When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
New Golden Dragon
Why New Golden Dragon is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
New Golden Dragon in Salt Lake City stands out as an excellent venue for friends to gather and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. Known for its impressive variety of traditional Cantonese and Szechuan dishes, this restaurant offers flavorful meals with generous portions that can satisfy any appetite. Its welcoming atmosphere is complemented by attentive table service and comfortable seating, making it an inviting spot for lunch or dinner meet-ups. Open seven days a week, New Golden Dragon’s reasonable prices and consistent quality have made it a favored dining destination for locals and visitors alike. Highlights include their dim sum offerings, which patrons often say rival experiences from larger cities. Vegetarian-friendly options also cater to diverse dietary preferences, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. Conveniently located on South State Street, it is a reliable choice whether you visit for a casual meal or a special occasion.
Here's what people think of New Golden Dragon
As of recent, New Golden Dragon holds a 4-star rating based on 1733 reviews.
Customer reviews for New Golden Dragon reflect a generally positive dining experience. Many reviewers praise the authenticity and rich flavors of the dishes, especially highlighting the dim sum and generous portion sizes as major draws. Positive feedback repeatedly mentions good service, friendly staff, and fair pricing, which contribute to an overall welcoming environment. Reviewers also appreciate the restaurant’s convenient hours and consistent food quality. Some customers specifically note that the restaurant offers an authentic taste comparable to larger metropolitan areas known for Chinese cuisine. On the other hand, some negative reviews focus on issues like occasional slow service or inconsistencies in dish preparation, accompanied by comments on the restaurant sometimes feeling crowded during peak hours. A few diners have expressed that certain dishes lacked the depth of flavor they expected, indicating occasional variability in the menu. Despite these critiques, the predominant sentiment remains favorable, with many patrons returning for the reliable and satisfying food experience that New Golden Dragon provides. Overall, the reviews suggest that this restaurant is a solid choice for those seeking authentic Chinese flavors in a comfortable setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Peter
We love this place for dim sum! It’s old and a little run down, but the food is fantastic. The servers are usually friendly and there is so much to choose from. It’s a great Saturday morning outing! Dim sum is only Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM - 2 PM.
Austin Le
it’s a little run down chinese joint with pretty good food overall. the restaurant is old but that’s usually a good indicator of good food right? we came in during a weekday so it was really slow. i’m sure this place is packed on a weekend. we ordered shrimp dumplings, sticky rice in lotus leaf, pork bao buns, potstickers, and shanghai dumplings. all were great. my only critique is that the shrimp dumplings had pretty thick skin and not that prominent sesame oil flavor i was wanting. potstickers were very large and filling. the other items were pretty standard and nothing special. the staff was friendly and i’d come again.
Justin Lui
I gave this place a 5 star. 1) Fried tofu? 5 star. Nicely friend with the sauce on the side, thankfully. 2) Salted fish fried rice? 4 star. Could have used a bit more wok hei (air) but the salty fish was strong. Still very good. 3) Snow pea leaves? Very good. 4.5 star. Beef and string beans? 4 star. Brown sauce good but more western in style. 4) Pan fried noodle? Also western in style it still a 4 star. 5) White fish with veggies? 3.5 star. Okay/good. Overall, it’s pretty good for Utah. I’ll curve it to a 5 star (and a 4 star in Houston).
Elizabeth Delgado
This is coming someone who has been to China and know Chinese cuisine and so if you don’t mind Americanized Chinese food this is your place but if you expect authentic then it not. The photo below is the “twice cooked pork” isn’t got and it ain’t twice cooked pork. Authentic doesn’t use broccoli snow peas or sweet sauce. It should use Pork Belly: Usually skin-on, giving a mix of fat and lean meat. • Leeks or Garlic Scapes: Traditional vegetable pairing; in Sichuan, garlic scapes (蒜苗) are preferred, but leeks are common substitutes. • Doubanjiang (豆瓣酱): Spicy fermented broad bean paste, the soul of Sichuan flavor. • Fermented Black Beans (Douchi, 豆豉): Optional but adds umami depth.
Bảo Trân Võ Ngọc
The food was fine, but the staff forgot to include soy sauce. I received it and just sat there staring at it — I couldn’t eat it because it was too bland.
How to reach New Golden Dragon
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Website: None
Why New Golden Dragon may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at New Golden Dragon with your friends? New Golden Dragon offers a welcoming, no-frills environment ideal for relaxed social gatherings where the focus is on enjoying authentic, affordable Chinese cuisine. With a solid 4.0 rating from over 1,700 reviewers, it has clearly earned a reputation for consistently delicious food that suits a variety of tastes. The generous portion sizes mean everyone can share plates and leave satisfied, making it perfect for groups wanting to sample a range of dishes together. The restaurant's casual vibe removes any pressure to dress up or stick to formal dining etiquette, allowing friends and family to kick back and enjoy good food without fuss. Additionally, its convenient location with ample private parking makes assembling a group straightforward and stress-free. Whether you are planning a casual weekend meet-up or a simple celebration, New Golden Dragon creates an inviting atmosphere centered on good company, shared flavors, and genuine value. This balance of quality and approachability makes it a natural rally point for friends and family looking to reconnect over a satisfying meal.
