Qiao Lin Hotpot - Chicago Chinatown

"If you wake up on Christmas Day with a burning desire for hot pot, head to Qiao Lin. This restaurant in the 88 Marketplace building is one of our favorite hot pot places in the city. For one, they have tables designed for two people so you don’t need a big group. And you can order pots with either one, two, or three-way broth dividers, which is really convenient. The menu also has suggested cooking times, which is not only helpful but can help avoid potential arguments about how long you should leave the fish balls in the spicy broth (five minutes, by the way). Just know that they’re walk-in only, and there’s often a wait unless you show up right when they open." - adrian kane, john ringor

"We’re big fans of this hot pot spot on the border of Chinatown and Pilsen. For one thing, this restaurant in the 88 Marketplace building has lots of tables, which is nice. And the menu has suggested cooking times, which is not only helpful, but can help avoid potential arguments about how long you should leave the fish balls in the spicy broth (five minutes, by the way). They have a robust condiment station, where you can mix your own hot pot sauce with ingredients like chili oil, garlic, vinegar, sesame paste, and more. Plus, you can order pots with either one, two, or three-way broth dividers, and they’re all delicious. Come here on a date or with a small group, and plan to try everything." - adrian kane, john ringor

"We’re huge fans of this hot pot spot on the border of Pilsen and Chinatown. For one thing, Qiao Lin has date-friendly two tops, perfect for when you’re at the stage in the relationship when being a sweaty mess after eating fish balls drenched in spicy Chongqing broth is a non-issue. The menu also has cook times to help prevent arguments (between your date, friends, or family) about how long kobe beef should swim in boiling soup. Throw in a stocked dipping sauce station, the option to order up to three different broths (we like the spicy, mushroom, and pork ones), and tons of high-quality ingredients, and it all adds up to the best hot pot restaurant in Chicago." - john ringor, adrian kane

"We’re big fans of this hot pot spot on the border of Chinatown and Pilsen. For one thing, this restaurant in the 88 Marketplace building has tables designed for just two people, which is nice. And the menu has suggested cooking times, which is not only helpful, but can help avoid potential arguments about how long you should leave the fish balls in the spicy broth (five minutes, by the way). They have a robust condiment station, where you can mix your own hot pot sauce with ingredients like chili oil, garlic, vinegar, sesame paste, and more. Plus, you can order pots with either one, two, or three-way broth dividers, and they’re all delicious. Come here on a date or with a small group, and plan to try everything." - adrian kane, john ringor

"We’re big fans of this hot pot spot on the border of Chinatown and Pilsen. For one thing, this restaurant in the 88 Marketplace building has tables designed for just two people, which is nice. And the menu has suggested cooking times, which is not only helpful, but can help avoid potential arguments about how long you should leave the fish balls in the spicy broth (five minutes, by the way). They have a robust condiment station, where you can mix your own hot pot sauce with ingredients like chili oil, garlic, vinegar, sesame paste, and more. Plus, you can order pots with either one, two, or three-way broth dividers, and they’re all delicious. Come here on a date or with a small group, and plan to try everything." - adrian kane, john ringor