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Da Long Yi Hot Pot
Master Critic Review
Da Long Yi Hot Pot
7.8
Chengdu-born hot pot chain brings bubbling beef tallow broths to a modern 3,000 sq ft space near Queens Plaza with private dining rooms for groups. iPad ordering simplifies the all-you-can-eat experience featuring premium meats, fresh vegetables, and a creative DIY sauce bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Beef Tallow Hot Pot Broth, Premium Sliced Beef, Handmade Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Global Sichuan hot pot chain with beef tallow broth and private party rooms
Who should go: Groups wanting interactive dining and customizable spice levels
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for shorter waits, AYCE after 9pm
What to order: Split pot with spicy and mild broths, premium beef, sauce bar combos
Insider tip: Basement private room available for parties up to 30 guests
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking limited in LIC; multiple garages nearby including MBA Parking at Queens Plaza S (~$15-25 evening). Strong subway access via E/F/R at Queens Plaza or 7/N/W at Queensboro Plaza
Dress code: Casual - jeans and tees welcome. Pro tip: skip nice clothes as you'll smell like hot pot broth after. Layers you can remove recommended
Noise level: Moderate - spacious 3,000 sq ft room keeps sound manageable. Can hold group conversations but gets livelier at peak hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation; book ahead for groups of 4+
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; often quieter before dinner rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive vegetable selection plus mushroom and clear broths, tofu varieties, and noodles. Self-serve ingredient bar has plenty of options
Vegan options: Yes - vegetable broths available, wide array of vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu. Confirm broth ingredients with staff for strict vegan needs
Gluten-free options: Manageable - meats, seafood, and vegetables are naturally GF. Request plain broth and avoid soy-based sauces at sauce bar. Staff can assist with ingredient questions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a third date than first. The modern space with carved interiors looks great, but cooking together can be messy and you'll leave smelling like beef tallow. Works if you both love interactive dining and don't mind casual intimacy over a bubbling pot
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 9pm: usually yes. Weekend dinner: risky for groups over 2. They take reservations online and walk-ins when space allows. Arrive before 6pm or after the AYCE rush at 9pm for best walk-in odds
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who can safely navigate a boiling pot. iPad ordering keeps kids engaged, sauce bar is fun to explore, and cotton candy dessert is a hit. Private rooms available for family groups. Not ideal for toddlers given open flames and hot liquid at table level
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting a polished hot pot experience with private room options. The modern LIC space feels elevated over Flushing spots, iPad ordering simplifies large party coordination, and the basement room handles celebrations up to 30 guests
Skip if: You want rock-bottom prices or traditional hole-in-the-wall atmosphere. Value combos run $66 for two - solid portions but pricier than outer borough competitors. Also skip if you have somewhere to be after; the beef tallow scent lingers