This was my first time ever at a Lee's. I've seen them dozens of times in my travels, but never stopped until now. Walking up to the counter I asked the women what's special here and if it's like a Bojangles. She told me no, this is true Southern food, nothing like Bojangles. I'm here to tell you (having been to dozens of Bojangles, Zaxbys and Raising Canes) this place (Lee's) isn't true Southern food. It's a step - or two - below Bojangles. Lee's is on the same level as KFC. It's decent, but nothing to rave about. I ordered Lee's Famous Crispy Chicken with the mashed potatoes and a biscuit. The chicken tasted fine, just like KFC, but didn't have the kick and fresh taste I enjoy from the above mentioned chains. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were a pre-made mix and the biscuit, dry and bland. Biggest letdown? The sweet tea tasted like water.
(2)
Mike R.
Firstly - when I go into a restaurant for the first time and have not read any reviews about, I start from a baseline of 3 stars and go up or down from there. Now for the review. Went to Lee's for a quick lunch. I had reviewed Zaxby's Chicken (another franchise joint) a few months back so I wanted to see how this other small franchise compared to that, as well as to Popeye's, my franchise fried chicken standard. The venue was clean, comfortable, and the order-taker friendly and efficient. the food came out as ordered and promptly. I had a two piece leg and thigh (Famous Recipe - the other choices are Spicy and Roasted) with one side, biscuit and a drink for about $6 (would be cheaper weekdays). The tender moist chicken pieces were good sized, the coating was crispy, not too greasy, and mildly but pleasantly flavored. This alone would have upped the star count, but see below. For my side I had Mac n' cheese, which was an adequate-sized portion. The cheese was standard issue American (which I expected and have no problem with) but the macaroni was so overcooked as to be nearly texture-less. The biscuit looked good, brown on top and pretty big, but the inside was very gummy and flavorless. The last negative was the selection of sodas available - there were only six choices, and the only diet was Caffeine free Diet Coke. They did have a pretty good iced tea selection though, so if that is your thing the soda deficit won't matter. The bottom line: I would be happy to get takeout chicken pieces from Lee's, and would like to try their "Spicy" to compare it to Popeye's; but it is still only 3-stars. I would rate it above Zaxby's, and would eat at Lee's again and try a different side if I went back.
(3)
Antonio R.
I've been here several times and it has always been great. Chicken always seems fresher than other places. Prices are pretty reasonable too.
(5)
John F.
All new employees, very poor service, food not that great, and the prices have gone up. Do not waste your time and money. I had to put one star but it really is a minus one. The bad one was the one at 9548 sw SR200 in Ocala. I was a good cust. But no longer.
(1)
Ross Z.
Tried this place for the first time. I was working up in area from ft Lauderdale. This place was very impressive. Good came out super fast and was great. Tender chicken, not greasy at all. Breading on chicken was nice and light. Anyone who says this place is no better than kfc our bojangles or popeyes do not know what there talking about. I would def recommend this place. Iam originally from New York and like to think I know good food. And this good was better than good. It was so good I went back the next day for dinner. Just to see if the day before was a fluke. And you know what it was not. It was just as good and fresh and hot as the day before. The chicken had a good spicy kick to it. Not to spicy at all. So good I didn't even need any dipping sauce with my tenders. I will def be going back there before I head back home to ft. Lauderdale. So if you are in the area I def recommend you go there. And it just was not me that thought the food was great my partner also loved it. I was a little skeptical at first because when we ordered the food came out so fast I def thought it would drink. Then when i peaked in my container and looked at my chicken tenders the breading looked so light as if they didn't cook long enough. But to my surprise they were not they were awesome. Then when I went back later that day to grab dinner I was not in there for more than 5 minutes from the time i walked in and placed my order my good was ready. And you know what it was just as good as my lunch was. Earlier that day!!. So for all you lees chicken bashers you don't know good food. Go eat at kfc or bojangles or popeyes!!. Cause this place is great. So great that when I come back up here again for work I def will go back there.
