Travelers to China will feel at home in (or at least, not detered by!) the linoleum-heavy, somewhat grubby, atmosphere. The down-home style food is the draw. For an ideal introduction you to its delights, try mapo tofu (with meat), potstickers, four seasons green beans, family-style eggplant & stewed Sichuan style beef (on the white board). Delish! Once hooked, some friends & try the ""Numbingly Hot"" Hotpot (direct translation!), which comes with the mentioned ""numbingly hot"" broth, as well as a more mild version. Think of it as Chinese fondue: you dip tofu, cabbage, rice noodles & thinly sliced beef & lamb (as well as tripe, if you're inclined) into the broth & then slurp it up. Add some beer to wash down the heat & you'll be in heaven. Oh, and did I mention it's VERY reasonably priced?.
Pros: delicious, authentic, inexpensive
Cons: a bit grimy, crowded
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