New Panda Chinese Restaurant in South Carolina: What to Expect

Where New Panda is located and what kind of food they serve

New Panda is a Chinese restaurant chain with locations across South Carolina that specializes in Americanized Chinese cuisine—the kind of food most people grew up eating at their local Chinese takeout. You'll find familiar dishes like General Tso's chicken, fried rice, lo mein, and egg rolls on the menu, along with seafood options, beef and pork entrées, and vegetable sides. The restaurants typically operate as casual dining spots where you can eat in, order takeout, or arrange delivery through third-party apps.

New Panda locations vary in size and setting. Some sit in strip malls alongside other businesses; others occupy standalone buildings. The dining rooms are usually modest, with simple décor and straightforward table setups. Service tends to be quick, which makes New Panda a practical choice when you want Chinese food without a long wait or complicated ordering process.

Key Takeaways

• New Panda serves traditional Americanized Chinese dishes like General Tso's chicken, fried rice, and lo mein at multiple South Carolina locations.
• Most New Panda restaurants offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, with quick service typical for the casual dining format.
• Prices are generally moderate, with individual entrées and combination plates available at different price points.
• You can find New Panda locations in various South Carolina cities, though specific addresses and hours vary by restaurant.
• Many New Panda locations accept online ordering and work with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Menu options and what to order

New Panda's menu follows the standard Chinese-American restaurant format. Appetizers include fried wontons, spring rolls, egg rolls, and fried shrimp. Main entrées come in protein categories: chicken dishes (including the popular General Tso's and sesame chicken), beef (like beef with broccoli and Mongolian beef), pork (sweet and sour pork, pork fried rice), and seafood (shrimp with lobster sauce, scallops). Most entrées come with your choice of fried rice, white rice, or lo mein.

Combination plates are a budget-friendly option if you want to sample multiple dishes. These typically include an appetizer, an entrée with rice or noodles, and sometimes a drink or dessert. New Panda also offers vegetable-only dishes for those avoiding meat, and many locations have a separate menu section for diet-specific requests. Fried rice and noodle dishes can usually be ordered as standalone items if you want a lighter meal or to share.

Pricing and payment methods

Prices at New Panda are moderate for casual Chinese dining. Individual entrées typically range from around $8 to $15, depending on the protein and whether you're in a higher-cost area of the state. Combination plates are usually priced lower per item than ordering entrées separately. Appetizers run $4 to $8, and sides like fried rice or lo mein are $3 to $6 when ordered alone.

Most New Panda locations accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Many also accept payment through mobile apps and online ordering platforms. If you're ordering delivery through a third-party service, you'll pay through that app's payment system, which may include a delivery fee on top of your food cost. Calling ahead to ask about current pricing and any specials is worth doing, since prices can shift by location and season.

How to find a New Panda location near you

New Panda has multiple locations across South Carolina, but the exact number and addresses change over time as restaurants open and close. The most reliable way to find a current location is to search "New Panda Chinese restaurant near me" on Google Maps, which will show you active locations, hours, phone numbers, and directions. You can also call ahead to confirm they're open and ask about any specials or menu items you're interested in.

Some New Panda locations have their own websites or social media pages where they post hours, menus, and occasional promotions. Others rely on third-party platforms like Yelp or DoorDash for their online presence. If you're planning to order delivery, checking the restaurant's availability on your preferred delivery app will show you whether they're currently accepting orders in your area.

Dine-in versus takeout versus delivery

Dine-in at New Panda is straightforward: you walk in, sit at a table, order from a server or at the counter, and eat on-site. Service is typically casual and efficient. The dining room atmosphere is no-frills, so it's a good option if you want to eat quickly without spending time on ambiance. Families and groups often choose dine-in because it's easier to share dishes and modify orders on the spot.

Takeout is fast and convenient. You can call ahead to place an order, arrive to pick it up, and leave with your food in containers. Many locations have a pickup counter separate from the dining area, so you don't have to navigate through the restaurant. Delivery through apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub is available at most locations, though delivery fees and wait times vary. Ordering online through the restaurant's own website or app, if available, sometimes avoids the third-party delivery fee.

What to know before you go

New Panda is a casual, no-frills restaurant, so don't expect table linens, cloth napkins, or elaborate plating. The focus is on quick service and familiar flavors. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, call ahead to discuss your needs with the staff—they can often accommodate requests, but it's better to confirm before you arrive or order.

Peak hours are typically lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.), so if you prefer a quieter experience, arriving outside those windows can help. Parking is usually available at or near the restaurant, though some strip-mall locations share parking with other businesses. If you're ordering delivery, check the estimated delivery time before placing your order, as it can vary based on distance and current demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Panda deliver to my area?

Most New Panda locations offer delivery through apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, but availability depends on your zip code and the specific restaurant. Check the delivery app to see if your nearest New Panda location is currently accepting orders. You can also call the restaurant directly to ask about delivery options.

Can I customize my order or request modifications?

Yes. New Panda staff can usually adjust spice levels, remove ingredients, or substitute sides. Call ahead or mention your request when ordering to make sure the kitchen has time to prepare it correctly. For dietary restrictions or allergies, it's especially important to communicate clearly before your food is prepared.

What are the most popular dishes at New Panda?

General Tso's chicken, sesame chicken, and fried rice are consistently popular. Combination plates are a good choice if you want variety without committing to full-size entrées. Asking your server or the staff at the counter what's popular that day can also lead to good recommendations.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. New Panda offers vegetable fried rice, vegetable lo mein, and vegetable entrées with sauce. Many other dishes can be modified to remove meat. Ask your server or call ahead if you want to confirm what vegetarian options are available at your location.

How long does it usually take to get my food?

Dine-in service typically takes 15 to 25 minutes from ordering to receiving your food. Takeout is usually ready in 10 to 20 minutes if you call ahead. Delivery times vary based on distance and current order volume, but most deliveries arrive within 30 to 45 minutes of placing your order through an app.