Seemor
Spring Shabu-ShabuB+Worth Trying
136-20 38th Ave 2nd floor, Flushing, NY 11354
· Hot pot restaurant, Buffet restaurant, Japanese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2741 reviews)
Reservations
Lively, clean shabu-shabu buffet with strong value for veggie lovers and custom broths, plus optional a la carte meats; service can be inconsistent and meat is not included.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Spring Shabu-Shabu delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality and excellent value, particularly for groups seeking customizable hot pot in a lively, bright setting. However, quality variation and inconsistent service attention—especially during peak times—prevent it from reaching higher performance tiers. The build-your-own format and kid-friendly appeal make it a reliable choice for casual dining, though not a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
On the second floor in Flushing, Spring Shabu-Shabu hums with lively energy, bright lighting, and rows of gleaming buffet pans. Individual induction burners mean you control the cook, while staff explain broths and sauces to first-timers. Many diners highlight the soft-serve finish as a small joy, though a few warn of service inconsistency and occasional tip-pressure moments. The cooking style is build-your-own shabu-shabu: pick a broth (mala, dashi, kimchi, or veg), then roam for noodles, mushrooms, greens, and fish cakes, with meats and seafood ordered a la carte. It leans contemporary and customizable rather than strictly traditional, ideal for groups and vegetarians seeking variety. Value is strong if you embrace the buffet format, while meat-heavy diners should budget for add-ons. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly noodles, mild broths, and clear pricing for children. There is no separate kids menu of classics, but simple broths and easy-cook items suit many younger eaters; plan for waits at peak times and seat each child at a safe distance from the burner.
At a Glance
- Fresh, plentiful buffet veggies and noodles with customizable broths
- Individual pots and included soft-serve make for a fun experience
- Meat not included in buffet; a la carte adds to total cost
- Service inconsistency at peak times, occasional tip-pressure complaints
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- individual_pot_experience
- broad_sauce_bar
- vegetarian_friendly_buffet
What People Love
- Freedom to customize broths and sauces
- Clean, bright buffet and visible prep
- Good value if focusing on buffet items
- Soft-serve ice cream finale
Points of Concern
- Meat and seafood are a la carte, raising totals for carnivores
- Service lapses reported: slow refills, inattentiveness during rush
- A few reports of broth saltiness or blandness depending on base
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, exuberant language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- For creative/fusion-leaning menus, some conservative palates may find choices unfamiliar
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-$44 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a base like Dashi or Veg for kids; reserve Mala or Kimchi for spice fans
- Plan 2 meat plates per person (about $8-$11) if you want a balanced protein share
- Kimchi broth carries a $3 supplement; factor it into totals
Perfect For
- Group outings where everyone eats differently
- Vegetarian or pescatarian hot pot fans
- Casual cold-weather comfort meals
- First-timers learning hot pot basics
Location Insights
Area: Dense Asian commercial hub with malls, markets, and casual eateries; energetic and destination-worthy for food lovers.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked area; generally safe with typical urban crowding; evenings remain active.
Nearby: Near Main St. transit, Asian supermarkets, bakeries, and multi-level dining complexes; second-floor venue.
FlushingFlushing is renowned for its bustling Asian dining scene, featuring authentic Chinese, Korean, and other East Asian cuisines. The area is lively and busy, with a mix of casual eateries, food courts, and upscale restaurants, attracting both locals and visitors seeking authentic ethnic food experiences.
Downtown FlushingDowntown Flushing is the commercial heart of the neighborhood, dense with restaurants, markets, and shops. It is pedestrian-friendly and vibrant, especially during meal times, known for its authentic and affordable Asian cuisine offerings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–22:00
Saturday11:30–22:00
Sunday11:30–22:00
Available: Reservations
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