Missing skewers hotpot from back home, I did some searching and found this place that feels pretty legit. The San Gabriel location has just been renovated, and it really gives off that China vibe now. Everything looks visually cohesive, and classmates told me it has completely transformed. The sauce bar is $2.49 per person. You get unlimited access to cold dishes, ice jelly, chilled purple rice porridge, fruit, and all the condiments. I think it is totally worth it. Skewers are $0.50 each, which actually feels more cost effective than ordering meats individually. I really liked the broth. The beef tallow flavor is rich and fragrant. Dipping fatty beef in the sauce was very satisfying. They also have a lot of serious fresh options, especially Chaoshan-style beef cuts. I chose freshly sliced diaolong and shibing. To me, the meat looked very fresh and nicely presented. Even the fatty beef was clearly freshly sliced. These fresh cuts are great in a non-spicy broth, then dipped in sauce. At the back of the restaurant there is a large wall of small plates and skewers, all very clean and well organized. You can walk over and browse while eating, since what is available changes throughout the meal. Later on they restocked green pepper beef and egg-coated beef, which made me very happy. Pricing is $5.99 for small round bowls, $4.99 for large round bowls, and $10.99 per large plate. Overall, it is quite budget friendly. They also have a surprisingly good dessert selection, which feels different from many traditional hot pot spots in Los Angeles. If you know other places like this, let me know. I have been checking out a lot of dessert shops lately, so finding desserts here was a nice surprise. The iced tofu pudding was especially nostalgic. Friends from Southwest China said it tasted just like childhood. Very refreshing and not heavy at all. Highly recommended and perfect for group gatherings. read more

Finally! Nice 2 Meet U is back and better than ever! I saw they recently renovated and reopened. I used to be a regular at Malubianbian because of their sour bean beef, but since that's an all-you-can-eat spot, it felt like a waste for someone like me who only eats a few specific items. I got there around 7 PM and only waited about 10 mins. Real talk--not an ad!!! * The food: It's not just skewers anymore; they have pre-portioned bowls and plates too. AND they have sour bean beef and those "8-second" potato strips! * The broth: We got the beef tallow + Guizhou sour soup combo. The sour soup is SO refreshing! * Quality: You can tell the ingredients are fresh. The hand-cut meats are top-tier. THE EGG FRIED RICE: Seriously, even the coldest person would crack a smile after one bite of this golden, fragrant rice! I have to highlight this: the best fried rice I ever had was at a tiny shop in Chengdu, and nothing has come close since--until now. The waitress recommended it, and OMG... it's not just good, it's life-changing. The crispy edges of the fried egg mixed with perfectly coated grains of rice... I'm a Northerner who doesn't even like rice that much, but I polished the whole thing and even ordered a second one to-go! * Vibe: The new look is bright and clean, not too harsh. Plenty of big tables for groups. * Service: Super busy but the staff is so polite. They actually crouch down to talk to you--I almost felt shy! * Price: Super reasonable. Skewers are like 50 cents, and bowls range from $1-2ish. Two people stuffed their faces plus takeout for just over $15 (100+ RMB). Overall: 5/5 stars! Fresh food, incredible fried rice, great vibe, and a great price. P.S. Don't skip the Bingfen (ice jelly) at the door--it's the real deal! read more

A Fresh New Look for My Favorite Skewer Spot! I've been hearing so much about the recent renovation at Nice 2 Meet U, and I finally got around to "turning in my homework" today! The new interior is fantastic--bright, clean, and filled with charming vintage elements. It has such a cozy, lingering vibe that makes you want to sit, eat, and chat for hours. It's also very photo-friendly! The Food: We went with the split pot: Classic Beef Oil and Pork Belly with Chicken. Beef Oil Pot: Don't let the first bite fool you--the spice builds up! I was definitely working up a "serious sweat" by the end. If you aren't a spice pro, definitely ask for a milder level. Pork Belly & Chicken Pot: This was the perfect "buffer zone." The soup is refreshing and light, and they are quite generous with the meat. I highly recommend having a bowl of the soup before the boiling starts! The Highlights: The skewer and small plate section is incredibly organized and clean. You can really see the freshness of the beef, tripe, and kidneys. Fresh Duck Blood: This is a MUST-ORDER. It's so silky and absorbs the spicy broth perfectly. Braised Items: I honestly underestimated their braised section. The quail eggs, intestines, and tripe are so flavorful and tender. Pro tip: Drop them into the spicy pot for a bit before eating--it's a total game-changer! Whether you're coming with a group or dining solo (I saw someone peacefully enjoying a meal alone while watching videos), this place is a vibe. Great service and even better food! read more

