I finally got to try this place last night. I had been hearing about it since I moved to Boston 7 years ago so I was expecting it to be great. It wasn't. Maybe if this was my first time doing hot pot I would've liked it better. I mean nothing was outright terrible about the meal, but the experience was just underwhelming over all. Strike 1: the meat tray does not have that much meat on it. My friend ordered the chicken, and I got the combo with chicken and beef. When we first got them we both said it wasn't a lot. Ok fine I'll just fill up on veggies then. Strike2: It's nice that they give you the veggie plate but it would be better if they let you pick your own instead. I didn't eat the cabbage, mushrooms, or tomato in mine, and had only 2 small pieces of the tofu and one slice of a carrot (!) that I actually did want to eat. If you want it to be included as a meal then at least let us pick what we want, or give us more as a side. The broth was nothing exciting. They didn't do a good job of explaining what the different kinds were so I just randomly picked the Szechuan and made it spicy. Round this all off with there being a language barrier and I'm all set to leave. They say that the meals include a "dessert" but don't be fooled. It's this disgusting red bean soup and I have no clue how this qualifies as a dessert. Check please. The highlight of the meal was the mango smoothie I ordered. It was so freaking good. With fresh mango pieces in it I was in heaven. They have a lot of other flavors too. This place isn't terribly cheap either. I was satisfied but not full when I left. I don't eat that much but I finished all the meat on my tray and ate half the veggies. Anyone with a regular appetite would have to order 2 or 3 to feel full I'm guessing. So if you are in the mood for hot pot, skip this place and go to Chinatown instead. Try The Q (see my review on it), or any of the other places around. They are pretty good and a much better deal. I won't be returning to ShabuZen anytime soon.
(2)
John W.
This is a great place for Hot potting! My friend and I were seating within a reasonable time but it was clear they were extremely busy. The service was great and the food was reasonably priced. I found the quality of the meats to be exquisite and quite delectable. The customer has no control of the flame however and it can be quite annoying when multiple people keep coming by the turn up or turn down the heat for my broth! I've had a couple of situations where someone would turn it up for me, only for some random waiter to come by and turn it back down when my attention was directed at something else.
(5)
Tiffany L.
Nothing to rave about. They don't seat you until your whole party is there. The parking stinks. The lot is too small, and they get pretty crowded. They give you all those nice dipping sauces. The mongolian spicy broth was too much for me! Our meals also came with red bean dessert at the end. Not bad.
(3)
Lisa G.
On Saturday, 3/22/14, my 2 girlfriends and I went to this place for dinner. One friend had never come here before, so my other friend and I decided to invite her along. My friend (the newbie to Shabu-Zen) ordered a banana smoothie, took ONE sip, and decided she didn't like it. She explained this to our waitress, and ordered a Coke instead. When it came time to pay the final bill, my friend was charged for both the smoothie and the Coke! We asked the waitress why, and she became nasty and said that because my friend took ONE sip from the smoothie, she could not take it off the bill. I could not believe what I had just heard! My friend agreed to have the second drink taken off. When the waitress came back with the fixed check, she TOSSED it into the table at us! She became incredibly RUDE! We spoke with a supervisor, who said he would give us a free drink the next time we come to eat. Unfortunately, my friend will not be coming back to this place because of how the waitress treated her. And, in my opinion, a free drink does NOT replace poor customer service. My other friend and I are REGULAR customers who are always highly satisfied with this place. But that night I left feeling angry, outraged, and disgusted with the poor customer service!
(2)
Julie L.
Perfect for a wintry night. Great selections of ingredients and you can choose from a la carte or a set menu that comes with a combination of meat, a veggie platter and rice/noodles. The soup is served in a large pot which is usually shared between two people. There is a separator in the middle of the pot so if you want a different broth than others in your party, you can mix and match. The ingredients are fresh and the portion size for a combo meal is definitely filling. Just a note that the only problem is parking, which is true for most places in Allston. There is a lot behind the restaurant but unfortunately it's always full every time I have gone.
(4)
Rashid M.
If you've never had Shabu Shabu, or any of it's variations, it's basically where you sit at a table and cook your own food in a hot pot. It's a very nice experience, and specially fun when in a big group. I enjoyed dinner here. The place was big and crowded, but our wait wasn't long. I decided to have the Beef Sirloin and it was very good. We decided to try the Kim Chee broth, and it was excellent. A little spicy, but a lot of flavor! The Udon noodles complemented the Sirloin very well. I recommend this restaurant if you want a unique experience and you're with a group. Food and service was very good. We also sat next to a huge projector screen where I was able to watch the game on ESPN. They have parking in the back, but good luck finding a spot!
(4)
Quang N.
Would give it 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4. Came here during one of the recent snowstorms. It was a nice place to get a hot soup while hiding out from the snow. Came here with a group of friends, and there were plenty of different soups and proteins to satisfy our different palates. Everything was tasty and relatively cheap for a group that kept ordering more and more. I personally enjoyed the lamb and the szechuan soup base. The place was large and able to accomodate large groups, and it's always nice to have a parking spot.
(4)
Deborah H.
I love this place. Great value for money, awesome variety, and almost never a wait during off peak hours. They can accommodate huge parties with very little notice. A few tips: - I'm not a fan of their seafood platter. It's decently fresh and all that, but in my opinion, meat is superior for hot pot. - My favorites are the short rib, if you're feeling indulgent, or the dual meat with lamb and pork. Yum. - Make sure to ask for the secret sesame sauce. It's like crack. - My friend swears by the kimchi broth but I'm happy with the house special pork. - Opt for the vermicelli if you're afraid you'll be stuffed after a plate of meat, veggies, and soup, since it's less filling. Otherwise go for the udon or rice. - You pretty much need a reservation for Friday or Saturday nights, especially when it's cold out! - Eat at the bar if you don't like the idea of sharing soup pots. Otherwise, get friendly with your dining companions! If you sit at a table you can get a split-pot and try two different soups! Enjoy!
(5)
Lisa L.
I've been going to this place for years. It's one of my favorites places to go in Boston, regardless if it's on a cold winter or a hot summer day. The Allston location is incredibly spacious and is great for large parties.
(4)
Joe J.
So, check it out... I came here because Bon Chon was closed and I was meeting up with my homegirls Shananay and K-Rock so we pivoted like power moving veterans and went to Shabu-Zen. It ain't no lie, this place is doggone fly. It's like the Closest Thing to Heaven. Makes me really want to Shout about how good it is! Got the meat platter, surf and turf and seafood platter and all were the bees knees, the bread and butter, the cats meow (champ champ)! The service is great, they give you love, not Pale Shelter. The watermelon dankness that is their fruit drink will make you feel Head Over Heels. Comes with free dessert. Don't get overwhelmed about the choices, when it's all mixed up, better Break It Down Again. This place is a Mad World, but it's awesome! Fairly priced, because they are Sowing the Seeds of Love. I'm gonna go listen to some Tears for Fears.
(5)
Stephanie L.
I've been here many times before in the past and the plates of food continues to downgrade. Also the host and hostess were not welcoming when you first enter. Also just a note there is a sign that says if not every member of your party has arrived they will not seat you. This is what i mean by downgrade: on the plate of vegetables bundles of watercress became few flakes of cabbage, instead of a whole mushroom I got 2 slices, the baby octopus appetizer we only got 5 heads of octopus. The only good part was our waitress' service. Overpriced.
(1)
Monica B.
I am in love with this place. The smell when you walk in, is overwhelming and be prepared to leave smelling like food but, be prepared to enjoy yourself and amazing food. I've had the Kimchee, Berkshire sausage, sauteed beef tongue, the Beef main curse, Surt & Turf and a chicken main course.. I've had all the broths and they are great. This place is not cheap but, it is not overpriced either. You get great food so it is money well spent!
(5)
Mindy R.
I was at Shabu Zen a while back, but visited again last week when a friend of mine suggest a fun, Asian style dinner. I'm allergic to shellfish so sushi was out of the question :-/ but I remembered this great place! Visiting here again definitely didn't disappoint! My boyfriend (who's quite the picky eater), my friend (somewhat of an adventurous eater) and me (I will eat everything I'm not allergic to) definitely enjoyed this place! It's so light but definitely filling! My boyfriend and I split the beef and my friend ordered the pork and beef. We all got veggies and rice or udon noodles. We cleared our plates and ordered mochi desserts, but none of us felt too filled. It's all broth, proteins, and veggies which just fills you up but still manages to make you feel good about yourself and what you just ate. If I had to make a complaint it would be that our server disappeared for maybe 20mins to a half hour. I mean, I guess after she took our order and brought our food we really didn't neeeeeeeed her. You cook your own food, and if you need a refill on broth there is someone walking around with it to pour in. It would just have been nice to find our server a little earlier just so we could have had a refill on sake. This is a great place for a group of friends or family for an experience as well as great food. I can see why people would think its "weird" because the meat and veggies are brought out completely raw and you cook them (about 30 seconds!) in the boiling hot pot of broth.....but it's fantastic - I assure you.
(4)
Wendy L.
I love Shabu Zen! I can't seem to find better kim-chee broth and good cuts of beef anywhere else but here. Be sure to put on an outfit you don't care about and leave your jackets in your car because it will smell like Shabu for a few hours. This is also a great hangover cure! Lunch is a lot cheaper here so if you want a great deal be sure to come before 3pm on weekdays, its about 40% off the combos. Dinner is kind of pricey if you are really hungry. Since they don't give you as much vegetables as before you end up ordering more and the special broths are extra too so it all adds up. It seems to me that the Chinatown location is a lot more generous on their portions. My favorite is the Beef Short Ribs and Udon noodles with Kim-Chee broth and a side of fish paste. It's delicious! Even though they have a private lot, parking is kind of a pain on weekend nights from 7:00-8:30. It's hard to find street parking too because there are a ton of restaurants and bars on Brighton Ave. So get there early or avoid the peak hours.
(4)
Danie R.
If you're going to get the vegetarian broth, make sure you get a flavor added, otherwise it'll be bland as hell. I've done it both ways now, and the plain veggie broth was heinous and made the food taste like nothing. The portions and price are really good though. Service was horrible on Friday night though... We got in around 4:30 for dinner and ordered food and drinks, at first I got a diet coke, but then switched to the sake mojitos. I saw the drink made and put up at the service bar, ready for my server to bring it to me... 10 minutes later, he finally approaches the table asking if we need anything else.. and I'm like, duh, my drink? THANKS. Haha. A light went off in his head being like WOOPS SHIT I FORGOT.. I got the drink, the ice was way melted, therefore making it watery. He never came back or I would have told him. Whatever. I still like the shabu, and it's closest shabu place to my apartment.
(3)
Rachel K.
Shabu Zen is not too Shabb-y!!! I love this place. It's clearly popular as it is always busy, no matter what night you go. The food is always fresh, and soooo good. I love the fun of cooking everything yourself, and enjoy eating slowly as it takes time to cook your food. Perfect for a dinner to catch-up with an old friend, or for a date. This is such a fun experience and such a great meal. Good wine, sake, and beer selection. Service has varied at each of my visits. The bar is sometimes slow. Some servers are amazing, some not up to par. My first few times coming here I definitely needed some guidance as they offer a very different eating experience than your average Boston restaurant. One of my fave go to places in the area, no question.
(4)
Ryan S.
One of my favorite restaurants in Allston-Brighton. Great prices, good selection of booze and delicious food.
(5)
Daisy D.
The hotpot is very tiny and clean! And I really like their bowls, dishes, and mugs!
