Great Castle Chinese Restaurant
Nestled in Bakersfield, Great Castle Chinese Restaurant is a long-standing favorite for those seeking authentic Chinese flavors. Located at 410 Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307, this establishment has built a strong reputation for its diverse menu, quality ingredients, and nostalgic ambiance. Despite an ownership change, the restaurant remains true to its culinary roots, continuing to serve the beloved recipes that locals and visitors cherish.
The menu is an extensive journey through traditional Chinese cuisine, featuring classic dishes like Chicken Chow Mein, Sweet & Sour Pork, Walnut Shrimp, Kung Pao Chicken, and Sizzling Rice Soup. Fans of dumplings will appreciate the handmade steamed dumplings and potstickers, which are highly recommended by regulars. For those seeking specialty dishes, the House Special Bean Curd, Five Special Ingredients, and Scallop with Bamboo Shoot & Mushroom offer a refined taste of Chinese culinary craftsmanship.
A Dining Experience Beyond the Menu
Beyond the flavors, the Great Castle Chinese Restaurant experience is enhanced by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant maintains its old-school décor, reminiscent of a classic Chinese eatery, providing a sense of nostalgia for long-time patrons. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, guests can expect consistent quality, generous portions, and prompt service.
For those who enjoy group dining or special gatherings, the restaurant offers private dining areas and catering services. The setting is suitable for both casual lunches and formal dinners, with a full bar and happy hour specials available. Those with dietary preferences will appreciate the many vegetarian options on the menu, ensuring that every guest finds something to savor.
Convenience and Customer-Friendly Services
Aside from the exquisite food, what makes Great Castle Chinese Restaurant a preferred choice for many is its customer-centric services. The restaurant caters to both dine-in and takeout patrons, offering delivery, drive-thru, and catering options for added convenience. Parking is rarely an issue, thanks to a spacious private lot with multiple entrances and exits.
Guests will also find wheelchair accessibility, Wi-Fi, and various payment options, including credit cards, Android Pay, and Apple Pay. Those looking for an outdoor dining experience can take advantage of heated and covered seating. Even pet owners can enjoy a meal here, as the restaurant allows dogs in designated outdoor areas.
Consistently Praised by Loyal Customers
The loyalty of Great Castle’s patrons speaks volumes about its quality and consistency. Many customers have been visiting for years, praising the restaurant’s ability to maintain its high standards despite changes in ownership.
One long-time guest shared that while they may be biased due to years of dining here, they can confidently say that the food and service remain top-notch. Another enthusiastic diner even mentioned that they drive from Los Angeles just to eat here, appreciating how the new owners have preserved the classic recipes and ambiance.
A standout review highlights the restaurant as the best place for Chinese food in Bakersfield, with a special mention of their handmade dumplings, which are hard to find elsewhere. Customers also appreciate the ample parking space, though some have noted occasional disturbances in the lot, which do not detract from the overall dining experience.
A Timeless Destination for Chinese Cuisine Lovers
For anyone in Bakersfield or passing through, Great Castle Chinese Restaurant remains a reliable destination for flavorful, traditional Chinese dishes. With a well-curated menu, customer-oriented services, and a dedicated following, it continues to be a cherished spot for those who appreciate authentic and hearty meals.
Reviews
I love this place so much. I often get the urge to drive to Bakersfield all the way from LA just to eat here. So happy to see that the new owners kept all the delicious recipes , old school decor, and amazing service the place has always been known for. My favorites are the Crispy Hunan Beef and the pan fried dumplings. Highly recommend if you are in the mood for some good ol classic Chinese food. This place seems to be beloved by locals and I can see why. 5 stars !
Summary: Best Chinese food in Bakersfield! This the only place I've found anywhere in the city that has handmade dumplings and they are absolutely amazing! If you like Chinese food, this place will not disappoint. Parking: Plenty of parking with multiple entrances and exits. The one downside to this place is the crackheads in the parking lot. When I went in there was just one and when I walked out there were 5. Don't let that scare you away though. This place is great! Ambiance: Open area inside. Plenty of space between tables. Very ADA friendly layout! Lights aren't too bright or too dim - just right. Booths are privately separated. Large round tables for big parties with a rotating top in the middle just like in China! Service: On a busy New Year's day (2025), I was seated within 2-3 minutes. Drinks were on the table a few minutes afterwards and the order was taken as soon as I made up my mind on what I wanted. I ordered hot tea and a beer and both were the perfect temperature. Food: I ordered the egg and seaweed soup, fried dumplings, and the beef and scallop special. There's no other way to say it: everything was perfect! This is no doubt my new favorite Chinese restaurant in Bakersfield!
First time at Great Castle in about 25+ years. I know they've switched owners but I believe the original owner is still in the biz. Cleanliness I'd say isn't 100% but this place seems to never not be busy. It's definitely got the Christmas Story old school feel to the place and the different sections of the restaurant makes it feel like you're in n different sectors of a house. Food for 8 was reasonably priced but also remember everything is family style serving, so it will feed 2-3 easy for each plate. Definitely get their fried pork specialty on the specials side of the menu. I cannot remember the name for the life of me but definitely hands down one of the better pork dishes. We also had a couple shrimp dishes, the chowmein and a couple of the dinner special options. I would only recommend the diver special options of it's just a couple of you but if its a family ordeal order the family style plates. Again, this place is an institution for Bakersfield and has a great selection for lunch or dinner. Price wise it is definitely reasonable and they of course do carry out. Great option for Christmas dinner or any other family occasion.
**DISCLAIMER: Kid review (10 yo) Came here with my parents and started off with appetizers, egg rolls and soup. Sizzling rice soup wasn't bad and the egg rolls were really good. The orange chicken was descent, chow mein was really good, and garlic chicken was just not that good. The service was great they were very nice. The ambiance was comfortable. The bathroom was not that clean with pee on the counter pee on the floor and writing on the mirror. So if you're looking for decent Chinese, you'll enjoy it here.
I have been coming here for years and so I may be a bit biased. I just want to assure you that the ownership change did not affect the fabulous food and service you get at Great Castle. This is by far the best Chinese food out there! Enjoy. PS - Personal family favorites are potstickers, Chinese chicken salad, sizzling rice soup (with a drop of chili oil and vinegar of course), BBQ pork fried rice, salt and pepper shrimp, dai chin chicken (the BEST), imperial shrimp and moo-shoo pork.