Colorado Find | $12.99 All-You-Can-Eat Hot Pot

Colorado Find | $12.99 All-You-Can-Eat Hot Pot—America’s Cheapest & Tastiest! 🍲💰 I can’t believe my luck—while traveling through Grand Junction, Colorado, I stumbled upon Taste of Chang‘an and their $12.99 all-you-can-eat hot pot! Let me say that again: twelve dollars and ninety-nine cents for unlimited hot pot, fresh seafood, and even delicious stir-fries. My jaw dropped when I saw the price, and by the end of the meal, I was practically tearing up at how good the value was—this has to be the cheapest (and one of the best!) hot pot buffets in the entire U.S. 😭 🍲💰First off, let’s talk about the value—$12.99 is cheaper than a fancy coffee and sandwich combo in most cities, but here? It gets you a full-on hot pot feast. I went in with low expectations (let’s be real, cheap buffets can be hit-or-miss), but I left absolutely shocked. The first thing I noticed was how fresh all the ingredients were: plump, pink shrimp that still had that “just caught” bounce, tender slices of beef and pork that didn’t turn rubbery when cooked, and a mountain of veggies—bok choy, mushrooms, noodles, and even lotus root—that looked like they were picked that morning. No wilted lettuce or freezer-burned meat here—every bite tasted bright and fresh. 😂The hot pot broths were a nice surprise too! I went with the spicy Sichuan broth (since I love a little heat), and my friend chose the mushroom bone broth. The spicy one had just the right kick—not so fiery that it numbed my tongue, but enough to make each sip feel flavorful. The mushroom broth was rich and umami-packed, with chunks of mushrooms and tender pieces of pork bone adding depth. We even mixed a little of both broths together for a “custom blend”—total game-changer! And the best part? You can refill your broth as many times as you want—no skimping here. But wait, there’s more! Beyond the hot pot ingredients, they had a whole section of stir-fries that were just as delicious. I tried the kung pao chicken (crunchy peanuts, tender chicken, and a sweet-spicy sauce) and the garlic green beans (crisp, savory, and loaded with garlic). My friend raved about the orange chicken—she said it was “better than most American Chinese restaurants.” We kept going back for seconds (and thirds…) of the stir-fries, even though we were already full from the hot pot—they were that good.🍲💰 While we ate, my friend and I couldn’t stop whispering: “Do you think the owner is losing money?!” 😂 How do you serve fresh shrimp, quality meat, and endless broth for under $13? Curious, we struck up a conversation with the owner when he came by to check on us—and his answer made us laugh. He told us he owns three restaurants in the area: Taste of Chang‘an (the hot pot spot), and two American Chinese restaurants called Dragon Treasure—where the lunch buffet is also $12.99! He said he believes in “good food at fair prices,” and that keeping his prices low keeps locals and travelers coming back. We told him we’d definitely be spreading the word—and we meant it. 😂The service was the cherry on top. The staff was so friendly and attentive—they refilled our drinks without us asking, brought extra napkins when we spilled broth, and even gave us tips on which ingredients cook fastest (pro tip: shrimp only need 2-3 minutes!). When we mentioned it was our first time, they walked us through how to use the hot pot and recommended their favorite ingredients. It felt like eating at a friend’s house, not a restaurant. By the end of the meal, we were so stuffed we could barely walk—but we left with huge smiles. Taste of Chang‘an isn’t just a hot pot spot; it’s a travel win. If you’re ever in Grand Junction, Colorado, do yourself a favor and stop here. Whether you’re a hot pot lover, a fan of Chinese food, or just someone who appreciates a good deal, this place will not disappoint. I’m already planning my next trip to Grand Junction—just so I can eat here again! #AllYouCanEat#GrandJunction#Colorado#TravelJoy#BudgetEats