Service: 4 Food: 4 Ambiance: 4 Tip: Ask for those sesame and or peanut sauces! I love these chain shabu shabu places, because they serve exactly what you expect. One delicious pot of soup, with which ever broth you prefer (I personally love the Mongolian spicy, and herbal), and a generous plate of meat and another of veggies. Fresh, just the right proportion, fast. The place is large enough that there isn't really a long wait. There's also private rooms for large birthdays or celebrations. And there's free parking in a private lot, which is KEY on a cold wintery Boston night!! Great place to get food in your stomach (while staying healthy) when you're hungry!
(4)
Timothy H.
Amazing hot-pot close to home! Try the dumplings and the Smoothies with Pearls!
(4)
Jenny T.
Hot pot is always great for cold winter days like these! Many people don't really like this place, but I personally like it. It's not the best of the best, but it's definitely not horrible. There really isn't much to say, haha. Good food. Pretty decent service. I don't really like having to wait every time I go, but doesn't that come with every other restaurant? Lol.
(4)
Brandy S.
My first time experiencing this type of "hot pot" restaurant and I loved it. I went with a friend who had been many times. We had the Korean Kim Chee and Thai Tom Yum broth flavorings plus beef and pork. All in all, the process is alot of fun, you can eat as much/little as you like, and it actually tastes good . Since you are cooking the meat, you can assure that you cook to your taste (unless you talk too much like me and don't pay attention). Plus it is fairly healthy so you don't feel too bad about eating there. I reccomend the vermicelli to go along side as it soaks up the broth really well so you get the full broth flavor. The prices were reasonable and the staff was very friendly. I would reccomend as a fun date night, or a good place to go with groups.
(4)
Rachel C.
After my visit tonight I realized I need to tell everyone how amazing this place is. They have a clean and very friendly environment. The food is very fresh and leaves me feeling great after a meal. Bar staff is especially nice and I LOVE THE MOJITOS they are the best mojitos in Boston by far (and Ive had my share over the past six years). A trip to Shabu Zen never disappoints anyone my girlfriend and I go with. yay!!! oh and the green tea ice cream is AWESOME.
(5)
Kim V.
The good thing about this place is that it's definitely what I would consider comfort food on a cold night. My bf came here at my behest because I know I'm not finding any good Shabu in SB any time soon. We ordered the Surf and Turf (lamb and an assortment of seafood), udon, mushroom balls, and pork dumplings. We had the spicy szechuan broth on one side and the regular (which I don't even know what that really means) on the other. I've been here before, which is why we shared a main dish and ordered a few sides. One order is huge for one person, and almost enough for 2 (almost). I generally enjoy "cooking" my own food and we took our time with each portion of the meal. The veggies side that comes with the meal was a little smaller than I remember, but the meat and seafood portions were good. The mushroom balls were meh, not particularly flavorful and a little tougher than I anticipated (regardless of how long we cooked them). The seafood was good. We didn't overcook anything, so that helped. The scallop looked like it was sliced in half, so it was a small portion, but they most definitely didn't skimp on the squid. I would have preferred a little more white fish, though. The lamb was a little too fatty, but still good. Especially when cooked in the spicy broth. The spicy broth was not bad, although it could have used a bit more flavor. We added the side sauces to our broth, which made it tastier, but it's a shame that it can't stand on its own.
(3)
Michael C.
My first hot pot experience, I would suggest not going here starving or you will make the same mistake I did. Undercooked my first serving. This place definitely has a fun atmosphere and it was great to try something different. Overall I found the food alright, after I figured out the setup it went much more smooth. As a side note the drink prices are pretty good here.
(3)
David K.
The time has come for me to write a review for this place. This is by far my favorite hot pot restaurant. I went to the other shabu place called Kaze and I've also been to a couple of hot pot places in NJ/NY area but in my opinion, this is the BEST PLACE by far. Also, shabu zen is perfect for a COLDER day!! but my love for shabu shabu is not conditioned by the weather! haha! MEAT QUALITY: The A5 (you will see this option on the menu) is the standard that you should go with. For the common person, they will NOT be able to distinguish between the A1 and A5. The marbling on the meat for A5 is just SPECTACULAR. At times, I wonder if it was a piece of KOBE rib-eye beef they cut!! It's just that good. i have to say that there are times when I got skunked and got crappy meat. But generally speaking, go with the A5. If it's your first time maybe try the A6 and get half beef and half lamb. The ONLY reason you would get chicken is if you're on a diet or something. GO FOR THE A5!! - for you vegetarians there is a vegetarian delight menu as well. I don't know what sparks the taste buds of a vegetarian, but fear not, the option is there. PRICE& PORTIONS: - The portions are pretty small and if you're someone who eats a lot you WILL NOT be full from one order of the A5. - There is a LUNCH SPECIAL menu that runs from 11:30AM-3PM i believe. THIS IS THE BOMB!! It's $7.50 for the standard meal. I usually order two A5's (full set with two sets of beef and two sets of veggies). I spend exactly $20 for the meal. But if two people go and order just the standard meal you will only spend $10 total! It's worth it! - The dinner menu is much more expensive. In fact, I've only been to shabu zen for dinner maybe 5 times.. The portions are slightly bigger for dinner, but regardless I think in terms of bang for the buck, LUNCHTIME is the way to go. CLEANLINESS: This place extremely TIDY and CLEAN. So if you like eating in an atmosphere that is clean, crisp, and modern, you'll love this place. I find cleanliness to be extremely important for my appetite, ESPECIALLY because of the nature of hot pot! You're handling raw meat, the place better be CLEAN! Just so you know, by the time you're done with your meal your table will look like a WARZONE.. But thats the fun of eating SHABU BROTH: If you love spicy and EXTREMELY flavorful broth, you MUST order the kimchi broth. This kimchi broth is what makes this place AMAZING. Also, you'll notice that as your broth evaporates they will come and REFILL the broth with the standard broth. YOU MUST MAKE SURE YOU ASK FOR MORE KIMCHI BROTH PASTE if they REFILL IT! Otherwise, you've paid ~$3 for the kimchi broth for NOTHING. Also, if you want even MORE flavor in your kimchi broth, you can always ask for more kimchi broth paste.. Sometimes the waiter will say that they dont do that, but that is BOLOGNE! I must've been here over 20 times and even from the beginning they've given me more kimchi paste. If they give you a hard time about it, tell them about this review. haha! I know they give you more KIMCHI BROTH PASTE FOR FREE! Anyways, here's a rule of thumb. If your BROTH tastes good, your shabu will be delicious. If your broth is BLAND then it's not gonna be good. GENERALLY, i would suggest that you get HALF the regular broth and HALF the kimchi broth. The regular broth is free of charge, and having the regular broth side is always a plus.. I usually cook my CORN on the REGULAR broth side.. Who likes to eat spicy corn?? That's just weird.. SPECIAL QUIRKS: - When you order your veggies, you can mix and match the veggies! They give you a tomato and carrot for some reason..?? I don't know how that works with shabu shabu. but I'll ask them to replace my tomato and carrot with some more delicious mushrooms! you can take a look at the menu and see what veggies they offer, but the carrots and the tomato have no place in my opinion. REPLACE THEM! - ORDER SESAME PEANUT SAUCE! they don't tell you about this, but make sure you ask for it. I particularly don't like it, but many people enjoy this sauce much more than the standard soy sauce they provide! TRY IT.. Trust me. - Also, i think of the condiments they provide in the beginning, you will be given, red peppers, green onions, garlic, and this BROWN weird looking stuff. THE BROWN WEIRD LOOKING STUFF IS WHAT MAKES YOUR SOY SAUCE DELICIOUS!! it looks gross but trust ME, you must put that junk in. You will not regret it. The brown stuff (i think it's grinded fish) is what gives your dipping sauce the depth of flavor. PUT IT IN.. - At the end of your meal, they don't tell you about it, but if you know what you're doing you can make some DELICIOUS porridge out of the left over broth. When the broth looks extremely thick and it's boiling down, ask for one egg, and a bowl of rice. Put the heat of the burner on the LOW SETTING, put the egg in, put the rice, and KEEP STIRRING! Afterr you've tried the A5, you can venture out and start trying other things! BLESSIN
(5)
Ms. S.
Average shabu shabu. The meat isn't the best quality and neither is the broth. The kimchi broth wasn't spicy enough and was definitely diluted.
(3)
Alexei C.
YES. This place is awesome! Great food, fastidious atmosphere, smooth service, reasonable prices! Food: You have such a variety to choose from -- all of which is very delicious. I personally will get the house pork broth, two orders of udon noodles, two orders of basic beef, and a side plate of mushrooms. The mushroom side is a must. Drink: Get the 1L can of Asahi Super Dry. It's only $9.00 and is about three full beers. Two of these with dinner will set the stage for an amazing night. Service: Beautiful service. They wait frequently, but not over the top. Any special requests such as bowl divisions are accommodated with a smile. Atmosphere: Very clean and modern. They play progressive house at a low volume giving the restaurant a nice contemporary feel. Somewhat "lounge-ish." If you are a human being you will enjoy this place.
(5)
Jen S.
I've been meaning to update this for over a week, but grad school and Zuma Blitz on Facebook keep me busy. Went there again (a little over a week ago) with a different friend, and service was SO MUCH BETTER even though the dining room was much busier this time than the last time. If you are running low on broth don't be afraid, even to ask a random server, to put water in your broth when it's getting low. And DEFINITELY get Chinese Szechuan broth! I talked about flavorgasms in my last review- these 'gasms were much louder and happier!!!!
(5)
Lincoln W.
This is the best Hot-pot place around Boston. It is so much fun and a great time. The food is good and out quick. I will always go back.
(4)
ken t.
A5 all day. this is my go to place and i use to come to SHABU like once a week but have since died off coz of busy days. The foood is always good but since ive been such a loyal customer for so long, ive noticed that theyve started to giv less veggies on the entrees. this is okay for me because i still get full. service is good, but has potential to be bad on busy hours. parking sucks coz the lot is small and street parking isnt easy either. still better than the chinatown one though!
(4)
Kathy Y.
I've been going to Shabu Zen since they first opened in Chinatown. It was even better when they opened in Allston since this location has a parking lot and is more convenient for me. I still have to say they are the best for their Kim Chi broth compared to other Shabu Restaurants. But Other shabu restaurants have more variety of broths that make them better in that way. The presentation of their food is always good. But I have to admit over the years they have gotten cheap with what they give for sides on their veggie plates that come with the combos and I believe they skimped out on the meat as well. Short Ribs is still by far my favorite there. They also have their signature sauteed baby clams and sauteed beef tongue that is good there, I haven't found another place comparable to here yet. Other than the fact they skimped out on portions and variety in their combo vegetable platter, this place is still good and I would go back.
(3)
Rachel D.
I loved Shabu Zen in Allston! I've only been to the one in Chinatown so far, and the one in Allston lived up to the Chinatown restaurant's good name! We were waited on very well, and have had Shabu shabu before, but I'm sure if you hadn't they'd be more than willing to help you maneuver the hot pot, food, and spices/sauces. The side dishes are pretty cheap ! The meat dishes run between $11-$20+ and I recommend the lamb which is very tasty! The pork dumplings as a side dish were only $2.50 which is pretty cheap, and you get 4. I'll totally be back! you come out of there feeling content but not too full and it's a good experience because you're able to cook and talk with your dinner partner(s)!
(4)
N H.
I prefer Shabu-Zen in Allston than in Chinatown because of the free parking and also the space inside the restaurant. Shabu-Zen has been one of my fave restaurant to dine in Boston in the last 7 years. The food comes with fresh vegetables on the side and also a choice of noodle or rice. You can try different broths, but I like the chicken broth. Condiments also included: soy sauce, hot peppers, shrimp paste, and scallion. BUT I recommend to always request the sesame sauce which is not usually come with the meal. The sesame sauce is soooo good when you pair with cooked meat. Really, give it a try. The sides that I recommend would be beef tongue and tripe (try it first, then judge). This is a good place to go with friends/family or alone.
