we we love merry-go-round. The food is incredible. Best Chinese food we've ever had. We love the people there Jed can show you a few card tricks if you're lucky. And of course Blue is the best. we will be back many many more times. read more

Unique place in middle of small town ..the servers were so friendly and helpful. The food selection was great, so fresh and ample portions. Recommend. read more

The trifecta of praise goes to Merry Go Round restaurant! 1. The staff - Friendly, welcoming, efficient and personable. Dan may be my new best friend. 2. The food is outstanding, the quality and freshness I'd hope to in a big city like San Francisco. I had the pan fried noodles and my friend had the won ton soup. Very flavorful and generous portions. 3. Affordable price. Our meal came to $47.00 Bonus-the staff and the customers created an atmosphere of comaraderie that made for a really fun evening. I will go to Merry Go Round every time I'm in Lone Pine read more

One of my annual rituals is a trip up the 395 and I almost always layover in Lone Pine on my first and last nights of the journey. This includes a visit to Merry Go Round. and Seasons (both on the same block). Everything tastes better when you're camping, but I live in L.A. and I'd be thrilled to have a place like MGR in my neighborhood. The food is delicious no matter what you order. The portions are huge, and the next-day leftovers taste even better! It's Americanized Chinese food exactly the way I like it. You definitely want to eat inside. So try to make a reservation ahead of time. They take walk-ins, but you might get put at an outside table which is a far cry from the charming little dining room. Last but not least, this is a family-run business and the team is super nice. read more

This delightful restaurant may look a little different on the outside, only because we're not used to an eatery shaped in the round. However, once inside one will find a very quaint and cozy restaurant that out performs most Asian places. The food is outstanding and the portions quite large. And, as if that weren't enough, the owners dog, Blue, is your best friend and, if you like, company for your meal. All in all, whether you're traveling north in the Sierra, or like us, traveling from Bishop, you won't regret spending dinner at the Merry Go Round in Lone Pine,CA. read more

This place seriously helped me and my friends out in a time of need! My friends and I often go to the sierras to try to climb a peak during the summer. We lament often about how when finish our climbs it's usually late and nothing's open. Sometimes it's even too late for fast food to be open. On this occasion I had gotten back to the trailhead before my friends in the afternoon and was waiting for them to come back so we could go into town and get some dinner. All I had to eat was sour patch kids while I was waiting for them. I was getting extremely hungry for dinner. I went out to the trail to see if I could catch them coming back. I ran into the ranger and struck up a conversation with him. I came to find out there was a bbq that they do every week just a couple hundred feet from the trailhead, but that they were probably close to shutting down. I ran over, and sure enough they were closing for the evening. Blast! Shortly after this, my friends did come back, but at this point it was about 10:30pm, and it takes some time to get back in town. We thought if we hurried we get to town in time for fast food to still be open. We get into town and sadly the fast food places were all closed. But we saw light on at Merry Go Round. We thought, "this can't be, are they really open this late!?". We walked up, and before we could open the door, the owner's wife (cook at the restaurant) opened the door to greet us. She saw our pathetic state, the way we look at haggard from the hike, and just said "I'll cook for you, come in!". It felt like a dream. We came to find out they were waiting for some band to get in town who had a gig the next day, and had called prior and asked the restaurant to stay open for them. What a windfall! We had a delicious meal with lumpia and pan fried noodles. But the best part were the owners of the restaurant kindly providing us a meal late at night when we were completely gassed. read more

Don't be fooled by the sign!! Hands down some really good Chinese food is hiding inside the carousel! Customer service was great as was the food, with great portions and pricing!! We will definitely be back!! read more

Merry Go Round - New American Near Me - Lone Pine, California

The server didn't know at all the correct way to handle waitlist. I arrived before two groups of three and four. But they seated before me and the waitress didn't give me any explanations. They were both a white guy with his kids. I'm a Chinese girl. Sarcastically this is a Chinese restaurant. What I asked for is to treat your guests the same, but really felt being neglected. Very disappointed because I was very hungry and I waited 30 minutes. Last time being here was a great experience that's why I came back. read more

We're visiting from out of town and came to place a take out dinner order. We were told it would be 15 mins. Then 30. Then 45. When we asked how much longer it would be we were told that they hadn't actually started cooking yet. But while we were waiting we saw plenty of locals collecting their orders. This place clearly only cares about its locals. Just terrible customer service. read more

