Happy Lamb Hot Pot, Boston

Came in on a weekday for early dinner. We were a party of two and didn’t had any reservation prior, fortunately they were able to provide is seats after waiting for five minutes. We tried the original and the spicy hotpot soup. If you are really into spicy then you would probably enjoy the spicy. But for us it was way too spicy. They have ton of selection for sides and sauce. I really enjoyed the veggie spring roll. Fall is upon us, this place would be a perfect place to warm the chilly weather.

We came here as a party of 5 around 6pm on a Saturday and were lucky to get seated right away (albeit right next to the door, where we were blasted with cold air every time someone came in -- would not recommend!). I've really enjoyed my experiences at Happy Lamb Cambridge AYCE, so I was looking forward to seeing how the Chinatown location compared. To my relief, this location was well-stocked with my favorites -- shrimp paste, fish fillet, and tofu skin. They also had peach green tea, which was the perfect pairing with the food. We enjoyed many orders of the fatty beef and pork. There weren't many differences with the Cambridge location, though I would say that the broth seemed saltier than I'm used to. It didn't ruin the experience, but I would've preferred a less salty broth. I also didn't realize that holiday pricing included days that were not literal holidays -- we came on Thursday December 28th, which I thought was solidly in the weekday category. We ended up paying the holiday price, which ended up being around $40 per person after tax and tip. The service was good and the ingredients were fresh. It also has more seating than the Cambridge location, but despite all of the other hotpot restaurants surrounding it, this location was very busy. In terms of broth and avoiding cold air blasts, I prefer the Cambridge location, but otherwise the two locations are quite similar.

Happy Lamb is an all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant where you pay a set price for 1.5 hours of eating. It's smart to reserve a table to avoid a 30-minute to 1-hour wait. They offer a variety of meats like lamb, beef, pork, and chicken. The quality of these meats isn't top-notch, but considering you can eat as much as you want, it's still a good deal. The restaurant also offers a wide range of sides, including seafood like mussels, corn, and various noodles. The flexibility of a two-sided pot, allowing diners to enjoy both spicy and non-spicy broths in the same meal, catering to different flavor preferences within the group. Also servers are attentive and take good care of you, adding to the positive experience. The only downsides are they bring the bill 30 minutes before your time ends, which can feel a bit rushed, and the absence of soda, despite it being on the menu. Overall, Happy Lamb is a great choice, especially during winter, for those who love hot pot or want to enjoy a variety of foods in a welcoming environment.

This place is amazingly delicious. First able, I really liked that their portions were just perfect, not too much and not too little. All the food was fresh and had a beautiful presentation. The service was quick and friendly. We did waited a little after being sat down for the waiter to come and take our order. The place was clean and have good ambiance. It’s spacey enough for groups or solo dinners. I enjoyed this location more than the Cambridge location. We went on a Thursday and it was pretty full at night. I only wished they closed later specially for being on a city with a lot students looking where to eat good warm broth and late.

Looking at photos here from almost a year ago, it does seem they have changed the way food is presented (also pricing management), as well as some change in variety. That said, the overall experience exceeds expectations. Being one who is wary of going out for hotpot due to general low value for price (as opposed to preparing it at home), Happy Lamb was on par to make me a satisfied customer. The food variety (while slightly different than in the past) is sufficient: - 5+ soup bases - 5+ meat (beef, lamb, pork, chicken) - 4+ seafood (shrimp, mussels, fish filet) - 5ish greens + 10ish other veggies from tofu, bamboo shoot, Asian pumpkin, and seaweed knots - 3-5 noodle types - 10+ meat/fish balls + offal (ex. beef tendon, pork intestine) - 8+ sauces & fixings - 8+ cooked food (rice, spring rolls) / cold dishes (kimchi, cucumber) - 4 drink options (water + green teas) With that, staff are seen everywhere, from replenish food and cleaning counters, to cooking certain items for patrons (special request, perhaps?). They are busy but not rude; even asked if we wanted more meat instead of hiding and hoping we'd forget. Everything is of decent quality. Even the soup bases aren't MSG-laden like many other places, and the flavors do come through the boiled meat. I'd appreciate that a lot. Best part: EVERYTHING is included in the one AYCE price. No sketchy gimmick of selling a low price only to slap on add-ons for soup bases and sauces, like some places I've been. Service (as mentioned above) is great, all things considered. The place is clean, and on day of visit, it got filled up but wasn't so crowded that it became uncomfortable or resulting in long lines at the food area. Promotion rate going on (Mon-Thur vs Fri-Sun) until further notice.

Hotpot Heaven: Unforgettable Experiences at Happy Lamb Hotpot Chinatown I always love going to Hot Lamb Hotpot Chinatown, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family outing. The attentive and quick servers contribute to a positive dining experience. The food consistently comes out fast and maintains its high quality with each visit. One aspect I particularly enjoy is the complimentary sauce bar, where I can explore and create my own delicious dipping sauces. The diverse selection of hot pot ingredients ensures there's something for everyone's palate. However, the popularity of the restaurant can result in longer waiting times, and during busy periods, a time limit may be imposed on diners, which can be a bit restricting. Additionally, the lively environment, while exciting, can sometimes be quite loud. Ordered: - Tomato Marrow Broth ($4.25 per person) - USDA Choice Angus Beef ($12) - Pork belly ($10) - Fish Ball with Roe ($10) - Baby Bok Choy ($4) - Enoki Mushroom ($6) - Bean Curd Roll ($6) - Steamed White Rice ($2) - Fresh Thick Noodle ($4) Pros: - Friendly Servers: The servers at Happy Lamb Hotpot Chinatown are attentive and quick, providing excellent service during the entire dining experience. - Complimentary Sauce Bar: The option to access a free sauce bar allows guests to customize their flavors and enhance their hot pot experience according to their preferences. - Diverse Selections for Hot Pot Ingredients: The restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh and delicious hot pot ingredients, catering to different tastes and preferences. Cons: - Sometimes a Long Wait: Happy Lamb Hotpot Chinatown can get busy, leading to longer waiting times for a table, especially during peak hours. - Time Limit When Eating: Due to high demand, the restaurant implements a time limit for diners during busy periods, which may feel a bit rushed and restricts dining time. - Loud Environment: The bustling atmosphere of a full restaurant can lead to a noisy ambiance, which might affect the overall dining experience for those seeking a quieter setting. Overall Impression: Hotpot Heaven: Unforgettable Experiences at Happy Lamb Hotpot Chinatown! This remains a go-to spot for me due to its friendly service, delightful sauce bar, and a wide range of hot pot ingredients. While the restaurant can get crowded and a time limit may apply during busy times, the overall experience continues to be satisfying. I highly recommend Happy Lamb Hotpot Chinatown for those seeking a flavorful and communal hot pot adventure.