Authentic hot pot with friendly staff and a clean dining environment. We'll definitely be back! read more

Meat Lover - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

I'd like to preface this review saying when I can give them another try the review may go up to at least 4*, but based on the first dining experience, a 3 might be generous, which I'll explain below. First, I arrived shortly after they opened on a Tuesday, which is important to highlight because they're closed on Mondays, and I suspect one dish I tried had the texture of leftovers (from the weekend). Part of me wants to try again later in the week, and day to see if this was a fluke. What I ordered was a rice bowl with braised pork belly and daily vegetables. Everything was good except the pork was dry and tough, clearly not braised that day or heated all the way through. I forget what my first choice was, but it wasn't available that day. My other item was the wonton soup, which also disappointed me for a few reasons. Portion size is good, but the broth tasted really thin, watery, and the wontons were overcooked and falling apart. The cause was they were forgotten about and the pot boiled over. Generally, you cook these below the boil to prevent the cloudy mess from disintegrating skins. The filling tasted fine, but again, overall flavors and balance was marred. I did, however, enjoy the lenon tea that comes with every combination meal. And, the employees are very nice, but the food didn't make the cut. They have a big menu and I've seen the skewers and hot pots in action so I know there's potential. read more

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Tasty hot pot and pork belly skewers! There's only one waiter so it can take some time but she was very nice to our table of 6. We had a great time splitting up a bunch of dishes, including the cucumber salad, dumplings, hotpot, and skewers. read more

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We've had "Meat Lover" on our list for a while, and with all the rainy weather lately, hot pot was exactly what we were craving--and this place delivered. We stopped in later in the evening, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the restaurant had a calm, cozy atmosphere with just a few other guests, which made it a perfect spot to unwind.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Since it was our first visit, the staff went out of their way to be helpful, offering quick service and guiding us through the menu. I wanted to try both the skewers and the hot pot, and they had no shortage of options. I ended up going with the lamb skewer and the pork belly, along with scallops and glass noodles. Everything was delicious--simply prepared, well-seasoned, and cooked just right. For the hot pot, we chose the crawfish base. Even though we ordered a small, it arrived in a generous bowl because we added extra vegetables. The broth was spicy in the best way--bold, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The vegetables came out al dente and soaked up all that rich flavor, and the crawfish was fresh, plentiful, and surprisingly satisfying. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were honestly impressed with the portion sizes, the attentive service, and the cute décor that adds a warm, inviting charm to the space.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We're already looking forward to coming back and trying more items from the menu. Keep up the great work! read more

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10/10, one of my favorite spots. I always get the pork belly and beef skewers, they are the best, they are always well seasoned and tender. The service is always nice and welcoming. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I always love ambiance and sitting down an eating here because of what they play on the TV, I am not sure what its called but its always so interesting to watch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Meat Lover - Pork belly skewer - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

The grilled fish at this restaurant is absolutely terrible. It's overwhelmingly salty, and the fish flesh tastes extremely stale--you can tell at a glance it's frozen dead fish that's been sitting in the freezer for ages, with an awful texture. We were all confused why they dumped tons of sugar into the grilled fish pot; were they trying to mask some foul odor? I'd looked forward to a nice grilled fish meal, but this place turned out to be utterly dreadful. The fish quality and cooking skills are both abysmal, and the service staff left me speechless. I was still eating when a server suddenly came up and asked if I wanted to pack up the leftovers. After finishing the meal, I was parched and craving water. I'll never step foot in this restaurant again. read more

What an amazing restaurant! I'm visiting the area and found myself at this place. Soon as we walked in I knew we picked the right place. The hostess was great! She seated us right away and gave us great advice on menu items. The restaurant was clean and had the Asian atmosphere. You pick the menu items you want and mark it the menu. We ordered four different types of squires, pork belly, lamb, beef and squid along with shrimp fried rice. We also got a milk beer (nonalcoholic) and a Chinese pear soda. All the food was freaking delicious!!! We will definitely come back here and get the hot pot before we leave. Highly recommended this place! read more

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We were in the area and wanted to try this place. There is a wide variety of options at this location. From hot pot to skewers and chicken and nachos. It is best to go hungry. I don't like spicy food but the seasoning has a nice slow tolerable burn. The service was quick and it was a mom and pop like atmosphere. If like closer I would go for the meat and tofu skewers again. read more