(5)
Linda C.
Best Shabu place in town!!! Comparable to Asia and other cities like LA and NY. Love the wide selection of sides and broths. Not only is the shabu good but so are the shakes. My favorites are the Lychee, Watermelon, Honeydew and Mango shakes. Everytime I am in the mood for something light and soupy, Shabu-Zen never disappoints. Great friendly staff and serivce :)
(5)
Howard P.
A wonderful experience. Servers were helpful, food was delicious, and atmosphere was fun. The hot pots filled the restaurant with wonderful aromas and plenty of warmth and humidity on a cold winter night. We will definitely return on our next trip to Boston.
(5)
Rachael B.
Everytime I'm in Boston, I make sure to stop by! One of my favorite places to eat! When my boyfriend took me here, I was pleasantly surprised and absolutely fell in love! I usually get the surf and turf with the Mongolian broth. I have spent lots of time in China, eating various sorts of hot pot, and I must say this is just as good. Of course it is a different style of hot pot, but delicious all the same! I love the various types of tofu they offer as well. It's a great place to go with a group of friends and chill. It's a nice change of pace to the typical dining experience, so if you find yourself free Saturday night, be sure to stop in!
(5)
dan c.
My kids loved this place as did my wife and I. Hot pot was fun for the kids, great vegetables and meat. The price was quite reasonable, we were able to have a relaxed meal and not feel rushed. Wait staff was very helpful. Place was crowded, but we were fortunate to get there JUST before the crowd. Great for the cold winter night.
(5)
Michelle B.
I like Shabu-Zen, but I'm not in love with it. The service is kind of hit or miss and even though I'm usually a big fan of kim chee broth, it just didn't have that extra oomph I wanted. It was pretty good, but since the broth is such a huge part of the experience, I really want it to be awesome every time. With that said, I've never left here not being completely full and satisfied with my meal. How can you go wrong with a platter of vegetables, meat, and seafood (surf and turf ftw!)? I usually get the udon, I'm not a huge vermicelli fan and rice doesn't really seem appealing to me in this setting. It's a fun experience and a good place to pass some time and eat at whatever pace you'd like.
(3)
Rubin K.
Although this was my first time having shabu, it was an awesome experience. For those who haven't had it, it's basically Korean BBQ, but instead of BBQ, it's boiling water. There are all the little fixens and sides you get like Korean BBQ too. it was awesome just being able to boil so many of the awesome vegetables they bring you. It ended up coming out to $24 per person and we each got the cheaper meat combo, plus we got 4 beers i think and a bottle of sake if I'm not mistaken. I'm rating this place based on the experience because we had a blast...little beer...little sake..lots of food.
(4)
Jennifer N.
So disclaimer- I love Shabu. I swear they put something in the broth goodness that is addicting, and makes us always go back for more. Good things: usually you can sit quickly. Also love the kimchi broth, and this is a place where you can control your own temperature and make your broth into soup. Veggie portion is usually decent, and no upcharge to switch out things you dont like, for those you do (for us- mushrooms, just cant get into eating fungus). Not so good things: service is super slow. Shabu makes you thirsty.. bring your own water bottle to ensure you have something to drink when they forget about you, which happens a lot. Sirloin is frozen, probably so they can keep a lot on hand, but sometimes comes to the table still frozen and ends up being really tough to eat. You get what you pay for.. its cheap and a good stand by to satisfy the shabu craving, but for quality of food, I definitly prefer some others (Shabu Restaurant in Quincy).
(3)
Henry P.
Nothing better to end a long hard day of work during New England's brutal Winters than to come and grab some delicious hot pot with friends. Although there are many Shabu places in Boston, this is by far one of my favorites, big and spacious, clean and brightly lit with impeccable cuts of high quality beef. Nothing better than sitting at the bar with an ice cold drink with friends and just relaxing and warming up over the warmth of your delicious soup. Parking was a breeze with entrances from the front and rear. Service here is also friendly as well and very helpful when it comes to those who are new to hot pot, also very helpful when suggesting what soup base/choice of meat to choose if having a hard time deciding. My own personal dinner of: Tom Yum soup base with beef, veggies, fish paste, dessert as well as 2 beers rang at around $30 not including tip. What a steal!
(4)
Kristin N.
Have fun with your dinner! A great date night place with delicious food, friendly wait staff, and something called a Japanese Mojito which is now my favorite drink of all time. An appetizer, two hot pot meals with additional priced broths, and three drinks came out to be about $52, not too bad! Try to make reservations if you have more than two people, this is a popular place.
(4)
Julie T.
I love this Shabu-Zen. Prefer it over the one in Chinatown. It's way more spacious! Besides that, I mean, it's a great hot pot restaurant. I usually get the beef combo with udon noodles and I always leave satisfied. The service has always been good whenever I've eaten here. I make it a personal mission to steal as many hot pot virginities as I can so I'm constantly taking my, well, non-Asian friends here haha. I've converted many into Shabu-Zen fans and will continue to do so. Yay!
(4)
Jon P.
Decent food, bad service. Besides the main courses, we ordered water, coke, appetizer, and side of watercress . The main courses came out immediately, the appetizer about 5 minutes after, the water/coke another 10 minutes later once we flagged down our waiter and reminded him, and then another round of flag-and-remind to get the watercress. The herbal broth was mediocre--nothing compared to Little Q. But the meat was good, and the mongolian spicy broth was amazing. Veggies were supremely fresh. We'll keep coming here, but I'll make sure that I flag the waitstaff right away rather than politely waiting ten minutes just to realize they forgot. Can't find veggies like this anywhere else, and the high quality of the food in general is very consistent (been here about a dozen times now), and the ambience is very cool.
(3)
sondarya R.
This is the unique place we visited this fall after seeing the review from the TV diner. This was our first experience in Shabu Restaurant. We were seated around the hot plate. We cooked our own meal. Thinly sliced cut meat steak and sea food were cooked very quickly when we added along with the spices provided, into the boiling hot water.Variety of Mushrooms, corn and pea-pods was enjoyable Vegetarian meal. Even though there was no parking place was available in the private parking lot but we were seated as soon as reached there. *Large selection of meat. *Unique experience * Definatly recommended
(4)
Mike K.
Good place for an interactive meal with friends. It's kind of like a fondue but a lot more laid back, not pompous, and there are no courses to to worry about. You pick a broth, pick the food and enjoy it. The service is usually very prompt and the prices are reasonable. That said, I took off one star because every time I've been here they were out of some of the specialty broths such as miso. This goes for both Brighton and downtown locations btw. Also, keep in mind that parking is not easy (at the Brighton location) but that's not really the restaurant's fault.
(4)
Tessa M.
This place really bummed me out. Went for my husband's birthday dinner this weekend and was really disappointed. I had called a week beforehand to ask about reservations for a group of 12 and was told they don't take them. They took our info and said they would do everything they could to get us in with a short wait. OK, so we risked it. Showed up and prepared to wait for a bit. Got some drinks at the bar, which were good, sweet sake-tinis. But then the wait turned into a solid hour, with not a word from the hostess about when we might expect to be seated. When we finally got our table, it took a while for a waiter to show up, and when he did, it was immediately apparent that he was completely overwhelmed. Several orders were taken down incorrectly, and several others just didn't arrive. The meat and chicken orders showed up a full 15 minutes after the vegetables, which made it pretty difficult to cook them together. Drink orders were left unfilled. The waiter wasn't able to give us any guidance on the best amounts to order for our group. As soon as the food was (sort of) delivered, he disappeared for the rest of the evening. As in, we literally never saw him again. I had to hunt twice for someone to take our dessert order, and then had to go hunt again for someone to bring us our $400 bill, which had a stinkin' 18% gratuity written in. Boo. Shoddy.
(1)
Andrew K.
I love Shabu Shabu and always try to convert my friends to liking it too. In a nut shell, the food is actually ok. Just WAY OVERPRICED. For all Shabu Newbies $20 or less is what you SHOULD pay for the meat, veggies, and rice. And you should be pretty stuffed at the end. I would say expect to pay closer to $30 here and still being hungry after. But if you want to take a date and are willing to drop some bank, this place is good for that cause the ambiance is nice. But if you are looking for a good meal that fills you up, AND at a decent price. Look elsewhere my friends.
(3)
Kasha G.
I came here with two friends and none of us were very familiar with shabu. Our waitress, Amy, was super friendly and helpful in answering our questions and leading us through the ordering process. Here's how it works: - If you sit at a table, there is a large hot plate in the middle that will hold a large bowl of broth. Bowls can hold one, two or three different flavors of broth. -Order an entree: all meats come with a side of veggies and the vegetarian delight option is a large plate of lots of different veggies and tofu. All entrees also come with either rice, udon or vermicelli. - Broth and veggies/meat will come out super quick and come with some delicious condiments. -Cook whatever you want in the boiling broth. A lot of reviews have been disappointed with the amount of food you get but we were really satisfied. Three hungry girls (who can eat a lot) split two entrees (one meat combo with beef and chicken and one vegetarian delight) and we still had lots left over. We tried the Mongolian Spicy added to the house pork broth (really good; spicy without being inedible, a few sniffles and teary eyes but in the best way possible) and the Chinese Herbal added to the vegetarian (tasted like a salty tea; subtle but yummy). The veggies were all delicious and the meat was great but I could've just drank that broth and been happy about it. My friend ordered a mango mochi for dessert and wasn't super impressed by it. So maybe skip that. But you should probably eat here. For real. And bring your friends. Lots of food for less than $12 each... a great deal.
(5)
Shaina P.
Entering Shabu Zen in Allston/Brighton is like diving into a warm bowl of broth with a hint of sliced lamb, bits of garlic, and that salty brown sauce I like. The humid brothy air in Shabu Zen at this location is quite distinctive. But if you love the experience of hot pot and essentially playing with your food, Shabu Zen is not to be missed. To choose between the Allston/Brighton location as opposed to the Chinatown signature establishment is quite a conundrum. But if you're looking for a more "authentic" and interesting experience, I would personally choose the Chinatown spot. Both have a ton of seating and offer the same thing food-wise. Allston/Brighton is a much newer space and might appear cleaner to the germaphobes out there. I like getting lamb because it has the punch of flavor that I like. Chicken doesn't offer much and pork the same. Wagyu is way too expensive. Seafood is fun, too. Mushrooms provide extra richness and mouth squishiness while tofu absorbs the tasty broth at the end. Mmmm... I love it all, but the fun playing with my food is the best part. Oh, and the waiter forgot to give us a little scooper thing for a while. All we had was chopsticks, which I'm okay with, but are difficult to get those slippery noodles out with.. You know what I'm talking about.
(4)
Z W.
Good fresh food, nice decor and service, reasonably priced too.
(5)
Susan K.
I've been to Shabu-Zen a couple times and the food is almost always satisfying. Parking is convenient since they have their own parking lot behind the restaurant. However, on a busy day, the parking spot can become real tight. Having a car in the Boston in general is tight. The environment of the place is roomy and spacious. Various types of seating for guest of 1 to 15. The service in general is good. But once in a while, there are employers who don't speak a lick of english, so sometimes that can be challenging. The food itself is good. Various broths to choose from (my personal favorite is the kim-chee) and I would say the vegetables they bring out are pretty fresh. Haven't been disappointed yet. The meat is pretty good. I love the concept of shabu; of boiling your own food and creating the sauce according to your own tastes. You can also order rice to noodles to eat with the meat/vegetables. I have been going here a couple times and will continue to go here when I get those shabu cravings.
