When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Mr. Shabu
Why Mr. Shabu is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Mr. Shabu offers a unique and upscale all-you-can-eat hot pot dining experience in Salt Lake City's The Gateway. Unlike typical buffet-style eateries, this restaurant combines a sleek, modern aesthetic with the communal and interactive enjoyment of shabu-shabu. The concept, brought to life by owner Jaehan Park—who has over 18 years of expertise in the meat supply industry—focuses on freshly hand-selected meats and a wide variety of seafood and vegetables. Diners can personalize their meal by choosing from numerous specialty broth bases such as kombu, tonkotsu, sukiyaki, miso, vegetarian, and traditional Chinese hot pot. What distinguishes Mr. Shabu is not only the quality and freshness of ingredients served in unlimited quantities but also the attentive and professional service that elevates the typically fast-paced all-you-can-eat style into a relaxed and enjoyable dining occasion. Its contemporary design, transformed from a former Applebee’s into an inviting space, adds to its appeal as a great place for friends and family to gather for a flavorful and socially engaging meal.
Here's what people think of Mr. Shabu
As of recent, Mr. Shabu holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1277 reviews.
Reviews of Mr. Shabu highlight its success in delivering an exceptional hot pot dining experience. Many patrons praise the freshness and variety of meats and seafood, as well as the flavorful broth options that cater to diverse tastes. The ambiance, described as upscale and modern, and the attentive service contribute significantly to a positive dining atmosphere that stands out among all-you-can-eat venues. Positive reviews often mention the quality of ingredients and the personalized dining experience that allows guests to cook their selections at their own pace, making it ideal for social gatherings. On the other hand, some negative feedback points towards certain broth bases being less flavorful, particularly the vegetarian option, and occasional inconsistencies in service speed during busy hours. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly favorable, with a strong emphasis on value, quality, and a welcoming environment. Consequently, Mr. Shabu earns a solid reputation as a top choice for hot pot enthusiasts and groups seeking a memorable dining outing in Salt Lake City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Abby Koenigsknecht
We had such a great experience at Mr. Shabu at The Gateway! We stopped in for their late-night $5 sushi special— which was an awesome deal. Everything was fresh and delicious. Our server, June was incredibly personable, friendly, and attentive. We'll absolutely be back!
Edward Yango
Full 5 stars for me. I didn’t expect to find such fine Shabu place in Salt Lake City. Mr Shabu rivals some of great shabu places I’ve been to in LA and Vegas. My favorite broth is the Spicy Tonkatsu. It’s not on the menu, but you can ask the server to make it spicy. Going with appetizer sampler as suggested by server was a great choice. We got to try out all of them without overloading and still got to focus on the some good protein. Great meat and sauce selection. Beef was slice very thinly, perfect for shabu while remaining tender. Definitely a place worth revisiting.
Crezna C.
Came here with my family, 3 of us got sushi (a la carte) and 3 got the hot pot. The sushi took about 45 minutes to receive after ordering it, then we found a long gray hair in one of the rolls. The server took the roll back without apologizing, then we waited another 15-20 minutes for the replacement roll, which contained another hair (a short black one, picture attached). The people who got hot pot were already slowing down at this point, so we pushed the piece that had the small hair to the side and ate the rest, not wanting to wait longer for another one. All of the sushi was mediocre (at best), and very thinly sliced. One roll only had avocado in 2/8 pieces, and another roll was missing the cream cheese. Those who got the hot pot enjoyed their food, though the server didn't come around frequently to take meat orders, so there was lots of time sitting and waiting. In the end, we told the owner about our experience, and just received an apology. We were also told sushi rolls always take 30-40 minutes to make, and the server should have warned us about that (he did not). Overall, finding the hairs ruined the entire experience. We had a hard time eating the sushi at all, scared we'd find more hair. It kept us on edge the rest of the night.
