Golden Palace Restaurant

This has become a customary haunt when in Longview and the craving for Chinese rears it's head.  Longview is somewhat limited in restaurant choices, so at this point in my life where I refuse to waste a calorie unless I like what I'm eating, I make sure it's worth it. I've tried several items on the menu and so far, as an appetizer, I always move toward the Barbecued Pork.   The price point on the fried won tons is a bit high, the pot stickers are big and clumsy to eat and they take forever on this item because it's made from scratch, so your meal could easily be cooked before this appetizer is finished being made.  Egg rolls, well...mine were greasy and the flavor wasn't there, paper wrapped chicken...eh...I haven't had the steamed Bou yet, but I'm generally not a huge fan of Chinese seamed buns.

It seems we always start with their sizzling rice soup.  It's honestly the best sizzling rice soup in Longview and really hits the spot.  A small order more than covers 2 people.  I would guess that easily there is enough for 4 servings in the small size.

The beef with oyster sauce is quite tasty.  I've tried a couple other beef dishes here and have decided this is my favorite.  From the seafood menu, I have found that the honey walnut shrimp is actually quite good.  I tried the Moo Goo Gai Pan...not a fan.  So I suppose you might say that the entrees are hit and miss with some items that shine in areas of flavor and freshness.  Portions are respectable and there is always plenty to take home at the end of my meal.

This is 4-stars for Longview, 3 stars or any major city.  

Despite other reviews, the place is not claustrophobic.  Big windows in front.  Decent Chinese Decor - doesn't feel divey.  Pleasant attentive service (although on Monday night at 7 place was not crowded at all).  We've had better being spoiled by Shanghai Garden in Issaquah, WA where we live but this place seemed solid.  Their food is definitely saltier than your average Chinese but less sweet too.  I stuffed myself and was eating a Sundae at McDonalds 30 min later.  Maybe too much MSG too or something?  Tasted good though except for slightly to salty.  Hot & Sour Soup was SPICY, made my nose run (and I love spice).  Mo-Pa Tofus with spicy meat sauce was delicious (and not that spicy!)  Mu Shu Pork - check.  Chicken Chow Mein - check.  $50 for family of 4 with 2 beers and a wine.  Check.  Portions were average so I'd say average value here.

The only snafu is that they didn't understand we couldn't take the leftovers as we had not fridge in our hotel so I think they were thought we didn't like the food.   Turn down the salt a little and this place is a solid as opposed to a weak 4 stars.

I actually worked here for years, and ate here every evening almost. The food is quality, everything is oh so good and i have had a hard time finding any other chinese food place that compares. WONDERFUL wonderful food!