(4)
Ben G.
I fricken love this place. It is great for everyone regardless of your eating restrictions. My vegetarian girlfriend loves the veggies and tofu and i love the meat. Meat, Meat, Meat. YUM YUM YUM Lots of it. Short ribs or the prime sirloin, I dont descriminate, its all good. Mix up that special sauce, take a lil swim in the tasty broth (My fav is tom yum), then a quick dip in said sauce and i'm a happy camper. Good luck finding parking.
(4)
Theodore Y.
it saves you from doing the work @ home. But you also pay a markup rate of 1000%. "That's just like any other restaurant out there" you say. Well any other joint doesn't require you too cook your own food also! Plus, it tastes good because of that sauce you make on your own!
(3)
Wang E.
What the heck?! I swore I reviewed this place! Chinatown Shabu over Brighton. I swear Brighton will be watering down their broth and soy sauce. At times it's so flavorful, the next it tastes like h2o. I will be in Chinatown having a veggie plate, and the plate will be FULL of veggies, that you cant even see the white plate. But over here, you could see the white space. The staffs here are so lopsided. At times I'll have a really nice waitress (usually the new ones), then later I'll get such a grouchy one. I know dealing with customers may be stressful sometimes, but still... What did I do? Let me just say this place does not have any stability, one day I'll be having the best meal, the next I'll be like "OMG... Why am I here?"...... So why do I go here ? Because they have a parking lot and MIXX right next to it. If I am to be loving this place, for the appetizer I'll get 100 salmon sashimis because it's that good! Kimchin & tomyum for the broth. The main entrees will include short rib, pork, raw beef tongue, fish paste, side of water crest, and mushroom platter. I use to be a fan of lamb but now it's tooo smelly! Oh yea don't get the sauteed clams because you'll be taking your time eating just one, trying to pick out 10 grains of sand. That's all for now folks!
(3)
S. C.
My first experience with hot pot was absolutely fantastic. I like to try many small dishes with alot of different flavor and I was not disappointed. Within walking distance, Shabu was not only convenient but the prices were great for the amount of food we got. Dual broth of mongolian and vegetable with: beef tongue, shiitake mushrooms, black fungus, spinach, prawns, conch, and dumplings. Paired with vermicelli (for me) and rice (for my friend). Everything was awesome I would not complain one bit about the flavoring or portion sizes. It was unfortunate that our appetizer of baby clams came out at the same time as our food and so our table was pretty cramped (next time we might try sitting at the bar instead) BUT there were plenty of servers willing to help and to check up to see if our meal was going well. Overall I will definitely go back and my faith in asian cuisine as being flavorful and fun is restored!
(4)
Jackie S.
I love Shabu Zen. I come here quite often. The prices are so much better than many of the other hot pots I have been to and the food is always fresh and delicious. It makes me happy they have chicken broth as a standard. Good saki and beer list. I continue to recomend this place, especially for dates.
(4)
Allison R.
Mall food court meets airport meets sushi joint meets steamy room meets thin slices of meat and unidentified vegetables to be cooked in boiling broth = hot pot. We sat at the bar (first available spot on a Friday night) and had no trouble with service. Extra broth was offered twice. I paid $25 for two Kirin lights and some mixed meat hot pot, including tip. That also bought me nearly two hours of girl talk over a steaming plate of broth. Shabu's fun and you won't have a bad time here.
(4)
Jess W.
I'm feeling sick today...let's go eat shabu. I just flunked my midterm...let's go eat shabu. I need to lose weight...let's go eat shabu. I practically use any and every excuse I can to eat shabu zen. Let's face it, I may as well put in my job application for this place considering how often I come here. I've never been disappointed because they deliver consistency each and every time. I'd love to give them 5 stars but they've become a bit stingy with the side of veggies. Of all things to skimp on and save the restaurant some money, you would think vegetables would be the last option...
(4)
Kerri Y.
New experience and we definitely needed some type of instructions! Having driven past this place a million times, finally stopped in to find out what it was all about. I assumed they had sushi or noodles but they only have Shabu-Shabu. This was an overwhelming surprise, that almost lead my sister and I to walk out, not knowing how to proceed. We were very wide-eyed and told them specifically we had never done this before while ordering. They did not offer any type of advice or menu suggestion. When we received our food, we looked around for a bit to figure out what to do, and eventually I hunted down a server to give us directions (which was like pulling teeth by the way). I'm sure glad I did-- I would have cooked the meat to death just to make sure it was cooked. Turns out, it only need a quick dip in the broth. Once we got the hang of it, we really enjoyed ourselves and had a healthy meal. It was a fun experience and I'll definitely go back with friends. As a side note, it would be a great first date place because there is a lot going on and the cooking keeps you busy. I agree with others- the customer service was lacking- they need to explain the process to newbies!!
(4)
Peter W.
My rating is really a 3.5 stars; I may bump up to 4 if the service becomes consistently good. I have been here many times and the food is consistently good; the atmosphere is good for people watching; and the price is right. I am a big eater, so the portions are a bit small for me, so I order extra meat plates to fill me up. In terms of service, my issue is that the waitstaff can be great one visit and lacking another time. I recommend the beef tongue!
(3)
Shendi X.
Delightfully clean, clear, and peaceful surroundings, but I've had more variety (sauces, other addendums to the crux of the meal), which makes all the difference to taste. Still, delightful - just not stellar.
(3)
Andrea H.
LOVE coming here. Nothing beats some hot pot on a cold night. The food is fresh, the vegitables are delicious, meat is thinly sliced, and the service is always attentive. We recently tried and loved the kimchee, and the red bean soup dessert is always a nice finish to such a refreshing meal. I never leave this place hungry!
(4)
Lauren J.
Love this place to pieces! Can't beat the kimchi broth!!! Such a cool and fun way to go out to eat with friends or family!!
(5)
Jotham O.
Best hot pie restaurant in Boston. Always quick service, and the food is delicious! The only knock is their beverages, I am not too crazy about Asian beers or alcoholic beverages.
(5)
Maryam D.
I could have Shabu every day in the winter! It is the perfect meal for a cold day. In reading the negative reviews, I'm a bit confused at the complaints on portion size?!!? I am never able to finish all my food, never! I leave completely full and satisfied (and I like to eat so it has nothing to do with a smaller appetite). My favorite broths are Chinese Herbal Spicy and Kimchi. Both are very flavorful and perfect on its own or with all the fixings. My favorite combo is the mushroom sampler and vegetable delight. I'm not vegetarian but all the veggies, noodles, tofu and broth make the best soup! Must haves: Kimchi Broth Extra garlic and spice Sukiyaki Sauce w/ lemon (prefer over the soy dipping sauce) Beef Tongue Veggie Delight I personally hate the chicken, it's the most bland option. I prefer the Shabu-Zen in Brighton over Chinatown. Much larger space, more parking, less of a wait and Mixx fro-yo is next door! I've never had a major problem with service; but I go frequently enough that I know exactly what I want and make sure to order it upfront. Also I have no problem getting my servers attention when I need something. I go and have a leisurely fun meal with my friends and leave happy. :)
(4)
Amy R.
I had a really great experience at ShabuZen last year and was excited to give it another shot a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to have a repeat of my last experience. Some highlights were the appetizers - gyoza and the Berkshire sausage. Not sure how the sausage makes the menu at this place, but they were delicious. We split a half/half order of the chicken and beef and decided to give the fermicelli noodles a shot. While the chicken and beef were good, the noodles were watered down. They were very difficult to eat. They definitely skimp on the vegetables here, so I'd recommend ordering an extra side of them. The service was horrendous. I didn't know who was waiting on our table... it got really confusing. And, we waited for what seemed an eternity for our check and the sales slip to sign w/ the credit card. Not sure I'll be returning anytime soon.
(2)
Rosalie Y.
You come here more for the experience than the food, but there's nothing wrong with that. Our table went with 4 lamb and 1 seafood entree and both the chicken and pork broth. Their ingredients were of high quality--really thinly sliced, frozen, marbled lamb and fresh raw seafood, but the portions really leave something to be desired. The lamb looked like a lot of food when raw, but once cooked, it's only just 9 or 10 thin slices. Finally, we got both the chicken and pork broths, but after cooking our meats in them, everything just tasted like lamb broth. The sauce is kind of boring too (soysauce based). I wish they offered a wider selection. The "dessert" they offer at the end is kind of a joke -- it's two gulps of a syrupy, watery, generic red bean soup. I would ask them to not bring it out next time. When we got there, 6pm on a saturday, there was no wait, but just an hour later, the restaurant was packed with a line out the door. It probably doesn't help that the turnover is really, REALLY slow, with each table taking at least an hour. This is what's fun about the experience, though--you get to really draw out the meal and spend time with the people. The food is really nothing special, but I enjoyed the experience and would come back with friends or for a date.
(3)
Steph L.
It's hard to rate a restaurant that doesn't cook your food. Living in Brighton, I would consider myself a regular at Shabu Zen. The place is spacious and perfect for both small and big groups. The vegetables are fresh and plentiful, as are the meat and fish. I would recommend the short ribs, seafood platter, fish paste, and the sauteed baby clams (the thick, garlicky sauce is off the hook). The service is usually prompt and attentive though something somewhat bizarre happened yesterday. I went there with some friends for a birthday. At the end of the meal, we shared a delicious chocolate mousse cake from Whole Foods. Since we were full from our dinner, we had about two slices left and repackaged the cake to bring home. After paying and gathering our belongings, we left, but after about 3 minutes we realized that we had left the cake on the table and went back. Once we walked back into Shabu, we found out that our waitress had eaten the cake. We were literally gone less than 5 minutes before she ripped open the repackaged cake and nom'd it all. Wow. We were gone less time than it takes to go to the bathroom to wash your hands. A friend who was a waitress there apologized on behalf of the waitress who we could CLEARLY see eating in the kitchen. She couldn't make eye contact with us after. I hope the shame of it keeps her up at night. So make sure you don't leave any extra cake there, because that shit is good as gone.
(3)
Jessica R.
I came here having absolutely no idea what I was ordering, cooking or doing. Our waitress was a great help and guided me through the menu and how to prepare my food without making me feel like an idiot for being new to hot pot dining. Her recommendation for my dish was spot on and I was super impressed with my meal. Loved the experience and the food and the service. Will be back often!
(4)
Miles V.
Better than the shabu in chinatown, but a little overpriced. I was still hungry when we left but then again it was the lunch portion. Dinner looks like it would be a better value.
(4)
Rolo C.
Place is getting cheap. They keep replacing higher priced veg with cheap ones (bakchoi replaced broccoli and watercress) and giving less. $90 (with tip) for dinner for two + 2 beers + watermellon shake.
(2)
Alvin C.
I really like this place, but I know it is not for everyone. I have to be in the mood for it event, and I just said I really like it. The concept of everything being soupy can take a second for folks who like heartier fare. Also, some people might not like the sight of raw meat. I went with some long lot college friends last time and we had a blast!!! The atmosphere was perfect for catching up. The also had the basketball game on there as well. The parking situation is a bit tight, but it wins in that department still because free parking is hard to come by. I highly recommend it, but it is not the alternative for those who want a burger and fries.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Melissa F.
