2730 E Lakin Dr
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
For the most authentic Chinese food in Flagstaff in the most beautiful setting, head over to Golden Dragon. If you are seeking an authentic Chinese dining experience, Golden Dragon is definitely the way to go. After trying all the Chinese options in town, I can attest that Golden Dragon offers both the best food and the best dining ambiance. They also a dozen or so lunch specials that are affordably priced.
Golden Dragon offers both an American and Traditional menu. They offer a number of Szechuan and Cantonese specialty entrees, as well as hot chili oil dishes. They also served both steamed and pan fried Chinese donuts which is something I've never seen before. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try out the Hotpot, a meal similar to a fondue which originated in North China as a dish to fight off the winter cold. The popularity of the Hotpot spread throughout China, and is now offered at many Chinese establishments in the US.
The menu at Golden Dragon is a bit pricey compared to your average Chinese restaurant. Therefore, the best time to visit is during their awesome lunch special hours (11-3:30 daily). During this time, you can get an entree, side of fried rice, egg roll, and cup of soup for under 10 bucks. It really is a great deal and all the food is so delicious.
The fried rice is pretty tasty and has no MSG. The egg rolls are good enough to put in an additional side order. The hot & sour, egg flower, and vegetable & tofu soup are all terrific. In terms of entrees, you really cannot go wrong with classic fried rice (shrimp, chicken, or even veggie). The fried rice is really the prime reason I visit Chinese restaurants because quality fried rice is almost impossible to duplicate at home!
Other tasty selections include the Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chicken Chop Suey, Chicken Lo Mein, and the Gourmet Vegetable. Portions are of decent size, so you will definitely not leave hungry.
Service at Golden Dragon is always great. Food is always served incredibly quick, so if you are looking for a quick work lunch, Golden Dragon is a nice choice.
The dining vibe is dark and cozy. I love coming here during the winter months and enjoying a nice hot bowl of soup. The space is nicely decorated and it is always quiet being that it is located away from the congestion on the non touristy Eastern side of town. It's one of my go-to spots when I am seeking a laid-back lunch away from the tourists. Oftentimes, there is no one else in the restaurant. Compared to noisy Monsoons Downtown which offers a modern, bar-like ambiance, Golden Dragon is a real treat for a nice lunch/dinner out.
In terms of Chinese food in Northern Arizona, it does not get any better than Flagstaff's Golden Dragon. Don't let the poor reviews fool you - Golden Dragon is the real deal compared to the other mediocre options around town. If you are seeking authentic Chinese food in a traditional setting versus a more Americanized modern setting, this local gem is definitely the way to go.
