PF Chang's is right in front of (and convenient to) the La Jolla Embassy Suites Hotel (see other journal entry).
As such, it is enormously popular. On a recent Tuesday night at 8pm, the place was packed. They have a large bar in the middle of the restaurant, but it was also packed, and I had my heart set on sitting at a table to eat. So, I was placed on a waiting list 40-45 minutes long.
After about 20 minutes of walking around the bar, I found an opening in the crowd, and managed to order a draft beer. I found an empty bench in the lobby to relax for the remainder of my wait, during which I started to appreciate the decor with Asian murals and sculptures, that have some deep meaning explained on the menu.
They have large, round, flat lights that provide the night-time light, in addition to lots of tract lighting. They use lots of stone on the floors and walls, and have a huge glass front door (very comtemporary and cool).
They have an open kitchen, and a separate small dining area that is probably available for private parties/dinners. They have an outdoor patio area with space heaters that had many takers on a cool December night.
When I finally got seated, there were several other empty tables, so I felt that they took longer than needed to seat me. However, I got over it quickly.
Their wine list has over 60 wines available by the glass ($5-15) and by the bottle ($19-60). Appetizers ($4-8) included spring rolls, dumplings, spare ribs, and other goodies. Soups ($3-5) offered were hot/sour and wonton. They also had a selection of 6 salads ($5-10). They also have over 40 entrees ($6-13) including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and rice/noodle dishes. Sides of vegetables ($5-7) are also available.
After my long wait for a table, I was starving. I started with wonton soup (which was great) with pork wontons, chicken, shrimp, and mushrooms in a piping hot chicken broth.
Then, I ordered Chang's Spicy Chicken (served with steamed rice), and a side of Szechwan Asparagus. I thoroughly enjoyed the spicy asparagus dish. It was as large as an entree itself. The Chang's Spicy Chicken wasn't what I expected. It was chucks of chicken coated with spicy/szechwan sauce. I thought I was getting a stir-fried dish with other vegetables.
Go with a group, and share many different dishes.