Hot Pot Best

This was the best place to eat. We used to come here every week. Last week when we went to eat hot pot. I started to notice the quality going down but last week was terrible. The broth had no flavor the quality of the veg and meat was off. The staff in there are the worst but because we go there often we know them so now they are ok. However last week they didn’t have the regular staff so when we ordered something they kept bringing out the wrong vegetables. Even though you write it on their menu what you want they kept getting it wrong. I hope they fix whatever is wrong with them because I really liked going there and don’t want to look for another asian restaurant.

I am glad this place is here, but of these two connected ‘Best’ sister restaurants, Shanghai is more worth your while.
The atmosphere is actually quite nice and intimate. The food itself is good. Broth was flavorful and the ingredients appeared fresh. Service is lacking however. Their heating burners are the electric mats and need to be hotter. My biggest complaint however is the price. $ 74 for 2 people after tip (which they automatically added to the bill) is insanely steep for hotpot.
If you have a sudden urge for hotpot, this place will satisfy your needs. However if you can make the trek to Flushing or even Edison, that will be more worth your while.

This is practically the only hot pot place nearby where I live, so I decided to give it a shot.
Overall, the experience was what you expected in a standard hotpot place — modern and clean. Service was practically non existent. They kept forgetting my water, but that’s fairly typical in a Chinese restaurant. Food quality is what I would call volatile. The fatty beef ($ 8) is fairly good, but the ‘angus’ beef ($ 13) is so lean and expensive that I would not recommend it.
Now here’s my main gripe of the place. Ridiculously overpriced hotpot. I didn’t order any fancy ingredient, nor I did order a lot of items, but it turns out that it was $ 50 pp. That is really expensive for hotpot.
Tldr: 3.5 Stat for food, –0.5 star for the utter lack of service, –1 star for being signicantly overpriced.

I have to give it one star, since there is no negative star option.
The worst hotpot experience ever. They served the meat with strange color. After our complaining, they insisted that it is just «normal».
And it is expensive hotpot with low quality.

If you have an uncontrollable hot pot addiction (like I do), you can now descend upon Hot Pot Best (Jersey City’s only choice for hot pot) for your simmering stew fix. My only warning is that the beef is usually marbled with excessive fat. Get your cholesterol remedies ready.

The service is really bad. There is literally no service, if you don’t count bringing the food as service. When we went there, no server there at all helped us sit down. I really needed to ask server numerous times to get a glass of water. Plus, they never refilled our water. They added 15% tips automatically for none service.

I would rather make the trip into Manhattan or even Flushing for hot pot than come here. The ingredients were fresh enough, but expensive compared to Little Sheep: $ 5 for 6 cuttlefish balls, $ 6 for fish, $ 3.50 for broth, $ 8 for the lower quality meat. The individual pots come with some vegetables, basically measly pieces of spinach, napa, tomato, and corn. The waiters were pretty much missing the duration of our meal and were unbelievably hard to flag down. This was especially annoying because the broth was really salty and we had no water at our table for most of the meal.

Cash only. I felt the portion was a bit too small for the price. Paying 4~5 dollars for 8 little mushrooms is probably a bit too much for me.

A friend and I were looking to get a ramen fix downtown on a Sunday. Komegashi was closed for lunch, though fortunately this little gem was open.
Hot Pot Best shares space with Shangai Best right next door and offers a pleasant change-​of-​pace dining experience (seriously: I don’t know of any other places in JC that does an authentic hotpot).Sit down, order your hot pot, gather your garnishes, and when the pot of broth and plate of add-​ins arrive, turn on the table-​top electric range and get cooking!
We each ordered the ‘hot’ broth with beef. The crimson broth packs a kick, with a strong chili base and hints of cinnamon and szechuan pepper, while the plate of add-​ins gives plenty of choices: thinly sliced raw beef, a generous portion of napa cabbage, tofu cake, fish ball, fishcake, cellophane noodles, enoki mushrooms, a small cob of corn, and an egg. Some items (like the tofu and the egg) will take a little while to simmer while the beef is done in seconds.
This is a fine option downtown for a meal where the aim is to catch up and converse, since you’ll be working at your dish for a while.
Just remember: it’s cash only.