Ryan Stewart
Mr. Shabu at The Gateway in Salt Lake is like if cultural appropriation went to therapy and came out as Asian fusion: healed, flavorful, and slightly confused. Also, possibly, bi-curious? It’s a hot pot fever dream where your chopsticks are your wand and the broth is your house elf. The vibe screams “we read one article about Japanese cuisine and now we’re experts,” and honestly, I respect the confidence. I have the same confidence when trying to show my son how good I am at long boarding, then I bomb a massive hill and end up in the hospital but at least I look cool doing it. Some of the meats looked like they were daring me to eat them, and naturally, I accepted the challenge. Is that beef? Is that pork? Is it sadness wrapped in soy? Gimme!! Who knows and that’s why I love it. I didn’t realize I was supposed to cook the wagyu until I was four servings deep and already giving a TED Talk to the table next to me about turtles and how they eat their babies sometimes if they need a snack before dinner. Now I’m just worried my intestines are going to file a formal complaint with my stomach, Jesus help me. 10/10 🐢 turtles!
trent merritt
We had six in our party. 3 did the hot pot, and 3 did sushi (a la carte). We have been here 5 times in the last few years. It's a drive to get there, but we go for birthdays and special occasions. They have been ok previously. However, this time, we found two different hairs in our sushi (one grey and one black). They replaced the rolls, but we had a hard time trusting each bite. The sushi was very marginal tasting and poorly constructed. The 3 with the hot pot found it satisfactory. The owner offered nothing for the inconvenience or excessive wait times. I'm not sure if we will be back. Might be time to try a new place. There are a lot of these kinds of places to choose from and most are less expensive and can't possibly be worse with the food.
How to reach Mr. Shabu
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Why Mr. Shabu may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Mr. Shabu with your friends?
If you're searching for the perfect spot to gather with friends or family, Mr. Shabu in Salt Lake City stands out as an exceptional choice. This Japanese hot pot restaurant offers more than just a meal; it’s a shared culinary adventure where everyone at the table crafts their own delicious experience. The interactive nature of Japanese hot pot dining makes it especially suited to groups, as guests select broths, ingredients, and sauces, simmering their choices together in a cozy, communal atmosphere. The setting at Mr. Shabu strikes a balance between casual and upscale, making it inviting yet refined enough for a memorable outing. Its location within The Gateway shopping center adds to the experience, allowing for pre- or post-dinner activities like art strolls or attending a nearby Jazz game. Food quality is notably high for an all-you-can-eat format, with premium meats like ribeye and lamb shoulder alongside fresh vegetables and abundant sauces. Plus, the restaurant boasts excellent service that helps guide newcomers through the hot pot process, turning any initial uncertainty into enthusiastic participation. This blend of delicious food, interactive fun, and warm atmosphere creates a natural rallying point for friendships old and new to converge and savor the moment together.
What activities and experiences can you enjoy at Mr. Shabu?
At Mr. Shabu, the primary activity revolves around Japanese hot pot dining, a uniquely social and immersive culinary experience. Guests select a personalized broth base—ranging from spicy to mild vegetarian options—and then choose from a wide variety of raw ingredients including meats like boneless short ribs, fresh seafood, and an array of vegetables such as bok choy and glass noodles. The excitement comes from cooking the ingredients right at your table in the simmering broth, allowing everyone to customize the cooking time to their liking and taste. Beyond simply eating, this invites conversation and shared discovery as guests exchange sauce combinations and cooking tips, often experimenting with the seemingly endless sauces available. The restaurant maintains a mostly self-serve model for vegetables and condiments, which encourages guests to explore different flavors and create personalized dipping sauces. This interactive dining experience turns eating into an event, perfect for groups looking to bond over a shared activity and delicious food. Additionally, the premises are family-friendly and spacious enough to accommodate gatherings without feeling cramped, making it suitable not only for friends but for families celebrating special occasions or casual meetups alike.
Why is Mr. Shabu the perfect place for group meetups?
Mr. Shabu distinguishes itself as an ideal meetup spot thanks to its combination of quality, ambiance, and social engagement. Unlike typical all-you-can-eat establishments, Mr. Shabu provides a refined dining experience with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and attentive service. This makes the restaurant appropriate for groups seeking more than just a quick bite—whether for celebrations, casual hangouts, or special dinners before local events. The hot pot setup inherently promotes interaction, as everyone around the table participates in cooking their food, which fosters a lively and collaborative atmosphere. This is particularly fitting for larger groups because it keeps everyone engaged and involved, avoiding the passive dining experience common at many restaurants. The spacious layout and stylish yet relaxed décor also add to the overall comfort, ensuring that guests can linger and enjoy each other's company without feeling rushed. Accessibility within The Gateway area means there are plenty of options for before- or after-dinner activities, including shopping, entertainment, and sports games, allowing any group outing to be effortlessly extended into a full evening of fun. Finally, with a strong rating of 4.5 from over 1,200 reviewers, Mr. Shabu comes highly recommended for those craving an enjoyable, interactive dining experience conducive to creating lasting memories among friends and family.