Really enjoyed this Chongqing-style skewer hot pot spot! The biggest highlight is definitely their self-service fridge area -- there are so many options and everything is super organized. You can walk around and pick whatever you like, from different skewers, meats, seafood, vegetables, handmade items, and even some special ingredients you don't usually see at regular hot pot places. Their variety is honestly impressive. Besides skewers, they also have braised items like chicken feet, pork knuckle, eggs, and beef, plus premium beef cuts and other hot pot dishes. It's the kind of place where you want to keep grabbing more because there's always something new to try. Another thing I really like is that it's not only for people who love spicy food. They have different soup bases like herbal broth, tomato soup, mushroom soup, and pork tripe chicken soup, so people who can't handle spicy food can still enjoy it. The atmosphere feels very authentic with the traditional bowls, bamboo trays, and street-style Chongqing hot pot vibe. Great place to come with friends because everyone can choose what they like. Definitely a spot I'd come back to -- the variety, flavor, and experience make it stand out among LA hot pot places. read more

My friends and I were thrilled to discover that 那年遇见串串火锅 has been transformed! The atmosphere is now beautifully rustic and cozy, with traditional Chinese décor that makes the dining experience even more enjoyable. The expanded menu is the real highlight. We tried several new additions: Fresh-Cut Chaozhou Beef Series: We were lucky to try the Diaolong, Shibing, and Wuhua cuts - the meat was incredibly fresh and tender. A quick 8-second dip in the broth is all it needs! Do note that availability varies daily, so come early if you can. Marinated Small Bowl Dishes: The marinated肥肠 (pork intestine) and beef tendon were flavorful and rich. We also loved the耗儿鱼 (small river fish) and the expertly sliced腰片 (pork kidney) - no unpleasant taste at all! Just a heads-up, the portions are a bit smaller than expected. Desserts: The sweet fermented rice balls and tofu pudding were perfect for cooling down after a spicy hotpot session. A delightful way to end the meal! The skewers remain a great deal at $0.49 each, with a wide variety to choose from. The broth was flavorful. read more

Welcome to the hotpot haven of San Gabriel! Nice 2 Meet U has been holding its own in this fiery food landscape for quite some time now, and let me tell you, it's got some serious chops. Picture this: most folks walk in craving that classic dual-broth setup - one spicy, one mellow. It's a match made in hotpot heaven. What sets this spot apart? Well, for starters, they've got an appetizer spread that'll make your taste buds dance. And here's the kicker - they're budget-friendly too! Instead of shelling out big bucks for pre-made plates, you can hit up their self-serve fridge line and load up on skewers for just 50 cents a pop. Talk about a steal! Now, let's talk spice. Their spicy broth isn't for the faint of heart - even the mild option packs a flavorful punch. But fear not, it's worth every sweat-inducing slurp! So, if you're in the mood for a hotpot adventure that won't break the bank, Nice 2 Meet U is the place to be. Just be sure to bring your appetite and your tolerance for heat - you're gonna need 'em! read more

I had a great experience)! If you like Sichuan-style skewers and hot pot, this place is definitely worth trying. The concept is simple and fun--you grab different skewers from the fridge and cook them in the flavorful broth. There were so many options, from meats and seafood to vegetables, and everything tasted fresh. The broth had a really nice balance of spice and aroma without being overwhelmingly oily. The skewers themselves were delicious and well-seasoned, especially the beef and lamb. I also liked that the pricing is straightforward based on the number of sticks, which makes it easy to try a lot of things. The atmosphere felt casual and lively, perfect for coming with friends and sharing. Service was friendly and efficient, and the staff helped explain how everything works if it's your first time. Overall, a really fun and satisfying meal. I'd definitely come back when I'm craving spicy skewers and hot pot! read more

