"One of mainland China’s largest hot pot chains made its way to New York City for the first time this year — with waits already piling up to as long as two hours on weekend nights and plans to open more outposts in the city. Liuyishou Hotpot, an international franchise company with more than 1,000 stores, has locations throughout China, as well as in Dubai, Singapore, Australia, France, Thailand, and Japan. Located at 136-76 39th Avenue in Flushing, the new NYC location of Liuyishou Hotpot specializes in very spicy Chongqing-style hot pot. The restaurant is known for a photogenic presentation, where an assortment of meats is laid out on a wooden wheel that fits around the hot pot, and its extensive 32-item buffet-style sauce bar. The restaurant offers a variety of broths and hot pot ingredient platters, including the famous $14.95 beef and lamb combo. The spacious 19-table restaurant is good for large groups and is open 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. seven days a week." - Caroline Shin
