Walk down Highway 101 in Lincoln City when the fog is rolling in thick enough to swallow the Yaquina Bay Bridge. You'll see it. It is a building that looks like it has survived every Oregon winter since the dawn of time. That's Lee's. Specifically, Lee's Chinese Restaurant Lincoln City. It isn't a Michelin-star bistro. It isn't a trendy fusion spot with $20 cocktails and micro-greens. Honestly, it’s a bit of a time capsule.
If you grew up on the coast or spent your summers dodging seagulls at D-River, you probably have a very specific opinion about this place. Some people swear by the almond chicken. Others think the decor hasn't changed since the 1970s—and they’re mostly right. But in a world where every restaurant is trying to be "Instagrammable," there is something weirdly refreshing about a place that just... exists.
The Reality of Dining at Lee's Chinese Restaurant Lincoln City
Let’s get the elephant out of the room first. The reviews for Lee's are all over the place. You’ll see a five-star review praising the massive portions followed immediately by a one-star rant about the wallpaper. That’s the coast for you. People come here expecting different things. If you want authentic Szechuan peppercorns that numb your entire face, you’re in the wrong town. This is classic, old-school American-Chinese comfort food. It's the kind of stuff designed to fill you up after a long day of beachcombing in 50-degree weather.
Portion sizes here are borderline aggressive.
You order a "combination plate" and you better be prepared to carry a heavy box back to your hotel or vacation rental. We’re talking mounds of fried rice, pork chow mein that leans heavily into the cabbage-and-crunchy-noodle vibe, and egg foo young that could double as a brick if it weren't so tasty. It is heavy. It is salty. It is exactly what "vacation food" used to be before everyone started counting macros.
What to Actually Order (And What to Skip)
If you’re heading into Lee's Chinese Restaurant Lincoln City, don’t overthink the menu. The locals who have been going there for decades usually stick to the staples. The Sweet and Sour Pork is a neon-pink nostalgia trip. Is it gourmet? No. Is it satisfying when you’re craving that specific tangy crunch? Absolutely.
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The Almond Fried Chicken is another big seller. It’s basically a massive, breaded chicken breast sliced up and smothered in a thick, savory gravy with crushed almonds on top. It’s the definition of "brown food," which, as we all know, is often the most comforting food. On the flip side, if you are looking for light, steamed vegetable options or something "keto-friendly," you might struggle. The menu is built on a foundation of frying and cornstarch-thickened sauces.
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the soup. The Hot and Sour soup actually has a decent kick to it. It’s one of the more consistent items on the menu.
The Vibe: A Coastal Time Machine
Walking into Lee's feels like stepping into a movie set from 1984. There are red booths. There are lanterns. There is a sense that the world outside—with its iPhones and electric cars—doesn't really matter here. The staff is often small, sometimes just a couple of people running the whole show. This means that during the peak of summer or a holiday weekend, things can get slow. Really slow.
Patience is a requirement.
If you’re in a rush to catch a movie at the Bijou or you’ve got a tight schedule, maybe rethink the sit-down experience. But if you’ve got nowhere to be and you just want to watch the traffic crawl by on 101, it’s fine.
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Why the Location Matters
Lincoln City is a long, skinny town. It’s essentially one giant traffic jam during the Fourth of July. Lee's sits right in the heart of the action. This makes it a prime spot for people-watching. You’ve got the locals coming in for their "usual" take-out order, and the confused tourists who just walked off the beach looking for something other than saltwater taffy.
It’s worth noting that the restaurant industry on the Oregon Coast is brutal. Between the seasonal swings in tourism and the difficulty of finding staff in a small town, many places have folded. Lee's has stayed open. That longevity counts for something in a town where businesses flip-flop every couple of years.
Addressing the "Old School" Criticism
You'll hear people say the place is "dated." Well, yeah. It is. But there’s a nuance there that some people miss. In many coastal towns, the "dated" spots are the only ones that feel authentic. Everything else is being remodeled into white-walled, minimalist coffee shops. There is a certain charm to the weathered sign and the slightly faded menus.
Does the carpet need a deep clean? Probably.
Could the lighting be better? Sure.
But does it serve the purpose of providing a hot, massive meal for a reasonable price? Yes.
The Takeout Game
Honestly, a lot of the "pros" in Lincoln City don’t even eat in the dining room. They call in an order and take it back to a house overlooking the ocean. There is something about eating Lee's chow mein while listening to the Pacific Ocean crash against the rocks that makes it taste 20% better. Plus, you don't have to worry about the 1970s decor if you're eating it on your own couch.
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When you call, don't expect a polished corporate greeting. It’s usually short and to the point. They’re busy. They’re understaffed. They’re getting the food ready. It’s functional.
What Most People Get Wrong About Coastal Dining
Travelers often compare a place like Lee's Chinese Restaurant Lincoln City to the high-end spots in Portland or Seattle. That’s a mistake. You have to judge a coastal Chinese spot by coastal standards. In a town where your options are often "expensive seafood," "expensive pizza," or "fast food," Lee's occupies a middle ground.
It’s affordable. It’s filling. It’s consistent in its own way.
The misconception is that every restaurant needs to be an "experience." Sometimes, you just need a pile of fried rice because you spent four hours hiking God's Thumb and your blood sugar is tanking. Lee's isn't trying to change the culinary landscape. They are trying to feed people who are hungry.
Tips for a Better Experience at Lee's
- Check the hours twice. Coastal hours are weird. They change with the seasons and sometimes they just close early if it’s a slow Tuesday. Don't rely solely on what Google says; give them a quick call if you're driving from the north end of town.
- The "Lunch Special" is the secret move. If you want the most bang for your buck, show up during lunch. The portions are still huge, but the price is even lower. It’s arguably the best value in Lincoln City.
- Be specific about "Spicy." If you like heat, tell them. The default setting for most dishes is very mild to accommodate the general tourist palette. If you want it to actually burn, you have to ask.
- Cash is helpful. While they take cards, having cash in a small coastal town is always a good backup plan for tips or small orders.
- Manage your expectations on wait times. If there are more than four tables full, the kitchen might take a bit. Grab a drink, relax, and realize you're on "coast time" now.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip to Lincoln City and want to try Lee's, here is the play. First, don't go on a Saturday night at 7:00 PM unless you’re prepared to wait. Try a late lunch on a weekday. Second, stick to the classics—Almond Chicken, Sweet and Sour, or the Pork Fried Rice. These are the dishes they have been making for decades and they have the process down to a science.
Third, if you’re staying at a local hotel like the Inn at Spanish Head or one of the rentals in the Nelscott area, just do takeout. Grab your food, get some extra napkins (you’ll need them), and head back to watch the sunset. It’s the most "Lincoln City" way to experience it. You get the comfort of the food without the distractions of the aging interior.
Lastly, keep an open mind. This is a family-run spot in a tough environment. It’s part of the fabric of the 101, for better or worse. Whether you end up loving it or just "liking the leftovers," it’s a piece of local history that’s worth a visit at least once.