not notice the smell that clings to you.
(3)Kwan C.
i guess I should know about the quality of food of this place just doing some research and reviews from various sites. I have been here a couple of times and both time, from what i have ordered, the food has been severely underwhelming. The entree was too salty (can you say MSG) even though we requested to not to have any. Other than the food, the price is par for the course. if it was any more pricier than that, i would be distraught though. Eben then, i think the price does not match the quality. Food came quick, so i would have to give them kudos for that, and the place was pretty clean. The decor reminds me of a cookie cutter, Asian version of Chipolte's decor, which was ok, i suppose. But in a place like this, you basically come here to get some cheap food real quick, and i have to agree, that is what you will get. However if we are just basic the ratings on just the food alone, I think 1 star would be to high.
(1)Gues T.
Great options. Fast and with plenty of healthy options. The salads are fresh and delicious. The shrimp are plentiful and fresh. I hope they bring egg drop soup to their menu, especially come winter. I'm a real fan.
(4)Doris Y.
yucky i tried this place when they first opened and found it to be way toooooo salty and almost inedible a few years later, i gave it another chance and just got disappointed again. I guess they cater to the americans that like tons of salt in their food. never will go back
(1)Margaret V.
This bargain asian dining restaurant is pretty good. They offer all different types of asian food, from Thai to Chinese. My favorite is the Mongolian beef with noodles. I would recommend this place to anyone who likes asian food at a decent price.
(4)kei c.
The good: cheap prices, trendy decor, large servings The bad: the FOOD. UGH. I don't know why this place is crowded all the time. We ordered a couple noodle dishes and the sauces were the grossest tasting 'chinese' sauces ever. And the noodles, veggies, meat? totally NOT fresh. PF Chang is ok, but it's hard to believe this place is related. I'd rather have mall food.
(1)Patrick B.
I really want to like this place. It has a trendy feel and I think it's in a good location. But the food... is so... disappointing. I have given the place more than enough chances to make me a regular. During these visits I have strained to find something to enjoy. For example, some of the dishes include the Mandarin Kung Pao; Pad Thai; Asian Chicken Salad; Lettuce Wraps; and Edamame. It's not that the food is bad, it's just not good.
(1)Phil P.
Again another place I go to weekly. A must try dish is the Mongolian Beef its amazing!
(5)Ross A.
I won't be returning after ordering a "spicy" dish that turned out to be sweet. And the salt was overdone. Disgusting is how I describe that place. Better Chinese places all over.
(1)Robin W.
For cheap, not authentic Chinese food, this place is okay. It's like the Panera of Chinese food. It's not the best food, it's not the worst. It's quick and cheap, yet not really fast food. You can actually sit down and have a nice meal. That said, if you want a really good restaurant, this isn't really that place. It's a cheaper, not as good PF Changs. And it's a mass produced food chain. If you can accept that, then it's worth your time to go here. Otherwise spend a few extra bucks (and probably drive a little further towards DC) and get something more authentic.
(3)Allan N.
No Wei! I don't mind the Americanized Chinese food at PF Changs, but this is where I draw the line. Pei Wei food is so bland you could blindfold me and substitute my food with paper shreds and I wouldn't know the difference. It's cool looking and it's a great concept, but I'd rather eat at China King.
(1)Keisha D.
Sometimes you just want quick and spicy! Pei Wei works for me.
(3)Robert K.
I guess I could give this place one-star like many others did. If you hold everything to a universal standard without context, that's probably what you'd do in general. But without context, people who don't know you won't get any value from what you write, in my opinion. So here's what Pei Wei is. It's a fast way to get at PF Chang's style food. The quality is not as high as PF Chang's in terms of preparation speed; everything at Pei Wei is quick to prepare. If that's your taste due to time considerations or anything else, it fits the bill. Some of us may not feel we have the time to eat a proper meal all the time, but would still prefer something better than McDonald's and with an Asian influence instead of Mexican (like Chipotle). Pei Wei fits the bill. They also have two flavors of iced tea that are unique (at least at this Fair Lakes one) - so if you're a big fan of iced tea, that may be worth a try as well. I think one was Chai and the other was Mandarin Orange. They have a decent selection of noodle dishes and "signature dishes" and the wait time is usually less than 10 or 15 minutes. You have options like shrimp, chicken, beef, or vegetarian with most of the dishes (sorry I can't remember the specific breakdown right now). Anyway, if you're in the area looking for a quick bite that's better than typical fast food, and with an "Asian" flavor to it (yes, obviously Americanized) check this place out. It will more than serve that taste.
(4)John E.
