My parents really like this place, so I end up here more often than I like (one time would have been enough for me). It is not bad...but I don't see what all the fuss is about either.
I'm going to break my own (self-imposed) rule of not mentioning other business names in reviews. I'm doing this because it will be useful if you've never been here before. Using a scale of chain restaurants to compare, Gordon Biersch is a little better than Chili's and not quite as good as The Cheescake Factory. Think of it like "Applebee's Deluxe." There, I said it. The ambiance and prices lead you to believe you're getting more than an Applebee's experience...but you are not.
I've tried many different menu items and beers here...none of it was phenomenal. None of it was bad either. You could do worse. Just don't expect too much.
Oh, one little point of contention. There are discounts on their beers during happy hour...but not if you're sitting a few feet away in the dining section -- only in the bar section. Really?! Seemed lame to me, so one time I canceled my request for a beer and just drank water out of spite. And another time I didn't order a drink with the server, and as soon as she walked away I got up and ordered my own beer at the bar. I don't mind walking a few feet to save a few bucks. I still think it's idiotic that I have to...but that's corporate (mis-)management for you.