"Xiao Long Kan is a chain from Chengdu that serves “Chinese fondue,” but this place is eons more interesting than The Melting Pot. For a casual dinner spot, this Alhambra restaurant is lavishly decorated with ornate wood carvings and tasseled lanterns, making it a great option for a seemingly upscale group dinner that costs less than $100 per person. Divide your cauldron with up to three soups, including a beef bone broth that infuses salt into every slice of angus beef or tofu skin you dunk into it, and the signature tallow-heavy chili oil that will stain your tongue with tingly heat." - cathy park, brant cox, sylvio martins, andrew ryce, garrett snyder