I finally got to try this place last night. I had been hearing about it since I moved to Boston 7 years ago so I was expecting it to be great. It wasn't. Maybe if this was my first time doing hot pot I would've liked it better. I mean nothing was outright terrible about the meal, but the experience was just underwhelming over all. Strike 1: the meat tray does not have that much meat on it. My friend ordered the chicken, and I got the combo with chicken and beef. When we first got them we both said it wasn't a lot. Ok fine I'll just fill up on veggies then. Strike2: It's nice that they give you the veggie plate but it would be better if they let you pick your own instead. I didn't eat the cabbage, mushrooms, or tomato in mine, and had only 2 small pieces of the tofu and one slice of a carrot (!) that I actually did want to eat. If you want it to be included as a meal then at least let us pick what we want, or give us more as a side. The broth was nothing exciting. They didn't do a good job of explaining what the different kinds were so I just randomly picked the Szechuan and made it spicy. Round this all off with there being a language barrier and I'm all set to leave. They say that the meals include a "dessert" but don't be fooled. It's this disgusting red bean soup and I have no clue how this qualifies as a dessert. Check please. The highlight of the meal was the mango smoothie I ordered. It was so freaking good. With fresh mango pieces in it I was in heaven. They have a lot of other flavors too. This place isn't terribly cheap either. I was satisfied but not full when I left. I don't eat that much but I finished all the meat on my tray and ate half the veggies. Anyone with a regular appetite would have to order 2 or 3 to feel full I'm guessing. So if you are in the mood for hot pot, skip this place and go to Chinatown instead. Try The Q (see my review on it), or any of the other places around. They are pretty good and a much better deal. I won't be returning to ShabuZen anytime soon.
(2)John W.
This is a great place for Hot potting! My friend and I were seating within a reasonable time but it was clear they were extremely busy. The service was great and the food was reasonably priced. I found the quality of the meats to be exquisite and quite delectable. The customer has no control of the flame however and it can be quite annoying when multiple people keep coming by the turn up or turn down the heat for my broth! I've had a couple of situations where someone would turn it up for me, only for some random waiter to come by and turn it back down when my attention was directed at something else.
(5)Tiffany L.
Nothing to rave about. They don't seat you until your whole party is there. The parking stinks. The lot is too small, and they get pretty crowded. They give you all those nice dipping sauces. The mongolian spicy broth was too much for me! Our meals also came with red bean dessert at the end. Not bad.
(3)Lisa G.
On Saturday, 3/22/14, my 2 girlfriends and I went to this place for dinner. One friend had never come here before, so my other friend and I decided to invite her along. My friend (the newbie to Shabu-Zen) ordered a banana smoothie, took ONE sip, and decided she didn't like it. She explained this to our waitress, and ordered a Coke instead. When it came time to pay the final bill, my friend was charged for both the smoothie and the Coke! We asked the waitress why, and she became nasty and said that because my friend took ONE sip from the smoothie, she could not take it off the bill. I could not believe what I had just heard! My friend agreed to have the second drink taken off. When the waitress came back with the fixed check, she TOSSED it into the table at us! She became incredibly RUDE! We spoke with a supervisor, who said he would give us a free drink the next time we come to eat. Unfortunately, my friend will not be coming back to this place because of how the waitress treated her. And, in my opinion, a free drink does NOT replace poor customer service. My other friend and I are REGULAR customers who are always highly satisfied with this place. But that night I left feeling angry, outraged, and disgusted with the poor customer service!
(2)Julie L.
Perfect for a wintry night. Great selections of ingredients and you can choose from a la carte or a set menu that comes with a combination of meat, a veggie platter and rice/noodles. The soup is served in a large pot which is usually shared between two people. There is a separator in the middle of the pot so if you want a different broth than others in your party, you can mix and match. The ingredients are fresh and the portion size for a combo meal is definitely filling. Just a note that the only problem is parking, which is true for most places in Allston. There is a lot behind the restaurant but unfortunately it's always full every time I have gone.
(4)Rashid M.
If you've never had Shabu Shabu, or any of it's variations, it's basically where you sit at a table and cook your own food in a hot pot. It's a very nice experience, and specially fun when in a big group. I enjoyed dinner here. The place was big and crowded, but our wait wasn't long. I decided to have the Beef Sirloin and it was very good. We decided to try the Kim Chee broth, and it was excellent. A little spicy, but a lot of flavor! The Udon noodles complemented the Sirloin very well. I recommend this restaurant if you want a unique experience and you're with a group. Food and service was very good. We also sat next to a huge projector screen where I was able to watch the game on ESPN. They have parking in the back, but good luck finding a spot!
(4)Quang N.
Would give it 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4. Came here during one of the recent snowstorms. It was a nice place to get a hot soup while hiding out from the snow. Came here with a group of friends, and there were plenty of different soups and proteins to satisfy our different palates. Everything was tasty and relatively cheap for a group that kept ordering more and more. I personally enjoyed the lamb and the szechuan soup base. The place was large and able to accomodate large groups, and it's always nice to have a parking spot.
(4)Deborah H.
I love this place. Great value for money, awesome variety, and almost never a wait during off peak hours. They can accommodate huge parties with very little notice. A few tips: - I'm not a fan of their seafood platter. It's decently fresh and all that, but in my opinion, meat is superior for hot pot. - My favorites are the short rib, if you're feeling indulgent, or the dual meat with lamb and pork. Yum. - Make sure to ask for the secret sesame sauce. It's like crack. - My friend swears by the kimchi broth but I'm happy with the house special pork. - Opt for the vermicelli if you're afraid you'll be stuffed after a plate of meat, veggies, and soup, since it's less filling. Otherwise go for the udon or rice. - You pretty much need a reservation for Friday or Saturday nights, especially when it's cold out! - Eat at the bar if you don't like the idea of sharing soup pots. Otherwise, get friendly with your dining companions! If you sit at a table you can get a split-pot and try two different soups! Enjoy!
(5)Lisa L.
I've been going to this place for years. It's one of my favorites places to go in Boston, regardless if it's on a cold winter or a hot summer day. The Allston location is incredibly spacious and is great for large parties.
(4)Joe J.
So, check it out... I came here because Bon Chon was closed and I was meeting up with my homegirls Shananay and K-Rock so we pivoted like power moving veterans and went to Shabu-Zen. It ain't no lie, this place is doggone fly. It's like the Closest Thing to Heaven. Makes me really want to Shout about how good it is! Got the meat platter, surf and turf and seafood platter and all were the bees knees, the bread and butter, the cats meow (champ champ)! The service is great, they give you love, not Pale Shelter. The watermelon dankness that is their fruit drink will make you feel Head Over Heels. Comes with free dessert. Don't get overwhelmed about the choices, when it's all mixed up, better Break It Down Again. This place is a Mad World, but it's awesome! Fairly priced, because they are Sowing the Seeds of Love. I'm gonna go listen to some Tears for Fears.
(5)Stephanie L.
I've been here many times before in the past and the plates of food continues to downgrade. Also the host and hostess were not welcoming when you first enter. Also just a note there is a sign that says if not every member of your party has arrived they will not seat you. This is what i mean by downgrade: on the plate of vegetables bundles of watercress became few flakes of cabbage, instead of a whole mushroom I got 2 slices, the baby octopus appetizer we only got 5 heads of octopus. The only good part was our waitress' service. Overpriced.
(1)Monica B.
I am in love with this place. The smell when you walk in, is overwhelming and be prepared to leave smelling like food but, be prepared to enjoy yourself and amazing food. I've had the Kimchee, Berkshire sausage, sauteed beef tongue, the Beef main curse, Surt & Turf and a chicken main course.. I've had all the broths and they are great. This place is not cheap but, it is not overpriced either. You get great food so it is money well spent!
(5)Mindy R.
I was at Shabu Zen a while back, but visited again last week when a friend of mine suggest a fun, Asian style dinner. I'm allergic to shellfish so sushi was out of the question :-/ but I remembered this great place! Visiting here again definitely didn't disappoint! My boyfriend (who's quite the picky eater), my friend (somewhat of an adventurous eater) and me (I will eat everything I'm not allergic to) definitely enjoyed this place! It's so light but definitely filling! My boyfriend and I split the beef and my friend ordered the pork and beef. We all got veggies and rice or udon noodles. We cleared our plates and ordered mochi desserts, but none of us felt too filled. It's all broth, proteins, and veggies which just fills you up but still manages to make you feel good about yourself and what you just ate. If I had to make a complaint it would be that our server disappeared for maybe 20mins to a half hour. I mean, I guess after she took our order and brought our food we really didn't neeeeeeeed her. You cook your own food, and if you need a refill on broth there is someone walking around with it to pour in. It would just have been nice to find our server a little earlier just so we could have had a refill on sake. This is a great place for a group of friends or family for an experience as well as great food. I can see why people would think its "weird" because the meat and veggies are brought out completely raw and you cook them (about 30 seconds!) in the boiling hot pot of broth.....but it's fantastic - I assure you.
(4)Wendy L.
I love Shabu Zen! I can't seem to find better kim-chee broth and good cuts of beef anywhere else but here. Be sure to put on an outfit you don't care about and leave your jackets in your car because it will smell like Shabu for a few hours. This is also a great hangover cure! Lunch is a lot cheaper here so if you want a great deal be sure to come before 3pm on weekdays, its about 40% off the combos. Dinner is kind of pricey if you are really hungry. Since they don't give you as much vegetables as before you end up ordering more and the special broths are extra too so it all adds up. It seems to me that the Chinatown location is a lot more generous on their portions. My favorite is the Beef Short Ribs and Udon noodles with Kim-Chee broth and a side of fish paste. It's delicious! Even though they have a private lot, parking is kind of a pain on weekend nights from 7:00-8:30. It's hard to find street parking too because there are a ton of restaurants and bars on Brighton Ave. So get there early or avoid the peak hours.
(4)Danie R.
If you're going to get the vegetarian broth, make sure you get a flavor added, otherwise it'll be bland as hell. I've done it both ways now, and the plain veggie broth was heinous and made the food taste like nothing. The portions and price are really good though. Service was horrible on Friday night though... We got in around 4:30 for dinner and ordered food and drinks, at first I got a diet coke, but then switched to the sake mojitos. I saw the drink made and put up at the service bar, ready for my server to bring it to me... 10 minutes later, he finally approaches the table asking if we need anything else.. and I'm like, duh, my drink? THANKS. Haha. A light went off in his head being like WOOPS SHIT I FORGOT.. I got the drink, the ice was way melted, therefore making it watery. He never came back or I would have told him. Whatever. I still like the shabu, and it's closest shabu place to my apartment.
(3)Rachel K.
Shabu Zen is not too Shabb-y!!! I love this place. It's clearly popular as it is always busy, no matter what night you go. The food is always fresh, and soooo good. I love the fun of cooking everything yourself, and enjoy eating slowly as it takes time to cook your food. Perfect for a dinner to catch-up with an old friend, or for a date. This is such a fun experience and such a great meal. Good wine, sake, and beer selection. Service has varied at each of my visits. The bar is sometimes slow. Some servers are amazing, some not up to par. My first few times coming here I definitely needed some guidance as they offer a very different eating experience than your average Boston restaurant. One of my fave go to places in the area, no question.
(4)Ryan S.
One of my favorite restaurants in Allston-Brighton. Great prices, good selection of booze and delicious food.
(5)Daisy D.
The hotpot is very tiny and clean! And I really like their bowls, dishes, and mugs!
(4)Victoria W.
I adore Shabu Zen it is one of my favorite restaurants! Of the two locations, I prefer the Allston location. Parking is a nightmare there but it's worth it because the food is amazing. They have an experienced staff that is quick and attentive. Anything you order will be good, I recommend taking a chance and ordering the sautéed beef tongue appetizer, it's delicious. When I go with friends we usually order a few dishes and share everything. We get the sirloin and kobe, and the seafood. I always order extra fish cakes because they're my favorite! My only complaint is that if you order wine, they give you like 5 ounces or something and charge you for the standard number of ounces at another restaurant. They do not have a full bar but they have lots of fun cocktails on their list and serve a 32 ounce Asahi, the best Japanese beer in my opinion!
