Shabu Shack Is A Must Try Hot Spot
Shabu Shack is a restaurant dedicated to Japanese hot pot. You’ve never heard of hot pot before? You sit at a table where there’s a live heat source under a pot of delicious broth. Also on the table are a variety of ingredients, like vegetables and meats, to place into your broth to eat. It’s a customizable experience. Surprisingly, this place made this vegetarian happy. And don’t worry meat-eaters, there are plenty of options for you.
Of course I didn’t check their website before driving there and had to wait for the doors to open at 5:30pm. It was definitely worth the wait. I was actually able to read at the outside seating area and witnessed a very vibrant Elk Grove shopping center adjacent to the Target on Bruceville and Elk Grove Blvd. The address is 7419 Laguna Blvd. #220 in Elk Grove.
The line started forming shortly before 5pm and grew quickly. I was glad I got there when I did. One anxious Shabu Shack goer outside said they found out about the spot from the social media app TikTok. Somehow that sparked some excitement for me to try it even more.
Beautiful Japanese Decor
When I walked in I was first drawn to the beautiful, bright decor. The cherry blossom tree, the Japanese mural on the wall, the cozy tables, and the brightly lit bar were all esthetically pleasing. The tables filled quickly. If you are planning on going soon make sure to get there early.
I honestly had no idea what to expect. Yes, I read the menu but assumed a cooked meal would be served. As a newbie to shabu hot spot, I was pleasantly surprised. Christie, my server, was very helpful. She was very patient and explained the process of swishing and prepping my own meal. As a matter of fact, all the servers were beyond friendly and checked on the tables often. It was a team-oriented welcoming environment.
Advertisement
I ordered hot tea and the edamame to start since I was chilly waiting for the doors to open. The tea was perfect and warmed me up. Other starters include chicken karaage, shrimp tempura, and fried tofu. Then the fun part. The dinner menu entree comes with two choices of broth, a protein, and your choice of rice or noodle. I went with the spicy Sichuan and creamy vegetarian broth, vegetarian, and vermicelli.
Robust Flavor
As my broth boiled I added my vegetarian plate of mushrooms, cabbage, spinach, and pumpkin. Tofu was included but I chose to leave that out. Finally, I added the vermicelli. I swished my soup around for a few minutes until veggie’s were soft. I was a fan from my first spoonful. The broth was full of robust flavor. I was delightfully surprised with the pumpkin. All the veggies brought a mouthwatering, different texture to my mouth. It was absolutely amazing.
I highly recommend this place. I left with a warm, full belly. More importantly, I was so pleased with the customer service, smiles, and the invites to visit again soon. I most definitely will! I can not stop raving about it.
Information
7419 Laguna Blvd. #220 in Elk Grove
Hours:
Monday 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30–9PM
Tuesday 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30–9PM
Wednesday 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30–9PM
Thursday 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30–9PM
Friday 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30–9PM
Saturday 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30–9PM
Sunday 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30–9PM
For more information, visit their website.