Surprisingly all of the ordered items were all good. Been living in Riverside 10 plus years and I drove by this place many times but never really had the desire to try out their food. Been craving shabu shabu for several weeks and I am so bummed out Mokkoji is temporarily closed due to relocating so I decided to check out this place. Not the typical shabu shabu I am used to but I tried out their hot pot. Definitely more flavorful broth in terms of spiciness as opposed to the mild, clear broth. Next time I would opt for the dry hot pot with no soup. Skewers were seasoned extensively that it overpowers the taste of the meat flavor. But cooked right. Wish there is a bit of balance. Friendly server. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bright ans spacious with plenty of seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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I was in the mood for something new, and my husband was nervous. But we both ended up loving everything. The meat screwers were all delicious with a yummy seasoning. Our fave in order was the pork belly, lamb, chicken, then beef. My husband was a huge fan of the chicken tenders with Chinese salt. Crispy but so tender. Wish they added more Chinese salt. But the hubby enjoyed it with the house mayo. I was drooling over all the fish hotpots that was on every table when we were there. I'll be sure to try that next time. Parking garage is behind the building, so you have to walk around the building. Clean, & great service. read more

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Parking: Easy, open, free lot. I'm surprised something so good is in Riverside. The diversity here is really coming to life. I love skewers, and the spices were perfect--just the right amount of cumin, garlic, and heat! I ordered the beef, lamb, and pork belly. The beef and lamb were very similar in taste and texture. The pork belly, however, was dry and not crispy, so I'd skip it next time. On the side, we also ordered corn cheese, which was good. I think it wasn't drained enough, so it ended up a little watery for me, but when it first comes out, it's like a blanket of cheese on top. I definitely recommend the skewers, and if you like corn, the corn cheese is worth trying. All in all, I would come back. This might be my favorite restaurant in R'side! read more

I've ordered takeout from Meat Lover a few times and eaten inside as well. It's a little small inside but clean and tidy, and the service is quick and friendly. Food is always good here and is reminiscent of Gui in Rowland Heights, serving primarily BBQ skewers with the addition of simple hot pots. I'm a huge fan of the chicken skewers in particular--the soft bone is great and cooked just right. I tried the hot pot for the first time on this last visit, and it was great! I got the small size, which was actually pretty big. Both the soup and the ingredients were good (especially the potato slices, which actually were fried before being put in the soup). I couldn't finish, and the staff very kindly helped pack it up. Overall, great for a quick and casual meal! read more

Meat Lover - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

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Food was great. Service was awesome prices we're good. Definitely will come back again. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice and cleaning here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very calm in here[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Meat Lover - Hot pot - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

every time my fam and i come visit my brother in town, this is a must stop. their hot pot is so flavorful, i love that you pick a main base and then order any add-on's you'd like. their bbq skewers are also very flavorful, one of the best i've had. my favorite is their lamb skewers! if you can handle your garlic, i highly recommend the bbq eggplant too. overall, def give this place a try! read more

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Food is amazing and delicious. Five stars. Services on point and service is fast. The food here is made with love. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I feel like I'm at home.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Meat Lover - Barbecue ribs with egg and tomato - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

We ordered the hot pot with sea bass fish, QQ tofu, quail egg, beef and bean sprout. It was very good and the fish is really big more than enough for 3 people. Also their lamb bbq is delicious, it has a good balance of fat and meat. read more

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very tasty hot pot and skewers! hot pot has a build menu, where you select the base, spicy level, main protien and additional items read more

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Food is super yummy. The server is super nice and helpful. We'll definitely visit again. read more

Meat Lover - Marinate Chicken tender combo cucumber in mixed sauce - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

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Great hot pot and great skewers. Must eat everytime we are in Riverside, no question. Would like a bowl and spoon for the hot pot though, instead of the disposable plates. read more

Meat Lover - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

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The staff and owner were very nice and welcoming! The skewers are delicious and relatively cheap.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The lady at the front was very welcoming and the workers all have this positive energy that makes this restaurant feel so calming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Their dumplings are good! The lamb bbq and squid bbq was good too. They are really good!!!!!!

