"Hometown Hotpot does double duty on this list. At this two-floor Chinatown spot, you can not only get hot pot with unlimited lamb and shrimp ($38), or bulgogi-fueled Korean BBQ ($42), but you can also combine the two for $48. Beers start at $5, and once you add in the fact that kids under 4 1/2 feet tall eat for half-price, Hometown Hotpot is a no-brainer for a celebration with a big group, or an extremely fun dinner. They have an additional ace up their sleeve for birthday parties: show up within three days of your birthday and your food is free, provided you show ID and come with at least six people." - will hartman, willa moore, neha talreja, bryan kim