Golden Dragon — Restaurant in Haleyville

Decided to give this place a try despite the multiple negative reviews (my own fault I feel as I just set myself up on this one) and here is my experience. The restaurant itself smelled like an old library book and the vibe was 80's style grandma's house that's looked the same your whole life. Not that big of a deal but ok...it's kind of nice that you fix your own drink although I did not see a water option. I was impressed with the hot and sour soup and it probably was the best I've had in years so I would definitely order it again. I was confused at the lack of options on the buffet and as to why there were more American food choices than chinese. I get that options are needed but it's an advertised chinese restaurant. I tried several of the dishes on the buffet and was disappointed by most of them. Sadly, because I wanted to like this place and prove the bad reviews wrong. Really. Some were too salty, too bland, too tough, too dry, too old. I have to give props to the chef for the soup and the cherry jello though. I can say I will be a returning customer for those. The price wasn't God awful (30 dollars for 2 people including our drinks on a Tues evening) but for the quality of food it did seem over priced. Needless to say tips are very optional because you cater to yourself in every way even getting your own stale...

So I have 2 part review to leave, but here's the summary. Don't eat the buffet here but get take out because it's delicious.

Every time we come here to sit down and have some food from the buffet, we take a look at the selection and we quickly remember why we only order to go. The buffet is questionable at best. It honestly looks to me like it's stocked with either failed dishes that were too overcooked to send out as orders, or they're training a new chef who has no idea how to cook. It's either drastically overdone or under. Even the rice just looks tired of existing.

But the good news! Their take out is fantastic. Made fresh to order, they can make you just about anything. My family eats plant based so we always order the tofu to share with them and it's amazing. I don't even miss meat when they make their delicious sesame tofu.

Someday I hope to walk in and see a delicious fresh buffet but until then, I'll just stick to...

Yeah this was very lack luster. Food was not that flavorful. No sushi. All the waitress did was bring us 1 fork each and a napkin each. We had to go get our own tea or soda and even our own spoon if we needed it. Best thing there was the sweet and spicy soup. Even the chicken on a stick was dry. They had some weird Asian punk music just loud enough to be annoying playing and nothing for decorations. Even the pineapple i had for desert was not even ripe.. how do you mess up fruit?! Ill never eat here again unless word comes to me they made...