Service could be improved So Much, sadly, when Hot Pot Best is actually capable of serving great soup/​ingredients (if propoer quality control is done). Basic service etiquette should really be low hanging fruits for restaurants — disappointed at how some places with great recipes just don’t give a $$$t. Simple things did not happen, such as a confirmation «is this right?» when soup went awfully watery and a replacement had to be re-​serviced (by slow, poker-​faced staff). Even worse, the general staff attitude left us feeling we were lousy troublemakers trying to ask for too much when everyone was busy — this was a very sad feeling, and a deal break for restaurants, especially when price was in premium range and a default tip was charged.
We pleaded three very basic requests: 1) please replace the wrongly served frozen tofu with fresh ones, as what we actually ordered; 2) the red chili soup was essentially… hot water sadly supporting a float of red oil, and please change it back to what we used to have in our past visits (the new product turned out to be a «new kitchen hire glitch»); and at the very end of this dining experience, 3) please do not incorporate the automatic tip in the (always cash-​only but whatever) bill, as we’d like to exercise our own judgment of tip amount this time.
[And did I mentioned the Korean Kimchi soup base (a newer invention.) was also plain hot water containing cooked cabbage with some scanty chili powder spread on top. We had no reference point and did not ask staff to do anything about it — but blamed ourselves for being too adventurous. Stay away, if you are curious.]
«I feel bothered”-faced staff. A female manager trying to say there was a new kitchen-​man (with an air, «this is understandable») — but I appreciated at least she cared to try. And a very sulky, cold voiced cashier staff nonchalantly telling us, «so our machine is programmed to include a 15% tip. Tip numbers are at bottom anyway (face-​read: in case you can’t do math). Subtract what you like.»
– Just for record, usually even myself would get frustrated at customers blaming non-​native English speaking staff for perceived verbal rudeness, but the above lines were entirely delivered and heard in native Chinese.
Even as a stable Chinese restaurant frequenter with «normal» expectations, I found this experience — hopefully unrepresentative — very sad. To be honest we will probably visit Hot Pot Best again, only because we love hot pot but there’s no one else around within a 2-​mile radius, and we knew this restaurant had served good food before.
Neither would I bother 15 minutes to write this review — if not for I sincerely hope what happened tonight will not become a «new norm» and force loyal customers to look elsewhere.
Last unsolicited tip: Anyone hot pot or Korean soup operator interested in setting up a restaurant in Newport/​Exchange Place neighborhoods? Your competition is very good.

Cash only. They have an atm right by the entrance, but its unreliable so just bring cash.
I knew what I was getting myself into at this place but I have just been so spoiled with all-​you-​eat hot pot in the city, so when I was told I had to pay per dish, it was a tad sad. The portions are definitely tiny here, to be full each person had to spend about $ 40+ (maybe I just eat too much???) The quantity was also a little small but the meat quality was decent. Even the shared combo platters had more veggies than meat but the veggies were a little saggy and sad looking. The glass noodles were good and the soup base was also yummy. They have many options for the base but some are at additional costs. Relatively quick service, overall great interior, very clean. Its close to home, so its definitely more convenient for me, I just need them to convert to all-​you-​can-​eat, and that would just be amazing.

The host is from Sichuan, China. So the hot pot tastes really authentic. They serves small pots for each person, so it is every convenient. I tried here twice. I think it is a good place for hot pot. A little bit expensive, but worth it.

I was super excited to find out that there was a hot pot place in Jersey City. I no longer have to trek to NYC in the cold weather. As soon as I found out about it, I dragged my hot pot fanatic friend here. THis place is shares the same kitchen with Shanghai best. You can order dishes from the Shanghai best menu if you like, but why would you do that when you are stuffing your face with some hot pot!
When you first go in, they ask you whether you’d like to the mini pot or a large pot. THe mini pots are good if you just want to cook in your own broth, and don’t want to try another type of broth. The large pot is good if you would like to try two different flavor of broths and don’t mind sharing. THe regular soup base with no additional cost is original, spicy and seaweed. THe soup is pretty good. I usually order the original, and I like to have a little bit before I add everything in. They also have other special broths pork flavored, duck flavored, etc) for an additional cost.
I would recommend ordering a combo platter of some sort. You can probably share the large combo with the fish, lamb and beef with another person and be decently full. All the meats are all very fresh, and the platter has good balance of meat and different vegetables and glass noodles.
My only complaint about the place is probably that it is a little pricey. My friend and I may just be pigs, but it came out to $ 40/​person. This place is cash only, but there is an ATM machine at the entrance.

I am so happy there is finally a Hot Pot place in Jersey city. I was really excited to try this place because I’m so used to the ones in Chinatown.
The place is pretty small but the décor is modern and clean. They are smart because they use the same kitchen and bathroom with the Shanghai Restaurant. I’m not sure if it’s the same owner but there are many differences.
The biggest is this side is CASH only. This is not Chinatown guys, and you don’t charge Chinatown prices, so don’t expect people to pay by cash.
The menu is pretty decent, they have various soup bases, duck broth, chicken broth, pork broth, spicy broth, and including a vegetarian Japanese miso, but technically if it’s miso, that’s made with fish base so it wouldn’t be vegetarian… but anyway they call it vegetarian.
The combination platters are probably your best deal. That includes some type of protein at various prices and then some veggies, tofu, various (meat) balls.
I ordered the beef combo which was $ 16. Then you can order a la carte which would be much more expensive probably.
They should do all you can eat as an option!

Sooo good! My second time here! Love it!
They only accept cash, so remember to bring enough cash here! If you forget, there is an ATM machine beside it!

