If you’re driving through the Coos Bay-North Bend area and suddenly get a craving for General Tso’s, you’re going to hear one name over and over: Lucky Star. It’s kinda the local legend of the Bay Area food scene. But honestly, if you just look at the sign from the road, you might think it’s just another standard Chinese takeout spot. You'd be wrong.
Actually, the first thing to clear up is the location. While everyone calls it the "Coos Bay Lucky Star," it’s technically sitting right on the line in North Bend at 3480 Tremont Avenue. It’s a distinction that locals care about, even if travelers don't.
I’ve seen people walk in expecting a tiny counter and a plastic menu. Instead, they find this massive, peaceful dining room with a giant fish tank that kids—and, let’s be real, adults—stare at for way too long. It’s got that old-school coastal charm. You know the vibe: heavy wooden tables, dim lighting, and a staff that treats you like you’ve been coming there for twenty years even if it's your first time.
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Why Lucky Star Coos Bay Still Matters
In a world where everything is becoming a corporate chain, Lucky Star feels like a holdout. It’s one of those places that survived the ups and downs of the Oregon Coast economy by simply giving people way more food than they can actually eat. Seriously. If you order a "combination platter," be prepared to take home a box that weighs as much as a small brick.
The menu is a mix of the hits. You’ve got your sweet and sour chicken, your broccoli beef, and your chow mein. But there’s a nuance to it. Their crab puffs aren't those hollow, sad things you find at a buffet. They’re actually crispy and packed with filling.
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The Real Stars of the Menu
People talk about the "Happy Family" special for a reason. It’s basically a massive heap of shrimp and vegetables that feels a bit healthier than the deep-fried stuff, though most people are really there for the Mar Far Chicken. If you aren't from the Pacific Northwest, "Mar Far" might sound like a typo. It’s actually a regional specialty—thick-cut white meat chicken, battered, fried, and usually served with a side of pink sauce or hot mustard.
- The Combo Platters: You can pick two, three, or four items. Most people tap out at three.
- General Tso’s: It’s got the right balance of sweet and kick.
- House Singapore Noodles: Thin rice noodles with a curry punch. It’s a sleeper hit.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Experience
There is a common misconception that Lucky Star is just a "quick bite." It can be, sure. But the real experience is sitting in that chilly dining room. It’s a bit of a local joke—the dining room is famously cold sometimes. Bring a hoodie. It’s the Oregon Coast, after all; we’re used to the damp chill.
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Also, don't sleep on the Oregon Lottery machines in the bar area. It’s a very "Oregon" thing to have a high-end plate of Mongolian Beef in one room and people trying their luck on video poker in the next. It gives the place a layer of local grit that makes it authentic.
Timing Your Visit
If you show up at 6:00 PM on a Friday, you’re going to wait. The phone for takeout orders rings off the hook. Pro tip: go during the "off-peak" hours in the mid-afternoon. It’s much quieter, and the service is lightning-fast. They’re closed on Mondays, which has ruined many a lunch plan for unsuspecting tourists.
The Community Connection
Coos Bay was recently named an Oregon Heritage All-Star Community. That’s a fancy way of saying the town cares about its roots. While Lucky Star isn't a "historic museum," it functions as a community hub. You’ll see the same families there every Sunday. You’ll see the owner walking around, checking in on tables.
It isn't just about the food. It's about the fact that in a small town, you need a place where the portions are huge and the prices don't feel like a rip-off. In 2026, where a burger and fries can cost twenty bucks at a drive-thru, getting a massive four-item combo at Lucky Star for roughly the same price feels like a win.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to stop by, here is how to do it right:
- Ask for the spice: If you like heat, tell them. The kitchen tends to play it safe for the general public, so you have to explicitly ask to kick it up a notch.
- The Leftover Strategy: Don't try to finish the plate. The food actually reheats surprisingly well in an air fryer the next day, especially the fried shrimp and the pork fried rice.
- Check the hours: They generally run from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but always check their Google listing or call ahead, especially during the winter "slow season" on the coast.
- Park in the back: The lot can get cramped, but there’s usually street parking or space in the adjacent areas if the main lot is full.
Basically, Lucky Star is a slice of North Bend life. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred fusion bistro. It’s trying to be the place where you get a giant mountain of food and a warm smile. And honestly? Most days, that’s exactly what you need.
To make the most of your trip to the area, you should check out the nearby Shore Acres State Park after your meal. The walking trails are the perfect way to burn off those crab puffs, and the cliffside views are some of the best in the entire state of Oregon.