Craving orange chicken at 8 p.m. and not sure the doors are still open? You’re not alone. Most people check Panda Express hours right when hunger hits, which is the worst time to guess.
This guide gives you typical open and close times, holiday tips, and a clear look at the menu. You’ll also find the newest 2026 items and easy ways to skip the lines.
What Are Panda Express Hours in 2026?
Most locations open in the late morning and close in the evening. A typical restaurant may operate from approximately 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM, although your local store may open earlier or close later.
The following table provides a general guide to common operating times. These are estimates, not confirmed hours for every restaurant.
| Day | Typical Opening Time | Typical Closing Time |
| Monday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
What Time Does Panda Express Open?
Many restaurants open around 10:00–11:00 AM, making them a convenient option for an early lunch. The exact opening time depends on the individual location.
What Time Does Panda Express Close?
Many locations close between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Restaurants in busy areas may have different closing times, so the schedule at one location may not match another.
Are weekend times different from weekdays?
Yes, weekends often shift a bit. Saturday is usually close to weekday times, while Sunday tends to end earlier.
- Saturday: about 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday: about 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.
Mall locations often follow the mall’s Sunday schedule, which can be shorter. Freestanding stores usually keep hours closer to the rest of the week.
Panda Express Hours in Different U.S. Locations
Panda Express restaurants do not all follow the same schedule. For example, official listings show that some Los Angeles locations close at 9:00 PM, while others stay open until 10:00 PM or later.
Here are examples of restaurant hours in different U.S. cities.
| City | Restaurant Location | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Los Angeles, California | Whittier & Soto | 10:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Los Angeles, California | Figueroa & 29th | 10:00 AM | 12:30 AM–2:30 AM, depending on the day |
| Chicago, Illinois | W Addison St & N Sheffield Ave | 10:30 AM | Check the individual listing |
| Houston, Texas | Westheimer & Dunvale | Check the individual listing | 9:30 PM |
| Houston, Texas | 7610 Cypress Creek | Check the individual listing | 10:30 PM |
What are Panda Express holiday hours?
Many locations close on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On most other holidays, stores are open but may close a bit early.
Here’s a simple guide to what many stores do. Local schedules vary, so check yours.
| Holiday | What to Expect |
| Thanksgiving Day | Many locations closed |
| Black Friday | Usually open, about 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. |
| Christmas Eve | Often an earlier close, around 8:00 p.m. |
| Christmas Day | Many locations closed |
| New Year’s Eve | Often an earlier close, around 8:00 p.m. |
| New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day | Usually open with normal or slightly shorter times |
Mall stores can have their own holiday schedules, so don’t assume. A quick call saves a wasted trip.
How can you check exact hours before you go?
The fastest way is to search the store name in Google Maps. The official Panda Express website and app also list store times and let you order ahead.
Here’s a simple routine:
- Open Google Maps and search for your nearest Panda Express.
- Look for the “Open” or “Closes soon” label.
- Check the holiday hours banner if it’s a special day.
- Call the store if the listing looks off.
Google pulls hours from business profiles, and owners can post special holiday times. If a listing looks old, the phone call wins.
Can I order Panda Express online, in the app, or on the website?
Yes. You can order on the official website or in the Panda Express app for pickup. Many locations also offer delivery through apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
Online orders follow each store’s open hours. If a restaurant closes at 10:00 p.m., its online ordering usually stops at or just before that time. So don’t wait until the last minute.
Here’s how the main options compare.
| Option | Best For | Typical Timing |
| Website | Quick pickup orders from your desktop or phone | Same store hours, about 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. |
| Panda Express app | Reordering favorites and earning rewards | Same store hours, often with a scheduled pickup option |
| Delivery apps | Eating at home or the office | Same store hours, though delivery may stop a bit earlier |
| In-store kiosk or counter | Seeing the food before you pick | Anytime the store is open |
How do Panda Express Rewards work?
Panda Rewards is a free points program. You earn 10 points for every dollar you spend, and you can start redeeming at 200 points.
The chain launched it nationwide in 2023. You can earn and redeem points in the store, at the drive-thru, in the app, or on the website.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Welcome gift: new members often get 25% off their first order, up to $10.
- Early rewards: 200 points can upgrade you to a premium entrée, like Honey Walnut Shrimp.
- Bigger rewards: points can also cover a free drink, a small appetizer, or a free plate. A free Family Meal takes 5,000 points.
- Monthly surprises: members get small perks, plus a digital fortune cookie message.
- Birthday treat: add your birthday to your profile and look for a small gift that month.
What’s on the Panda Express menu?
The menu is built around wok-cooked entrées, sides, and appetizers. You pick a plate or bowl, a side, and one or more entrées.
