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Welcome to Dragon Lite Deli

At Dragon Lite Deli, nestled in Lodi, CA, a culinary legacy unfolds through a vibrant blend of authentic Chinese dishes crafted with love. This cozy deli has delighted locals for years with its generous combo plates, featuring favorites like garlic fried chicken and Mongolian beef. Regular patrons cherish the friendly service and the comforting atmosphere that evokes a nostalgic charm. The eatery stands out not just for its delicious, freshly prepared food but also for its commitment to affordability, making it a hidden gem. A visit promises satisfying meals that cater to families and groups alike, reinforcing why Dragon Lite Deli is a beloved staple.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Dragon Lite Deli, a charming hidden gem nestled in Lodi, California's vibrant dining scene. Located at 1321 Elm St, this delightful establishment specializes in Chinese cuisine and prides itself on delivering authentic flavors and generous portions without breaking the bank. With a reputation built over the years, Dragon Lite Deli has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, all drawn in by the warmth of its friendly staff and the irresistible aroma of home-cooked dishes.

At Dragon Lite Deli, the experience is more than just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that brings traditional Chinese flavors to your table. Guests often rave about the variety of combination plates that provide immense value for money. As one customer noted, the combo plate #2 featuring garlic fried chicken is a standout choice, offering both taste and quantity that rivals even popular chains, yet shines with an authenticity that is hard to find.

Why You Should Visit Dragon Lite Deli:
  • Generous Portions: Many diners highlight the abundance of food, especially with the combo plates. It's not just a meal; it’s a feast!
  • Warm Service: Customers consistently mention the friendly demeanor of the staff, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Takeout Convenience: Perfect for those on the go, Dragon Lite offers takeout and takes reservations, ensuring you can enjoy the yummy offerings wherever you are.
  • Pleasant Atmosphere: With a clean and welcoming environment, it’s ideal for families as well as groups looking to enjoy a meal together.
  • Diverse Menu: From garlic chicken to Mongolian beef, each dish showcases a dedication to freshness and flavor. Many repeat visitors recommend their favorites, proving that there's something for everyone.

While some guests have pointed out occasional quirks in the dishes—like a distinctive approach to chow mein or unusual ingredient pairings—overall, the food is praised for its taste and freshness. It's clear that the dishes are crafted with care, and that passion for quality shines through in every bite.

For those who enjoy outdoor dining, Dragon Lite Deli also offers outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot for a sunny afternoon meal. Add in the options for catering and the possibility of enjoying a cold drink with your meal, and you have an inviting space that meets a variety of dining needs.

So whether you're looking to satisfy a craving for Chinese food or simply seeking a welcoming place to enjoy a meal, look no further than Dragon Lite Deli. With its combination of dedicated service, robust flavors, and a delightful atmosphere, this deli is not just a stop for dinner; it's a delightful discovery in the culinary landscape of Lodi.

For more information or to place an order, give them a call at (209) 334-3457. Embrace the tastes of authentic Chinese cuisine today at Dragon Lite Deli!

START YOUR REVIEW OF Dragon Lite Deli
Rebecca J.
Rebecca J.

The people who work here are very nice and friendly. The food is super tasty and you can't beat the price of the combo plates. Cheaper than panda, and you get about twice as much food and it's authentic. I got the combo plate #2 with garlic fried chicken. Would definitely recommend this spot!! Going inside here feels like going in a Time Machine but in a good way!! I am so glad I found this spot!!

Tina L.
Tina L.

Food was good 7/10 Service was great Prices good Atmosphere ok , clean Chow pork chow mein good Pork fried rice ok

Christopher E.
Christopher E.

I've tried every Chinese restaurant in Lodi, CA. DLC in my opinion is the best. They do get busy so expect a slight delay for dine in and take out. I usually get the #4 to go. I had to take pictures of their menu because the ones on Yelp have been there for years and the restaurant directs their website to Yelp.

Michael P.
Michael P.

Hidden treasure!!! Dragon lite has been around for forever!! And they are absolutely the sweetest people!! You will never be disappointed! At least I never have! I eat there often and alllll their food is amazing!! I highly recommend garlic chicken, Mongolian beef and the honey walmut prawns!!! It's a mom and pop shop which has been around as long as it has because of how great their food is! There use to be many places now there are very few and this is one that has been great the whole time! Fast easy and delicious!!

Jonnita W.
Jonnita W.

New spot for us to try out, which was a quick visit after our previous shopping elsewhere. But the owners here are really nice and patient did not feel rushed to place our order. It does say deli meaning that usually they have a small spread that demonstrates a Buffay style, but that was not being utilized the time That I visited. So it was place your order as you arrive but the food was done fairly quickly in about 15 minutes. And the prices seem fairly reasonable just so happen to stumble across this location. There possibly was about two or three of the customers that came in during my initial visit. a good spot to get some food to go from.

Bob A.
Bob A.

Indeed a jewel of a restaurant tucked away in the south corner of the shopping mall. Definitely a business worth seeking out. The service is top notch and the food is delicious while being healthy. This restaurant serves a lot of freshly made food for a wonderful price. Your food is made to order. My order of garlic chicken is superb, while my chow mein and fried rice wad delicious and not a hint of being greasy. I will keep them in mind in the future for their catered food services.

JoAnne C.
JoAnne C.

I absolutely love Dragon Lite. The food is always fresh and hot. The staff is very friendly and quick with getting orders ready. The prices are great, considering how expensive everything is, these days.

Jon G.
Jon G.

I give Dragon Lite Deli 3.5 stars. Overall the food is good, but different than most places that I've been to. I ordered three items for take-out: vegetable chow mein, orange chicken, and mushrooms, bamboo, and snow peas. Chow mein noodles are usually stir fried in a brown sauce, but these noodles appeared to be white, with no evidence of any sauce used. They were still good, but I opted to add soy sauce when eating them. As far as the veggies go, it had broccoli, some bits of carrot, a little celery, and lots of water chestnuts and onions. There were also green bell peppers. I'm not a fan of onions and peppers, and I didn't feel like they complimented this dish, so I picked them out. There really were a lot of onions. I like water chestnuts, but one here and there, not enough to make them the main theme. The orange chicken came with wedges of orange in the box, and a lot of orange sauce. The chicken pieces had a light crispy batter that was still crispy when I got home, and even upon serving up seconds. The sauce was good and orange-y, not muted like other places. But the chicken itself, although it was all white meat, was so dry that I almost felt like it was completely void of moisture, which made for a very strange texture. The veggie dish, "mushrooms, bamboo, and snow peas" is also a dish that is mostly water chestnuts. There's a good amount of mushrooms and snow peas as well, but very little bamboo. It's all served in a light brown sauce, which is a little bland, and could probably use some dressing up with garlic. I'm glad that there were no surprise onions or peppers though. Over all, the food was pretty good, just with something off on all the dishes. But I was curious about this spot since it is so close to my house, and within close proximity to a couple of other Chinese food spots. I also wanted to add something to the Yelp page, which seems largely neglected by patrons and management alike.