Tabu Shabu, Orange

For those living in Orange, California, and throughout the vibrant expanse of Orange County, the culinary scene offers a delightful array of choices. When it comes to Japanese cuisine, particularly an interactive and communal dining experience, one name frequently comes to mind: Tabu Shabu, Orange. This establishment brings the beloved tradition of shabu-shabu, a Japanese hot pot, to the heart of Old Towne Orange, offering a unique and engaging way to enjoy fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Tabu Shabu isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience where diners gather around individual hot pots, selecting their preferred broths, thinly sliced meats, and an assortment of crisp vegetables to cook at their table. It’s a perfect blend of delicious food, personalized preparation, and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. This article will guide you through what makes Tabu Shabu a must-visit for locals seeking an authentic and enjoyable Japanese hot pot adventure, highlighting its prime location, diverse offerings, and the features that make it a standout choice.

Tabu Shabu is ideally situated at 111 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866, USA. This address places it directly within the iconic Old Towne Orange Plaza, a charming and highly sought-after area renowned for its historic ambiance, unique shops, and diverse culinary landscape. Its location on South Glassell Street makes it easily identifiable and accessible for both residents and visitors exploring the area.

The Old Towne Plaza district provides various parking options, including street parking and nearby public lots. While parking can sometimes be a bit of a hunt during peak dining hours, the overall convenience of being in such a central and popular part of Orange makes it worth the effort. The walkable nature of Old Towne also allows for a pleasant stroll before or after your meal, adding to the overall appeal of dining at Tabu Shabu. Its accessibility ensures it’s a convenient choice for a unique lunch or a memorable dinner out in Orange County.

Tabu Shabu in Orange is dedicated to providing an immersive and satisfying hot pot dining experience. Here's a look at the services you can expect:

• Dine-In Hot Pot Experience: The core offering is the interactive shabu-shabu experience, where each customer (or pair) gets their own hot pot to cook fresh ingredients in their chosen broth.
• Individualized Cooking Stations: Customers sit around a U-shaped bar, each with their own hot pot, allowing for a personalized and hygienic cooking experience.
• Customizable Broth Options: A selection of flavorful broths is available, including popular choices like Tonkotsu Pork, Spicy Miso (Gluten Free), and Kombu (Gluten Free). Sukiyaki broth is also an option.
• Premium Meat Selections: A variety of thinly sliced meats are offered, such as Certified Angus Ribeye (4oz or 6oz), USDA Prime Ribeye (4oz or 6oz), and other premium options, ensuring high-quality protein for your hot pot.
• Fresh Vegetable Plate: Each meal typically comes with a "local veggie plate" that includes a wholesome assortment of napa cabbage, spinach, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, baby bok choy, broccoli, and tofu, ensuring a balanced and nutritious meal.
• Noodle and Rice Choices: Diners can choose between Udon Noodles or Zero Carb Shirataki Noodles (Gluten Free) to add to their broth, along with a choice of Japanese White Rice or Organic Brown Rice.
• Appetizers and Sides: The menu also features delicious starters like Sea Salt Truffle Edamame, Crunchy Garlic Edamame, and Garlic Chicken Dumplings. Sides like Rice Porridge are also available.
• Desserts: Finish your meal with sweet treats such as Black Sesame Ice Cream or Strawberry Mochi.
• Beverage Program: A selection of non-alcoholic drinks (Jasmine Green Tea, Tejava Black Tea) is available, and locations typically offer a range of alcoholic beverages, which can include beer, sake, and sometimes wine, to complement the meal.
• Takeout Options: While the hot pot concept is best experienced dine-in, some locations may offer "DIY" shabu-shabu kits or prepared items for takeout. It's best to confirm directly with the Orange location.
• Delivery Services: Tabu Shabu does offer delivery in partnership with platforms like Chow Now, allowing you to enjoy some of their offerings from home.
• ADA-Compliant Facilities: The restaurant prides itself on its commitment to accessibility, featuring ADA-compliant facilities to ensure a welcoming space for all diners.

