Amazing, AUTHENTIC Chineese cuisine. Luckily, I went with my friend from China so she ordered for the entire table. The rice is all you can eat and the portions are enough for table sharing. We got 4-5 entrees and had a little bit leftovers to take home. The cabbage dish was my favorite, along with the spicy fried chicken w/ peppers, and the fish in spicy broth. read more

Lucky Express is by far the best Chinese food in town. The chili chicken and the salt and pepper fish are a must try when you go. Just a heads that it is a cash ONLY place, but it is definitely worth a visit or two. read more

Being a college student brings the freedom of choosing when and where to eat. As an individual who loves to try new foods and constantly eat, as soon as I settled down in my new room in Bloomington, I was ready to take on the best of Bloomington cuisine. This is how I wound up dining at, and ultimately falling in love with, Lucky Express. LOCATION/ATMOSPHERE: Lucky Express is located at 307 E. 3rd Street in Bloomington. It is a small, fairly hidden Chinese restaurant that can be tough to spot if searching for it for the first time. The majority of Lucky Express's parking is in the back lot, which furthermore disguises the restaurant to passing motorists. But, in itself, this makes Lucky Express a hidden gem of Bloomington, a restaurant that many people do not know about yet instantly love when introduced to it. The restaurant is fairly quiet, enjoyable, relaxing, and overall an incredible experience. SERVICE: The restaurant is run by a middle-aged couple, a husband who cooks, and his wife who takes customers' orders, phone calls, and then announces that their food is ready. Though I personally have never communicated with the husband during my several visits to Lucky Express, the wife is friendly and helpful when ordering. During my first visit to the restaurant, she suggested I try some of the House Special Fried Rice, a choice I now make every time I return to satisfy my Lucky Express cravings. Generally, based on experience, the food takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare, and is steaming hot when it is served. It is quick, delicious, and the service is excellent. FOOD/PRICE: Every time I have eaten at Lucky Express, I have ordered Beef and Broccoli (small) and House Special Fried Rice (small). Rather than ordering one large portion of one of these, I get two smalls so that I can enjoy a variety of what Lucky Express offers. They always come fresh and hot, and the smell is enticing enough to make you want to take a bite without letting it cool off! The Beef and Broccoli even comes with a plate of white rice as well; the large quantity of food usually leaves me with leftovers and a delicious lunch the following day. With all of this food, one might stop and wonder how expensive the meal was. For my small Beef and Broccoli, small House Special Fried Rice, and white rice (and let me say, the "small" portion is still large and filling!), it costs around $15! The pricing is unbelievable (about $6 for a serving that could fill a standard customer up; I just eat a lot!), and the food is no different. Next time I return, I wish to taste the pork intestines (yes, they even offer "genuine" Chinese foods as well), as I want to expand my food selection, knowing that everything Lucky Express serves is delectable! INFORMATION: Be mindful that Lucky Express only takes cash. Fortunately, because the food is fairly cheap (yet still amazing), you will not have to stack your wallet before visiting, but just remember to bring bills when you visit! Additionally, it is up to the customers to clean their tables and throw away their trash, though there rarely is much trash to clean, and this results in the customer not having to leave a tip. If you enjoy quality Chinese food for great prices, Lucky Express is the place for you. I consider myself a patron of Lucky Express, an advocate of their fine cuisine. Ever since I was introduced to Lucky Express by my peers, I never hesitate to suggest Lucky Express when my friends ask where we should eat. read more

I really want to give 3.5, but yelp dont have half stars and the ladies who take orders are very nice, so I give a four. When I'm around school area and crave for Chinese food, this would be the 1st place that come up in my head. I love the food because they are tasty.. but since I cook a lot, I know that they use a lot of MSG. You will feel very thirsty and sleepy after eating there.. But,, that is the secret of all Chinese restaurant anywhere.. They have many selection of food, but hard to read and not so much of veggies selection. Overall, this is my go to chinese restaurant.. I love their spicy chicken and mapo tofu and beef stew.. read more

This is great Chinese food! The lunch specials are a really good deal, and there is a menu for the standard dishes and a lot of more exotic offerings posted on the wall.The owners are very sweet people too. I don't live in Bloomington, but when I'm in town, I make my way here for a delicious meal. Note that this is a true "hole in the wall" style restaurant, and the eating implements are not good (bring your own?) But the food is wonderful. read more

Best Chinese food in town!! The chili chicken is amazing. Also have a lunch special for under $5.

