Haidilao Hotpot City of Industry — Restaurant in City of Industry

UPDATED: After such great previous dining experiences, our family was excited to return and introduce our out-of-town guest to the restaurant. Unfortunately, something changed within those two months, and this visit was a completely different experience.

We typically opt for Menu B, so we quickly noticed that many items had been moved to Menu C. My mom was especially disappointed to find that the marinated pork intestines were no longer included in the AYCE selection. To add to the frustration, some items on our chosen menu came with an additional charge (such as the raw chicken plate at $14.99), making the ordering process confusing.

Despite these setbacks, we tried to make the best of our meal. Unfortunately, many of the premium items (limited to one per person) were never brought to our table, and we had to specifically request them from our server. The hot pot items arrived noticeably slower this time, leaving us waiting and hungry.

Midway through our meal, our server approached and asked if we wanted to spin the wheel for a free beverage in exchange for a review. I explained that I had already written one, to which he responded, "When?" After I told him "Two months ago, in December," he asked me to write another. Well—here I am, writing another one.

To top things off, after finishing our meal, we headed to the ice cream freezer. On our last visit, the server had kindly told us we could help ourselves. This time, as we were selecting our ice cream, our server came by and reminded us, "Just a reminder, it’s one per person." While we already knew that, the way it was said made it feel like we were doing something wrong.

Overall, this experience was a letdown compared to our previous visits. With so many other hot pot restaurants in the area offering better experiences, I’m not sure we’ll be returning.

We dined here a couple of years ago but found their à la carte prices a bit steep. However, after hearing about their new AYCE options, I decided to give it another try with my family! We chose the middle tier at $49.99 (note: the sauce bar comes at an additional cost), and the experience was fantastic. The service was impeccable, the food variety was abundant, the soup bases were as flavorful as ever, and the quality of the ingredients was top-tier. Even the bathrooms were spotless!

We were also celebrating a couple of birthdays, and they kept our cake refrigerated and brought it out towards the end of our meal, accompanied by a group of team members and a light-up "Happy Birthday" sign!

The dessert bar featured tofu pudding—a huge hit with us. We’ll definitely keep coming back as long as they continue to offer AYCE!

P.S. don't forget to try the...

Horrible and disappointing experience from someone who adores HaiDiLao Hotpot from Asia. I traveled to Singapore over the summer and had my first experience with HaiDiLao there. It was so different.

As you wait for a table outside the restaurant, customers are given free icecream, Japanese rice snacks, popcorn, green tea, fruit drinks, manicures and pedicures. Once you are seated, servers give you hot towels and aprons and you are open to get as much as you want from a free sauce and appetizer bar. Everything is ordered from an ipad. The actual hot pot which held the soup is flush with the table, allowing for easy access to the broth. When the vegetables and meats were served, they were placed on a cart so that your table is not cluttered. When the meal is over, you can then go over to the fridge and get as many desserts and you'd like. Soy milk and traditional Chinese desserts.

Let me tell you.. that really was an experience.

I went to this HaiDiLao excited to have this same experience but in the states. I reserved a table for 4 and we drove to the location excited for a meal. The experience was completely different.

We were seated at a tiny table with a cheap propane burner. Everything is still ordered from an ipad. The pot comes out and it's the cheap pot you find at any other hot pot place. They don't even have the most basics of broths... Chicken broth. No towels or aprons for the meal. No free appetizers. When asked what sauces we wanted, the server brought out some for us.. we expected them to be free. I mean, sauces are basically necessary for hotpot enjoyment. But no. They charged us $1 for each person for sauces. Absolutely ridiculous. Vegetables and meats were of high quality, but that was the only positive. Furthermore, they were stacked on our table and made it extremely cluttered. Unlike the one in Asia, the desserts were expensive and not free. The prices for meats and vegetables were the same as they were in Singapore, but after accounting for exchange, that meant that the Singapore meal was cheaper.

We left with a sour taste in our mouth. This experience was not unlike any other buffet hotpot location, except it wasn't a buffet and everything was charged like microtransactions in a game.

We will never ever go back, or reccomend this place to anyone.

While I understand that COVID impacted some things such as paper plates instead of regular dishes, those things were not considered in this review. If they were, I would rate this place at 0 stars. The differences are staggering enough to warrant a 1...

I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Haidilao in City of Industry, and I can confidently say this was one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had in recent times. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy, and the staff went above and beyond to make every moment special. Now, let me take a minute to talk about Leo — my server — who truly elevated the entire experience with his incredible swagger and top-notch service.

Leo greeted me with a warm smile and this effortless confidence that immediately put me at ease. He carried himself with such style and charm, it was impossible not to notice. But Leo’s swagger wasn’t just about how he presented himself; it was in the way he anticipated every need before I even had to ask. Whether it was refilling my club soda promptly or offering suggestions from the menu, Leo’s attention to detail was impeccable. He struck the perfect balance of being friendly and professional, creating a welcoming vibe that made me feel like a valued guest.

The food, of course, was spectacular — fresh ingredients, perfectly balanced flavors, and a hot pot experience that was both fun and delicious. The broth options were rich and flavorful, and the dipping sauces added a whole other layer of excitement to the meal. Every bite was a delight. The ambiance of the restaurant complemented the meal perfectly — clean, lively, and just the right amount of hustle and bustle to keep things exciting without overwhelming.

What truly stood out was the overall hospitality. Leo and the entire team seemed genuinely invested in making sure I had the best experience possible. It’s rare to find service that is both efficient and personal, and Leo nailed it effortlessly. His charisma and professionalism were the perfect combo, making the evening not just a meal but an event to remember.

If you’re looking for a spot that delivers not only fantastic food but also exceptional service with a side of personality, Haidilao in City of Industry is the place to be. And if you get Leo as your server, consider yourself lucky — his swagger and service will take your dining experience to the next level. I’m already planning my next visit!

Highly recommended, five stars...