Tabu Shabu, Orange, stands out for several distinctive features that enhance the dining experience and draw in local patrons:

• Interactive Dining Concept: The fundamental "cook-your-own-food" hot pot style is a major draw, providing an engaging and fun dining experience that's perfect for dates, friends, or family.
• Delicious Tonkotsu Broth: The Tonkotsu broth is consistently praised as "delicious with full of flavor" and is often recommended by returning customers as a must-try.
• High-Quality Meat and Presentation: The meat is described as "nice" and its "presentation was nice and was given in orderly manner," indicating a commitment to quality ingredients and appealing plating.
• Fresh Vegetables and Noodles: The included vegetable plate is noted for its freshness and variety, and the ramen noodles are described as "fresh and so good once cooked."
• Helpful and Enjoyable Staff: Many customers highlight the staff as "helpful and enjoyable." While some interactions might be lively, the overall sentiment points to a friendly and attentive team committed to making the experience positive.
• Unique U-Shaped Bar Seating: The "U shaped bar" seating arrangement is an intriguing and functional design feature that facilitates the individual hot pot setup and creates a cozy, communal atmosphere.
• Modern Vibe: Tabu Shabu blends "tradition and modernity," creating a unique dining experience with a modern vibe that appeals to a contemporary audience.
• Inclusive Dining Options: The menu offers an array of options tailored to various dietary needs, including pescatarian and vegan delights, making it accessible for diverse groups.

While specific, regularly advertised promotions might vary, Tabu Shabu locations generally aim to provide value and special experiences for their customers. For the most up-to-date information on special offers in Orange, it's highly recommended to:

• Visit their Official Website: Tabu Shabu's main website (tabushabu.com) often features links to individual location pages where promotions might be listed. They also have an "e-Club" that customers can subscribe to for updates about specials and promotions.
• Follow Social Media: Check Tabu Shabu, Orange's social media channels (if available) for announcements on new menu items, seasonal specials, or limited-time discounts.
• Inquire Directly: When visiting or calling, you can always ask the staff about any current lunch specials, happy hour deals, or other ongoing promotions.

Past grand opening events at other Tabu Shabu locations have featured discounts (e.g., 50% off or 20% off during opening week), indicating that the brand does engage in promotional activities, especially for new ventures or significant milestones.

To make a reservation, inquire about menu details, or confirm current operating hours, here is the contact information for Tabu Shabu, Orange:

Address: 111 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866, USA

Phone: (714) 363-3131

It's always a good idea to confirm hours of operation before your visit, especially as they often have split shifts for lunch and dinner. For instance, hours for the Orange location are typically: Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM & 5 PM – 9 PM; Friday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM & 5 PM – 10 PM; Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM; Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM.

For residents of Orange, California, and those throughout Orange County, Tabu Shabu offers a truly distinctive and highly suitable dining experience. Its location in the charming and bustling Old Towne Orange Plaza makes it an easily accessible and appealing destination for a unique meal out, whether it's a casual lunch or a special dinner.

The interactive nature of shabu-shabu is a major draw, providing not just a meal but an engaging activity that sparks conversation and creates memorable moments. This hands-on approach, combined with the assurance of fresh, high-quality ingredients—from the premium meats to the vibrant local veggie plates and flavorful Tonkotsu broth—ensures a consistently delicious outcome. While personal preferences for certain broths may vary, the overall quality and customizable nature of the meal are consistently praised.

Furthermore, the comfortable and uniquely designed U-shaped bar seating, coupled with the helpful and enjoyable staff, contributes to a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Tabu Shabu is an excellent choice for a variety of occasions: a fun date night, a relaxed gathering with friends, or even a solo culinary adventure. It stands as a fresh and exciting addition to Orange's culinary landscape, inviting locals to "play with their food" and savor the delightful experience of Japanese hot pot.

Tabu Shabu, Orange

111 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866, USA