I used to love here. But they raised their price dramatically in order to deal with the competition from Chinese restaurant across the street. I ordered a tomato with eggs and they charged me 12 bucks!! The most expensive tomato with eggs I ever had. And the food was so greasy even made me sick after I eat. Spicy chicken was terrible, the chicken was too small I can't taste even taste it! I was very disappointed, they used to be so much better. Raising price and lower food quality will not help with it's business, if Lucky Express continue doing so, it will eventually crash under competition. read more

Yes it looks like nothing, but this two-person operation produces the best Chinese food in B-town. On-menu items include all the traditional American-Chinese favorites, and they are all done quite well (I've gotten General Tsao's Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and Sweet n Sour Pork - all very good, cheap, and served with plenty of rice). If you want to go off menu, you can order more traditional Chinese favorites - the most popular being a Beef and potato hot pot that you'll see many of the Chinese student patrons having. I will caution you that if you go in looking for "Chinese food" and order that, you will be disappointed, as it tastes more like a pot roast than anything you would expect to be Chinese. But if you're feeling adventurous, by all means order off menu by either finding things that look good and pointing, or asking her for your choices. Two things to note: Like all real Chinese places, they only accept cash - not even debit cards. Also if you ever want to order egg rolls, you will probably find that they are "sold out," as they no longer sell it, but will never change the menu to say that. So don't bother. All in all though, great place, great price. read more

My current favorite Chinese food in Bloomington. Not pretentious at all. I think the food you order from the wall with the yellow signs is usually better, but don't knock the Americanized "General Chicken" (which has to be a pun about how that dish is so ubiquitous, right?). My girlfriend got it last time we went, I got the pork in black bean sauce. We both liked our dishes. Spice levels are somewhat indicated on the yellow wall-menus. Be careful if you're not into spicy; they aren't kidding around. The space itself is also quite intimate. You'll be elbow to elbow at the counter, but man is the food good. read more

I don't know whether or not they just had a bad cooking day today, but I tried their Mapo tofu for the first time ever and it tasted like absolutely nothing. Like... no flavor whatsoever. Even salting it heavily didn't help at all. It's super unfortunate, because I was very excited to try this place out especially upon seeing the portion size. :( read more

Hygienic? Probably not. Tasty food? Yes (especially their eggplant and fish dishes). Unfortunately, a tricky place to navigate if you're a vegetarian since many of the veggie dishes contain pork and/or other meat byproducts. The workers aren't terrifically good at explaining what each dish has in it. Most dishes are drenched in a rich brown sauce and cooked in large woks. It's tasty, but very heavy. Since the woks are constantly in use, I can imagine most dishes have meat remnants in them, so again, vegetarians beware. The restaurant itself is pretty bare-bones and unpretentious. Sort of an old building in need of renovations. If you're NOT a vegetarian and looking for heavy, quasi-authentic Chinese, check this place out. I've been here on a few occasions and would recommend it if you can accept their aforementioned flaws. read more

My favorite Chinese restaurant in Bloomington. The value for what you get is amazing, a plate loaded with steamed rice and an amazing entree from their giant menu of Chinese characters with their poorly translated name underneath (ie scrumbled eggs) for 7-15$. Their lunch deal is also great with ten or so different choices for 5-6$ which begins at opening and ends at 3:30. Lucky Express's specialty dish is their chili chicken. Dark chicken meat chopped into knuckle sized portions, battered and fried and tossed into their chili oil. There are options to get this dish with vegetables of sorts but, only chumps order those because the vegetables add moisture to the package and therefore make the chicken less delectably crispy. Other than their phenomenal chili chicken, I love most of the variety that they serve here; my favorites are their mapo tofu and twice-cooked shredded pork. My reservations against this restaurant is that the restaurant itself is small and dingy and their lack of ventilation coats your clothing in Eau de Chinese food no. 5. This place only accepts cash, so it is usually a visit to the ATM before I visit here. Also I noticed that the chefs alter the dish to the recipient's presumed tastes and when I let my American friends order the food, it comes out less spicy and less tasty presumably to match their tastes. Despite all that, this is my favorite place to eat lunch and dinner if I want Chinese. You can find me here with a couple of friends, couple of entrees, eating delicious Chinese food till we burst. read more

