Why you should experience Latao Hotpot and BBQ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Latao Hotpot and BBQ is an interactive dining destination where Sichuan hot pot traditions, tableside grilling, and the international energy of University City come together within one of Philadelphia's most immersive group dining experiences.
Set along Chestnut Street near South 37th Street and just steps from the University of Pennsylvania, this expansive restaurant occupies a thriving stretch of University City where students, researchers, international visitors, and local residents create one of Philadelphia's most globally influenced dining scenes. Steam rises continuously from simmering broths, platters of thinly sliced meats circulate across tables, and conversations stretch long into the evening as guests cook, grill, and share food together. The experience transforms dinner from a meal into an event.
What you should know about Latao Hotpot and BBQ.
Latao Hotpot and BBQ is best known for combining Chinese hot pot and Korean-style barbecue at the same table, allowing guests to simultaneously simmer ingredients in communal broths while grilling meats directly in front of them.
The dual-format experience creates an unusual level of variety and participation, with bubbling broths infused with chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, herbs, and aromatics sharing table space alongside sizzling grills loaded with marinated beef, pork, seafood, and vegetables. Thinly sliced meats cook in seconds, absorbing the flavors of the broth or developing caramelized edges over open heat. Diners customize every bite through an assortment of sauces, seasonings, and cooking styles, creating a meal that evolves continuously throughout the evening. Few dining experiences offer this level of interaction, personalization, and physical engagement.
How to fold Latao Hotpot and BBQ into your trip.
Latao Hotpot and BBQ is an ideal dinner destination following a day spent exploring University City and West Philadelphia.
Begin the afternoon on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania before exploring the galleries, green spaces, and cultural institutions that define the surrounding district. Continue toward Drexel University and nearby Cira Green, where elevated city views provide one of Philadelphia's most unique urban perspectives. As evening approaches, gather friends or family and settle into Latao Hotpot and BBQ for a meal designed to unfold gradually through conversation, experimentation, and shared cooking. The surrounding neighborhood remains active well into the evening, making the restaurant a natural centerpiece within a lively night in University City.
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