Shabu-Zen
"THE hot pot spot in Allston. Perfect for when you want to make dinner an activity, not just a meal."
Last verified: 2024-12-20
What to Order
- All-You-Can-Eat Hot Pot - absolutely worth it, go with friends and make it an event
- Prime Wagyu Beef Slices - melt-in-your-mouth good, upgrade is worth it
- Seafood Combo - super fresh, great variety
- Udon Noodles - add these to your broth at the end, chef kiss
- Mochi Ice Cream - perfect ending
What to Avoid
- Going alone - this is a communal experience, bring friends
- Rushing - you need 90+ minutes to really enjoy it
- Peak dinner hours without reservation - the wait can be brutal
The Full Review
Shabu-Zen is where BU students go when they want to turn dinner into an experience. This Japanese hot pot spot on Brighton Ave is consistently packed with students celebrating birthdays, impressing dates, or just craving something interactive and warming.
The concept is simple but genius: you get a pot of boiling broth at your table and cook thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and noodles yourself. The all-you-can-eat option is the move for hungry students—you'll easily get your money's worth if you come hungry.
The atmosphere is lively (read: loud), with groups of friends laughing and sharing pots of bubbling soup. It's not the place for a quiet conversation, but it's perfect for a fun night out. The staff is used to explaining the concept to hot pot newbies, so don't be shy if it's your first time.
Pro tip from BU upperclassmen: save room for noodles at the end. Dropping udon or ramen into your now-flavorful broth is the move. Also, the mochi ice cream is the perfect cool-down after all that hot soup.
This is the restaurant you suggest when your parents visit and you want to show them something cooler than Chipotle. Trust.
Details
Hours
Location
80 Brighton Ave, Allston
Allston * 0.8 mi from campus
Delivery
Features
Student Deal
10% off with BU ID on weekdays
Best For
What Students Say
"Brought my roommates here for my birthday and we were there for like 2.5 hours just eating and vibing. 10/10 would recommend."
"The all-you-can-eat is lowkey a steal. We went in starving after finals and absolutely destroyed that place."
"Best date spot in Allston. Interactive, not too expensive, and you look like you know cool places."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shabu-Zen good for vegetarians?
Yes! They have excellent vegetable options and you can get a vegetable-based broth. The tofu and mushroom selection is solid.
Do I need a reservation at Shabu-Zen?
On weekends, absolutely yes. Weekday dinners you can usually walk in but might wait 20-30 minutes. Call ahead to be safe.
How much is the all-you-can-eat at Shabu-Zen?
Around $28-32 per person depending on protein tier. Worth it if you come hungry—most people easily eat $40+ worth of food.
Is Shabu-Zen good for groups?
Perfect for groups! They have tables for 4-8 people and the communal cooking vibe is ideal for friend groups.