Comparing the weekend dinner price against the weekday lunch buffet rate at Panda Buffet is the smartest way to plan your visit. If you are searching for the Panda Buffet Menu with Prices, you likely want to know exactly what you will pay before you walk in the door. This guide breaks down the current costs, serving times, and available dishes so you can budget your meal correctly.
Most people assume the price is the same all day, but that is not true. The difference between a Tuesday lunch and a Saturday dinner can be several dollars per person. Knowing this simple fact helps you save money without skipping the foods you love.
Panda Buffet Menu With Prices
Let us look at the standard price structure that most Panda Buffet locations follow. Please remember that prices can vary slightly depending on your state or city. The figures below represent the typical average across the chain, but you should always confirm with your local store before you go.
Weekday Lunch Pricing
This is the cheapest time to eat at Panda Buffet. The lunch menu is usually served from 11:00 AM until 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You get access to a reduced selection of items, but the core dishes are still present.
- Adults (Ages 12 and up): $9.99
- Children (Ages 4 to 11): $5.99
- Children (Under 3): Free
- Seniors (Ages 65+): $8.49
This price usually includes a fountain drink. Some locations charge extra for a refillable cup, but most just include it with the buffet price. The weekday lunch is the best value if you want a quick meal.
Weekday Dinner Pricing
Dinner service starts at 3:30 PM and runs until closing time. The price jumps because the kitchen brings out more seafood and premium meat options. You will see crab legs, shrimp, and more grilled items during dinner hours.
- Adults: $13.99
- Children (Ages 4 to 11): $7.99
- Seniors: $11.49
If you are a senior, you save almost three dollars by coming for lunch instead. If you are a family with two kids, the difference between lunch and dinner is about eight dollars total. That is a significant saving.
Weekend And Holiday Pricing
Saturday and Sunday are considered peak days. The price is higher than the weekday dinner rate. You get the full dinner menu starting from the moment the doors open. This means you can eat crab legs at 11:00 AM if you want to.
- Adults (All Day): $15.99
- Children (Ages 4 to 11): $8.99
- Seniors: $13.49
Holidays like Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day often have a separate, higher price. Expect to pay around $18.99 to $21.99 for adults on major holidays. The restaurant usually posts a sign outside a week in advance if they are using a special holiday menu.
Food Stations And Selection
The buffet is divided into several stations. You do not have to eat everything from one central line. Understanding the layout helps you avoid filling up on rice before you see the good stuff.
Chinese Classics Station
This is the main section with the standard American-Chinese food. You will find the staples that never change. The food is kept in metal trays over a steam table to keep it hot.
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Sweet and Sour Pork
- Beef and Broccoli
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Lo Mein Noodles
- Egg Rolls and Crab Rangoon
The quality of these items is consistent. The General Tso’s chicken is usually crispy, even if it has been sitting for a while. The crab rangoon is often the first thing to run out, so grab it early.
Seafood And Grill Section
This section is only fully stocked during dinner and weekend hours. During weekday lunch, you might only see fried fish or shrimp with vegetables. At dinner, the selection expands significantly.
- Snow Crab Legs
- Steamed Shrimp
- Grilled Salmon
- Mussels
- Baked Scallops
- Fried Oysters
Do not expect the crab legs to be warm. They are usually served cold or at room temperature on a bed of ice. You will need to use the small crackers and forks provided at the station.
Sushi And Sashimi Bar
Panda Buffet is not a dedicated sushi restaurant, but they offer a decent selection of rolls. The sushi bar is usually located near the salad section. The rice is often pre-made, so it can be a bit hard if you come late.
- California Rolls
- Spicy Tuna Rolls
- Philadelphia Rolls
- Eel and Avocado Rolls
- Nigiri (Salmon and Tuna)
You can also find wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce packets here. The sushi is made fresh in the morning, but it is not continuously replenished. If you want the freshest pieces, come during the first hour of service.
Mongolian Grill
This is a popular feature at many locations, but not all of them have it. If your local Panda Buffet has a Mongolian grill, you can pick your own raw ingredients. You choose a bowl and fill it with meat and vegetables.
- Pick a bowl from the stack.