(5)
Steven G.
I have been to this restaurant and it's sister store (SR 40) about ten times. I have never been dissapointed. It is a chain restaurant, but there are only a few checkered around Florida and each is different in quality, so be careful of the others(Orange Park). I have always had fresh chicken. However, do not touch the salt shaker without tasting it. It is very flavorful but salty. Which I love. I love their bisquits, they are not greasy like KFC or popeyes. There sides are pretty good, I like their gravy on the mashed potatoes. The rest of their sides are a few steps above the big chains... Lose a star for not homemade sides and decor needs to be updated. I am thankful it is not in Gainesville, because I would be 50lbs heavier.
(4)
Doug C.
Based on the reviews and feedback left on Yelp, I'm surprised this place doesn't get the recognition and credit it deserves, esp. being located in the middle of one of the busiest main roads in Ocala (next to Starbucks, Chipotle, and one block away from a shopping mall and a bed of car dealerships). Anyway, let's get down to the real deal about Lee's.. As soon as I walked inside for my lunch, I was automatically greeted by the cashier who told me she will be right with me in a second, which is perfectly OK since I needed to see the overhead menu for just a little bit and make my choice. This is much appreciated for someone who's never set foot in the place before and needed his/her space before placing the order (I mean what's the rush these days, right?) Then I proceeded to order the number 6 combo, two piece leg and thigh spicy, choice of two sides (potato wedges, corn on the cob), biscuit and drink. Here is the best part of the visit.. According to the overhead menu, the lunch combo was priced at $6.89 plus tax but the cashier rang the order to the tune of $5.50 TOTAL! Of course I did not say anything about the sweet discount when I paid but I quickly discovered later that Lee's is running a $5.50 special lunch promotion during the week, which is pretty much what I ordered (leg & thigh, mild or spicy, choice of two sides, biscuit and drink). Chalk that one up for great value! Getting the drink is just like any self-service station with the fountain sodas and sweet/unsweetened Luzianne teas (naturally I chose the latter to fully define my Southern cuisine). The spice in the chicken was spot on with enough kick and flavor, and the meat was tender and juicy. Love how the corn on the cob was kept in a small bag filled with melted butter and on a stick to make consumption hassle-free. Finally the biscuit had just enough butter included to not need anything additional to enjoy. Most of all, I love how this place is kept clean in the dining area and the restrooms (comes with touch-free toilets, sinks and paper towels!). No annoying music to fill the ambience other than a couple overhead TV's running in the dining area. Not crowded at all when I went there for lunch so I enjoyed every minute of my stay. Overall I'm glad I stopped by Lee's, and I'll be sure to stop by there again next time I'm in Ocala :)
(5)
Rob H.
Damn you, Lees. I feel like I can't go back to the fried chicken joints in NY any more. Yes the chicken and sides were good, but that's not why. What ruined other places for me? Fried liver and gizzards. I figured they would be OK but wow this was fantastic. Also the fried chicken was really good. But yeah... Popeyes, you gotta step up your game. I need another fix but I'm back in NYC. You guys need to head up here. Help out a guy in withdrawal already!
(4)
John L.
In a word..."Impressive!" Flavor-wise think the colonel with less aggressive seasonings (though not by much) and that's about where the similarities end. This coating is a crispier, lighter version with a distinct "crunch" despite the fact that I ordered the "Famous Recipe" and NOT their "Crispy + Spicy". The meat itself was juicy and succulent as though it had been brined for hours if not days (bear in mind that I did visit relatively early (about 11:45 am) so the chicken was, most likely, fresh out of the fryer). The coleslaw also came very close to the venerable slaw from KFC; it was only slightly less sweet and slightly less watery-- a good thing. The mashed potatoes are no doubt of the powdered variety but the gravy is second only to Popeye's (as far as fast food gravies go). The biscuit may be the only thing KFC does better; but not by much and only when it's fresh! Otherwise that one also goes to Lee's. I shall return!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Alcohol : No Caters : No
Chris S.