(5)Yue Z.
Service: 4 Food: 4 Ambiance: 4 Tip: Ask for those sesame and or peanut sauces! I love these chain shabu shabu places, because they serve exactly what you expect. One delicious pot of soup, with which ever broth you prefer (I personally love the Mongolian spicy, and herbal), and a generous plate of meat and another of veggies. Fresh, just the right proportion, fast. The place is large enough that there isn't really a long wait. There's also private rooms for large birthdays or celebrations. And there's free parking in a private lot, which is KEY on a cold wintery Boston night!! Great place to get food in your stomach (while staying healthy) when you're hungry!
(4)Timothy H.
Amazing hot-pot close to home! Try the dumplings and the Smoothies with Pearls!
(4)Jenny T.
Hot pot is always great for cold winter days like these! Many people don't really like this place, but I personally like it. It's not the best of the best, but it's definitely not horrible. There really isn't much to say, haha. Good food. Pretty decent service. I don't really like having to wait every time I go, but doesn't that come with every other restaurant? Lol.
(4)Brandy S.
My first time experiencing this type of "hot pot" restaurant and I loved it. I went with a friend who had been many times. We had the Korean Kim Chee and Thai Tom Yum broth flavorings plus beef and pork. All in all, the process is alot of fun, you can eat as much/little as you like, and it actually tastes good . Since you are cooking the meat, you can assure that you cook to your taste (unless you talk too much like me and don't pay attention). Plus it is fairly healthy so you don't feel too bad about eating there. I reccomend the vermicelli to go along side as it soaks up the broth really well so you get the full broth flavor. The prices were reasonable and the staff was very friendly. I would reccomend as a fun date night, or a good place to go with groups.
(4)Rachel C.
After my visit tonight I realized I need to tell everyone how amazing this place is. They have a clean and very friendly environment. The food is very fresh and leaves me feeling great after a meal. Bar staff is especially nice and I LOVE THE MOJITOS they are the best mojitos in Boston by far (and Ive had my share over the past six years). A trip to Shabu Zen never disappoints anyone my girlfriend and I go with. yay!!! oh and the green tea ice cream is AWESOME.
(5)Kim V.
The good thing about this place is that it's definitely what I would consider comfort food on a cold night. My bf came here at my behest because I know I'm not finding any good Shabu in SB any time soon. We ordered the Surf and Turf (lamb and an assortment of seafood), udon, mushroom balls, and pork dumplings. We had the spicy szechuan broth on one side and the regular (which I don't even know what that really means) on the other. I've been here before, which is why we shared a main dish and ordered a few sides. One order is huge for one person, and almost enough for 2 (almost). I generally enjoy "cooking" my own food and we took our time with each portion of the meal. The veggies side that comes with the meal was a little smaller than I remember, but the meat and seafood portions were good. The mushroom balls were meh, not particularly flavorful and a little tougher than I anticipated (regardless of how long we cooked them). The seafood was good. We didn't overcook anything, so that helped. The scallop looked like it was sliced in half, so it was a small portion, but they most definitely didn't skimp on the squid. I would have preferred a little more white fish, though. The lamb was a little too fatty, but still good. Especially when cooked in the spicy broth. The spicy broth was not bad, although it could have used a bit more flavor. We added the side sauces to our broth, which made it tastier, but it's a shame that it can't stand on its own.
(3)Michael C.
My first hot pot experience, I would suggest not going here starving or you will make the same mistake I did. Undercooked my first serving. This place definitely has a fun atmosphere and it was great to try something different. Overall I found the food alright, after I figured out the setup it went much more smooth. As a side note the drink prices are pretty good here.
(3)David K.
The time has come for me to write a review for this place. This is by far my favorite hot pot restaurant. I went to the other shabu place called Kaze and I've also been to a couple of hot pot places in NJ/NY area but in my opinion, this is the BEST PLACE by far. Also, shabu zen is perfect for a COLDER day!! but my love for shabu shabu is not conditioned by the weather! haha! MEAT QUALITY: The A5 (you will see this option on the menu) is the standard that you should go with. For the common person, they will NOT be able to distinguish between the A1 and A5. The marbling on the meat for A5 is just SPECTACULAR. At times, I wonder if it was a piece of KOBE rib-eye beef they cut!! It's just that good. i have to say that there are times when I got skunked and got crappy meat. But generally speaking, go with the A5. If it's your first time maybe try the A6 and get half beef and half lamb. The ONLY reason you would get chicken is if you're on a diet or something. GO FOR THE A5!! - for you vegetarians there is a vegetarian delight menu as well. I don't know what sparks the taste buds of a vegetarian, but fear not, the option is there. PRICE& PORTIONS: - The portions are pretty small and if you're someone who eats a lot you WILL NOT be full from one order of the A5. - There is a LUNCH SPECIAL menu that runs from 11:30AM-3PM i believe. THIS IS THE BOMB!! It's $7.50 for the standard meal. I usually order two A5's (full set with two sets of beef and two sets of veggies). I spend exactly $20 for the meal. But if two people go and order just the standard meal you will only spend $10 total! It's worth it! - The dinner menu is much more expensive. In fact, I've only been to shabu zen for dinner maybe 5 times.. The portions are slightly bigger for dinner, but regardless I think in terms of bang for the buck, LUNCHTIME is the way to go. CLEANLINESS: This place extremely TIDY and CLEAN. So if you like eating in an atmosphere that is clean, crisp, and modern, you'll love this place. I find cleanliness to be extremely important for my appetite, ESPECIALLY because of the nature of hot pot! You're handling raw meat, the place better be CLEAN! Just so you know, by the time you're done with your meal your table will look like a WARZONE.. But thats the fun of eating SHABU BROTH: If you love spicy and EXTREMELY flavorful broth, you MUST order the kimchi broth. This kimchi broth is what makes this place AMAZING. Also, you'll notice that as your broth evaporates they will come and REFILL the broth with the standard broth. YOU MUST MAKE SURE YOU ASK FOR MORE KIMCHI BROTH PASTE if they REFILL IT! Otherwise, you've paid ~$3 for the kimchi broth for NOTHING. Also, if you want even MORE flavor in your kimchi broth, you can always ask for more kimchi broth paste.. Sometimes the waiter will say that they dont do that, but that is BOLOGNE! I must've been here over 20 times and even from the beginning they've given me more kimchi paste. If they give you a hard time about it, tell them about this review. haha! I know they give you more KIMCHI BROTH PASTE FOR FREE! Anyways, here's a rule of thumb. If your BROTH tastes good, your shabu will be delicious. If your broth is BLAND then it's not gonna be good. GENERALLY, i would suggest that you get HALF the regular broth and HALF the kimchi broth. The regular broth is free of charge, and having the regular broth side is always a plus.. I usually cook my CORN on the REGULAR broth side.. Who likes to eat spicy corn?? That's just weird.. SPECIAL QUIRKS: - When you order your veggies, you can mix and match the veggies! They give you a tomato and carrot for some reason..?? I don't know how that works with shabu shabu. but I'll ask them to replace my tomato and carrot with some more delicious mushrooms! you can take a look at the menu and see what veggies they offer, but the carrots and the tomato have no place in my opinion. REPLACE THEM! - ORDER SESAME PEANUT SAUCE! they don't tell you about this, but make sure you ask for it. I particularly don't like it, but many people enjoy this sauce much more than the standard soy sauce they provide! TRY IT.. Trust me. - Also, i think of the condiments they provide in the beginning, you will be given, red peppers, green onions, garlic, and this BROWN weird looking stuff. THE BROWN WEIRD LOOKING STUFF IS WHAT MAKES YOUR SOY SAUCE DELICIOUS!! it looks gross but trust ME, you must put that junk in. You will not regret it. The brown stuff (i think it's grinded fish) is what gives your dipping sauce the depth of flavor. PUT IT IN.. - At the end of your meal, they don't tell you about it, but if you know what you're doing you can make some DELICIOUS porridge out of the left over broth. When the broth looks extremely thick and it's boiling down, ask for one egg, and a bowl of rice. Put the heat of the burner on the LOW SETTING, put the egg in, put the rice, and KEEP STIRRING! Afterr you've tried the A5, you can venture out and start trying other things! BLESSIN
(5)Ms. S.
Average shabu shabu. The meat isn't the best quality and neither is the broth. The kimchi broth wasn't spicy enough and was definitely diluted.
(3)Alexei C.
YES. This place is awesome! Great food, fastidious atmosphere, smooth service, reasonable prices! Food: You have such a variety to choose from -- all of which is very delicious. I personally will get the house pork broth, two orders of udon noodles, two orders of basic beef, and a side plate of mushrooms. The mushroom side is a must. Drink: Get the 1L can of Asahi Super Dry. It's only $9.00 and is about three full beers. Two of these with dinner will set the stage for an amazing night. Service: Beautiful service. They wait frequently, but not over the top. Any special requests such as bowl divisions are accommodated with a smile. Atmosphere: Very clean and modern. They play progressive house at a low volume giving the restaurant a nice contemporary feel. Somewhat "lounge-ish." If you are a human being you will enjoy this place.
(5)Jen S.
I've been meaning to update this for over a week, but grad school and Zuma Blitz on Facebook keep me busy. Went there again (a little over a week ago) with a different friend, and service was SO MUCH BETTER even though the dining room was much busier this time than the last time. If you are running low on broth don't be afraid, even to ask a random server, to put water in your broth when it's getting low. And DEFINITELY get Chinese Szechuan broth! I talked about flavorgasms in my last review- these 'gasms were much louder and happier!!!!
(5)Lincoln W.
This is the best Hot-pot place around Boston. It is so much fun and a great time. The food is good and out quick. I will always go back.
(4)ken t.
A5 all day. this is my go to place and i use to come to SHABU like once a week but have since died off coz of busy days. The foood is always good but since ive been such a loyal customer for so long, ive noticed that theyve started to giv less veggies on the entrees. this is okay for me because i still get full. service is good, but has potential to be bad on busy hours. parking sucks coz the lot is small and street parking isnt easy either. still better than the chinatown one though!
(4)Kathy Y.
I've been going to Shabu Zen since they first opened in Chinatown. It was even better when they opened in Allston since this location has a parking lot and is more convenient for me. I still have to say they are the best for their Kim Chi broth compared to other Shabu Restaurants. But Other shabu restaurants have more variety of broths that make them better in that way. The presentation of their food is always good. But I have to admit over the years they have gotten cheap with what they give for sides on their veggie plates that come with the combos and I believe they skimped out on the meat as well. Short Ribs is still by far my favorite there. They also have their signature sauteed baby clams and sauteed beef tongue that is good there, I haven't found another place comparable to here yet. Other than the fact they skimped out on portions and variety in their combo vegetable platter, this place is still good and I would go back.
(3)Rachel D.
I loved Shabu Zen in Allston! I've only been to the one in Chinatown so far, and the one in Allston lived up to the Chinatown restaurant's good name! We were waited on very well, and have had Shabu shabu before, but I'm sure if you hadn't they'd be more than willing to help you maneuver the hot pot, food, and spices/sauces. The side dishes are pretty cheap ! The meat dishes run between $11-$20+ and I recommend the lamb which is very tasty! The pork dumplings as a side dish were only $2.50 which is pretty cheap, and you get 4. I'll totally be back! you come out of there feeling content but not too full and it's a good experience because you're able to cook and talk with your dinner partner(s)!
