Dylan B.
Yelp
When visiting Southern California, this will often be my parents choice for family because of the unbeatable combination of value, options, and taste when it comes to a hot pot joint. While I think there might be a few spots that might hit higher marks in terms of quality of broth or meat, not many will offer AYCE nor the assortment of veggies, seafood, and sauces that Broth does at such an affordable rate for these harder economic times.
Because of this affordability, Broth Shabu-Shabu almost always has a liine out the door, with expected waits around 30min-1 hour the 2-3 times we have gone. The lunch special all you can eat deal for $20 is pretty unmatched for hot pot and is part of why this spot is so popular. Definitely get on the Yelp waitlist right when doors open in order to get seated quickly.
Inside is a pretty standard set-up, similar to a lot of kbbq places and while it is a large enough space, during lunch rush hour, there is a lot of bumping and shoving, especially exacerbated by the buffet get-it-yourself style for the veggies, seafood, and sauces. This is one of the major downsides of this restaurant: the times we have come there is a major lack of organization with waiters/staff having to dodge and weave around tons of little kids mixed with elderly adults in a chaotic mess. What's worse is that the floor was mopped before doors opened and multiple people were slipping and nearly falling over, which is a major hazard coupled with the hot soups coming out.
On the bright side, ordering meats and appetizers was fairly easy and painless, with them offering up to 8 plates per round of meats (pork or beef are usually best) and it comes out very quickly. My parents especially loved having unlimited appetizers: potstickers and karaage. The meats are quite standard fare, with an assortment of soup broths to choose, from tonkotsu to miso, to their house broth; all of them have been pretty good choices. The assortment of veggies and seafood is expansive. I would often load up a plate of fish filets, seafood balls, shrimp, mussels/clams + a plate of veggies like bok choy, bean sprouts, cabbage, mushrooms + noodles like udon, ramen, rice noodles, etc. This diversity of options always leaves us very full and satisfied.
Ultimately one of the best value hot pot places you can dine at!