Pretty good place and a good quality food. it feels a bit tiny and crowded, that's why they are making music louder and you can barely talk to your friends.
p.s. update since I heard you are about to close. I wanted to say that your place was probably the best hotpot restaurant in Houston. But, - I never wanted to come back to your place, because it has weird location and very limited space. I'd say if you'd open 2-3x larger space, - I would go there time to time. But so far I was at your place only 2 times in 3 years and for the reasons that you are too small to feel comfortable inside.
Larry Sellers
Our server V gave us excellent service today, she is extremely knowledgeable about the various cuts of meat and was attentive to our needs. The food was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vinh Huynh
Food is ok but if you pay premium you only get two wagyu meats.. they keep saying they are running low on meats.. been back twice and both times they low on the high end wagyu but still charging the premium price.. everything else ok only meats are great.. probably won’t come back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Spoons
yasmine nguyen
This place is amazing! The food here is top-notch, especially the meat quality – easily the best I’ve had. I ordered the tonkatsu and Tom Yum broth, and both were packed with flavor. Plus, they’re generous with the portions, especially the meat! The service was fantastic too; super attentive and friendly. The ambiance is on point! Perfect for a cozy date night or a chill family outing. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
Eva Bhatt
This review is long overdue for Tony at Shabu Squared! From the moment we first dined here, Tony has gone above and beyond to make every experience memorable. As a vegan, dining out can sometimes be tricky, but Tony takes it upon himself to create a custom sauce just for me, ensuring I don’t miss out on the full Shabu Squared experience. His attention to detail is remarkable—he's always one step ahead, checking in without being intrusive and making sure everything is perfect.
Tony is personable, knowledgeable, and incredibly thoughtful. He remembers our preferences and goes out of his way to provide suggestions that align with our tastes. His positive energy lights up the room, and he always manages to balance friendliness with professionalism. It’s rare to find a waiter who truly enhances your dining experience, but Tony does just that every single time. We can't recommend him enough!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joly Aponte
So from the beginning was negative > I ask for a buff attendant said they were taking, we asked for different dishes > they said no available during weekends but they try to pushed the expensive dishes > we promise to return during the week so hopefully they will have the dishes that we request today
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Jay Cal
Tony and the team killed it! Best customer service in the area!
Tom
Super yummy high-quality meats with broths that keep getting better as you feast!
Came by early Sunday as they opened for lunch and it did not disappoint! I think we barely beat out the lunch crowd as the restaurant was filling up when we were wrapping up.
There are a la cart options but we opted for the S tier AYCE since we were famished. This included an appetizer and the highest option of meats such as their zabuton (wagyu shoulder?), kuri wagyu, akaushi flat iron, sashimi salmon, and fresh mussels.
The meats were top-notch with supreme marbling. We got the sukiyaki and mixed (spicy crab + tonkotsu) broths, and they were so flavorful that you don't really need the dipping sauces. But the sauces were so good that we did use a bunch of it. As for the salmon, we just ate it like sashimi. Delicious. Fresh.
Overall great quality that is well matched by the price. It's definitely not the cheapest in town, but the it's more than fair for the quality of ingredients. Both broths were so deliciously rich at the end of our meal that we couldn't stop slurping it, even though we were stuffed. I would highly recommend Shabu Squared for those looking for a light lunch or those looking to fill up for winter hibernation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Sukiyaki, Tonkotsu, Sashimi Grade Salmon, Hot Pot, Spicy Crab Broth and Beef Belly, Ponzu Sauce, Salmon Spoons
Jacob Lim
My server Amy was very helpful in describing the menu. She had a lot of energy and gave off a good vibe. The food was amazing and I will be bringing all of my friends here. I had the mixed broth and zabuton with sushi grade salmon and it hit the spot. I recommend tier s although it is on the more expensive side, but 100% worth it. Ask for Amy when you come because she will be a great help and do it with a smile.
Shabu^2 is an all-you-can-eat hotpot restaurant located near Chinatown (Bellaire Blvd) in Houston.
They offer a variety of soup bases, and the spicy crab soup base is one of my favorites. I have also tried the tom yum, sukiyaki, and tonkotsu bases. The tom yum is an acidic and has a more sour base. The sukiyaki is on the mild side and is a bit lackluster and bland compared to the other. The tonkotsu sauce is creamy and rich. The spicy crab is a bit spicy and more acidic.