I did a small chicken with chili and brown rice. Ran $8. It was good and satisfied my craving. I deducted a couple stars for a few reasons. -The brown rice was dyed white rice -They don't have appetizers -No menus to-go or a website - so I don't know what they have - it's posted on the wall on giant hand written a signs. You'd come here for the food. It's very "economically" focused with disposable flatware and no real decor. I will come back to try more dishes, hopefully in a group so we can try a few things! read more

Lucky's not much seating, lots of rice comes with the meal, lowest price n town. But it is no better then most any other Chinese rest. in town. That is if you order from the daily specials. But they have the best Chinese if you pick from the many items written on the wall. You get real china plates and silverware and the items on the wall are expertly prepared and taste great. Big difference between the two. read more

Love it. Traditional Chinese food! It taste just like cooking in China. And my American friends said it is also the best Chinese restaurant they know in town. read more

Whether you order off the American Chinese menu or authentic Chinese menu, you're in for a treat. The American style kung pao chicken and Chan Do Chili Chicken off the Chinese menu are my go to dishes. The family that runs this place is also very sweet and always give me great service. A Bloomington must eat! read more

I cant say enough about this place! Cheap food, great taste, china townish environment! This has been my go to spot for years, since I was a wee little one when it was the Phoenix dumpling. Through two changes in ownership, this place has simply excelled which is rare! The current owners are very nice and hard-working, and make some of the best chinese food in the state (although their toughest competition is in Bloomington). It is fast food, made to order, and delicious! The sliced chicken not the greatest, especially compared to diced chicken and pork. The decor isn't anything special, but I do not go restaurants to look around the room, I go for the food, and it always hits the spot! read more

Did someone erase my review? How can I possibly miss putting a review in for Lucky? This is indeed the best Chinese food I've have in Bloomington and possibly Indy! The decor is very simplistic, it can be noisy at times, with people chattering away and at the same time enjoying good food. However many times I've been here, we have yet to try all the dishes listed on the wall. Our all time favorite dish is the spicy crispy chicken with lots of dr chilies with it, and if you can, try pronouncing it in mandarin, LA ZI JI. You will see it in the photo album. I dare you to try it. read more

Lucky Express - Salt n pepper crispy fish - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

So far still one of my favorite Chinese food in town, miss this place a lot when I went back home. Love their spicy chicken and beef bowl, every dishes comes large and cannot finish by one person. They used to have milk tea, but right now they don't have it anymore... read more

Best low budgets Chinese food in town. You need to read the menu on the wall if you want the good stuff. But just lunch special is worth your time and money. 1 star off because the hot dish (deep fried ones) will melt the plastic foam plates or containers sometimes. Not sure if what does it do to your body, but you can ask for tinfoil on top the container or bring your own plate! read more

Lucky is by far my favorite chinese restraunt in bloomington and in general. Whith so many dishes I love just picking something new and trying it. I yet have to dislike something. read more

After reading tweets of reviews for Chinese restaurants in Bloomington, it became clear Lucky Express was the place to go. I was dissapointed. We ordered about 5-6 different items off the menu on the wall, we ordered pork, beef, tofu, eggplant, fried rice, etc. Everything was just very average. The fried rice (vegetable and pork) were very pain and flavorless. The rest of the dishes were just OK, very smoochy. Entrees come with white rice. About 5-6 dishes, feeding about 5 people was about $61. We ordered carry out and they do not give you any soy sauce, duck sauce, fortune cookies or chop sticks. It wasn't bad, but it was not my favorite place, even comparing it to other "authentic" Chinese places. read more

I've lived in Bloomington for a few years now and finally decided to try Lucky Express. My only regret is not trying it sooner! General Tsos Chicken was excellent, Crab Rangoon may be some of the best in town, and since the family order was so large they sent us some free spring rolls as well. I wish I could give them 6 stars! read more

