Two Birds One Stone, Chicago

At Two Birds One Stone, diners get to try their hand at being a chef. Upon sitting down at the Chinese-hot-pot joint, the staff presents guests with everything they need to create a meal: ornate metal pots filled with steamy broths and plates of thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, and plump dumplings. As the pots simmer away, guests pop their ingredients into the broths, cooking them to the ideal level of tenderness. Then, after a dunk in dipping sauce—or not, to savor the broth's flavor—their meal is ready.

Their creations might vary from sliced pork with baby bok choy to shrimp with spinach to tofu, broccoli, and cauliflower. And newcomers need not fear—Two Birds One Stone's waitstaff happily lends expertise throughout the experience.