This was my first time ever at a Lee's. I've seen them dozens of times in my travels, but never stopped until now. Walking up to the counter I asked the women what's special here and if it's like a Bojangles. She told me no, this is true Southern food, nothing like Bojangles. I'm here to tell you (having been to dozens of Bojangles, Zaxbys and Raising Canes) this place (Lee's) isn't true Southern food. It's a step - or two - below Bojangles. Lee's is on the same level as KFC. It's decent, but nothing to rave about. I ordered Lee's Famous Crispy Chicken with the mashed potatoes and a biscuit. The chicken tasted fine, just like KFC, but didn't have the kick and fresh taste I enjoy from the above mentioned chains. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were a pre-made mix and the biscuit, dry and bland. Biggest letdown? The sweet tea tasted like water.
(2)Mike R.
Firstly - when I go into a restaurant for the first time and have not read any reviews about, I start from a baseline of 3 stars and go up or down from there. Now for the review. Went to Lee's for a quick lunch. I had reviewed Zaxby's Chicken (another franchise joint) a few months back so I wanted to see how this other small franchise compared to that, as well as to Popeye's, my franchise fried chicken standard. The venue was clean, comfortable, and the order-taker friendly and efficient. the food came out as ordered and promptly. I had a two piece leg and thigh (Famous Recipe - the other choices are Spicy and Roasted) with one side, biscuit and a drink for about $6 (would be cheaper weekdays). The tender moist chicken pieces were good sized, the coating was crispy, not too greasy, and mildly but pleasantly flavored. This alone would have upped the star count, but see below. For my side I had Mac n' cheese, which was an adequate-sized portion. The cheese was standard issue American (which I expected and have no problem with) but the macaroni was so overcooked as to be nearly texture-less. The biscuit looked good, brown on top and pretty big, but the inside was very gummy and flavorless. The last negative was the selection of sodas available - there were only six choices, and the only diet was Caffeine free Diet Coke. They did have a pretty good iced tea selection though, so if that is your thing the soda deficit won't matter. The bottom line: I would be happy to get takeout chicken pieces from Lee's, and would like to try their "Spicy" to compare it to Popeye's; but it is still only 3-stars. I would rate it above Zaxby's, and would eat at Lee's again and try a different side if I went back.
(3)Antonio R.
I've been here several times and it has always been great. Chicken always seems fresher than other places. Prices are pretty reasonable too.
(5)John F.
All new employees, very poor service, food not that great, and the prices have gone up. Do not waste your time and money. I had to put one star but it really is a minus one. The bad one was the one at 9548 sw SR200 in Ocala. I was a good cust. But no longer.
(1)Ross Z.
Tried this place for the first time. I was working up in area from ft Lauderdale. This place was very impressive. Good came out super fast and was great. Tender chicken, not greasy at all. Breading on chicken was nice and light. Anyone who says this place is no better than kfc our bojangles or popeyes do not know what there talking about. I would def recommend this place. Iam originally from New York and like to think I know good food. And this good was better than good. It was so good I went back the next day for dinner. Just to see if the day before was a fluke. And you know what it was not. It was just as good and fresh and hot as the day before. The chicken had a good spicy kick to it. Not to spicy at all. So good I didn't even need any dipping sauce with my tenders. I will def be going back there before I head back home to ft. Lauderdale. So if you are in the area I def recommend you go there. And it just was not me that thought the food was great my partner also loved it. I was a little skeptical at first because when we ordered the food came out so fast I def thought it would drink. Then when i peaked in my container and looked at my chicken tenders the breading looked so light as if they didn't cook long enough. But to my surprise they were not they were awesome. Then when I went back later that day to grab dinner I was not in there for more than 5 minutes from the time i walked in and placed my order my good was ready. And you know what it was just as good as my lunch was. Earlier that day!!. So for all you lees chicken bashers you don't know good food. Go eat at kfc or bojangles or popeyes!!. Cause this place is great. So great that when I come back up here again for work I def will go back there.
