P.F. Chang's

Where Smashburger lives or dies by sear technique and Chicago Fire anchors its reputation in beef sourcing, P.F. Chang's does something strategically different: it offers the entire pan-Asian spectrum under one roof. **Lettuce wraps**, **Mongolian beef**, **dynamite shrimp**, sushi rolls, dim sum—this is the spot when your group can't agree on a cuisine or when you need a business lunch that accommodates every dietary restriction without requiring a committee vote. The kitchen doesn't pretend to be authentic, but it executes the crowd-pleasers competently enough that happy hour here remains a legitimate after-work move.

The **bourbon drinks** during happy hour show up in reviews with surprising enthusiasm—not because they're craft, but because they're generous and priced like the kitchen understands this is University City, where half the clientele is expensing it and the other half is splitting apps before heading to Westfield UTC. The patio works when the weather cooperates, and manager Natalie apparently runs the floor with the kind of proactive hospitality that turns a chain visit into something closer to neighborhood service.

What's faded is the energy. This used to be the poppin' spot—full bar scene, attractive crowd, the kind of place you'd choose for a date. Now it skews more toward families, big groups, and safe bets. The music's louder than it needs to be, the vibe's more functional than fun. But if you need a table that seats eight, takes reservations, and won't spook your vegetarian coworker or your kid who only eats three things, this joint still solves that problem better than most of the neighborhood.