For about $12 you get a huge portion of customized stir fry and fountain drink for lunch. You can put as much frozen, raw slices of meat and veggies as you want into your bowl and they cook it for you on a large, flat circular grill. The wait is usually no more than 8-10 minutes. YC's is excellent. I've visited many times over the years around the holidays. I usually eat as much as I can at the restaurant and when I fail to eat it all, I buy a to-go container for $0.50 for the leftovers.
It's too bad they haven't resolved the whole sharing or to-go issue after two decades. I'm sad to hear that the employees have been rude and/or confrontational to customers - especially to those who have kids that simply don't eat very much or to people who have much better portion control than myself. They've never been rude to us.
I've never gotten sick (I feel for those who have gotten seriously ill). I think they do a good job with keeping the meat shavings/rolls frozen at a safe temperature. It's seriously the best looking meat selection I've seen at Mongolian Grill places. Depending on who goes before you in the line, the veggies and sauce can get really messy. I've spilled sauces and dropped veggies all over the counter. Usually, the employees are quick to wipe the counters clean. For food safety reasons, remember to get a sheet or two of the wax paper at the beginning of the line. One to push down the raw meat in your bowl. And another sheet to push down your veggies. And please don't let the veggie tongs or your own fingers come into contact with the contents of your bowl.
Make sure you wash your hands before eating if you are especially susceptible to food illness.
I agree with another reviewer's comment that the hot and sour soup was weak. I feel like it has been better in past years. The rice is so-so. The crispy wonton strips are nice crunchy addition to either your soup or stir fry.
Don't forget to check out the cilantro, peanuts, and other toppings right before you give over your bowl to the cooks.
If you have any food allergies, like a peanut allergy, then this is not the place for you.