The food was abundant and delicious. We ordered two entrees--kung pao tofu and tofu veggies--and could easily have shared one with plenty to eat. We also ordered hot and sour soup. This comes in a BIG container that easily made four servings. The restaurant was busy, and diners seemed very satisfied with their orders. read more

Best Chinese Food in California. Point blank and the period. This was a delightful and unexpected top-notch final meal and excellent ending to an excellent year. En transit, from Tahoe to LA on NYE we were lucky enough to get a table right before the rush. This is clearly the local favorite and hands-down the best restaurant in Lone Pine & probably the best restaurant on the 395. First of all, the best egg drops soup I've ever had. Secondly, they make their own soy sauce, which is absolutely delicious. 12/10 for the hot and spicy shrimp!! 4thly - no lie, the best orange chicken I've ever had. Last but not least, this was one of the most unique and amazing restaurants I've ever been in. Have to be honest, it's so small with so many tables packed in, even the bathroom space is super small so that you literally feel like you're eating in a restaurant in New York, that might not be everyone's slice of pie, but it made me feel like I was in Manhattan and honestly that feeling is magical. I would call this a Destination Location restaurant. Extremely highly recommended read more

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Surprisingly good Chinese food to find in Bishop. Reasonably priced and big ol' portions. Cute little spot, too.

It's the best Chinese food in town, prices are reasonable... .... I would eat here again. ..............

Such a fun place in lone pine! Food is great and wait staff is always in stress mode For being in a tiny town they are an oasis! read more

Super cute small space. I love dogs and they have a dog very very nice family and the food was very very good. And a lemon chicken and the garlic beef. Everything was very good and good size portions. read more

Merry Go Round - Beef with garlic sauce - New American Near Me - Lone Pine, California

We make a point to have dinner at Merry Go Round whenever we are in the area. Service is friendly and food is awesome. Make sure to give Blue, the security guard, a pat on the head. read more

Always good quality and friendly service! We like to stop by on the way home from mammoth/June Lake or Tahoe. Would recommend

On Yelp this was the best place we could find. It is a small place. The waitress was helpful and to the point. It's your traditional long, Chinese American menu that was popular maybe 25 years ago. Portions were very generous. Food was fine. read more

Good to try but kind of disappointed experience. We went there on Monday night. We love the hot and sour soup and service was great. Bad thing is one of main dish (eggplants with chicken) we got plastic sticker in our food !!! I call a man server to show him. He was really nice and fast action go back to tell the chef. Hopefully if we decide to try next time when we stop by Lone Pine we don't get any plastic in there ;[ read more

Don't let the pictures on Yelp fool you! The portion sizes are generous and the food is healthily made. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options. The rice is mixed with a bit of brown rice and the soy sauces are low sodium. Staff was warm and friendly. The ambience was a bit eclectic but has the small town coziness feel. read more

Merry Go Round - Chicken with Garlic Sauce - New American Near Me - Lone Pine, California

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This was one of the more unique restaurants I've been to in a long time! My husband and I were in Lone Pine camping to celebrate our anniversary and we wanted to enjoy a night out, so we came to Merry Go Round because it was the only place in town that was open. I'm glad we did! The food was incredible, we ordered the chefs dinner for each of us and it came with so much food, portions were large and the variety of food was awesome. We got to try some unique imported beers and had the pleasure of meeting the dog Blue! He's just wandering the restaurant saying hi to everyone, it was adorable. Also, It was one of the servers birthdays and the entire restaurant sang to him. This place is very special and the sense of community was incredible. They had a wait by the time we left, so don't snooze on this place. read more

Merry Go Round - Inside - New American Near Me - Lone Pine, California

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Worst dining experience we've experienced in years. Food was tolerable. Dogs all over the restaurant including one owned by the restaurant owner. Dog laid in the path of guests and was growling at other dogs + A dining nightmare! read more

