Golden Bay Banquet

Golden Bay Banquet, situated at 14736 E 14th St in San Leandro, California, operates within the Chinese Restaurant category, offering a range of Chinese culinary options to the local community. The restaurant can be contacted at (510) 667-9238 or via their mobile number +1 510-667-9238 for inquiries and potential orders. Notably, Golden Bay Banquet was previously known as King Kong Dim Sum, indicating a history within the local dining scene and a potential familiarity with its past offerings.

Customer reviews provide insights into the dining experience at Golden Bay Banquet, particularly concerning their dim sum service. One recent visitor who had previously dined at the location under its former name noted a positive experience during a weekend visit. Arriving early, they found the restaurant uncrowded, though a crowd did begin to form as the morning progressed. Overall, the reviewer found the dim sum service to be not overly packed. The service received was described as "good," with a waitress who was both friendly and professional. Furthermore, the food, specifically the dim sum, was reported to be "good" and arrived quickly and hot. This reviewer concluded that Golden Bay Banquet is a good and affordable option for dim sum in the area and expressed interest in trying their dinner menu in the future.

However, another review presents a more critical perspective on the food quality. This customer described the food quality as "hit or miss." While the steamed char chiu boa (barbecue pork bun) was deemed good, the sui mai (pork dumpling) was described as "bloated," and the chicken feet were labeled as "puffy," with a suggestion that they might be reheated leftovers. This indicates a potential inconsistency in the quality and freshness of certain dim sum items.

Interestingly, this same reviewer pointed out that there is "never a wait on a weekend," which they found puzzling ("hmm.. wonder why"). They also noted the abundance of street parking available. The reviewer suggested that the lower number of customers might contribute to a "nicer eating environment" for some.

A significant point of concern raised in this review pertains to the restaurant's tipping policy. The reviewer reported that Golden Bay Banquet automatically adds a tip to the bill without any prior notification via signage on the menu or table. Upon inquiry, they were informed that this practice occurs "on Sundays." The reviewer found this inconsistent application and lack of transparency problematic. Moreover, they indicated that the tip amount did not appear to be a fixed percentage chosen by the customer on the payment machine but seemed to be determined by the staff processing the card. In this instance, the calculated tip was 16.27%, which the reviewer acknowledged as standard but expressed a preference for transparency and standardization, allowing the customer to decide on the tip amount.

Based on these reviews, the environment of Golden Bay Banquet appears to be generally spacious enough to avoid being overly crowded, at least during the earlier parts of the weekend. The fact that there is typically no wait for a table on weekends might suggest a less bustling atmosphere compared to some other dim sum establishments, which could be a positive for those seeking a more relaxed dining experience. The service, as described by one reviewer, is friendly and professional, contributing positively to the overall experience.

The primary feature of Golden Bay Banquet, based on the reviews, is its dim sum offerings. While one reviewer found the dim sum to be generally good and served promptly, another highlighted inconsistencies in the quality of specific items. This suggests that while some dishes might be reliable, others may not meet expectations. The fact that the restaurant was previously named King Kong Dim Sum underscores the importance of dim sum to its identity.

The automatic tipping policy on Sundays, as reported by one customer, is a notable service aspect, albeit one that raises concerns about transparency and customer choice. This practice could influence a customer's overall perception of the restaurant's service and business practices. Beyond this, no other specific services, such as takeout or delivery, are explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, although it is common for Chinese restaurants to offer these options. Interested customers would need to contact the restaurant directly to confirm the availability of these services.

Currently, there is no information available regarding any promotional offers at Golden Bay Banquet. Restaurants often have special deals or discounts, especially to attract customers during less busy times. To learn about any potential promotions, it would be best to contact the restaurant directly using the provided phone numbers.

In conclusion, Golden Bay Banquet in San Leandro offers dim sum and other Chinese cuisine. While some patrons have found the dim sum and service to be good, there are also reports of inconsistent food quality for certain items. A significant point to note is the reported automatic addition of a tip on Sundays without clear signage, which may affect customer satisfaction. The restaurant's typically uncrowded environment on weekends might appeal to those seeking a quieter dining experience. Potential customers are advised to consider these varied experiences and perhaps inquire about the consistency of specific dishes and the restaurant's tipping policy before their visit. Contacting Golden Bay Banquet directly at (510) 667-9238 can provide further clarity on their menu, services, and any current promotions.