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Panda Express
- Grand Canyon University, 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017

Chinese restaurant ★3.0 (14)·$10–20

Grand Canyon University, 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017, USA

3.0
Closed to the public and they don’t advertise that. It’s only for college students. Wasted 30 minutes of my life driving there and back. Whoever thought of putting a panda on an exclusive location not open to the public is incompetent.Completely ridiculous. - X Y
Panda Express Overview Intro Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 14 people$1–10$10–20$20–30

Panda Express Introduce

Panda Express represents one of the most recognized and popular American-Chinese fast-casual dining experiences, and the Phoenix, Arizona area is home to numerous locations. The specific Panda Express establishment situated at 3300 W Camelback Rd is notable as it is officially located within the sprawling campus of Grand Canyon University (GCU). This unique setting affects both its atmosphere and—most importantly for the wider Arizona public—its accessibility.

This restaurant serves the well-known menu that has made Panda Express a household name across the country, focusing on bold flavors and quick service. Dishes like the iconic Original Orange Chicken, savory Broccoli Beef, and tender Honey Walnut Shrimp are staple offerings designed to satisfy cravings for comfort food and a quick, satisfying meal. The location is strategically positioned to serve the large, bustling community of college students and faculty, making it a highly convenient spot for lunch and dinner within the campus environment.

However, potential visitors from the broader Phoenix community must take note of the critical caveat mentioned in local feedback: this particular location, due to its placement within the GCU campus, may be restricted exclusively to students, staff, and authorized campus visitors. Before making a trip to this specific address, local users should always confirm its current status and whether it is open to the general public, to avoid the inconvenience noted in community reviews.

Introduction / Overview

Panda Express at the Grand Canyon University campus in Phoenix is a Chinese restaurant offering a fast-casual dining concept. It is renowned for providing quick bites and comfort food based on a familiar menu of American-Chinese classics. Unlike many standalone locations, this restaurant is deeply integrated into a university setting, creating a vibrant, casual atmosphere populated primarily by college students and university groups.

The restaurant is highly "Popular for" serving both lunch and dinner, making it a reliable meal choice at the busiest times of the day for the campus community. It is also an excellent option for solo dining, where students and staff can quickly grab a Plate or a Bowl customized to their immediate preferences. The offerings are categorized to include "Comfort food," perfect for a break from studies or work, "Quick bite" for those on the go, and "Small plates" for a lighter option or appetizer.

The core dining model allows for flexibility, offering seating for dine-in customers who wish to relax, as well as easy takeout options for those heading back to their dorms or offices. The restaurant accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a fast and modern transaction process for its predominantly younger, digitally-savvy crowd.

Location and Accessibility

This specific Panda Express is centrally located at the heart of the Grand Canyon University campus in West Phoenix.

Address: Grand Canyon University, 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017, USA

This address places it directly within the institutional setting, which influences the crowd—mainly college students and university-affiliated groups. Due to its campus location, it is essential for off-campus patrons to call ahead and verify public access, as several reviews indicate restrictions may apply.

Despite potential access restrictions, the physical location is exceptionally accessible and well-equipped:

  • Wheelchair Accessibility: The premises boast comprehensive accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, designated parking lot spots, an accessible restroom, and accessible seating, making the dining experience inclusive for everyone on campus.
  • Parking: Customers arriving by car (likely campus guests or those with special access) can utilize the free parking lot or free street parking available nearby, which is a great amenity in a busy university environment.
  • Outdoor Amenities: The location provides outdoor seating, which is a pleasant feature for enjoying a meal in the comfortable Arizona weather, and is one of the few places that is pet-friendly, specifically allowing "Dogs allowed outside" in the outdoor seating area.
  • Restrooms: A dedicated restroom is available as a general amenity for dining guests.
Services Offered

Panda Express provides a focused suite of services tailored to the needs of its high-traffic campus demographic:

  • Dine-in: Offering seating for those who wish to enjoy their meal in the casual campus atmosphere, whether alone or with a group of friends.
  • Takeout (Takeaway): A fast, easy option for students and staff to quickly grab their food and return to classes, work, or study areas.
  • Outdoor Seating: A desirable service in the Phoenix climate, providing a pleasant place to eat outside the main dining hall environment.
  • Lunch and Dinner Service: The primary meal periods offered, ensuring convenience during peak campus activity.
  • Kid-Friendly Options: The restaurant is considered "Good for kids," offering items suitable for younger diners, which is an important feature for students with families or for campus events.
Features / Highlights

The Panda Express at Grand Canyon University stands out due to a blend of operational efficiency and its unique environment:

  • Campus Vibe: The atmosphere is distinctly "Casual" and the "Crowd" is dominated by "College students" and "Groups," creating a lively, high-energy environment different from standard commercial locations.
  • Quick & Clean Service: As highlighted by positive student reviews, the staff is noted for managing a huge volume of orders effectively and providing kind service, which is a significant highlight in a fast-paced university setting.
  • Iconic Comfort Food: Access to the full range of Panda Express’s famous American-Chinese menu, including the widely beloved Orange Chicken, makes it a reliable source of satisfying comfort food for a demanding student population.
  • Full Accessibility Compliance: The dedication to providing a fully wheelchair-accessible environment (entrance, parking, seating, and restroom) makes it a leading example of inclusive dining options on campus.
  • Flexible Payment Options: Acceptance of Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments ensures rapid and convenient transactions, minimizing wait times for busy customers.
Contact Information

For current operating hours, menu inquiries, and, most importantly, to confirm public access to this campus location, please use the contact details below:

Address: Grand Canyon University, 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017, USA

Phone: (602) 639-8433

Mobile Phone: +1 602-639-8433

Local Tip: Given its location on the GCU campus, outside visitors are strongly advised to call ahead to ensure the restaurant is open to the public at the time of their planned visit, as access policies may be subject to university regulations.

What is Worth Choosing

For those within the Grand Canyon University community in Phoenix, choosing this Panda Express is a no-brainer. It provides reliably good, quick, and satisfying food right where it’s needed most: in the middle of a busy academic schedule. It is a highly efficient operation, noted by students for its smooth handling of high volume and consistently clean food preparation, ensuring students can get back to their commitments quickly.

For the wider Phoenix public, this Panda Express is worth choosing only if they are confirmed to have access to the campus. If access is granted—perhaps as a visiting parent, a campus event attendee, or a vendor—it offers the classic, delicious American-Chinese menu in a vibrant, casual, and highly accessible setting. The comprehensive amenities, from easy parking and restrooms to full wheelchair accessibility, make it a superior choice among fast-casual Chinese restaurants in the area, provided you can navigate the campus-specific location. Ultimately, its primary value is the exceptional convenience and high-quality standard it offers to the large population it directly serves at the 3300 W Camelback Rd location.

Panda Express Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Crowd

  • College students
  • Groups
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

Panda Express Photos

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Panda Express Location

Panda Express

Grand Canyon University, 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017, USA

Panda Express Reviews

An average rating of ★3.9 from 155 user reviews.

studentsteriyakiorange chicken

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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