I've gotten food from here a couple of times and I would say that the food is pretty much amazing. It's one of the most authentic Chinese food restaurants in Bloomington that I've found. Even thought the ambiance isn't that good, it's a good place to eat at with a group of friends. Personally, I prefer to eat at home so I usually order it to go and the food stays warm for at least another half an hour because of the way it is packed. They also provide a lot more rice as compared to other Chinese restaurants I've ordered delivery from and the rice is good too (I really like rice so I'm particular about it). The menu is kind of messy and all over the place, which takes a bit of time to navigate, especially if you're vegetarian or vegan. If that's the case, you pretty much just have to focus on the tofu and vegetables section and look for specific dishes. The price is pretty decent for the amount of food you get per dish. read more

best Chinese in bloomington. it's my go to no where is nearly as good, i love their lo mein

Overall rating: 7/10 Price: $5-$15, really cheap Chinese food Quality: Authentic Service: self-service, family owned restaurant, the husband is the cook and the wife is the cashier, the wife takes order somewhat impatiently. What's on the menu is the standard greasy Chinese food you would get in the U.S. The food they serve to Chinese people are not on the menu and it would help if you can speak mandarin. They also do customized order if you want them to prepare the food in a certain way (given the ingredients are available). Ambient Environment: the environment is like a fast food restaurant, take out place. It's usually pretty crowded because many Chinese students eat there (and they come in large groups). Parking/Direction: off-street parking and a few parking spaces in front of the restaurant Extras: you have to clean the table yourself, everything is served on styrofoam plates and bowls Pros: cheap, authentic Chinese food, quick service, you can place the order over the phone and the food will be ready for you once you get there. They take IOU from Chinese people as long as they leave their phone numbers. I am not sure if they would do that for non-Chinese. Cons: styrofoam plates and plastic utencils are not really environmental friendly, cash only! read more

One of the best Chinese restaurants in my opinion . Very authentic and the kindest people. They will try to make any thing you want. My go to is a simple spicy chicken fried rice or the salt snd pepper fish yummmmm read more

So wonderful. Fresh and hot. The service for pick up couldn't be better. highly recommend beef and broccoli. The portions were more than generous with plenty for leftovers. read more

The best find in Bloomington when you consider the value to taste ratio. Don't let the yellow stained walls fool you. Bring cash. Pick a dish from the huge menu on the wall. Enjoy. The food is pretty oily but just about right for whay It was once described to me as drunk college kid food from the Beijing area. I would believe it. The dishes cost less than ten bucks and would last (most people but not me) two to three meals. If you dine in, feel free to go up to the rice cooker and shovel more rice on to your plate if you run out. My personal favorite is the eggplant but I haven't found a dish I dislike yet. Many Chinese students seem to get large bowls of soup like stuff that I've never tried but want to. read more

Definitely my favorite Chinese restaurant in Bloomington. Mostly Northen Chinese dishes. One of my personal favorite is the fried chitlins. If you can get pass the idea what you eat, the flavor and texture is amazing. read more

Lucky Express - Having lunch with friends & family - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

This place has delicious food! My personal favorite dish is the fried tofu with basil - the sauce is great and there are some jalapeño slices tossed in (they mark all the 'spicy' items on the menu - and you can probably order this without jalapeños too). The menu on the wall is vast in size - so many options! The portion sizes for the price are pretty big - easily more than one meal for me. We usually get take-out but whenever we dine in we typically each have leftovers. (The food has been ready pretty quickly each time I have been there.) The staff are always friendly and polite too. :) Newbies: FYI it's CASH ONLY! Take-Out: They have napkins, soy sauce, etc available usually at the table by the register but if they're out you can ask and they'll grab some more! Parking: They have some spots right out front that are free, but if they're full there is a lot of nearby street/metered parking as well. read more

My favorite place to go to when I have an achin for Szechuan cuisine. The lunch special is amazing. I have a deep love for this place.

