"Soupleaf in Crestview is an all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant, which will become abundantly clear after your second and third visit to the self-serve bar full of fresh vegetables, seafood, and dumplings. Meats are ordered à la carte (but still included in the price), and they arrive on a multi-tiered food stand that makes the meal seem a little more regal. This is our go-to spot for a classic hot pot experience in Austin. Start by choosing one of five broths (you can also mix them), then begin a 120-minute countdown to take full advantage of the experience. The restaurant can get pretty busy during nights and weekends, but you can make reservations ahead of time to avoid another evening of soupless sadness. There’s also a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails if you want to turn the meal into a full night out. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel Food Rundown photo credit: Richard Casteel All-You-Can-Eat This is a choose-your-own-adventure situation—there’s no right or wrong way to do dinner here. We like the tonkotsu broth for something rich, or the mala when we want some of that Sichuan kick. Choose a broth, grab whatever looks good from the buffet, and order a few meats. If you’re not sure how long to cook something, one of the waiters can give you pointers." - Nicolai McCrary