Some of you are being way too harsh with your stars for Pei Wei. Or maybe your expectations are just way too high. Pei Wei is a fast food, cheap version of PF Changs. The service is always quick, the food isn't great, but it's not one star worthy either. There are some dishes that are really tasty for example the mongolian beef and orange peel chicken. Who cares if the cooks are hispanic? It's not like I'm going to a fast food chinese eating establishment expecting authentic cuisine.
(3)Bobby F.
Obviously not authentic, but food is always on point service is quick. Perfect place to take a someone on a cheap date and easy place to bail.
(4)Nathaniel L.
For all those looking for authentic chinese food this probably is not it. However, for all of you who can't help yourself and order General Tso's (knowing it's not real chinese food) and still love it, you'll like this place. The dishes are tasty and the portions are good. The Pei Wei Spicy is good and so is the Mongolian Beef. I like that you don't have to wait *forever* to get a table, like at PF Chang's. If I have a guilty secret it's that I eat here a lot.
(3)wayne m.
Gross. The food is salty, saucy, and at times overly sweet slop. Four of us ate here and we are not going back.
(1)Vickie Y.
just ok , nothing spectacular!
(3)Scott F.
Usually I'm over here for something quick. If I wanted the real thing I'd go down the street and have the $20 PF Changs. Considering this is the cheap knock off I"ll stick with it.
(4)Sofia S.
Cheap and yummy. I think its funny that so many people review this place and say its not "authentic chinese". I don't think most people walking into a chain chinese/asian restaurant in the US would expect "authentic". The food was good and came out quickly...good value for the amount of food you get. I also like that you can get your own drinks, utensils, and fortune cookies from the side....they also have little boxes on the side for leftovers that you can grab yourself.
(4)Mark D.
This restaurant is basically an express version of P.F. Changs. The food wasn't quite as good as the father chain but the menu had most of the same popular dishes and it wasn't quite as expensive. It is a step above Noodles & Company and your typical steamer tray Chinese place.
(3)Rowena E.
good food, served quick - it's basically fast food PF Chang's. average prices and large portions, with entrees big enough to share. Part of the PF family chain, it definitely beats having to wait over 3 hours for a table while you're starving and gnawing on your chopsticks -- like at a regular PF Chang's restaurant.
(3)Maddie N.
Seriously? How do you hate Pei Wei? It's the fast food version of P.F. Changs, and to be honest, I like it so much better. The dishes are pretty varied and the spices are excellent. It's perfect for a small get together, the casual atmosphere is perfect for anything from a first date to just a random night out. Oh, and the staff is SO helpful! I lost my retainer there and they dug through the trash cans for me.......too bad it was lost forever, though.
(4)Deidra B.
Not bad. It's kind of like an Asian version of Silver Diner Metro (FFX City), Fosters, Panera Bread, Mama Lucia's or Pomodoro's. You order in line then find a seat and wait for your food to come to you. Good location. Nice decor. What I didn't like: so packed it was pandemonium inside; you don't know if you'll have anyplace to sit until you get there (remember musical chairs?); and the food was OKAY. And there wasn't one Asian person cooking the night I went (not that there's anything wrong with that). I'll go back when I need something different again.
(3)Queen W.
I have never eaten in Pei Wei but have gotten take out many times. It is similiar to PF Changs but not exactly the same. Their lo mein and lettuce wraps or similiar but the portions are similiar. It is a shame they got rid of their pork dishes. The pork fried rice was one of the best I've ever had-large chunks of white meat pork (not scary questionable meat). Their kung pao, beef with green curry, lo mein, and fried rice are very good. The tomato pepper sauce with rice noodles was disgusting.
(4)J. David B.
Clean, inviting atmosphere, but kinda "meh" food. I wouldn't call it Chinese - Chinese influenced maybe. Flavor was lacking and unimpressive - I felt like I was eating at a renovated Panda Express. The spring rolls were good, but those are hard to mess up aren't they? I would have liked more chicken and less rice - overall the portion size was good, but the mix was wrong between amount of meat and rice.
(3)Shannon W.
Mostly writing this review for one thing, the Wonton Soup. I normally dislike Wonton Soup. However, the soup at Pei Wei has a strong ginger taste to the broth that is more reminiscent of a nice Miso Soup or other Japanese soup. So good! I am also a HUGE fan of their tofu. It is so firm it gives you much more of a sense of eating meat than the normally mushy, deep fried stuff served at most Asian restaurants. Tofu Brown Rice Teriyaki Bowl and the Crab Rangoon are my other go-to dishes here.
(4)Geoff O.
It's Pei Wei. What more do you want me to say? P.F. Chang's for someone without time or money. That said, food here is usually satisfying and doesn't sit under a heat lamp.
(3)E D.
This was, hands down, the saltiest food I've ever had. I could imagine it would be akin to pouring table salt down your throat. It took all the saliva out of your mouth. The friend who recommended this place officially lost their "where should we eat?" recommendations in our social circle.
