Bill Lee's Bamboo Chopsticks

If you are looking for Chinese food, this is your stop. Their food has remained the same over the years so if you're looking for some greasy & fried delights then this Is the place to go.When I went the other night, I enjoyed the egg drop soup, fried shrimp, fried rice and Dr.Chan- all which are nostalgic dishes since my family grew up coming here. I drink the hot tea they serve, too. The service is always friendly, although sometimes at times busy. The ambiance is family and group friendly at about $25 per person for certain setups. This restaurant is also known for their strong Mai Tais. Of course, I'll go back when I want greasy, tasty Chinese.

This place is probably one of the places I visited over many years and though they are consistent on one or two things their inconsistencies on several dishes are just too hard to give 5 stars. I visit this place at least twice a year for the last 20 years that I've been in Bakersfield and the highlight has been their crispy noodle chow mein. It is the only thing I order when I go here as honestly no one in Bakersfield that I've tried went in and out of business can raise a fork to the best crispy noodle chow mein. I've had since moving from New York. also, their pork at foo young is another staple in which my wife orders every time we go here so we stuck to those two dishes as The remaining menu food (which I've tasted from other peoples plates ) is mediocre BEST. I don't know how else to say it. One other note if you go to their bar order their mai tai it is literally one of the best drinks they make probably downtown. It's only one other place on the east side that can compete. I'll do a review on that place later. The service has always been exceptional and you're always greeted with a smile. The Inside is outdated and needs some refresher paint as well as some lighting inside. The restaurant is pretty dull/dark. I don't quite know what to say about this place. It is really going downhill as far as a couple of aspects. I will let you decide when you get there first and foremost. I think their biggest issue is they just haven't changed at all sinceI arrived in Bakersfield in the early 2000s they have not changed a thing about their place or their food and it doesn't seem like their menu is changed either. This is only my opinion and I don't know if anyone else feels the same, but if you want to continue supporting this place as I will, when I am in the need for crispy noodle chow mein, or Egg foo yung I will be there, again. Those the only thingsI order because it is one of the few menu item they have that has not changed over the years. That cook has to be absolutely worn out if it's the same guy or girl hats of them. That is a good thing!!

I think Bill Lee's bamboo chopsticks has the absolute best chow mein! It's different than the typical noodle chow mein, though I think they have that. The one I like, has crunchy noodles, lots of bean sprouts, and a light sauce, that I have tried to replicate unsuccessfully a few times. Service is always great. I really like the statues at the entrance. It has that classic fine dining Chinese restaurant decor. Some areas of the restaurant are dark, while others are nicely lit. There's a bar area that I've never been to, but there's often people in there when I walk by. They do have a takeout counter and I wish the girl there that I interacted with was much friendlier like the front hostesses and wait staff.

Probably the best if not it's a tie ! Great food fair prices quick friendly service! One of our go to places!

Love love love the Bar! Great mood lighting in the whole restaurant Prices have gone way up for the same mediocre foodNo lunch menu anymoreVery limited choice of dishesGreat location and building. I wish someone would takeover the restaurant and create a better menu and get better recipes! Definitely recommend the Bar! Food is ok

Best Chinese food in town, fresh fast food. Great service, love that they deliver and very fast .

Went there recently on a Tuesday night. Soon as we were sat down they brought water and hot tea. This place might be dated, but is very clean. Waitress answered our questions and took our order in a timely manner. She then brought out egg drop soup and shortly after that the paper wrapped chicken. Which was very hot and fresh.Then our main entrées were brought out. These were also hot and fresh and tasted delicious. The food might look plain in the photos, but wow is it packed with flavor. Service was wonderful, they were very friendly and attentive.

Bill Lee's has been a long going staple in Bakersfield since 1938.I remember coming to Bakersfield in the 1970s to visit family for the summer, and this would be one of our go-to spots. Honestly, not much has changed as far as decor goes, I think the only thing that's really changed are the tables and chairs since the booths still look the same. Over the past few years, the menu has downsized considerably, and they no longer offer a lunch special menu. One thing Bill Lee's is Bakersfield famous for is their Mai Tai's, if you know, you know. What keeps me coming back to Bill Lee's is their Chow Mein. I'm a sucker for the way they make it. Their plating has not changed in all the years I've been coming here, and if you paid attention to the beginning of my review, you can guess I passed my younger years a few years back. Getting back to Bill Lee's review. Another thing that has changed is the service. It's not what it used to be. They are not so as attentive as they used to be, and the male host looked like he was getting ready to go ride a fancy skateboard up and down the sidewalk.I understand that over the past recent years the restaurant business and service industry has changed and for an old schooler like me, it's tough to get a grip on. We did get here just after 3pm so it's possible that they were between shifts. I ordered the Mandarin combination plate. It came with the customary bowl of egg flower soup and oyster crackers. My plate consists of Almond chicken chow mein soft noodles, fried rice, three fried shrimp, and three bbq pork spare ribs. My husband ordered the combination plate that gave you a few different options, he chose the pork chow mein soft noodles, fried rice and the sweet and sour chicken. I was satisfied with my dish. My husband said that the sweet and sour chicken was dry due to they use white meat vs dark meat. All in all, Bill Lee's is very consistent with their food. It's nice place to treat your friends and family out to a semi fancy place for lunch or dinner. You don't have to get overly dressed up to enjoy a nice meal at a mid-scale restaurant. They do offer a few American food items to choose from as well, prices start at around $15.00

Customer service is great My Husband and I go there once a week. Food is always fresh and delicious.

My wife and I are from Bakersfield and have been coming to Bill Lee's for many years. Frankly, the food has always ranged from okay to good but was a solid choice when you were hungry for Chinese. We recently got two dinner's to go and were amazed at the poor quality of the food. Terrible soupy chow mien. Pork fried rice, without the pork, or any taste to speak of. Ribs from some unidentifiable animal. Just nasty dishes in general...Please look at the overall reviews before considering eating here. Choose anywhere else!