Hot Pot Lab was a really fun experience. I really like hot pot in general so I already had a pretty good feel going into it. The restaurant itself is spotless and modern with a pretty good background track to it. Very important:the bathroom was also spotlessly clean. I felt the food was all very fresh and choice, good quality meats were used (beef and lamb). We got the spicy broth and it was DELICIOUS along with the sesame sauce which was equally as delicious.
Our waiter was very helpful with how the entire process worked and was right on the money with suggesting how much of each--veggies, meat, noodles, etc---we would need to order for two people. Even better the owner came around and introduced himself and was very nice all around.
The only thing is that the meal was a little expensive; it was 70 bucks for two people so 35 each. That's a bit expensive for Champaign-Urbana but it isn't like Sakanaya doesn't have similarly priced food. I thought it was expensive but not so crazy I wouldn't do it again.
All in all I had a great experience. Great place to go.