It’s easy to mix and match, which is part of the fun. Here’s a quick look at the core lineup.
| Category | Common Choices |
| Entrées | Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, Broccoli Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, SweetFire Chicken Breast, Black Pepper Chicken |
| Sides | Chow Mein, Fried Rice, White Steamed Rice, Super Greens |
| Appetizers | Chicken Egg Roll, Veggie Spring Roll, Cream Cheese Rangoon, Apple Pie Roll |
| Meal Types | Bowl, Plate, Bigger Plate, Family Meal |
Menu items can differ by region, and some premium entrées cost extra. Check your local menu before you order.
Which Panda Express items are most popular?
Orange Chicken is the clear winner. About one-third of all orders include it, and the chain sold roughly 148 million pounds of it in 2025.
That is a lot of crispy, sweet, slightly spicy chicken. Here’s the story behind it: Chef Andy Kao created the dish in 1987 at a Panda Express in Hawaii. It has been the star ever since.
Other crowd favorites include:
- Beijing Beef: crispy beef strips with peppers and onions in a tangy-sweet sauce.
- Kung Pao Chicken: a spicy stir-fry with peanuts and vegetables.
- Honey Walnut Shrimp: creamy, sweet, and crunchy. It usually costs extra.
- Broccoli Beef: simple, savory, and a solid pick if you want something lighter.
- Chow Mein and Fried Rice: the two sides most people argue about.
Orange Chicken also ranks as the top Chinese chicken dish in U.S. restaurants, ahead of General Tso’s, Kung Pao, and Sweet-and-Sour Chicken.
What new items did Panda Express launch in 2026?
2026 has been a spicy year. The chain rolled out several limited-time items, and many sold out fast at busy stores.
- Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken: a spicy collaboration with Buldak, which debuted in April 2026.
- Cantonese BBQ Brisket: the chain’s first brisket entrée, launched June 2, 2026. It packs 44 grams of protein per serving, the most of any item Panda has offered.
- Hot Orange Chicken: a fan-favorite “swicy” (sweet and spicy) return on July 11, 2026, just before National Orange Chicken Day on July 15.
- Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken: a test item in Southern California, announced in September 2026, with dark meat chicken, extra-crispy breading, and a tangy dry spice blend.
Limited-time items come and go, and some run only while supplies last. Panda also tests new dishes at its Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, California, before a wider launch. So if you see a new item, try it soon.
What are the best times to visit Panda Express?
The calmest windows are mid-afternoon, from about 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and later in the evening. The rush hits around 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
These are common patterns for fast-casual spots, so your local store may differ. A few easy ways to beat the crowd:
- Order ahead on the app and pick up at the counter.
- Visit between lunch and dinner for the freshest, quietest experience.
- Skip the last 30 minutes before closing if you want a full choice of entrées.
And yes, the food court at 12:15 p.m. on a Saturday is its own kind of sport.
Is there a lighter option on the menu?
Yes. The Wok Smart menu highlights entrées with fewer calories and more protein. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Beef are two common picks.
You can also swap Chow Mein or Fried Rice for Super Greens, a mix of broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It’s an easy change that makes a plate lighter without feeling like a diet.
Nutrition details vary by item, so check the official nutrition guide if you track calories, protein, or allergens.
Check also:
Cane’s Restaurant Hours 2026: Opening, Closing & Holiday Hours
First Watch Hours 2026: Opening & Closing Times
KFC Restaurant Hours 2026: What Time Does KFC Open & Close?
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Panda Express usually open?
Many locations open between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. The exact time depends on the restaurant, so check its individual listing before visiting.
What time does Panda Express usually close?
Many restaurants close between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Some locations close earlier or stay open later.
Is Panda Express open on Sundays?
Many locations open on Sundays, often around 10:30 or 11:00 AM. Sunday closing times vary by restaurant.
Does Panda Express serve lunch all day?
Many locations serve their regular menu from opening until closing, but menu availability may change during the day. Check your local restaurant for current options.
Does Panda Express have a breakfast menu?
Panda Express mainly focuses on lunch and dinner. A standard breakfast menu is not available at every location.
What is the most popular item at Panda Express?
The Original Orange Chicken is one of the brand’s best-known menu items. Other popular choices include Chow Mein, Fried Rice, Broccoli Beef, and Kung Pao Chicken.
How much is a Panda Express bowl?
Prices vary by restaurant. Recent individual restaurant menu listings have shown bowls starting at around $8.50, but your local price may differ.
Is Panda Express open on Christmas?
Holiday schedules vary, and many locations may close on Christmas Day. Confirm your restaurant’s holiday hours before making plans.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the schedule before you leave can make your next meal easier to plan. Most Panda Express restaurants open in the late morning and close in the evening, but local schedules can differ.
Use the official location directory to confirm opening and closing times, especially on weekends and holidays. You can also review the current menu, compare meal options, and check prices before ordering.
Whether you want Orange Chicken for lunch or a plate of noodles and beef for dinner, a quick check before your visit can help you arrive at the right time.
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