A hidden gem in Lone Pine What a delightful surprise to find a high-quality Chinese restaurant in the small town of Lone Pine! The Merry-Go-Round is family-owned, and we were warmly welcomed by Chef Kuei (Judy) from Taiwan, who even stepped out of the kitchen to greet us at the start of our meal--a wonderful personal touch. Before we ordered, the owner kindly let us know that the portions were generous--such incredible integrity! We went with the Kung Pao Chicken and requested snow peas to be added, and we were thrilled with the result. Fresh, vibrant vegetables made all the difference, especially in an area where dining options tend to lean heavily toward burgers and cheesesteaks. Beyond the great food, the prices were reasonable, making the experience even better. To top it off, Chef Judy surprised us with fresh Mandarin oranges as a dessert treat. Thoughtful hospitality, delicious food, and fair pricing--what more could you ask for? We highly recommend The Merry-Go-Round and will definitely be back! read more

A recommendation from a friend and it didn't disappoint. Dined here to break up our drive home and was very impressed with the food and service. Located right on the main road through town, you can't miss it. The restaurant is small but for a small town, it works. Several booths line the outside of the circular restaurant with a few tables in the middle. I ordered the cashew chicken adding veggies. The order was huge and full of veggies which felt like a treat. Perfectly flavored and balanced. Best part for me is it wasn't too sweet. I often pass on Chinese food at restaurants due to the food being overly sweet. Not this time...just right! Perfect recommendation. A definite spot to visit again. read more

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You got to eat here. We had dinner for 12.... Everyone's food was amazing. I wish I lived closer but that's part of the fun. 5 stars read more

Was very good food , very tasty ! It was a little expensive but worth it , wait time was short and sweet . I definitely come again , I recommend the sweet and sour chicken and the lemon pepper shrimp . I loved it!!! read more

Great food! All the dishes had their own unique and delicious flavors! Service was quick and very friendly read more

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OMG what a treasure! Remember Chinese food In the 70's? This is your place! Yeah it might not be Chinatown, but it is tasty and a wonderful reminder of a past era. The place was hopping! We were lucky to get a table at 5:30! Everyone seemed to know everyone, and visitors were greeted like family. The waiter we had was hilarious and kept coming up with perfect one liners during the meal. We really enjoyed the food and the whole evening was full of smiles. I can't remember what we ordered - see the pictures - didn't matter, we ate almost all of it, and leftovers were eaten in the hotel a few hours later. Well cooked, piping hot, not greasy, not even as cold leftovers. Cute little spot that looks like a merry-go-round inside with mirrors. The restaurant doggie walked around briefly to go sit by the fireplace/heater. He was great with the kids that were there. Just a fun homey place to have a good meal and a hearty chuckle. Zero complaints. 100% fun. read more

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Went on 8/7/2021 for dinner with my husband. We were actually going to go elsewhere but stopped when we saw a sign out front advertising gluten free. I have Celiac disease. I have to have gluten free foods. It's not designated what is gluten free on the menu so I stopped the woman who was pouring drinks to ask what was GF. She said she was new but she said that she thought almost anything could be made GF but she wasn't sure. A little while later a male waiter came by to take our order and I again said that I had to have GF and he suggested what was already GF vs what could be made GF. I chose the lemon chicken ($16.90) and my husband had the moo shu pork ($15.95.) Food was kind of bland but I stopped eating my dish when I took a bite and could feel a noodle! I spit out a portion of the noodle (see photo) and let my husband finish the rest. I can't have wheat noodles. Wheat noodles contain gluten. It's cool they have gluten free soy sauce, but cross contamination to the point a noodle is ending up in a GF dish isn't cool. I wish they'd be more careful when they specifically advertise that they have GF options on a board outside their business. This restaurant is EXTREMELY busy. Service was a bit slow but I'm guessing that's because they had non stop phone orders. Be aware if you're wanting to dine in - it's busy and there aren't many tables. Call ahead if you want a seat. Also, there is a 3.9% (or 3.7%, can't remember) credit card fee applied, so bring cash. read more

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This place is the definition of *eclectic*. You'll be drawn in by its bizarre exterior, and once you step inside, you'll be hooked by the vibrant staff, oversized portions, and the whimsical chaos that feels like a carnival on a sugar high. It's the kind of experience that makes you think, "Did I just stumble into a fever dream?" Don't miss out on this Lone Pine gem. Big thanks to Dan for turning the vibe dial up to eleven. read more

