Pei Wei Asian Diner
$$ - average
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese
Fast Food with a twist
By Steve Carlson: Fast-casual offshoot of PF Chang's China Bistro
To take one look inside Pei Wei, you'd never guess you were in a fast-food joint. It looks upscale, and everything about it is first-rate, for fast food. Actually, this is "fast-casual," a fairly new concept of introducing exotic food delicacies to the masses.
And it is fast. And it is cheap. And the portions are good-sized. And you'll probably want to come back after eating here. And judging by the crowds, other people are thinking that as well.
Pei Wei is vegetarian-friendly, as tofu is available as a meat substitute. But only a few of the menu items can be made truly vegan. However, that doesn't seem to dissuade vegans from coming back time and time again. Buckwheat noodles; brown rice; large, crisp, lightly-steamed-to-perfection veggies; and delectably-spiced sauces abound. (Large bowls of brown rice are available as a side dish for a whole-whopping 50 cents, ensuring that no veg-lover will ever feel gypped or go home hungry.)
- Kid-Friendly
Added by moses tyler on Mar 1 07 (updated Jun 7 07)
Reviews
I have to say that I've never had anything even approaching good at Pei Wei with the exception of their plain, brown rice and the edamame appetizer. Their tofu tastes like overcooked cheese and they aren't generous with the vegetables. I haven't eaten there in years and I hope my review doesn't dissuade you from trying it out yourself, but there are many better quick Chinese places at which to dine.
I've always thought of Pei Wei as a decent restaurant. They used condensed tofu, which I always find very enjoyable. It's a good option, but don't expect to be blown away.