Amazing restaurant and very authentic. It's been a while since I been here (I've graduated), but I believe I had fried tofu--which you usually can't go wrong with anywhere, but here it was exceptionally good. It is authentic though, which means pretty unhealthy (I don't know what other reviewers expected, although truly authentic Chinese is rare in Indiana). If you want something healthy there are plenty of alternatives in Bloomington, if you want actual Chinese food, go here. read more

This place is amazing. I had a friend visit from out of town (who lives in a major American city) who said they had the best Mapo Tofu he'd ever had !! Everything is insanely delicious, authentic and CHEAP--you also get a massive amount of food. Cash only is a pain but also prevents me from going there everyday... read more

This is my favorite Chinese restaurant - period. It's downright weird that it's in Bloomington, IN. Order traditional style dishes (not on menu) from the helpful cashier. She will give you choices - meat, spicy, etc. If you like hot spicy get the beef with chilis. read more

I recommend the kung pao tofu. It's a big portion with large chunks of tofu and roasted chilis. I made the mistake of getting szechuan tofu, which came in a soupy broth with soft tofu, not deep fried tofu pieces like I was hoping, but it still tasted okay. Anyway, the food is quick and delicious and you can't really beat the price. I want to try the more authentic dishes next time. read more

I really enjoy the food there! They got tasty Chinese food with a low price. It would be better if they have more seats.

Awesome lunch prices. Best veg dishes are maps tofu (ask for no pork), eggplant in garlic sauce, and dry Cooked green beans. Always enough for two people and comes with unlimited serve yourself rice. read more

The best thing about this place is the price. It's definitely a cheap meal. A quick note that they only take cash. So if you're going be prepared. Their food isn't bad but kinda boring. It's better than you'd get at a buffet as far as freshness goes so that's a plus. But they also don't have many drink options or appetizer options. We weren't upset about going here, but probably won't choose to come again. read more

we ordered some dishes to celebrate our Chinese New Year, pretty nice Chinese Restaurant, and provided many classical Chinese cuisine. But the "cash only" regulation is a little inconvenient when ordering a lot. read more

As a Chinese student, in the past three years I have tasted every Chinese restaurant in Indiana campus. And the favorite Chinese restaurant is lucky express. Location: the restaurant location is 307 E. 3rd Street in Bloomington, in the campus down town and near by the school of law. This restaurant is known few of people, it's hidden in a small corner. And the back of restaurant is a parking place. Meal consumed: I have tasted many kinds of Chinese food in B-town. But the lucky express is the most orthodox. The food is tasty even greater than many restaurants in China. My favorite food in lucky is spicy chicken and beef sand pot. That makes me to remember my country food. And the other foods in lucky is also delicious, absolutely better than other restaurant in B-town. I haven't experienced yucky meal in lucky express. Price range: It's very very cheaper than most of Chinese restaurant. In general, every people just around 10$ for a meal. And this price will let you feel very satisfied. I think the reason for lower price than other restaurant is its old house, and few of people know about it. And this restaurant is cash only, so don't forget to bring cash. Service: This restaurant is managed by a family. The chef is a couple. And their children always become assistants. So don't have any waiters. You need to take foods by yourself. After meal you also need to clean your trash. Even so, I also think lucky has a good service. The couple are very nice, they are very polite, and the speed of serving is quickly, but never influence the taste. Ambience: Because restaurant is old, and trash cleaning by guest. So the restaurant is not very clean, during the peak time is crowded and loud because restaurant is a little small. The peak time is about 6pm-8pm. In other time, you must can find the seat what you want. read more

