This place really hit the spot. my wife and I had the meat lovers and seafood lovers combos one with the tomato broth and the other with the house special broth. the process is a bit unclear to first time guests (even first time guests with a bit of "hot pot" experience) All of the ingredients are good with the exception of the noodles which are GREAT!
There is always room for improvement for example the sesame sauce is a bit bland and old tasting and the waitress was unable to provide any kind of chili sauce which could have been a bit of help to the overall flavor.
Hot pot lab is certainly worth a shot.
Just keep in mind you are in rural illinois not a major city so don't set your sights too high.