Really enjoyed this place. My daughter said "they must have just opened here. The walls are still bare." I think that's just their decorating style. Lol. Menu is short = easier to choose. CASH ONLY- be prepared. Food is really good and a great price. We enjoyed vegetable fried rice and chicken and broccoli. YUM! read more

Lucky Express - Yum! This was after we had eaten most of the food on the plate. Love! - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

One little error on the order-got two super chile pork and no pork with basil, but good thing the super Chile is sooo good. On time delivery too. read more

What happened here? For the last two years Lucky Express has been my go to for American style Chinese, but, after my three most recent takeout orders, I don't see myself going back anytime soon. This time I got a large order of orange chicken. In the past, the pieces of chicken have always been large and juicy with a flavorful sauce. This time when I opened the styrofoam container I spent a good five minutes picking through orange peel and sauce only to fish out rinky dink pieces of chicken. The sauce, always flavorful with a layer of spiciness, was completely flat, even slightly unappetizing. Not quite sweet, not at all spicy, and completely missing the characteristic taste/scent of orange. Although I usually live for Chinese leftovers for breakfast, today I don't have any desire to heat up what's left. Lucky Express has always offered such great food and value, and I'm really bummed to see the direction the last few orders have headed in. Maybe I'll try again in a few months, but for now I'll look elsewhere for American Chinese staples. read more

2nd night in a row, order takes like 5 min, price is decent but food is fresh and not heavy! read more

Lucky Express - Beef Szechuan. - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Best Chinese food that I've found so far in Bloomington!! Very authentic and good prices.

Our favorite! The food is amazing every time, and every friend we introduce to Lucky Express says it's some of the best chinese food they've ever had. Particularly the crab rangoon and orange chicken. The prices are fantastic considering the amount and quality of the food you get. It's always ready for pickup in 20 - 40 minutes. My friend and I love the owner. She's a total sweetheart and often gives you extra spring rolls, especially when your order is big. Not sure if it's a family-owned restaurant or not but it certainly seems to be. Truly accessible and authentic. Support this business & keep it in Bloomington, you won't regret it! read more

Classic Chinese it's good but I wish its cleaner inside, overall it's still goood please eat general chicken

Awesome chinese!. Do not be deceived by the look outside. They have delicious chinese . They are authentic in town. You can get your own white rice. In asia, typically good restaurant does not have good appearance but they have delicious food read more

Lucky Express - Delicious general tso - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Best Chinese food in the area. The takeout sizes are really good for the price, and the price it really reasonable. And the taste of the food is out of this world! I've never had better anywhere else. read more

I love this place. They have amazing food very fast service great location. Prices are very very reasonable

My favorite Chinese restaurant in Bloomington. Family that runs it very friendly and accommodating. I've been coming here for four years and the food always tests great. I recommend the vegetable fried rice and chili chicken. read more

Listen: I know my Chinese. I travel frequently and seek out the delicious, and this place is the best you'll find in Bloomington. It's also quite good generally. Trust me. This location has gone through several incarnations of restaurant, all "Chinese". Some of you might remember the Phoenix Dumpling, which served wonderful and delicious Chinese food, an older style, not the garbage they serve at Dragon Express, etc., but authentic cuisine. The woman who ran Phoenix eventually moved to St. Louis, and the restaurant became Lucky Express I (there may have been one other restaurant in between), and I stopped going. The food was just too greasy, too fried, too salty. But the restaurant has changed hands again. It is now Lucky Express II. And it's good. I've eaten at this new Lucky several times in the past few weeks; they have several Sichuan-style dishes I really like that are probably impossible to find anywhere else in Indiana. Talk to whomever is behind the counter, ask about things. They make an excellent dry fry chicken, ma la chicken, and something else (I forget what exactly) that is oft called Chongqing chicken. I've sampled several of the chicken options, all spicy, and they've all been delicious. Portions are enormous, and the food is cooked up fresh. It is cash only; is this a problem? I don't understand people who don't carry cash and then behave as if the world is going to end when a business/restaurant doesn't take cards. These people were raised badly. Menu is handwritten on the wall. Very friendly. Recommended. read more

This is one of my favorite family-owned Chinese places! The food is quick, affordable, and tastes amazing. The owners are super nice and I like this place above Gourmet Garden and Chow Bar. It is on par with Red read more

One of the smallest Chinese places you will see in btown but its a gem of a place. The food is amazing and the portions are huge. Like for 2-3 people type huge. Very affordable for the amount you get. To top it off, the people that work there are so kind and helpful. I'm just disappointed I found this place in my senior year. read more