I would highly recommend lucky to my friends. Although the restaurant not that hygienic, i'm sure their Chinese cuisines are too traditional, not like the other restaurants that only provide Western style Chinese dishes. read more

Personal rating: 8/10 (personal recommend) Price: start for $10, really cheap Chinese food (maybe because the overall income of Bloomington is not higher like New Yrok) Quality: highly, traditional Chinese food, dinner like "Gong Bao chicken" and "Yu Xiang Meat". Almost Chinese food can find here. For example, I am prefer to "broccoli meat" in China. The dish here is awesome, the taste is good, sometimes lets me to miss my hometown. Service: Medium, the boss is friendly but the problem is we have to treat ourself, there is no waiters in it. Environment: Not good, too crowed, always waiting on line because many Chinese students eat there and they come in groups. What's more, although there is no waiters, the table sometimes too dirty. We have to clean it by ourselves. Parking: a few spaces in front of the restaurant Pros: cheap, traditional Chinese food, also we can order over the phone. Cons: plastic bowl can not circle, and too crowed. overall, I like here. u can try it next time. read more

Cheap and big portion. Best for party! Might be a bit oily for some people. Good service!

Cheap, fast, always delicious. The best Chinese restaurant in town and possibly the best deal for a BTown restaurant overall.

Awesome food at a reasonable price. Small portions are more than large enough for an average woman to be stuffed. My date ordered General Tso's chicken which was excellently crispy and sweet. I had the garlic beef which was good, but not quite as good as her meal. Both came with a mountain of white rice, and were served within 10 minutes of ordering at scorchingly hot temperatures. They have an unusual set up for drinks which is neither good not bad, it is a water cooler with foam cups and a lunchbox full of ice. They also have free oolong tea. read more

Decor may not be great, but fantastic food. I usually get the schezwan tofu and add vegetables to it. To die for! Great price and great food! read more

Just realized that my last comment was almost 4 years ago! How time flies! Just want to say that the quality of food here is consistent in the past 4 years, always good. Now Bloomington has a number of Chinese restaurants. I still love Lucky Express. Now it is something of my personal view: I especially like this kind of small business. The lady (I believe she is the chef's wife) is always smiling to you, and during the busy hours you can see that the chef works very hard cooking for people. Sometimes their kids will help them. And I feel happy for them when I see more people like the food there. read more

Best Chinese food in Bloomington. They have more than 100 different options for things to eat, and try the lunch special, you get a free soda! Don't forget to bring cash though! read more

Big fan, foods always hot and fresh. Very reasonably priced, and generous portions. If I'm looking for some good Chinese food this is the only place I'll go to. It's cash only so be aware of that, also it is closed on Mondays. Overall, I highly recommend this place. read more

ultimate munchies food. it's the most authentic chinese food i've had in bloomington. everything tastes good, the service is fast, and it's not too expensive. if you go, i suggest you order the double pork with peking sauce. so amazing. read more

their food is oily, but still nothing stops a big good plate of mapo tofu and a loads of steamed rice!!

I have been here way too many times- I suspect they recognize me by now. I always get the lunch special which is $5, contains a large amount of food plus soda, and goes until 3:30pm. Everything is always very tasty and I think they have the best General Tso's I have ever had! read more

This is a difficult restaurant for me to review, based on my recent experience there. I went with a friend, and the two of us had completely opposite feelings about our food. He ordered orange chicken and said that it was quite good. It came with a huge plate of steaming hot steamed rice, and he could have eaten 2 or 3 meals from his portion. As for me, I opted for simple and tried their shrimp fried rice. It was one of the most disgusting, vile meals that I have had the misfortune of trying to eat in years. After literally three forks full of food, I gave up and decided that I'd rather go hungry than eat any more of my food. It was THAT bad. The shrimp had some odd type of metallic, chemical taste to them; and the rice itself was barely flavored, not to mention extremely greasy. Lucky Express itself is a dive--zero atmosphere--and the staff members are friendly, helpful, and efficient. So what kind of rating can I give to a place where one of us had a 4.5 star meal, one of us had a 0.0 star meal, where the atmosphere is a 1.0, and the staff are a 4.5? I opted for 3 stars for my overall rating, but my advice: Eat here at your own risk. Not everyone is going to have a great experience. read more