How does the food quality and variety enhance the group experience?
Food quality at Mr. Shabu is a cornerstone of its appeal for groups gathering together. Despite being an all-you-can-eat restaurant, the meats and seafood offered are notably premium, including selections like ribeye, lamb shoulder, and fresh seafood that rival many upscale dining establishments. This commitment to quality elevates the hot pot experience beyond expectations, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and satisfying. The variety is equally impressive, with an expansive salad bar featuring fresh vegetables and noodles, alongside a buffet of appetizer options like cream cheese wontons and Korean fried chicken to start your meal on a high note. The diverse selection allows groups comprising different dietary preferences—meat lovers, vegetarians, or seafood enthusiasts—to all find dishes that appeal to them. Additionally, the nearly endless assortment of sauces invites guests to experiment and share favorites, making the meal as much about discovery as it is about nourishment. This level of quality and choice helps groups avoid the frustrations sometimes associated with buffet-style dining and instead feel they are getting excellent value and a rich culinary experience together.
What kind of atmosphere and service can groups expect at Mr. Shabu?
Groups dining at Mr. Shabu will find an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that is both upscale and approachable, striking a perfect tone for social occasions. The restaurant’s interior is stylish yet unpretentious, supporting relaxed conversation and connection without sacrificing elegance. Even though the dining format involves self-serve elements, the staff remain highly attentive and supportive. Reviewers note that the service team excels at guiding first-time hot pot diners through the process, making the experience accessible even for those new to this style of Asian cuisine. This combination of excellent food quality with thoughtful service helps eliminate any potential confusion and encourages all guests to fully enjoy the interactive meal. The space fills up quickly, and reservations are recommended for larger groups, which speaks to the popularity and community appeal of Mr. Shabu. For families, the friendly vibe means even children can comfortably join in the communal experience, making it a versatile venue for multiple types of social gatherings. Overall, the atmosphere and service at Mr. Shabu create a welcoming environment that enhances the joy of gathering with friends or family.
What makes dining at Mr. Shabu a lasting memory for your group?
Dining at Mr. Shabu creates lasting memories through a combination of interactive dining, quality food, and social ambiance that transforms an ordinary meal into a joyful shared experience. The hands-on aspect of cooking your own food in the hot pot brings people together in a way that promotes laughter, discovery, and thoughtful interaction. Each person’s efforts in choosing ingredients, experimenting with sauces, and timing their cooking invite both playful competition and teamwork. The freshness and premium nature of the ingredients ensure that the meal is not only fun but tasty and satisfying, encouraging groups to relax and linger long after the last bite. Coupled with the warm, elegant setting and attentive service staff, this leaves guests not just with full stomachs but with a strong sense of connection. Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a special celebration, Mr. Shabu’s distinctive blend of ambiance and culinary experience makes it a place people return to and recommend for memorable gatherings with loved ones. Its growing popularity and excellent ratings only underscore its success as a social dining destination in Salt Lake City.
Why should you consider Mr. Shabu for your next social event?
Choosing Mr. Shabu for your next social event or group meet-up means selecting a venue that combines quality cuisine, active engagement, and a welcoming setting specially designed to foster connection. Unlike traditional restaurants where guests passively consume meals, Mr. Shabu invites active participation, turning eating into an event that bonds and entertains. The menu caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs, making it easy to please everyone from meat enthusiasts to vegetarians. The restaurant’s location within a vibrant shopping and entertainment district ensures there is plenty to do before or after your meal, making the outing more than just dinner—it becomes a full social experience. The consistently strong reviews and high ratings from regular customers testify to the value and quality you can expect. Whether you are hosting a birthday, a casual reunion, or simply want to enjoy a lively evening out, Mr. Shabu offers a unique and flexible space perfect for creating meaningful moments together.
With a 4.5-star rating and over 1,200 reviews, Mr. Shabu is truly a standout destination for those looking to gather with friends or family, enjoy exquisite hot pot cuisine, and share in the delight of an interactive meal that energizes conversation and connection. Its combination of quality, ambiance, and social interaction sets it far above typical group dining options, making it a top recommendation in Salt Lake City’s restaurant scene.