If you're looking for authentic Chengdu-style skewer hot pot, this place is definitely worth trying! The concept is simple--you grab your favorite skewers, choose your broth, and start cooking. Everything we ordered was fresh, especially the seafood, beef, and mushrooms. The spicy broth had a nice kick without being overwhelmingly salty, and the fried rice was one of my favorite dishes of the meal. I also appreciated the self-serve appetizer and dessert station. The jelly dessert was refreshing after all the spicy food, and the marinated chicken feet and seaweed salad were tasty starters. The restaurant was clean, service was friendly, and the overall atmosphere made it a great place to enjoy dinner with friends. The portions were generous, prices were reasonable, and I'd happily come back again. Highly recommend if you're in the area and craving hot pot! read more

Whenever I'm sick of frozen hot pot meat, I head straight to this San Gabriel spot for the fresh cuts. The fresh Diaolong and snowflake beef are a total game-changer--incredibly tender with marbling that just melts in your mouth. Don't sleep on the plate dishes ($5.99/ea), especially the shrimp paste stuffed inside the mushrooms; the savory and bouncy combo is amazing! Skewers are only $0.49, so it's super easy to grab a handful and try a bunch. The pork stomach chicken broth is rich and so comforting to sip before you start dipping. We also got the '8 Eggs & 4oz Rice'--it sounds massive, but it's actually a perfectly sized, fragrant fried rice with great wok hei. Ended the meal with a refreshing sakura jasmine sparkling water and some silky tofu rice wine balls. If you're craving fresh, high-quality hot pot, this is definitely the spot. Will be back! read more

With so many new Sichuan and mala tang spots opening lately, it's getting harder to find a truly good chongqing chuanchuan hot pot. This OG spot, Nice 2 Meet U, is still the one I think of -- and I'm so glad they're back. The updated menu now includes more small plates ($5.99 each), while skewers remain $0.49 per stick. Highlights: * Pineapple Beef Skewer - sweet and tangy pineapple wrapped in juicy, spicy beef. Surprisingly addictive. * Morel Mushroom w/ Fish Roe Shrimp Paste - bouncy, savory, and packed with rich broth flavor. * Rice Noodles (Lai Fun) - authentic, soft yet chewy, and a pleasant surprise at a skewer spot. Loved the pickled chicken feet and tremella soup as well. The renovated space feels modern, clean, and comfortable. Still my go-to skewer hot pot place -- definitely coming back to try more next time. read more

So classic! A long-standing LA spot for Chengdu skewer hot pot--great vibe and authentic flavor! We got the split broth pot. Strongly recommend the fresh-cut meats: ribeye cap, beef belly, lamb shoulder, and Wagyu. Super fresh and high quality, served à la carte. A must-try if you care about quality! They have 4-5 big fridges loaded with skewers. Beef options include cilantro, enoki mushroom, spicy, and pickled chili beef... plus duck tongue, pork aorta, and more! free snacks and desserts near the entrance--ice jelly, snow fungus soup, spicy peanuts, and pickled chicken feet, all constantly refilled! * **Must-Try:** "Double-Egg Fried Rice"--savory and perfect with spicy food! Dessert:Mango Sago--super refreshing for summer! Ice-cold AC! Great location right across from Focus Plaza (is it called TAWA now?) read more

Came here for dinner recently and honestly didn't expect it to be this good. We ordered the dual hot pot (spicy beef tallow + pork tripe chicken soup) and both sides were solid -- the spicy one had a nice build-up heat, not just numb spicy, and the soup base was super comforting. The meat quality surprised me. The hand-cut beef (especially the snowflake and ribeye slices) was fresh and tender, cooked perfectly in just a few seconds. We also grabbed a bunch of skewers and everything came out flavorful. Big plus for the self-serve drink & dessert bar -- lots of options and actually fun to try different combos. The place itself is also really nicely decorated, not your typical hot pot spot. Service was quick and friendly, even when it got busy. Definitely a spot I'd come back to with friends. read more

