It's a given that most of us have been in the family style Chinese restaurants in the past, and most of us will remember sitting and finding out what animal you and your friends are on the chinese calendar. Golden Phoenix harkens back to those memories like no other place in town. The service is impeccible, and the owner of the restaurant remembers everyone who walks in the door, and epitomizes great service from a restauranteur.
The food here at Golden Phoenix is your standard Chinese fair, nothing too authentic, but I hear they have a separate menu they provide to Chinese people. I've tried their Sweet & Sour Pork ($8.75) which was great, and had a very gingery sauce a little different from what I'm used to. Cashew Chickn and Kung Pao Chicken ($8.25) are both good dishes, but lacking in the sauce flavor department. Both dishes had plenty of veggies, chicken, and nuts, but were fairly bland overall. Hot & Sour soup is one of the best I've ever had, and they include plenty of medium sized shrimp, tofu, mushrooms, etc. I've had better tasting and better quality food elsewhere, but the difference is absolutely marginal.
Overall, I'd say this is a great place to go for a good ol' fashioned Chinese/American meal with your family or friends. They have a full bar complete with signature drinks like the Chinese Itch, Zombie, and Typhoon. What makes this restaurant special to me is the sense of familiarity you get from the staff, even if you've only been once or twice, such as the case with me.