There is a time limit of about 1 hour and thirty minutes. They offer tiers of all-you-can-eat, as well as a la carte. I have tried both tier 1 and tier 2. I think the biggest difference is that noodles are unlimited in tier 2, whereas they are extra in tier 1 and will be an additional cost. Meat options in tier 1 and 2 are quite good, and there is quite a bit of a variety of meats to choose from on both.
I also like to mix the sichuan sauce with the paste they provide you! It blends well with the spicy crab soup items.
The restaurant is a bit smaller and reservations might be needed if you have a larger party.
Although the food is good, the service is always one of the worst I ever had. The food takes quite a while to come out, and the servers rarely check on you and can be a bit rude at times. Since they rarely come to check on you, sometimes we just wait with no food in our pot for a while. I'm not sure if it's intentional because if the time limit. I wish they had a food in the center or something for us to just get and prevent this wait and maybe have the servers bring out the meat(?). I have been there a few times, and each time the service is always disappointing.
Overall, the spicy crab soup is really good, but the service can be frustrating to the point where I debate if it's worth even going.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Victoria Tath
I definitely recommend this spot, came here for the first time not being the biggest fan of hotpot only to realize I love it! They have premium cuts and the Tomkat broth is to die for.
Perfect place for any first timers because the servers are really knowledgeable about the menus and are very attentive and sweet! Shoutout to our server Michelle, she especially made our experience delightful! Will try to request her every time we come back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Annie Dang
The best hot pot place in houston! I go here at least 3 times a month and the service is always top tier, especially Michelle’s service! She gives us the best recommendations and put me on the tomkat soup and salmon spoons, and she also recommended dipping meat in egg yolk which changed the game!! Love her, love shabusquared!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Garlic Edamame, Hot Pot, Spicy Crab Broth and Beef Belly, Vegetables and Soba Noodles, Salmon Spoons
Minh Tran
Decent shabu overall and based off their tier levels. They don’t even include ramen noodles with their AYCE as it is an a la carte item which utterly disappointing. They have the audacity to charge you 3% to use your credit card on top of your bill. Their menu does not disclose the 3% surcharge which is plain out shady. Since they did not aware me of the 3% charge, I just tipped the server less than I should have to call it even.
best shabu in town
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pretty good place and a good quality food. it feels a bit tiny and crowded, that's why they are making music louder and you can barely talk to your friends.
p.s. update since I heard you are about to close.
I wanted to say that your place was probably the best hotpot restaurant in Houston. But, - I never wanted to come back to your place, because it has weird location and very limited space. I'd say if you'd open 2-3x larger space, - I would go there time to time. But so far I was at your place only 2 times in 3 years and for the reasons that you are too small to feel comfortable inside.
Our server V gave us excellent service today, she is extremely knowledgeable about the various cuts of meat and was attentive to our needs. The food was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is ok but if you pay premium you only get two wagyu meats.. they keep saying they are running low on meats.. been back twice and both times they low on the high end wagyu but still charging the premium price.. everything else ok only meats are great.. probably won’t come back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Spoons
This place is amazing! The food here is top-notch, especially the meat quality – easily the best I’ve had. I ordered the tonkatsu and Tom Yum broth, and both were packed with flavor. Plus, they’re generous with the portions, especially the meat! The service was fantastic too; super attentive and friendly. The ambiance is on point! Perfect for a cozy date night or a chill family outing. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
This review is long overdue for Tony at Shabu Squared! From the moment we first dined here, Tony has gone above and beyond to make every experience memorable. As a vegan, dining out can sometimes be tricky, but Tony takes it upon himself to create a custom sauce just for me, ensuring I don’t miss out on the full Shabu Squared experience. His attention to detail is remarkable—he's always one step ahead, checking in without being intrusive and making sure everything is perfect.
Tony is personable, knowledgeable, and incredibly thoughtful. He remembers our preferences and goes out of his way to provide suggestions that align with our tastes. His positive energy lights up the room, and he always manages to balance friendliness with professionalism. It’s rare to find a waiter who truly enhances your dining experience, but Tony does just that every single time. We can't recommend him enough!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So from the beginning was negative > I ask for a buff attendant said they were taking, we asked for different dishes > they said no available during weekends but they try to pushed the expensive dishes > we promise to return during the week so hopefully they will have the dishes that we request today
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Tony and the team killed it! Best customer service in the area!