(4)N H.
I prefer Shabu-Zen in Allston than in Chinatown because of the free parking and also the space inside the restaurant. Shabu-Zen has been one of my fave restaurant to dine in Boston in the last 7 years. The food comes with fresh vegetables on the side and also a choice of noodle or rice. You can try different broths, but I like the chicken broth. Condiments also included: soy sauce, hot peppers, shrimp paste, and scallion. BUT I recommend to always request the sesame sauce which is not usually come with the meal. The sesame sauce is soooo good when you pair with cooked meat. Really, give it a try. The sides that I recommend would be beef tongue and tripe (try it first, then judge). This is a good place to go with friends/family or alone.
(5)Linda C.
Best Shabu place in town!!! Comparable to Asia and other cities like LA and NY. Love the wide selection of sides and broths. Not only is the shabu good but so are the shakes. My favorites are the Lychee, Watermelon, Honeydew and Mango shakes. Everytime I am in the mood for something light and soupy, Shabu-Zen never disappoints. Great friendly staff and serivce :)
(5)Howard P.
A wonderful experience. Servers were helpful, food was delicious, and atmosphere was fun. The hot pots filled the restaurant with wonderful aromas and plenty of warmth and humidity on a cold winter night. We will definitely return on our next trip to Boston.
(5)Rachael B.
Everytime I'm in Boston, I make sure to stop by! One of my favorite places to eat! When my boyfriend took me here, I was pleasantly surprised and absolutely fell in love! I usually get the surf and turf with the Mongolian broth. I have spent lots of time in China, eating various sorts of hot pot, and I must say this is just as good. Of course it is a different style of hot pot, but delicious all the same! I love the various types of tofu they offer as well. It's a great place to go with a group of friends and chill. It's a nice change of pace to the typical dining experience, so if you find yourself free Saturday night, be sure to stop in!
(5)dan c.
My kids loved this place as did my wife and I. Hot pot was fun for the kids, great vegetables and meat. The price was quite reasonable, we were able to have a relaxed meal and not feel rushed. Wait staff was very helpful. Place was crowded, but we were fortunate to get there JUST before the crowd. Great for the cold winter night.
(5)Michelle B.
I like Shabu-Zen, but I'm not in love with it. The service is kind of hit or miss and even though I'm usually a big fan of kim chee broth, it just didn't have that extra oomph I wanted. It was pretty good, but since the broth is such a huge part of the experience, I really want it to be awesome every time. With that said, I've never left here not being completely full and satisfied with my meal. How can you go wrong with a platter of vegetables, meat, and seafood (surf and turf ftw!)? I usually get the udon, I'm not a huge vermicelli fan and rice doesn't really seem appealing to me in this setting. It's a fun experience and a good place to pass some time and eat at whatever pace you'd like.
(3)Rubin K.
Although this was my first time having shabu, it was an awesome experience. For those who haven't had it, it's basically Korean BBQ, but instead of BBQ, it's boiling water. There are all the little fixens and sides you get like Korean BBQ too. it was awesome just being able to boil so many of the awesome vegetables they bring you. It ended up coming out to $24 per person and we each got the cheaper meat combo, plus we got 4 beers i think and a bottle of sake if I'm not mistaken. I'm rating this place based on the experience because we had a blast...little beer...little sake..lots of food.
(4)Jennifer N.
So disclaimer- I love Shabu. I swear they put something in the broth goodness that is addicting, and makes us always go back for more. Good things: usually you can sit quickly. Also love the kimchi broth, and this is a place where you can control your own temperature and make your broth into soup. Veggie portion is usually decent, and no upcharge to switch out things you dont like, for those you do (for us- mushrooms, just cant get into eating fungus). Not so good things: service is super slow. Shabu makes you thirsty.. bring your own water bottle to ensure you have something to drink when they forget about you, which happens a lot. Sirloin is frozen, probably so they can keep a lot on hand, but sometimes comes to the table still frozen and ends up being really tough to eat. You get what you pay for.. its cheap and a good stand by to satisfy the shabu craving, but for quality of food, I definitly prefer some others (Shabu Restaurant in Quincy).
(3)Henry P.
Nothing better to end a long hard day of work during New England's brutal Winters than to come and grab some delicious hot pot with friends. Although there are many Shabu places in Boston, this is by far one of my favorites, big and spacious, clean and brightly lit with impeccable cuts of high quality beef. Nothing better than sitting at the bar with an ice cold drink with friends and just relaxing and warming up over the warmth of your delicious soup. Parking was a breeze with entrances from the front and rear. Service here is also friendly as well and very helpful when it comes to those who are new to hot pot, also very helpful when suggesting what soup base/choice of meat to choose if having a hard time deciding. My own personal dinner of: Tom Yum soup base with beef, veggies, fish paste, dessert as well as 2 beers rang at around $30 not including tip. What a steal!
(4)Kristin N.
Have fun with your dinner! A great date night place with delicious food, friendly wait staff, and something called a Japanese Mojito which is now my favorite drink of all time. An appetizer, two hot pot meals with additional priced broths, and three drinks came out to be about $52, not too bad! Try to make reservations if you have more than two people, this is a popular place.
(4)Julie T.
I love this Shabu-Zen. Prefer it over the one in Chinatown. It's way more spacious! Besides that, I mean, it's a great hot pot restaurant. I usually get the beef combo with udon noodles and I always leave satisfied. The service has always been good whenever I've eaten here. I make it a personal mission to steal as many hot pot virginities as I can so I'm constantly taking my, well, non-Asian friends here haha. I've converted many into Shabu-Zen fans and will continue to do so. Yay!
(4)Jon P.
Decent food, bad service. Besides the main courses, we ordered water, coke, appetizer, and side of watercress . The main courses came out immediately, the appetizer about 5 minutes after, the water/coke another 10 minutes later once we flagged down our waiter and reminded him, and then another round of flag-and-remind to get the watercress. The herbal broth was mediocre--nothing compared to Little Q. But the meat was good, and the mongolian spicy broth was amazing. Veggies were supremely fresh. We'll keep coming here, but I'll make sure that I flag the waitstaff right away rather than politely waiting ten minutes just to realize they forgot. Can't find veggies like this anywhere else, and the high quality of the food in general is very consistent (been here about a dozen times now), and the ambience is very cool.
(3)sondarya R.
This is the unique place we visited this fall after seeing the review from the TV diner. This was our first experience in Shabu Restaurant. We were seated around the hot plate. We cooked our own meal. Thinly sliced cut meat steak and sea food were cooked very quickly when we added along with the spices provided, into the boiling hot water.Variety of Mushrooms, corn and pea-pods was enjoyable Vegetarian meal. Even though there was no parking place was available in the private parking lot but we were seated as soon as reached there. *Large selection of meat. *Unique experience * Definatly recommended
(4)Mike K.
Good place for an interactive meal with friends. It's kind of like a fondue but a lot more laid back, not pompous, and there are no courses to to worry about. You pick a broth, pick the food and enjoy it. The service is usually very prompt and the prices are reasonable. That said, I took off one star because every time I've been here they were out of some of the specialty broths such as miso. This goes for both Brighton and downtown locations btw. Also, keep in mind that parking is not easy (at the Brighton location) but that's not really the restaurant's fault.
(4)Tessa M.
This place really bummed me out. Went for my husband's birthday dinner this weekend and was really disappointed. I had called a week beforehand to ask about reservations for a group of 12 and was told they don't take them. They took our info and said they would do everything they could to get us in with a short wait. OK, so we risked it. Showed up and prepared to wait for a bit. Got some drinks at the bar, which were good, sweet sake-tinis. But then the wait turned into a solid hour, with not a word from the hostess about when we might expect to be seated. When we finally got our table, it took a while for a waiter to show up, and when he did, it was immediately apparent that he was completely overwhelmed. Several orders were taken down incorrectly, and several others just didn't arrive. The meat and chicken orders showed up a full 15 minutes after the vegetables, which made it pretty difficult to cook them together. Drink orders were left unfilled. The waiter wasn't able to give us any guidance on the best amounts to order for our group. As soon as the food was (sort of) delivered, he disappeared for the rest of the evening. As in, we literally never saw him again. I had to hunt twice for someone to take our dessert order, and then had to go hunt again for someone to bring us our $400 bill, which had a stinkin' 18% gratuity written in. Boo. Shoddy.
(1)Andrew K.
I love Shabu Shabu and always try to convert my friends to liking it too. In a nut shell, the food is actually ok. Just WAY OVERPRICED. For all Shabu Newbies $20 or less is what you SHOULD pay for the meat, veggies, and rice. And you should be pretty stuffed at the end. I would say expect to pay closer to $30 here and still being hungry after. But if you want to take a date and are willing to drop some bank, this place is good for that cause the ambiance is nice. But if you are looking for a good meal that fills you up, AND at a decent price. Look elsewhere my friends.
(3)Kasha G.
I came here with two friends and none of us were very familiar with shabu. Our waitress, Amy, was super friendly and helpful in answering our questions and leading us through the ordering process. Here's how it works: - If you sit at a table, there is a large hot plate in the middle that will hold a large bowl of broth. Bowls can hold one, two or three different flavors of broth. -Order an entree: all meats come with a side of veggies and the vegetarian delight option is a large plate of lots of different veggies and tofu. All entrees also come with either rice, udon or vermicelli. - Broth and veggies/meat will come out super quick and come with some delicious condiments. -Cook whatever you want in the boiling broth. A lot of reviews have been disappointed with the amount of food you get but we were really satisfied. Three hungry girls (who can eat a lot) split two entrees (one meat combo with beef and chicken and one vegetarian delight) and we still had lots left over. We tried the Mongolian Spicy added to the house pork broth (really good; spicy without being inedible, a few sniffles and teary eyes but in the best way possible) and the Chinese Herbal added to the vegetarian (tasted like a salty tea; subtle but yummy). The veggies were all delicious and the meat was great but I could've just drank that broth and been happy about it. My friend ordered a mango mochi for dessert and wasn't super impressed by it. So maybe skip that. But you should probably eat here. For real. And bring your friends. Lots of food for less than $12 each... a great deal.
(5)Shaina P.
Entering Shabu Zen in Allston/Brighton is like diving into a warm bowl of broth with a hint of sliced lamb, bits of garlic, and that salty brown sauce I like. The humid brothy air in Shabu Zen at this location is quite distinctive. But if you love the experience of hot pot and essentially playing with your food, Shabu Zen is not to be missed. To choose between the Allston/Brighton location as opposed to the Chinatown signature establishment is quite a conundrum. But if you're looking for a more "authentic" and interesting experience, I would personally choose the Chinatown spot. Both have a ton of seating and offer the same thing food-wise. Allston/Brighton is a much newer space and might appear cleaner to the germaphobes out there. I like getting lamb because it has the punch of flavor that I like. Chicken doesn't offer much and pork the same. Wagyu is way too expensive. Seafood is fun, too. Mushrooms provide extra richness and mouth squishiness while tofu absorbs the tasty broth at the end. Mmmm... I love it all, but the fun playing with my food is the best part. Oh, and the waiter forgot to give us a little scooper thing for a while. All we had was chopsticks, which I'm okay with, but are difficult to get those slippery noodles out with.. You know what I'm talking about.
(4)Z W.
Good fresh food, nice decor and service, reasonably priced too.
(5)Susan K.
