LaoJie Hotpot

- 2314 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214

For New Yorkers in search of a vibrant, interactive, and endlessly satisfying dining experience, LaoJie Hotpot stands out as a premier destination in the heart of Brooklyn. Located on the bustling 86th Street, this Chinese restaurant has made a name for itself by specializing in an impressive All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) format that brilliantly combines the excitement of traditional hot pot with the savory appeal of table-side barbecue.

LaoJie Hotpot is more than just a place to eat; it's a social and culinary adventure. The restaurant's design is described as having a striking interior that evokes a cozy, family-friendly environment, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. The name "Lao Jie," which translates to "Old Street," reflects a commitment to traditional culinary practices while adapting to modern tastes, making it an authentic yet trendy spot for diverse crowds, including both groups and tourists.

The core of the LaoJie experience is customization and variety. Diners are invited to create a truly personalized meal, starting with a choice of flavorful soup bases—from the intense Spicy Beef Tallow to milder options like Fresh Mushroom or Bone Cylinder soup. Guests then select from an extensive array of premium meats, fresh seafood, various vegetables, and specialty sides to cook right at their table. This interactive style of dining is highly engaging, fostering fun conversations and memorable shared dishes. While a few patrons have noted minor service issues, particularly during peak times or for first-time visitors, the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive, underscoring LaoJie's appeal as a must-try for hot pot enthusiasts in the New York region.

LaoJie Hotpot is conveniently situated at 2314 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA. This prime location in the Bath Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn places it on a major commercial artery, making it easily reachable for locals across the borough.

Accessibility is a key advantage for this location, especially important in a city like New York. LaoJie Hotpot makes a conscious effort to be welcoming to all patrons, featuring:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating
• Wheelchair Accessible Toilet

This commitment to accessibility ensures a comfortable experience for diners with mobility considerations. For those relying on public transportation, 86th Street is well-served by local buses, and the proximity to the D train is a significant benefit for subway riders.

For guests traveling by car, parking is available, though in true New York fashion, it can be challenging. The venue notes the availability of both free street parking and paid street parking options in the vicinity, including some spots potentially located behind the building. However, patrons are advised that reserving a table, especially for dinner on weekends, is highly recommended as the restaurant is known to be popular and may have a wait.

LaoJie Hotpot’s service model is centered around providing an expansive, immersive dining experience, primarily through its All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) offerings for both hot pot and barbecue. The available services are designed to accommodate a full dining experience.

The main services available include:

• Dine-in: The primary service, offering table service in a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere.
• All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE): The central feature, covering a vast selection of hot pot ingredients and BBQ items for a single price.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are strongly recommended for dinner, particularly on busy nights, to minimize the usual wait time.
• Late-Night Food: Operating hours that extend into the late evening (until 12:30 AM most nights) make it a great spot for late-night cravings.
• Accommodating Groups: Featuring large booths and accepting group reservations, it is ideal for birthday celebrations, friends’ outings, and family gatherings.
• Alcohol Service: A variety of beverages including Beer, Soju (Original, Peach, Strawberry, Green Grape, etc.), and other specialty alcoholic options are offered.

While the dining experience is highly social and interactive, it is important to note the dining policy includes a Two Hours Limit Time, and charges apply for excessive Wasted Food ($13.99 per pound), which are standard precautions for an AYCE model in NYC.

What truly sets LaoJie Hotpot apart for New York diners are the unique and high-value features that combine to create a compelling dining proposition:

• Dual AYCE Hot Pot and BBQ: The unique combination of both hot pot (self-cooking in broth) and table-side barbecue in an all-you-can-eat format offers an unparalleled selection and variety that appeals to diverse palates.
• Extensive Customizable Menu: The menu boasts an impressive range of options, including various cuts of Select Fatty Beef and Lamb, fresh seafood like Shrimp and Squid, specialty internal meats, and a wide array of vegetables and noodles—all included in the AYCE price.
• Variety of Soup Bases: Patrons can select from multiple flavorful broths such as Spicy Beef Tallow, Tomato Soup Base, Herbal Soup Base, and the ability to choose a Double-Flavor Pot to sample two broths simultaneously.
• High-Quality Beverages and Desserts: Beyond the main meal, the restaurant offers an expansive drink menu, including Fresh Juices, Milk Teas (like Brown Sugar Milk Tea), Creamy Smoothies, and Yogurt drinks. Complimentary desserts, such as the popular Lao Jie Jasmine Milk Tea Pudding or Strawberry Shaved Ice, are also highlighted in customer reviews.
• Trendy and Cozy Ambiance: The restaurant maintains a lively yet comfortable atmosphere that is suitable for groups, making it a trendy place for social dining while remaining welcoming and Good for kids.
• Fast Service (Highlighted): Despite being a complex, interactive dining style, fast service is noted as a key highlight, ensuring that the necessary ingredients are delivered quickly to the table.
• Full Accessibility: The commitment to a Wheelchair Accessible entrance, seating, and restroom makes it a highly inclusive option for all New Yorkers.

To plan your visit or for any inquiries regarding reservations, use the following contact details for LaoJie Hotpot in Brooklyn:

Address: 2314 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA

Phone: (718) 887-9887

The restaurant's hours are consistent every day, generally operating from 12:30 PM to 12:30 AM, making it a fantastic option for lunch, dinner, and late-night dining.

The true value of LaoJie Hotpot lies in its flexible All-You-Can-Eat structure, allowing diners to sample a wide range of authentic Chinese flavors. For the New York food explorer, the best choices center on maximizing this variety.

First and foremost, opt for the Double-Flavor Pot to experience two distinct broth profiles. A recommended combination is the Spicy Beef Tallow Soup Base for heat enthusiasts, paired with the mild and flavorful Bone Cylinder Soup Base or Tomato Soup Base.

Next, focus on the premium meats and seafood. Be sure to try the thinly sliced Select Fatty Beef and Select Fatty Lamb for the hot pot, which cook quickly and absorb the broth's flavor beautifully. For the barbecue, the Angus Beef (BBQ), Spicy Pork Belly, and especially the Prawn W. Garlic Sauce are highly recommended for the table-side grilling experience.

Don't overlook the fresh items that often cost extra at other places but are included here: fresh vegetables like Chinese Cabbage, Lotus Root, and various mushrooms such as Enoki Mushroom are essential. Also, make sure to visit the sauce station—a feature sometimes missed by first-time visitors—early in your meal to customize your dipping sauces. Finally, ensure your meal is completed with a complimentary dessert; the Lao Jie Jasmine Milk Tea Pudding or the seasonal shaved ice are often customer favorites, providing a perfect, sweet finish to a flavor-rich, interactive feast.

LaoJie Hotpot

2314 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA