Lee's Garden Chinese Restaurant — Restaurant in San Pablo

I didn’t know flavorless steam table Chinese takeout was a thing until today. I made the grave mistake of going local instead of heading to my favorite steam table Chinese takeout spot in EC Plaza, and boy am I horribly sorry. Let’s start with the undercooked chow mein ( which according to the signage SHOULD have chicken in it/ it DOES NOT). Not only are these noodles stiff and dry but they barely seem cooked and have a really unpleasant mouth feel. They are also flavorless so there’s that. Next up on the trip to bland-landing we have the garlic green beans. Poor quality produce and another flavorless selection. Which is a bummer because they looked really good. The garlic and onions are so scant that the flavor they usually lend is a non factor. And finally we have the sesame chicken. I had such high hopes for this one and it’s a disgrace honestly. The cut of the chicken isn’t the problem it’s the odd not quite there flavor of the sesame glaze that’s questionable 🤨. Not only am I unimpressed I’m also now angry that I wasted actual legal US tender for this abomination. The extra gas to go farther out would have been worth it. Unless you are looking to be disappointed and like wasting time money and energy...

Everyone I know has that deep, dirty craving for some fast, easy, and good ol' Chinese food. Lee's is the place to go. During lunch and dinnertime, there is always a line out the door at this place. With huge portions (we're talking enough for dinner, then next day lunch and maybe a bit left over for a small dinner too!), lots of options, you'll be fat and happy. Make sure you keep an eye on what's being cooked and order what's fresh-they can let things sit for too long and it's not the most delicious tasting pile of sauce-y veggies or meat.

My go-to when I don't feel like gorging on the Chinese food marathon is the war wonton soup. they make it fresh to-order. Chock full of beef, wontons, chicken, pork AND shrimp, plus some cabbage and broccoli-it is really stellar.

On top of the large quantity of food-the prices make it almost irresistible when you've got those cravings. The cost-to-food ratio is low, you'll have to double check your change because you think you've been given too much back!

Once you get over the counter staff yelling at you to hurry up and pick your poison and sit down to indulge, you'll be glad you...

I’ve been going here since 2007. It’s my go to Chinese fast food. It’s cheap and they are generous with the servings. Depending on my cravings, I can finish 2/3 of the plate but most of the time I can eat the left overs at later meal.

I ALWAYS order their Salt and Pepper Pork Ribs, half fried rice and half soy sauce chow mein, with garlic chili oil. The taste was the same since 2007, except, I have not seen green chili on it anymore.

When my husband wants some, I’ll order: fried shrimp, beef chow fun, beef broccoli, orange chicken, yunan chicken, and/or veggie mix. It really varies depending on what he wanted that they have when we arrive.

To summarize, I will always go back to this place. I travel across California for work. Trying different Chinese fast food in other cities, other than Panda Express, this is my number one place that I will always go back to. I said Chinese fast...