Three Hot Pot

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” It’s what Neil Armstrong said when he touched down on the moon, and it’s what we said when we learned that you can boil and grill your meats at the same time at this moon-landing themed hot pot restaurant in Koreatown.

Every pot is surrounded by a barbeque ring, and each pot can also be split into two chambers. Your options are to order a la carte, which gets pricey fast, or go for a combo for two to four people. The combos range from $55-$115, and come with two broths, several meats, a platter of veggies, noodles and rice, cooked appetizers, and cheese corn. For the large spread and high quality, it’s totally worth it.

Make your selections on the iPad at your table, and then head to the sauce bar while you wait. It’s located right underneath an illuminated moon, and next to a cratered wall, where the Armstrong quote is spelled out in neon letters. If you’re starting to doubt the wisdom of your peanut sauce and black vinegar combo, keep those words in mind and take the leap.

Food Rundown

Spicy Beef Tallow Broth

This is their spiciest broth, but it’s not all that spicy (especially if you’ve had the stuff at Chongqing Lao Zao or Hou Yi Hot Pot.) Still, your meat will drip red with some extra oomph. If you want to up the heat, order the marinated spicy beef brisket to go with it.

Abalone Coconut Chicken Broth

Of the milder broth options—which also include tomato, mushroom, and pork bone—we prefer this seafood-scented broth. There’s a subtle funkiness from the abalone, and some sweet coconut to balance it out. It’s especially good with the fish filets and fish balls. Just keep in mind, this isn’t a creamy coconut broth, if that’s what you’re looking for.