I've been to Shabu-Zen a couple times and the food is almost always satisfying. Parking is convenient since they have their own parking lot behind the restaurant. However, on a busy day, the parking spot can become real tight. Having a car in the Boston in general is tight. The environment of the place is roomy and spacious. Various types of seating for guest of 1 to 15. The service in general is good. But once in a while, there are employers who don't speak a lick of english, so sometimes that can be challenging. The food itself is good. Various broths to choose from (my personal favorite is the kim-chee) and I would say the vegetables they bring out are pretty fresh. Haven't been disappointed yet. The meat is pretty good. I love the concept of shabu; of boiling your own food and creating the sauce according to your own tastes. You can also order rice to noodles to eat with the meat/vegetables. I have been going here a couple times and will continue to go here when I get those shabu cravings.
(4)Ben G.
I fricken love this place. It is great for everyone regardless of your eating restrictions. My vegetarian girlfriend loves the veggies and tofu and i love the meat. Meat, Meat, Meat. YUM YUM YUM Lots of it. Short ribs or the prime sirloin, I dont descriminate, its all good. Mix up that special sauce, take a lil swim in the tasty broth (My fav is tom yum), then a quick dip in said sauce and i'm a happy camper. Good luck finding parking.
(4)Theodore Y.
it saves you from doing the work @ home. But you also pay a markup rate of 1000%. "That's just like any other restaurant out there" you say. Well any other joint doesn't require you too cook your own food also! Plus, it tastes good because of that sauce you make on your own!
(3)Wang E.
What the heck?! I swore I reviewed this place! Chinatown Shabu over Brighton. I swear Brighton will be watering down their broth and soy sauce. At times it's so flavorful, the next it tastes like h2o. I will be in Chinatown having a veggie plate, and the plate will be FULL of veggies, that you cant even see the white plate. But over here, you could see the white space. The staffs here are so lopsided. At times I'll have a really nice waitress (usually the new ones), then later I'll get such a grouchy one. I know dealing with customers may be stressful sometimes, but still... What did I do? Let me just say this place does not have any stability, one day I'll be having the best meal, the next I'll be like "OMG... Why am I here?"...... So why do I go here ? Because they have a parking lot and MIXX right next to it. If I am to be loving this place, for the appetizer I'll get 100 salmon sashimis because it's that good! Kimchin & tomyum for the broth. The main entrees will include short rib, pork, raw beef tongue, fish paste, side of water crest, and mushroom platter. I use to be a fan of lamb but now it's tooo smelly! Oh yea don't get the sauteed clams because you'll be taking your time eating just one, trying to pick out 10 grains of sand. That's all for now folks!
(3)S. C.
My first experience with hot pot was absolutely fantastic. I like to try many small dishes with alot of different flavor and I was not disappointed. Within walking distance, Shabu was not only convenient but the prices were great for the amount of food we got. Dual broth of mongolian and vegetable with: beef tongue, shiitake mushrooms, black fungus, spinach, prawns, conch, and dumplings. Paired with vermicelli (for me) and rice (for my friend). Everything was awesome I would not complain one bit about the flavoring or portion sizes. It was unfortunate that our appetizer of baby clams came out at the same time as our food and so our table was pretty cramped (next time we might try sitting at the bar instead) BUT there were plenty of servers willing to help and to check up to see if our meal was going well. Overall I will definitely go back and my faith in asian cuisine as being flavorful and fun is restored!
(4)Jackie S.
I love Shabu Zen. I come here quite often. The prices are so much better than many of the other hot pots I have been to and the food is always fresh and delicious. It makes me happy they have chicken broth as a standard. Good saki and beer list. I continue to recomend this place, especially for dates.
(4)Allison R.
Mall food court meets airport meets sushi joint meets steamy room meets thin slices of meat and unidentified vegetables to be cooked in boiling broth = hot pot. We sat at the bar (first available spot on a Friday night) and had no trouble with service. Extra broth was offered twice. I paid $25 for two Kirin lights and some mixed meat hot pot, including tip. That also bought me nearly two hours of girl talk over a steaming plate of broth. Shabu's fun and you won't have a bad time here.
(4)Jess W.
I'm feeling sick today...let's go eat shabu. I just flunked my midterm...let's go eat shabu. I need to lose weight...let's go eat shabu. I practically use any and every excuse I can to eat shabu zen. Let's face it, I may as well put in my job application for this place considering how often I come here. I've never been disappointed because they deliver consistency each and every time. I'd love to give them 5 stars but they've become a bit stingy with the side of veggies. Of all things to skimp on and save the restaurant some money, you would think vegetables would be the last option...
(4)Kerri Y.
New experience and we definitely needed some type of instructions! Having driven past this place a million times, finally stopped in to find out what it was all about. I assumed they had sushi or noodles but they only have Shabu-Shabu. This was an overwhelming surprise, that almost lead my sister and I to walk out, not knowing how to proceed. We were very wide-eyed and told them specifically we had never done this before while ordering. They did not offer any type of advice or menu suggestion. When we received our food, we looked around for a bit to figure out what to do, and eventually I hunted down a server to give us directions (which was like pulling teeth by the way). I'm sure glad I did-- I would have cooked the meat to death just to make sure it was cooked. Turns out, it only need a quick dip in the broth. Once we got the hang of it, we really enjoyed ourselves and had a healthy meal. It was a fun experience and I'll definitely go back with friends. As a side note, it would be a great first date place because there is a lot going on and the cooking keeps you busy. I agree with others- the customer service was lacking- they need to explain the process to newbies!!
(4)Peter W.
My rating is really a 3.5 stars; I may bump up to 4 if the service becomes consistently good. I have been here many times and the food is consistently good; the atmosphere is good for people watching; and the price is right. I am a big eater, so the portions are a bit small for me, so I order extra meat plates to fill me up. In terms of service, my issue is that the waitstaff can be great one visit and lacking another time. I recommend the beef tongue!
(3)Shendi X.
Delightfully clean, clear, and peaceful surroundings, but I've had more variety (sauces, other addendums to the crux of the meal), which makes all the difference to taste. Still, delightful - just not stellar.
(3)Andrea H.
LOVE coming here. Nothing beats some hot pot on a cold night. The food is fresh, the vegitables are delicious, meat is thinly sliced, and the service is always attentive. We recently tried and loved the kimchee, and the red bean soup dessert is always a nice finish to such a refreshing meal. I never leave this place hungry!
(4)Lauren J.
Love this place to pieces! Can't beat the kimchi broth!!! Such a cool and fun way to go out to eat with friends or family!!
(5)Jotham O.
Best hot pie restaurant in Boston. Always quick service, and the food is delicious! The only knock is their beverages, I am not too crazy about Asian beers or alcoholic beverages.
(5)Maryam D.
I could have Shabu every day in the winter! It is the perfect meal for a cold day. In reading the negative reviews, I'm a bit confused at the complaints on portion size?!!? I am never able to finish all my food, never! I leave completely full and satisfied (and I like to eat so it has nothing to do with a smaller appetite). My favorite broths are Chinese Herbal Spicy and Kimchi. Both are very flavorful and perfect on its own or with all the fixings. My favorite combo is the mushroom sampler and vegetable delight. I'm not vegetarian but all the veggies, noodles, tofu and broth make the best soup! Must haves: Kimchi Broth Extra garlic and spice Sukiyaki Sauce w/ lemon (prefer over the soy dipping sauce) Beef Tongue Veggie Delight I personally hate the chicken, it's the most bland option. I prefer the Shabu-Zen in Brighton over Chinatown. Much larger space, more parking, less of a wait and Mixx fro-yo is next door! I've never had a major problem with service; but I go frequently enough that I know exactly what I want and make sure to order it upfront. Also I have no problem getting my servers attention when I need something. I go and have a leisurely fun meal with my friends and leave happy. :)
(4)Amy R.
I had a really great experience at ShabuZen last year and was excited to give it another shot a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to have a repeat of my last experience. Some highlights were the appetizers - gyoza and the Berkshire sausage. Not sure how the sausage makes the menu at this place, but they were delicious. We split a half/half order of the chicken and beef and decided to give the fermicelli noodles a shot. While the chicken and beef were good, the noodles were watered down. They were very difficult to eat. They definitely skimp on the vegetables here, so I'd recommend ordering an extra side of them. The service was horrendous. I didn't know who was waiting on our table... it got really confusing. And, we waited for what seemed an eternity for our check and the sales slip to sign w/ the credit card. Not sure I'll be returning anytime soon.
(2)Rosalie Y.
You come here more for the experience than the food, but there's nothing wrong with that. Our table went with 4 lamb and 1 seafood entree and both the chicken and pork broth. Their ingredients were of high quality--really thinly sliced, frozen, marbled lamb and fresh raw seafood, but the portions really leave something to be desired. The lamb looked like a lot of food when raw, but once cooked, it's only just 9 or 10 thin slices. Finally, we got both the chicken and pork broths, but after cooking our meats in them, everything just tasted like lamb broth. The sauce is kind of boring too (soysauce based). I wish they offered a wider selection. The "dessert" they offer at the end is kind of a joke -- it's two gulps of a syrupy, watery, generic red bean soup. I would ask them to not bring it out next time. When we got there, 6pm on a saturday, there was no wait, but just an hour later, the restaurant was packed with a line out the door. It probably doesn't help that the turnover is really, REALLY slow, with each table taking at least an hour. This is what's fun about the experience, though--you get to really draw out the meal and spend time with the people. The food is really nothing special, but I enjoyed the experience and would come back with friends or for a date.
(3)Steph L.
It's hard to rate a restaurant that doesn't cook your food. Living in Brighton, I would consider myself a regular at Shabu Zen. The place is spacious and perfect for both small and big groups. The vegetables are fresh and plentiful, as are the meat and fish. I would recommend the short ribs, seafood platter, fish paste, and the sauteed baby clams (the thick, garlicky sauce is off the hook). The service is usually prompt and attentive though something somewhat bizarre happened yesterday. I went there with some friends for a birthday. At the end of the meal, we shared a delicious chocolate mousse cake from Whole Foods. Since we were full from our dinner, we had about two slices left and repackaged the cake to bring home. After paying and gathering our belongings, we left, but after about 3 minutes we realized that we had left the cake on the table and went back. Once we walked back into Shabu, we found out that our waitress had eaten the cake. We were literally gone less than 5 minutes before she ripped open the repackaged cake and nom'd it all. Wow. We were gone less time than it takes to go to the bathroom to wash your hands. A friend who was a waitress there apologized on behalf of the waitress who we could CLEARLY see eating in the kitchen. She couldn't make eye contact with us after. I hope the shame of it keeps her up at night. So make sure you don't leave any extra cake there, because that shit is good as gone.
(3)Jessica R.
I came here having absolutely no idea what I was ordering, cooking or doing. Our waitress was a great help and guided me through the menu and how to prepare my food without making me feel like an idiot for being new to hot pot dining. Her recommendation for my dish was spot on and I was super impressed with my meal. Loved the experience and the food and the service. Will be back often!
(4)Miles V.
Better than the shabu in chinatown, but a little overpriced. I was still hungry when we left but then again it was the lunch portion. Dinner looks like it would be a better value.
(4)Rolo C.
Place is getting cheap. They keep replacing higher priced veg with cheap ones (bakchoi replaced broccoli and watercress) and giving less. $90 (with tip) for dinner for two + 2 beers + watermellon shake.
(2)Alvin C.
I really like this place, but I know it is not for everyone. I have to be in the mood for it event, and I just said I really like it. The concept of everything being soupy can take a second for folks who like heartier fare. Also, some people might not like the sight of raw meat. I went with some long lot college friends last time and we had a blast!!! The atmosphere was perfect for catching up. The also had the basketball game on there as well. The parking situation is a bit tight, but it wins in that department still because free parking is hard to come by. I highly recommend it, but it is not the alternative for those who want a burger and fries.
(3)