Seven Stars Pepper

To get to Seven Stars Pepper, you have to ride an elevator up to the second floor of a strip mall full of restaurants and the law offices of one Gary Grotz. But once you’re in, you’ll find a large space that’s perfect for a last-minute group meal. This Sichuan spot has everything from personal hot pots to plates of crispy pork, but the specialty (and most delicious thing here) is the homemade hand-shaved dan dan noodles. Someone will toss them around in a spicy peanut sauce tableside, and serve them to you in individual bowls.

photo credit: Chona Kasinger