Mama Lu's and Hannosuke

Mama Lu's is like a more down-home version of xiao long bao. Lacks the delicacy of Din Tai Fung, but a slightly better price and considerably less upscale atmosphere. The string beans aren't quite as good as DTF either, and the coffee pork spareribs are a bit weird. Even the spicy won tons-- could've been awesome, but fell a bit short.

Not to slight Mama Lu's, it's more a different style than anything else. Westlake beef soup-- definitely not something you would see at DTF, but you see it here!

Hannosuke for Japanese fast-food-type tempura. Massive serving of tasty, greasy tempura. Quite good but too much sauce on the rice, and (un)fortunately it is very authentic-- like most fast food, even the best of it, is only going to be okay most of the time. Still, was definitely worth a visit!