- Select your protein (chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp).
- Add vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cabbage.
- Choose a sauce (teriyaki, garlic, or spicy).
- Hand the bowl to the grill cook.
- Wait 3 to 5 minutes for it to cook.
This is a great way to get a fresh meal instead of eating food that has been sitting under a heat lamp. The grill cook will chop your food and cook it on a flat top right in front of you.
Dessert And Fruit Options
Do not skip the dessert section. It is easy to fill up on savory food and miss out on the sweets. The dessert station is usually near the drink machines.
Hot And Cold Desserts
The selection changes based on the day, but you can expect a few standard items. The fried donuts are a crowd favorite. They are small, sugary, and best when they are still warm.
- Fried Donuts with Powdered Sugar
- Chocolate Pudding
- Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Fresh Watermelon Slices
- Orange Slices
- Jello Cups
The soft serve machine is self-serve. You have to push the lever yourself and fill the cone. Sometimes the machine is broken, so check before you get excited. The fresh fruit is a good palate cleanser if you ate too much fried food.
Drink Pricing And Options
Most buffet prices include a soft drink. However, if you want something other than soda, you will need to pay extra. The drink station is self-serve, and you can refill as many times as you want.
- Fountain Soda (Included)
- Bottled Water: $2.49
- Hot Tea: $1.99
- Iced Tea: $2.49
- Fresh Orange Juice: $3.49
If you are watching your budget, stick to the fountain soda. The included drink is usually Pepsi products. You can get lemon slices from the salad bar to add to your water.
Takeout And To-Go Box Pricing
If you do not want to eat inside, you can order takeout. The price is different from the eat-in buffet price. You pay by the weight of the food in your container.
The standard price for takeout is $7.99 per pound. This is a good deal if you pack light items like vegetables. It is a bad deal if you fill your box with heavy fried rice and noodles. You must use the specific takeout boxes provided by the restaurant. You cannot bring your own container.
Tips For Getting The Best Value
You can maximize your money by following a few simple rules. Do not just walk in and start piling food on your plate. Have a strategy.
- Walk around the entire buffet first to see what is available.
- Start with the expensive items like crab legs and shrimp.
- Avoid filling up on rice and noodles early in the meal.
- Go for the Mongolian grill for a fresh, hot meal.
- Save room for dessert at the end.
- Ask if they offer a discount for paying in cash.
Some locations offer a 10% discount for cash payments because they save on credit card fees. It never hurts to ask the cashier before you pay. Also, check their social media pages for weekly specials.
Location Variations And Updates
Remember that not every Panda Buffet is the same. The one in a big city might have a larger selection and higher prices. The one in a small town might be cheaper but have fewer options. The management changes the menu based on what is popular in that area.
You should always check the local store’s website or call them directly. The prices listed here are a general guide. If you see a price that is much higher or lower, it is likely due to regional cost differences. The restaurant also updates their menu seasonally, so items like boiled crawfish might only appear during certain months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions people ask about the buffet costs and rules. These answers should help you plan your visit without any surprises.
Do I have to pay for children if they sit on my lap?
Children under three years old are free. If your child is over three, they must pay the child price. The staff is usually strict about this rule, especially during busy weekend hours.
Can I share a plate with another adult?
No, sharing is not allowed. Each adult must pay for their own buffet plate. The staff will charge you if they see two people eating from one plate. This is a standard rule at all you can eat restaurants.
Is the price the same for lunch and dinner on weekends?
No, the weekend price is the same all day. You pay the dinner rate even if you arrive at 11:00 AM. There is no separate lunch price on Saturday or Sunday.
Do they charge extra for crab legs?
No, crab legs are included in the dinner and weekend price. You do not pay extra for them. They are part of the standard buffet offering during those hours.
Can I get a refill on my soda?
Yes, the fountain drinks are self-serve. You can get as many refills as you like. The cups are large, and there is no limit on refills.
Planning your trip around the lunch hours is the easiest way to save money. The food selection is smaller, but you still get plenty of options. If you want the full experience with crab legs and sushi, you have to pay the dinner price. Either way, you know the exact costs now, so you can walk in with confidence and enjoy your meal.