Super yummy high-quality meats with broths that keep getting better as you feast!
Came by early Sunday as they opened for lunch and it did not disappoint! I think we barely beat out the lunch crowd as the restaurant was filling up when we were wrapping up.
There are a la cart options but we opted for the S tier AYCE since we were famished. This included an appetizer and the highest option of meats such as their zabuton (wagyu shoulder?), kuri wagyu, akaushi flat iron, sashimi salmon, and fresh mussels.
The meats were top-notch with supreme marbling. We got the sukiyaki and mixed (spicy crab + tonkotsu) broths, and they were so flavorful that you don't really need the dipping sauces. But the sauces were so good that we did use a bunch of it. As for the salmon, we just ate it like sashimi. Delicious. Fresh.
Overall great quality that is well matched by the price. It's definitely not the cheapest in town, but the it's more than fair for the quality of ingredients. Both broths were so deliciously rich at the end of our meal that we couldn't stop slurping it, even though we were stuffed. I would highly recommend Shabu Squared for those looking for a light lunch or those looking to fill up for winter hibernation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Sukiyaki, Tonkotsu, Sashimi Grade Salmon, Hot Pot, Spicy Crab Broth and Beef Belly, Ponzu Sauce, Salmon Spoons
My server Amy was very helpful in describing the menu. She had a lot of energy and gave off a good vibe. The food was amazing and I will be bringing all of my friends here. I had the mixed broth and zabuton with sushi grade salmon and it hit the spot. I recommend tier s although it is on the more expensive side, but 100% worth it. Ask for Amy when you come because she will be a great help and do it with a smile.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Shabu^2 is an all-you-can-eat hotpot restaurant located near Chinatown (Bellaire Blvd) in Houston.
They offer a variety of soup bases, and the spicy crab soup base is one of my favorites. I have also tried the tom yum, sukiyaki, and tonkotsu bases. The tom yum is an acidic and has a more sour base. The sukiyaki is on the mild side and is a bit lackluster and bland compared to the other. The tonkotsu sauce is creamy and rich. The spicy crab is a bit spicy and more acidic.
There is a time limit of about 1 hour and thirty minutes. They offer tiers of all-you-can-eat, as well as a la carte. I have tried both tier 1 and tier 2. I think the biggest difference is that noodles are unlimited in tier 2, whereas they are extra in tier 1 and will be an additional cost. Meat options in tier 1 and 2 are quite good, and there is quite a bit of a variety of meats to choose from on both.
I also like to mix the sichuan sauce with the paste they provide you! It blends well with the spicy crab soup items.
The restaurant is a bit smaller and reservations might be needed if you have a larger party.
Although the food is good, the service is always one of the worst I ever had. The food takes quite a while to come out, and the servers rarely check on you and can be a bit rude at times. Since they rarely come to check on you, sometimes we just wait with no food in our pot for a while. I'm not sure if it's intentional because if the time limit. I wish they had a food in the center or something for us to just get and prevent this wait and maybe have the servers bring out the meat(?). I have been there a few times, and each time the service is always disappointing.
Overall, the spicy crab soup is really good, but the service can be frustrating to the point where I debate if it's worth even going.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
I definitely recommend this spot, came here for the first time not being the biggest fan of hotpot only to realize I love it! They have premium cuts and the Tomkat broth is to die for.
Perfect place for any first timers because the servers are really knowledgeable about the menus and are very attentive and sweet! Shoutout to our server Michelle, she especially made our experience delightful! Will try to request her every time we come back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best hot pot place in houston! I go here at least 3 times a month and the service is always top tier, especially Michelle’s service! She gives us the best recommendations and put me on the tomkat soup and salmon spoons, and she also recommended dipping meat in egg yolk which changed the game!! Love her, love shabusquared!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Garlic Edamame, Hot Pot, Spicy Crab Broth and Beef Belly, Vegetables and Soba Noodles, Salmon Spoons
Decent shabu overall and based off their tier levels. They don’t even include ramen noodles with their AYCE as it is an a la carte item which utterly disappointing. They have the audacity to charge you 3% to use your credit card on top of your bill. Their menu does not disclose the 3% surcharge which is plain out shady. Since they did not aware me of the 3% charge, I just tipped the server less than I should have to call it even.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
Premium cuts. Great service from V.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
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