Shabu-Yo Japanese Wagyu Hot Pot, Naperville — Restaurant in Naperville

I have gone to a couple of hot pots in the past. So my friends and I were excited to hear that a local hot pot had opened up and wanted to check it out. At the end of the experience, I felt obligated to write this review to provide critical feedback to improve the restaurant and achieve its potential.

For context, we visited during the week and the restaurant had been officially open for about a month. In addition, as I compared the images from previous reviews for this location, the location of some buffet items has been moved around compared to my visit, so keep that in mind when reading this review and comparing the images provided by other reviewers. (The restaurant does seem to have a bar, but none of us ordered any alcohol so this review won’t mention it.)

Once we were seated and my party had agreed on the 1 course that everyone would follow, the actual ordering of the meats was to be done all through a QR code that was located at our table. I have nothing against the concept. In fact, I prefer it because it provides efficient ordering to the kitchen without needing to wait for a waiter to help submit the requests.

When we went to the buffet section to obtain our veggies and other items, we were a bit confused with the selection. A few of the sauces were not identified. Other than the expected Asian items, other items felt out of place. There was a melted cheese sauce dispenser with black bowls, of which some black bowls were not thoroughly cleaned enough to remove the cheese from them. A pancake maker station and even a cotton candy station in the corner of the buffet section (near the drinks station). Also, the soup station had an item that was not an Asian-focused dish (I believe it was beef stew). I was hoping to find some salted edamame at the buffet station, too. Sadly, there wasn't any edamame presented. It is a classic Asian dish and was sad that none was available.

Once we began to enjoy our time, we noticed on the QR code that the sushi was included with the price, so one of my friends and I ordered 2 types: California and Salmon. (*I do have a shellfish allergy, so I ordered the Salmon.) I believe the image on the website showed two pieces of each. So when the robot brought only 1 plate with the Salmon, we assumed that the California would arrive later. As I finished one of the pieces with the Salmon, my friend and I noticed that the other piece did not have Salmon but had crab.

Because of the risk of allergies, the sushi would be on separate plates to minimize cross-contamination as much as possible. Even if the order was only 1 piece, the restaurant should have placed the two orders on two separate plates, rather than cutting corners and adding both pieces on the same plate with the same dressing. I saw that action as an oversight and was concerned about how the kitchen prepares their food, especially when it came to preparing the different meats, where some have shellfish items.

Finally, when it came to pay, the QR code website had a tab to fill out a survey and receive 10% off. However, when I clicked on the link, it said that the Google form was restricted. So I couldn’t provide direct feedback to the restaurant.

When we finished paying, the waiter presented us with a stamp card, where we would get 2 stamps for paying with card and 1 stamp for paying with cash. At the end of 10 stamps, we would get a prize. I don't have an issue with the concept. However, I would’ve expected that the rules would be reversed because credit card fees are usually one of the biggest restaurant expenses. So, as a way to decrease that expense, the restaurant would encourage customers to pay with cash instead of card.

Overall, I felt that the restaurant tried to open quickly and appeal to everyone’s taste, leading to certain safety aspects being overlooked and diluting the restaurant’s identity of being an Asian hot pot. I believe if the restaurant searches within itself that identity and focuses on executing that identity, it can become successful. I’d love to return and provide it...

Wanted to try a new hot pot place while in town and was unfortunately disappointed. We were a party of 3. We were seated on a Thursday night and waited approximately 8 minutes before our server came to explain the menu. The restaurant was pretty empty, only three other tables with people. Once the server explained the menu and we ordered our broths, we headed to the self serve bar. Not a lot of noodles, we basically cleared them out at 8:30pm. Restaurant closes at 10. They weren’t refilled. Got our broths and one was wrong. My husband had to wait 20+ minutes to get his corrected broth. Not ideal when you’re on a 90 minute time limit. My Korean broth had no spice. The manager came to our table to ask us how everything was, and I mentioned the broth not being at all spicy or having flavor. He apologized and said they probably forgot to add it. Meat slices are paper thin, not worth the price when it’s $60 for wagyu. Robot service came like 5-6 different times, not fulfilling our entire order. We had to order multiple times before getting our sushi order. Manager stopped at our table like 3 times to have a conversation while we were eating … again 90 minute time limit, let us eat and wait until the end to actually get feedback. Our server kept apologizing for being the only one working tables and that’s why service was slow. How hard is it to wait on 3-4 tables?? He seemed so unhappy to be there. Submitted their feedback survey because was told we’d get 10% off. Well, the coupon is for our next visit… which won’t be happening. Consider lowering your prices or improving the quality of service, food, and the...

This was my second time to come here. We came right after they opened in Dec, and it was chaotic. It was much calmer this time and our server was very attentive and caring. So for her effort I want to to give another star, however, I witnessed something disturbing.

First, my daughter was at the drink fountain. When she was getting her drink, a server stopped her and asked her to move so he could get drink for other customers. She needed to fill a cup, he had multiple cups. He should have had her get her drink, and then do his job. In the meantime, another guest cut in front of her. He should be educated how to serve the customer.

We enjoyed our meal, and it was fine until I saw this.

Guests next to us wanted to turn up the heat, and they figured out how. Then the same waiter came over and abruptly told them to not to touch the control. He told them they set to the perfect temperatures so guests should not touch control panel.

I have been to Shab-yo in Schaumburg and their waiters and waitress always told me how to change the temperature and if we could control it.

Then our waitress walked by and saw their soups were not boiling. Then she showed them the control panel and show how to change the temperature.

Who is this guy who acts like he is a master. I remember him from my last visit. He was new and looked nervous. Did he become some sort of a master in just two months??

I would reduce the star just because of this waiter, but it is not fair for restaurant and our waitress.

Also, he has distinguish BO. Working for the restaurant, I suggest that the management keep everything clean including...