After seeing 3.5 stars on Unilocal every time I checked into this place, I felt like I needed to come out of hibernation to vindicate this place and move it to its proper 4 — 5 star range.
This place is so good.
If you are looking for a Hot Pot place in the JC area, and you don’t want to drive, or go to Manhattan, or Chinatown, especially with the crappy weather we’ve been having lately, but it’s been so cold that there isn’t anything else you want to eat but hot boiling soup and freshly cooked meat, then look no place further than Hot Pot Best.
I’ve here here so many times now that for the first time ever, I am a duchess on Unilocal at some establishment. (I am convinced it’s because the clientele who dine here do not use Unilocal,because I’ve seen the same people here once or twice while I was there.)
It’s that good to me. I like that you can order a single hot pot or you can share a large one. I like that you can order 3 different types of broth (spicy, regular, seaweed). I like that the broth is made well and that you can actually drink that on its own before it starts to really boil and before you add all your ingredients. (I think that says something, when the foundation of the meal is made well before you even add anything to it) I like that you can order one of their set combo platters (meat, mushrooms, veggies, rice, glass noodles, tofu) for under 20 bucks or you can go a la carte and really go crazy — like fish balls with roe inside, beef tendon meatballs, angus beef, lamb, premium fatty beef, pork belly, 4 or 5 different kinds of tofu, 4 or 5 different kinds of mushrooms, a seafood platter, and more…)
But what I like most is that they choose high quality cuts of meat and that the vegetables also look really fresh. So when you’re done with cooking all your food, that broth isn’t oily and disgusting, it’s ready for you to drink it like a well seasoned soup.
I also like that they have a sauce station and you can go and make the concoction that suits your palate the best.
Contrary to all the reviews about bad service, I’ve been here multiple times and they have always been super quick and attentive — usually we get seated right away, and well, you’re cooking your own food, so really… not sure what service you are expecting… and, they let me order as much food as I want and then commend me for eating all of it. I appreciate that.
I really don’t know what’s not to like about Hot Pot Best. I’ll definitely be back.

Really bad service, $ 30/​person and can not pay in credit? When we got there, its 21:30 pm, and at 10, the waiters came and saying want us to pay first. There are basically no service, we have to ask for everything. what is even worse, guess what, we had a worm in our hotpot!!! The owner said so sorry about it, but since you already paid and the waiters were off, so we couldn’t return the cash to you. Yes that’s right, the owners said they can’t open the cash drawer since the waiters are off!!! My friends went there with me, I think he already posted a photo of that worm here. They gave us $ 5 for next time eating there for that worm lol. The only thing they said is they already washed the vegetable for 3 time and they had not idea why there was a worm.
We are really unhappy about this meal and will never go there again.

Found out a worm in the hot pot. We guess it’s from the vegetables. Then the owners said you already paid (which the waiters said they are leaving and want us to pay first) so can’t return the vegetable. Basically they could not do anything at that point. They gave us $ 5 for next time eating there… really!!!$ 5?
They did not regret, they did not want to do anything for us, and they are owners! They said they could not open the cash drawer to return the money!!!
We are extremely unhappy about this meal.

This place is great and I hope they stay around for awhile. This area has always needed a hot pot spot. I agree that they’re a bit pricey, but it’s quality and service is great.
I’ve visited twice so far. I hate that they’re cash only and their sister restaurant, which you can order from as well, takes credit cards. I love that you can do a mini hot pot, a large shared hot pot, or if someone in your group doesn’t like hot pot they can just order something else on the menu.
Everything is good — check this place out! BYOB

We came here for dinner on Saturday night and had a superb meal!
FYI — CASH ONLY!
Décor: It has a standard Chinese/​Japanese restaurant feel to it and it has a decent amount of tables (some up front, some in the back room) — plenty of room for couples or small/​med size groups. It is well lit, clean, and does not smell like anything but delicious food.
Bathroom: didn’t use
Staff: Everyone, from the host to the waiters, to the bus boys, were very friendly. There is a bit of a language barrier with some of the guys but it is nothing you can’t stumble your way through with pointing (they are also very patient for n00bs, as we were). They are relatively speedy with drinks and the food as well, plus mindful of the water level of your pot. We did have to flag a guy down for more water, but he brought it immediately.
Food: The have several selections of broth for the hot pots and we chose a half «original/​house» and half «spicy.» Both were good but if (when!) we go back we will probably go with only the spicy (of course, we like spicy food) but it might be too much for the average person — in fact, the waiter told us «you got spicy? too spicy for me!» They have a great menu selection of all the standard hot pot meats/​veggies, we had: beef (they have varying qualities, we had the cheapest and it was good), pork, chicken breast, fish balls, Udon noodles, bak choy, sweet potatoes, and the standard veggie tray. We also had an order of the Soup Dumplings. Everything was delicious! You cannot go wrong! We, strangely, ordered the perfect amount of food (we were both stuffed!) but the waiter also reminded us that everything comes to the table raw so if we wanted more it comes out fast.
Value: It is a little pricey, but it is hot pot. Each food item is not too terrible but the stuff can add up quick (depending on how much you eat). It’s so worth it though, you won’t leave thinking you spent too much.
This place is very good and I already can’t wait to come back!