Shabu Shack - Downtown Sacramento — Restaurant in Sacramento

Went to Shabu Shack on a Wednesday for a birthday party because nothing says “Happy Birthday” like boiling meat at the table while silently questioning your friendships. We were a party of six, and even though the place wasn’t busy the entire time we were there, they still required reservations. Gotta respect the formality.

I wanted to live my best life with the $39 AYCE (All You Can Eat) option. But alas, I was surrounded by shabu virgins who insisted on going à la carte. I stared longingly at the AYCE menu like a child outside a candy store with exact change and no entry. After appetizers and extras, it basically cost the same, except now I have emotional damage and no mochi ice cream.

The à la carte setup includes a soup base, a bowl of veggies, your choice of carbs, and a protein. I chose the 8oz wagyu ($26), ramen, and spicy tonkatsu broth. The broth was actually spicy, which caught me off guard because Japanese spicy usually means “mildly concerned paprika.” The wagyu was perfectly fatty and delicious. It’s shabu, so you cook it yourself. If you overcooked it into sadness, that’s on you. No sympathy.

We also ordered cocktails, which leaned fruity and sweet but were tasty. Would recommend if you want to get tipsy without tasting the regret.

Kristin was our server and honestly crushed it. Most of my group had never done shabu before, and she patiently explained everything without making us feel like lost toddlers with chopsticks. Much appreciated.

I’m definitely going back to do the AYCE properly, with or without my rookie squad. Based on food quality and service, I’d give this place a solid 8 out of 10. Bonus points if you go with a crew that actually lets you order your...

Shabu Shack is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the welcoming atmosphere and inviting decor set the tone for a great dining experience. The hot pot options are extensive, offering a variety of fresh, high-quality meats, seafood, and vegetables, all beautifully arranged.

One of the highlights is the broth selection—each one packed with deep, rich flavors that only get better as you add more ingredients. I loved the spicy miso broth, which had just the right kick without overpowering the taste of the meats and veggies. The dipping sauces are also fantastic and let you customize each bite to your taste.

The staff at Shabu Shack is friendly and attentive, always there to help explain the menu if it’s your first time. They even gave us some pointers on the best flavor combos and ingredient pairings. It's clear that they care about providing a memorable experience for each guest.

If you're a fan of hot pot or just want to try something new, Shabu Shack is definitely worth a visit. I’ll be coming back...

I haven’t seen much promotion but I guess that added to the magic of finding this place. Instead of feeling robbed by what an influencer said, my partner and I went in and had an amazing time. Everything tasted like it was freshly prepped at 5am. Nothing felt forced or performative like a lot of shabu spots here in sac. Everything was clean. The tables were sturdy, and the soup was sooooo good. TomYum had this perfect sour to it and they had the best Ponzu sauce I’ve ever tasted 😭 The Wagyu/Pork Shoulder/Beef Toro was perfect. No other words… I wish I could describe the energy of love I felt.. but it made our walk to the movies feel like the best parts of a first date and you realize this might be your person. lol she is my person, but Shabu Shack made me feel a way that reminded me how grateful and lucky I am to be with her, living in Sacramento, and having so many options in life in and near this place. You HAVE to go. Just don’t ruin it and be kind so the workers can continue to be kind. They were so cool...