After the renovation, this place feels completely upgraded -- brighter, cleaner, and much less oily, with wider table spacing that makes dining more comfortable. We ordered the dual broth (spicy beef tallow and Chaoshan beef bone soup): the spicy broth is flavorful without being overwhelmingly hot, and the clear soup is light and perfect for highlighting the freshness of the meat. The freshly sliced marbled beef was excellent -- tender, not mushy, and full of natural beef flavor. The fried crispy pork was juicy with a crunchy exterior, and the brown sugar tofu pudding was a pleasant surprise and very refreshing after hot pot. At $0.49 per skewer, the total came out to around $30+ per person, which is great value for the quality in San Gabriel. Would definitely come back. read more

Nice 2 Meet U - Still hits the spot after the renovation! I've been coming here since my school days--it was always our go‑to spot for skewers after class. Recently heard they renovated, so I finally stopped by to check it out. The menu is bigger now. They've added fresh‑cut beef options like brisket, flank, and rib finger, plus all the classics: tripe, duck tongue, chicken gizzard, and a bunch of braised dishes. Must order: Eight Eggs Fried Rice. Wok hei is on point, and it comes topped with a golden, runny fried egg. So satisfying. There's also a free appetizer station with spicy chicken feet, sweet soup, oranges, etc. Drinks are pretty, and the tofu pudding is solid. Glad to see this place still delivers. Will definitely be back! read more

This hot pot skewer spot was a fun experience. The concept is simple, you pick out skewers with different meats and vegetables on them, along with plates of additional ingredients, and cook everything in your hot pot. The price is based on how many skewers and plates you take. The food was good overall, and there was a nice variety of vegetables and meats to choose from, although the seafood selection was a bit limited. I also liked that they had a sauce bar so you could make your own dipping sauce, plus a snack and appetizer bar, which was a nice bonus. One thing to note is that the broth was much spicier than expected. I ordered the mild broth, and it was still pretty spicy, so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to heat. read more

Finally reopened after a long wait! The place got a full renovation--clean, bright, and you're hit with that familiar chili oil aroma as soon as you walk in. Best part? Prices are even cheaper than before. Tried the new hand-cut fresh beef--super fresh with visible marbling, and you can taste the quality after a quick dip. Must-orders: * Mala beef (numbing and addictive) * Cilantro beef (a must for cilantro lovers) * Pickled long bean beef (lightly tangy, very satisfying) * Don't skip the braised items: chicken feet, pork trotters, honeycomb tripe The tripe is especially good--crisp, absorbs the broth perfectly. Same great flavors as before, better atmosphere, and more affordable. Highly recommend read more

I'm back here again! This is my favorite hotpot restaurant in LA! They actually redecorated their place. It looks much better than before. It tastes even better than before, I think. We ordered half&half soup base, half is medium spicy, and half is pork tripe&chicken soup. The pork and chicken soup is rich in flavor even without any dipping sauce. Must-order dishes are: fungus and shrimp balls, snowflake beef short ribs, fresh cut hanging tenderloin. I also recommend pork brain, really good in the spicy soup. Most of the skewers are spicy beef, and don't miss the spicy fish maw and the spicy chicken cartilage. Also I really really like the 'eight egg & four ounces rice', really stunning ! read more

Nice 2 Meet U has reopened and feels like a solid upgrade. The space is brighter, more open, and much more comfortable for dining. We went with the fresh-cut meats after seeing them sliced at the counter, and the freshness really stood out. The chuck flap had great texture and flavor, the five-layer brisket was rich without being greasy, and the snowflake beef was tender and well-balanced. The brown sugar tofu pudding was a pleasant surprise -- very smooth, lightly sweet, and perfect after hot pot. Drinks were refreshing and paired well with the meal. If you're looking for fresh-cut meat hot pot, you can have a try. read more

This has officially become my go-to hot pot skewer (chuan chuan) spot. I always walk in thinking I'll be "moderate," but once the skewers hit the pot, it's game over. One after another -- you just can't stop. The broth is flavorful, the ingredients taste fresh, and everything feels thoughtfully prepared. What I really appreciate is that they keep adding new items, so every visit feels a little different. You can tell the owner genuinely cares about the food and the experience. If you love chuan chuan and bold flavors, this place is definitely worth trying. I'll definitely be back again. read more