(1)Joey D.
Always busy and the staff is always on top of things. Food is always quick, and tasty. For what it is, fast casual american style chinese food - I like it! Tofu is great.
(4)Tuesday's S.
I love Pei Wei. Have weeknight dinner here a lot. Lots of variety, quick, tasty and an easy environment. Yes, it's more processed than a more authentic place - it's like a Chipotle of Asian food. I don't care. It's always good, and always hits the spot. I'd eat here weekly.
(4)Lucas S.
Working and living near this Pei Wei, I have been here probably 10-15 times. I have never been disapointed with the food, and the only issue has ever been that it has been slightly crowded around meal times. I am not a "high class" food eater, but I have eated real Asian food through trips to China and Japan and still enjoy Pei Wei as a quicker way to get some tasty Asian food. I actually am a big fan of the semi sit down restraunts like Pei Wei where you don't have a real waiter, and don't have to tip, but get most of the other benefits. Only note would be that this place isn't very quiet so if you are looking for that, just go somewhere else.
(5)Joanna C.
I like Pei Wei for it's convenience and Vietnamese Salad Wraps. It's a chain, so you can't expect too much authenticity, but it's tasty (and affordable) all the same. Despite it's Ponderosa-style service (you order and pay up front and they bring the food to you), the food runners are friendly and attentive. They also serve wine, beer and some yummy teas! Good for lunch or a quick dinner... kid friendly too!
(3)Austin A.
My family and I started to dine at this restaurant soon after it open and until recently we returned often. While it still offers interesting Asian food at reasonable prices, the menu has changed so often we now find many of our favorite dishes, such as lemon pepper dishes, are no longer available. Also the last few times we've dined at Pei Wei the place did not seem to be especially clean or tidy. I have not yet completely written the place off, but I hope they get their act together soon.
(2)Bill P.
This place is basically fast-food asian, so we shouldn't expect much. I agree with the other reviewers who say it's pretty generic, fast-foodish, non-authentic chinese food. The chicken pieces in my chicken and broccoli dish were way too large to eat properly with chopsticks. Also, they skimped on many of the ingredients in the garlic/onion/broccoli dish I ordered. Lots of the cheap ingredients, but not too much in the way of the other stuff that was supposed to be in there. Kind of a pre-fab generic dish. Meh. Also, a lot of families with kids go here....so be ready for that. If you're in a rush, try walking next door to the Whole Foods, which has a great little sushi bar as well as fresh asian food choices, with plenty of tables for dining in. Also, Sakura is nearby.... One recent incident here bothered me. I showed up at 9:25 PM on once recent evening to grab a quick bite....their posted hours are until 9:30. Yeah, it was Sunday (I think...) but hours are hours, right? The lights were on, the cooks were working, and some people were still seated and eating with all the lights on. However, the door was locked. So I knocked on the door and watched as the girl working at the ordering counter looked at me for a second, and then COMPLETELY and deliberately ignored me. She just turned off the lights at her counter and started shutting down early. Again, the cooks were still working and people were seated and eating (or waiting for food). So...I took out my cell phone and CALLED her from the other side of the glass door and let it ring for about 50 rings...she kept ignoring me, as well as the six other people who also showed up wanting to grab some food. Finally, on ring number 51 or 52, some manager guy came out of the deep recesses of the place and finally picked up the phone. He reluctantly agreed to let the large group of us -- myself alone and the six other people -- in to buy some food, but he didn't seem too apologetic. I left and went to Sakura.
(2)Keely F.
A good restaurant...nice to sit outside and enjoy the weather. The food was pretty good; Dan Dan noodles are not great, but the Sesame chicken was really good.
(3)Beth L.
Obviously not authentic Chinese food but actually pretty decent and a good value, if you know what to order. I love the signature dishes with vegetables and tofu and I always ask for the sauce on the side (because it can be overwhelming and some sauces, e.g., Korean, are SOOO salty!) I like to get the coconut curry sauce on the side with the veggies/tofu and brown rice. It's a lot of food! The tofu is also really excellent, very firm and tasty (I think even non-tofu eaters would like it). If you order carefully, you shouldn't be disappointed. I also like their Vietnamese garden rolls.
(3)Jay D.
Quick lunch spot in Fair Lakes that serves good quality tasting food!
(3)Josh Y.
Tried this place a couple of time right after they were opened. Never went back again. Plus: a long list of selections. minus: if you are a fan of American Chinese food, this is a place for you. I 'd agree on one review of comparing this place to PF Chang's. Cheaper and faster. Food: 1 star, service: 3 stars.
(2)CYNTHIA C.
The mongolian beef was pretty good but other than that, I was not impressed at all by this place. I went once and never went back....nor do I ever plan on it unless I was completely starving and had no other alternative.
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