What kind of dining experience does New Golden Dragon offer for groups? New Golden Dragon boasts an extensive menu rich with classic Chinese dishes, making it a playground for groups who like variety and shared dining. Its cuisine leans toward traditional Cantonese flavors, with popular dishes such as sweet and sour chicken, orange chicken, shrimp with snow peas, and hot and sour soup frequently praised by patrons. These crowd-pleasers are accompanied by authentic staples like egg rolls and vegetable dishes, accommodating both meat-eaters and vegetarians. Groups benefit from large portion sizes, encouraging communal eating and a festive dining rhythm where multiple dishes can be tasted throughout the meal. The service is friendly and attentive, enhancing group dining by efficiently managing orders and making dining enjoyable. Though the ambiance is humble and straightforward without luxurious decor, this simplicity aligns well with the restaurant’s focus on delivering hearty, flavorful meals that bring people together affordably. With no wait times reported and a large dining area, New Golden Dragon accommodates groups comfortably, ideal for lively conversations and reunions.
What activities can groups enjoy at New Golden Dragon? While primarily a dining establishment, New Golden Dragon’s setting and menu enable several engaging activities for groups, especially those centered on social interaction and culinary exploration. The foremost activity is shared dining — groups can order various menu items style family-style, encouraging everyone to try multiple dishes and discuss preferences, which cultivates a convivial atmosphere. This sharing approach often turns meals into mini-adventures in taste. For friends and families who appreciate casual, low-key settings, the restaurant’s unpretentious environment supports relaxed gatherings where laughter and conversation flow naturally. Additionally, the option for takeout and delivery makes New Golden Dragon a perfect hub for group events where members prefer eating in a more private or comfortable setting after picking up food together. While there are no formal entertainment or recreational activities onsite, the combination of authentic, well-reviewed food and a spacious dining area creates the perfect setting for celebrations, milestone dinners, or casual catch-ups that prioritize quality time and great food.
Why is New Golden Dragon ideal for group meetups? Several factors make New Golden Dragon a prime choice for hosting meetups with friends or family. First, its affordability ensures that large groups can enjoy a full meal without financial strain, a key consideration for social gatherings. The generous portion sizes meant for sharing create an interactive dining experience, which is always preferable for groups aiming to bond over food. Second, the restaurant’s consistent 4.0-star rating based on a significant number of reviews reflects dependable quality and satisfaction, calming any concerns about meal enjoyment for diverse palates. Accessibility and convenience also play major roles; located in Buffalo Grove with private lot parking, it avoids the common hassle of urban parking challenges, making arrivals and departures easy. While the environment is casual rather than upscale, this relaxed vibe often enhances the social aspect, freeing guests to focus on conversations and enjoy each other’s company. Lastly, the mix of classic Chinese dishes means the menu can cater to different tastes and dietary needs, facilitating inclusivity in group settings.
How do patrons describe the food and service at New Golden Dragon? Customers repeatedly highlight the delicious flavors and good value offered by New Golden Dragon’s menu. Many reviews mention the freshness and authenticity of the Chinese cuisine, especially praising items such as the sweet and sour chicken and egg rolls. The large portion sizes also receive commendation, with diners noting how much they can take home, which further adds to the restaurant’s appeal. While the space is not fancy, it is described as clean and welcoming, creating a comfortable environment to enjoy a casual meal. Service is generally reported as friendly and efficient, with staff happy to accommodate groups and deliver prompt attention even on busy nights. Some feedback points out that the restaurant may not be the top fine-dining choice and occasionally a dish might miss the mark, but overall the balance of delicious food, reasonable prices, and cheerful service secures a dependable dining experience. This combination keeps customers coming back, especially those looking for authentic Chinese food in a laid-back setting.
What amenities and practical considerations does New Golden Dragon offer for hosting groups? New Golden Dragon accommodates group meetups well with several practical features designed around ease and comfort. It operates six days a week, with closing on Tuesdays, providing a range of options for planning group meals. The restaurant welcomes credit card payments and offers takeout and delivery for those who prefer dining outside the premises or need convenient food options for group events. Although the establishment does not serve alcohol, this can be a benefit for family-friendly gatherings or meetups focused on the food experience itself. Outdoor seating is not available, but the spacious indoor dining area compensates by comfortably seating larger parties. Accessibility is further enhanced through a dedicated private parking lot, an important convenience factor that simplifies logistics for attendees traveling by car. However, the restaurant does not accept reservations, so groups may want to arrive early or during off-peak times to avoid any potential wait.
What makes New Golden Dragon stand out from other Chinese restaurants? What truly sets New Golden Dragon apart is its balance of tradition, taste, and value. Unlike more upscale or trendy Chinese eateries, New Golden Dragon maintains a focus on classic dishes prepared in ways that reflect authentic regional flavors. This respect for culinary heritage appeals to those seeking comfort food with real substance rather than fusion or heavily modernized menus. Its strong reputation in the community, demonstrated by thousands of reviews, establishes it as a trusted go-to spot rather than a fleeting dining trend. The affordability and portion generosity mean it caters well to group budgets and appetites, making it both accessible and satisfying. Although it may lack luxury décor or alcohol service, its dedication to quality and friendly atmosphere fills the niche for groups who want a hearty, enjoyable meal in a low-key setting. In essence, New Golden Dragon provides a dependable and delicious choice for those valuing real food and convivial company more than extravagance.
In summary, New Golden Dragon is an excellent destination to rally with friends or family because it combines authentic, flavorful Chinese cuisine with large portions, affordable pricing, and a casual, welcoming environment. Its menu variety supports group dining experiences centered on sharing and exploration of classic dishes, while the friendly service and spacious setting enhance social occasions. Practical features such as private parking, takeout, and a consistent quality record add significant convenience, making it a dependable place for group meetups in Buffalo Grove. Whether for casual get-togethers, celebrations, or simply catching up over great food, New Golden Dragon creates the perfect backdrop to enjoy meaningful time together.