Merry Go Round - New American Near Me - Lone Pine, California

Stopped into this lovely restaurant on the way back from Mammoth with my family. We were looking for a restaurant in Lone Pine to have dinner before making the last half of the drive back to Los Angeles. This place ended up being the perfect stop. The inside was cute, and I loved the outside decor. The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered the chicken with garlic sauce and the orange peel beef. The orange peel beef was absolutely delicious--crispy and so flavorful. I would like to give a hearty thank you to chef Quay/Judy, she is a fabulous cook. Our waitress Ellen and waiter Jud were very kind and patient with us while we were deciding to order. Ellen was kind enough to bring me an ice cream since it was my birthday. We also chatted with owner Dan, who was extremely welcoming towards us, offering to bring us extra of anything we needed. And of course, their friendly dog Blue was a sweet boy who really added to the welcoming, home-y feeling of this restaurant. Thank you Ellen, Jud, Dan, Judy and Blue for a great experience. Everyone should stop by this place when in town! read more

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Best dinner ever! The Chinese food here is superb! The service is great. Everything about it is wonderful.

Good food, good people, good service... probably call to make a reservation to be on the safe side as they get very busy.

The food was wonderfully authentic and the service was great. My wife of 50 years is Chinese and she was very impressed with the Wor Won Ton soup that had lots of tasty goodies in it and the Zen fish (steamed fish with ginger and bok choy) from the Specials menu. They have an extensive selection and the portions were large. We were surprised that reservations were needed on a Friday evening in January after 6 pm. Fortunately, we got there at 5:20 and were quickly given a booth. There were several folks waiting when we left. Yes, we will return next time we're in the area. read more

Amazing place ! Oh the road and stumbled upon it Great food, mapo tofu and swai was so delicious and the potstickers too Best part was the ambience and the owner was very sweet. His dog Blue made a great impression on us all. read more

Merry Go Round - Blue, the best host - New American Near Me - Lone Pine, California

I HIGHLY recommend MGH for excellent cuisine. Exterior and interior are clean and in good repair. Decor is Classic Asian Grunge Chic (it's eclectic and fun). Servers were quick and polite. I visited MGH years ago. It was okay. Supper, Saturday night. Trepidation. The kung pao shrimp was superior! The shrimp were big and tasted like shrimp! The fruits and vegetables were fresh and flavorful. The heat was perfect! The rice was excellent: cooked correctly so it's flavorful and textured. The next night I had Mama's Chicken. It was excellent, too! It's NOT breaded and fried. It's woked. The chicken was tender and flavorful. Fruits and vegs and rice were great. I HIGHLY recommend MGH! read more

Merry Go Round - Kung pao shrimp - New American Near Me - Lone Pine, California

Walking in or by this whimsical building it's hard to know what to think? But let me tell you what a treat it is! Amazing and plentiful Chineses dishes, really delicious! Husband and wife owners are there to ensure a great experience. Staff is warm a friendly. I left planning our next trip through Lone Pine just to eat here! Loved the Green Onion Chicken and Singapore Curry 3 ways! 5 stars. read more

So fresh and delicious! The funky ambiance is fantastic, too. This place is a gem. Highly recommend taking the time to stop by when on the 395. read more

You will be delightfully surprised by the delicious food and friendly hospitality here! If you are passing through the Lone Pine area this is a must stop! The building is themed like a merry go round. It's cute and unique. The food will knock your socks off! Hands down the best Chinese food I've ever had! We eat here when passing through on road trips. The food is delicious and the family that runs it is incredibly sweet! This trip we ordered the appetizer ribs and paper wrapped chicken. The ribs are tangy and so tender they fall off the bone! The paper wrapped chicken is delicious and juicy. For entrees we ordered the horse special noodles, the imperial shrimp and the house fried rice. Everything here is made to order from scratch! The fried rice is amazing. It is by far the best fried rice you'll ever eat! The house special noodles are so flavorful you can't stop eating them. The imperial shrimp was juicy and delicious but maybe not my personal favorite dish I decided to try it because I'd never had it before. Next time I'll go back to Mongolian beef I know it's wonderful here! We ate ourselves silly and took the leftovers with us for later! Oh and they make their own special seasoned soy sauce! It's fabulous we bought a bottle! If you are a wayward traveler in search of the best Chinese food ever... you must stop here for a meal! read more

We really enjoyed this restaurant. The food was scrumptious and the portions are large. The won ton soup was perfect. The staff is friendly and we enjoyed sitting on the heated porch with our sweet little dogs. I recommend the orange beef. read more