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great place to hang out for with friends !![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Good service ! Recommend grill fish with many add on options ! read more

Meat Lover - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

Great food and big portions for the price! My favorites are the chicken tender (add extra spicy), and the beef tendon skewers. Both are so tender and juicy and delicious. The imported drinks offered are good too, especially the milk beer. Also the service is outstanding, usually very quick with to-go orders, and super nice and friendly staff. And very relaxing vibe indoors, with these amazing rustic Chinese food-making videos playing in the background. Always stop by here when I am in the area. read more

Meat Lover - Marinated Chicken tender, extra spicy. With milk beer. - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

Delicious food and good host. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Feel like at home.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Close to the university. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good place for a large group as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Lots of options for Chinese food :) read more

Meat Lover - Restaurant - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

BEST FOOD I RECOMMEND HIGHLY AND VERY NICE SERVICE . Food was good i liked it and the people where nice especially for a first time being there. read more

This place has amazing customer service. Def recommend. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great lovely setting for big parties out a date.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Got my friend Mason Kim cheesing so hard. He can't stop smiling read more

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Second time here. Food is very delicious . [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's clean[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and staff if friendly and accommodating.

Parking: A little confusing as it's a multi-use building. Parking is along the sides or behind. The store entrance is on the street side. I entered through the Carl's side. (Might be an entrance on the other side but didn't see if there was) Setting: Store was the usual Asian cafe type feel. Tv plays a good video (might be on repeat) there was no volume so I assume it might be about that particular region the food originated from... seating was ok. Not really cramped. Food: I believe their signature dish is hot pot. I ordered skewers. They were decent... (I've had better) but it's not bad. I also ordered their braised chicken leg rice which was decent as well. Towards the end, some of the flavors started to just blend together and was a little bland( might be cause I just threw in all the chicken base into the rice). I got tea with my order (a little on the sweet and sour side) Service: The server/cashier was polite and friendly. Decently attentive to water refills. Overall: Not bad, next time I'm going to try their hot pot to see how that is. read more

This place has the best meat I've ever put into my mouth. I've never had meat that made me drool like this before. Very delicious and good would highkey recommend if you like meat read more

I had such a great experience at this Asian skewer spot! The flavors were bold and authentic, and everything came out perfectly grilled and seasoned. The staff was friendly, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the vibe was lively[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and the variety of skewers made it easy to try something new. Definitely coming back again! read more

Food is okay but a little bit greasy and pricey. Will go probably once a year but not often.

I came here last time and the skewers were really good, good portion too!! I definitely recommend this for coming with your friends.

The food is great! We will definitely come back again! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Came on a Saturday around 12:30 and there were only two other parties eating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The server was super friendly and very accommodating with customizing the hot pot. We also had the skewers and they were also very good. read more

Meat Lover - Finished small sliced beef hotpot - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

Insanely good. I love their selection of skewers. Some really great harder to find things like frog legs and one of my faves, chicken knee softbone (chicken cartilage). Great delivery packaging too! read more

wow service is exceptional as soon as you walk in. If you're in the area definitely make a stop here!

很好吃！ The dry rub on the skewers are addictive. Definitely a must try if you're craving authentic Chinese food. The ambiance was chill - they play a video in the background showcasing how they make their food and seasoning from scratch. Lamb skewer: - smaller than expected, but you get 5 of them - sooo flavorful Taiwanese sausages: - plump and juicy - pairs well with rice Frog legs: - i'm not kidding when i say it looks and tastes EXACTLY like chicken, down to the texture Red braised pork belly bowl - reasonably priced and very filling - comes with two (preselected) sides (they gave us cauliflower and pickled cabbage) read more

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Super good favored BBQ I have ever had in Riverside. Good place to have dinner after skiing in snow valley! read more

Meat Lover - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

Do they have a food truck? We tried this food truck at Eastvale Multiculture Event. We ordered their grilled squid (half) and their chicken tender. The squid was rubbed all over with sauce topped with their dried spices. It was deliciously tender and very tasty! I love the fact that the squid was cut up into pieces so that it was easy to eat! The chicken tenders were very crispy and very delicious as well. I asked it they had any sauces to go with it and they gave us a ranch dipping sauce that goes well with the chicken. Their staff that took our order and those that handed our food were really friendly. read more

Meat Lover - Special Chicken Tender - Chinese Near Me - Riverside, California

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Went here with my mom and it's a really good place that I think should be more popular. The food was really good and the staff were kind. Would highly recommend. read more