Skip the American Chinese menu and go straight to the back wall and pick from the more authentic menu. Food is marvelous. Food is cooked fresh...flavors are wonderful. Owners are more than willing to help you. read more

I got a lot of delicious food for $7. They only take cash, the place is on the run down side, but they serve some kickass Chinese food. Not the place to go for a date or a nice dinner, but definitely the place to go for delicious authentic Chinese. read more

I was excited to go based on the reviews but was severely disappointed with the food--swimming in grease. I ordered Schezwan chicken. Horrible. read more

I love this place. This is a true dive, and closest think to authentic Szechuan as I've had in years. Don't fear the oil or the chilies. Only order off the wall; took me several tries to be able to find exactly what I wanted. Worth the learning curve. Like the staff, I can speak in broken English. Young woman at the register is very sweet and patient. read more

Great food, the cashier is always nice, food comes pretty fast. The best thing is the menu. They have typical americanized chinese food, but they also have really good authentic dishes. I have ordered many different items and have enjoyed every one. The beef with house garlic sauce is insanely good. Best chinese food in bloomington. Only complaint is that it looks kinda dirty. read more

My friend recommended the Lucky Express to me and asked me to "at least have a try." She said it serves real Chinese food instead of American Chinese food. So I went there with my friends. Lucky Express is on the E. 3rd street near the sample gates. The restaurant is very small and I almost missed it because it's too small to be noticed. I went there in the afternoon at 5pm, and the small dining space was already full. Fortunately we found a table. I think this restaurant is like a kind of fast-food restaurant. No waiter or waitress and the food are served by yourself. The cashier or sometimes the cook put the food on the cashing/serving table and called the name of the food. Once you have heard the name of the food you ordered, you went to get them and fill rice into your plate by yourself. Almost all the people sitting in this restaurant are Chinese and it's really hard to find an non-Asian face there. So that it's not quiet in the restaurant because of the Chinese dining culture. The food was very delicious and some of the dishes were really spicy, the real Chinese type of spicy. I have ordered the Chili Chicken, beef stew and the Mapo Tofu. All of them are spicy. I love the spicy food and enjoyed them there. I agree with my friend's opinion and I think Lucky Express is the only Chinese restaurant in Bloomington which serves real spicy Chinese food instead of Americanize sweet spicy Chinese food. It also serves non-spicy food there so feel free to have a try. The quantity of one plate of the food is enough for two people. We ordered 3 dishes for 4 people but we still couldn't finish all of them. The price is a little bit expensive but reasonable in a range of 7-13 dollars per dish. But the restaurant is "cash only", so it's not very convenient for people who only have cards. But there is a Fifth Third bank 5-min walk from the restaurant so it's not too bad. As for the location, I think it's convenient for people who live near the 3rd street. I love the food in this restaurant but it's a little bit far away from my house so I have only tried twice in the Lucky Express. I will highly recommend this restaurant to all Chinese people in Bloomington and people who want to enjoy real Chinese spicy food. read more

the food here is not edible. gimme a break. common sense should tell you this place is NOT a five star

This restaurant does not even deserve 1 star. Went here tonight and picked up food for dinner, and upon getting home realized that the mongolian beef we had ordered was chicken so we called and they asked us to bring the food back. After driving all the way back the employees argued with us saying that was the mongolian beef and not chicken. Keep in mind that we had a house full of people who eat chinese food on a weekly basis try this food and who all agreed that the food we got neither looked nor tasked like mongolian beef. If you're going to run a restaurant be courteous of the people who give you business and don't waste their time or money. We will NEVER be going back to this place, and if you ever decide to go here (even though I highly encourage you not to) do not order the mongolian beef because you won't be happy with what they give you. Hope it was worth losing the business Lucky Express. read more