Panda China Buffet in South Carolina — What to Expect

What Panda China Buffet offers

Panda China Buffet is a casual all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurant where you pay one price and serve yourself from warming trays of cooked dishes. The buffet typically includes fried rice, lo mein, egg rolls, General Tso's chicken, sweet and sour pork, beef and broccoli, and a selection of seafood dishes that changes by location. Most locations also have a sushi bar or sushi selection alongside the hot food.

The restaurant operates on a straightforward model: you walk in, order a drink, sit down, and make as many trips to the buffet line as you want during your visit. No server takes your order for individual dishes. The pace is relaxed, and the environment is designed for families, groups, and anyone looking for variety without deciding on a single entrée ahead of time.

Key Takeaways

• Panda China Buffet charges one flat price per person for unlimited access to hot dishes, fried items, and usually sushi.
• You serve yourself from warming trays and can return to the buffet line as many times as you wish during your meal.
• Locations vary in size, decor, and exact dish selection, so the experience differs depending on which South Carolina restaurant you visit.
• Most locations accept cash and card, though calling ahead about current pricing and hours prevents a wasted trip.

Locations and hours across South Carolina

Panda China Buffet operates multiple locations throughout South Carolina, with restaurants in cities including Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. Each location is independently owned and operated, which means hours, pricing, and buffet offerings can differ. A restaurant in one city may have slightly different dishes or a different layout than another.

Hours typically run from late morning through evening, with many locations open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Some close between lunch and dinner service, usually for an hour or two in the afternoon. The best approach is to call the specific location you plan to visit or check their hours online before you go, since changes happen seasonally and without much notice.

Pricing and what's included

Buffet pricing is per person and usually ranges based on age—adults pay the full price, children under a certain age (often around 10 or 12) pay a reduced rate, and very young children may eat free. The exact prices vary by location and can change, so calling ahead gives you a real number rather than guessing. Lunch is typically cheaper than dinner, and weekend pricing may differ from weekday rates.

The buffet price covers all the hot dishes, fried items, and usually sushi or cold appetizers. Drinks are ordered separately and cost extra. Some locations offer a takeout buffet option where you pay by the pound or container, though this is less common than the dine-in model.

What the buffet line typically includes

The hot food section usually features fried rice (chicken, shrimp, and vegetable varieties), lo mein noodles, egg rolls, spring rolls, and fried wontons. Entrée-style dishes rotate but commonly include General Tso's chicken, sweet and sour pork, beef and broccoli, chicken with cashews, shrimp with lobster sauce, and moo goo gai pan. Some locations add orange chicken, teriyaki chicken, or other regional variations.

Seafood offerings often include fried shrimp, scallops, and sometimes crab rangoon or imitation crab appetizers. The sushi bar, when present, typically has California rolls, Philadelphia rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and vegetable rolls made fresh or prepared earlier in the day. Vegetable dishes like mixed vegetables, broccoli, and mushroom selections are usually available for those avoiding meat.

Soup is often included—usually egg drop or hot and sour soup kept warm in a large pot. Dessert options are minimal and typically consist of fortune cookies, occasionally fried bananas or fried ice cream, depending on the location.

The dining experience and atmosphere

Panda China Buffet locations tend toward casual, family-friendly décor with booths and tables arranged around the buffet line. The noise level is moderate to busy, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours. Service staff bring water and take drink orders, but otherwise the experience is self-directed—you control the pace and what you eat.

The buffet line itself can develop a wait during peak times, particularly on weekends and Friday or Saturday evenings. Going during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening on a weekday) means shorter lines and a more relaxed experience. Most locations do not require reservations, though calling ahead during busy seasons is courteous if you have a large group.

Best times to visit and what to know before you go

Lunch service, typically from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is usually less crowded than dinner and offers lower pricing. If you prefer a quieter experience with shorter buffet lines, this is the ideal window. Weekday afternoons between lunch and dinner service are also typically slow.

Dinner service, starting around 5 p.m., draws families and groups, so expect more activity and longer waits at the buffet. Weekends are busiest overall. If you are visiting with young children, earlier dinner times (5 to 6 p.m.) tend to be calmer than later evening hours.

Bring cash if possible—while most locations accept cards, having cash on hand speeds up payment and is sometimes preferred. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask staff about ingredients before filling your plate, as they can point you toward safe options or explain what dishes contain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to eat everything I put on my plate?

No formal rule exists, but the buffet model assumes you are serving yourself reasonable portions. Taking small amounts and returning for more is normal and expected. Wasting large amounts of food is discouraged, as is the case at most buffet restaurants.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Most locations do not permit outside food or drinks, as the buffet price covers what is served inside. Asking the staff when you arrive is the safest approach, as policies can vary by location.

Is the sushi fresh?

Sushi quality at buffet restaurants varies. Most locations prepare sushi earlier in the day and keep it refrigerated, so it is safe but not as fresh as sushi made to order at a dedicated sushi restaurant. If freshness is a priority, ask staff when the sushi was prepared.

Do you offer takeout?

Some locations offer takeout buffet service where you pay by weight or container, though this is less common than dine-in. Call your local restaurant to confirm whether takeout is available and how pricing works.

What if I have a food allergy?

Inform staff about your allergy before you eat. They can tell you which dishes contain common allergens like peanuts, shellfish, or soy. However, buffet kitchens handle many ingredients in shared spaces, so cross-contamination is possible. If your allergy is severe, a buffet restaurant may not be the safest choice.