Potluck Cafe

The best resto in town, will come back again next time. The place was cozy, and there were many tables to sit. The waitress was kind and friendly. I really love the combo meal which consisted of rice & 3 proteins/vegetables. The pork-based protein was so delicous. The price was affordable, I paid

Potluck Cafe certainly holds up to the notion of a hole-in-wall restaurant. The small entrance, nestled in a small alleyway constantly near construction but somehow still neglected, would not stand out without it's light blue outline and lack of other points of interest. The interior looks spartan. Some tables and metal chairs provide seating for fast meals. Up against the entrance you see a large take-out section with heat maps and various dishes. This represents the establishment's main attracted - a 3 entree take out box for $10. They also offer, on a disjoint part of their wall menu, 砂鍋 (sha-guo). Imagine a personal sized hot pot or malatang in an earthenware vessel that maintains heat. You get the flavors more akin to Happy Lamb's hot pot broth with the heat retention of Korean soups and stews. Mine cost $12 since I ordered beef offal / 牛雜. It lived up to being basically a personal sized pot of stuff. In any other restaurant, this would be $16+. I did have some trouble clarifying prices. 砂鍋 and 麻辣燙 (malatang) both use the term hot pot inconsistently. The 砂鍋 menu itself also has 2 versions - a basic one displayed on the TV and a more expansive one with fantuan / and delivery services. The latter has more customization options but also divergent prices. Here, I recommend channeling the Asian auntie and being civil but clear and firm about just what you're ordering and the cost breakdown.

This place is awesome. 9 bucks for a combo plate which comes with white rice and your choice of 3 entrees. They have a wide selection to choose from. I was going to choose something but she told me the vegetable in it has a strong bitter taste and I probably wouldn't like it, so I went with something else. I love eggplant and the eggplant was really good. Great price, great location, good fresh food, good portions, very friendly service. And it's down the street from Boston Common. Highly recommended.

Affordable combo meals with great portions and fresh ingredients. Friendly service and a cozy environment. Highly recommend this spot, especially for a quick, delicious meal!

Fresh, flavorful meals with great variety. The friendly service and cozy atmosphere make this place a must-try! Definitely coming back.