(5)Steven G.
I have been to this restaurant and it's sister store (SR 40) about ten times. I have never been dissapointed. It is a chain restaurant, but there are only a few checkered around Florida and each is different in quality, so be careful of the others(Orange Park). I have always had fresh chicken. However, do not touch the salt shaker without tasting it. It is very flavorful but salty. Which I love. I love their bisquits, they are not greasy like KFC or popeyes. There sides are pretty good, I like their gravy on the mashed potatoes. The rest of their sides are a few steps above the big chains... Lose a star for not homemade sides and decor needs to be updated. I am thankful it is not in Gainesville, because I would be 50lbs heavier.
(4)Doug C.
Based on the reviews and feedback left on Yelp, I'm surprised this place doesn't get the recognition and credit it deserves, esp. being located in the middle of one of the busiest main roads in Ocala (next to Starbucks, Chipotle, and one block away from a shopping mall and a bed of car dealerships). Anyway, let's get down to the real deal about Lee's.. As soon as I walked inside for my lunch, I was automatically greeted by the cashier who told me she will be right with me in a second, which is perfectly OK since I needed to see the overhead menu for just a little bit and make my choice. This is much appreciated for someone who's never set foot in the place before and needed his/her space before placing the order (I mean what's the rush these days, right?) Then I proceeded to order the number 6 combo, two piece leg and thigh spicy, choice of two sides (potato wedges, corn on the cob), biscuit and drink. Here is the best part of the visit.. According to the overhead menu, the lunch combo was priced at $6.89 plus tax but the cashier rang the order to the tune of $5.50 TOTAL! Of course I did not say anything about the sweet discount when I paid but I quickly discovered later that Lee's is running a $5.50 special lunch promotion during the week, which is pretty much what I ordered (leg & thigh, mild or spicy, choice of two sides, biscuit and drink). Chalk that one up for great value! Getting the drink is just like any self-service station with the fountain sodas and sweet/unsweetened Luzianne teas (naturally I chose the latter to fully define my Southern cuisine). The spice in the chicken was spot on with enough kick and flavor, and the meat was tender and juicy. Love how the corn on the cob was kept in a small bag filled with melted butter and on a stick to make consumption hassle-free. Finally the biscuit had just enough butter included to not need anything additional to enjoy. Most of all, I love how this place is kept clean in the dining area and the restrooms (comes with touch-free toilets, sinks and paper towels!). No annoying music to fill the ambience other than a couple overhead TV's running in the dining area. Not crowded at all when I went there for lunch so I enjoyed every minute of my stay. Overall I'm glad I stopped by Lee's, and I'll be sure to stop by there again next time I'm in Ocala :)
(5)Rob H.
Damn you, Lees. I feel like I can't go back to the fried chicken joints in NY any more. Yes the chicken and sides were good, but that's not why. What ruined other places for me? Fried liver and gizzards. I figured they would be OK but wow this was fantastic. Also the fried chicken was really good. But yeah... Popeyes, you gotta step up your game. I need another fix but I'm back in NYC. You guys need to head up here. Help out a guy in withdrawal already!
(4)John L.
In a word..."Impressive!" Flavor-wise think the colonel with less aggressive seasonings (though not by much) and that's about where the similarities end. This coating is a crispier, lighter version with a distinct "crunch" despite the fact that I ordered the "Famous Recipe" and NOT their "Crispy + Spicy". The meat itself was juicy and succulent as though it had been brined for hours if not days (bear in mind that I did visit relatively early (about 11:45 am) so the chicken was, most likely, fresh out of the fryer). The coleslaw also came very close to the venerable slaw from KFC; it was only slightly less sweet and slightly less watery-- a good thing. The mashed potatoes are no doubt of the powdered variety but the gravy is second only to Popeye's (as far as fast food gravies go). The biscuit may be the only thing KFC does better; but not by much and only when it's fresh! Otherwise that one also goes to Lee's. I shall return!
(4)