Monster Pot - Santa Cruz

The soup is mediocre, sometimes I want it for lunch on a cold day. But, I don't think they have HVAC in there and it is always cold. Today I went in by myself as I often do, and they showed me to a table. I asked if I could sit at the next table over (the table they gave me was very small and right on the main walkway for everyone) and they showed me another table buried toward the back of the restaurant. I said that's fine, you can save all the tables for your other customers. There was maybe 1 other person in there, at 2:00. I doubt I'll ever go back, as much as I want to like this place the service is abysmal and the food isn't much. I think the only way they survive is that they are the only asian soup joint in SC.

Honestly super disappointed. I ordered the braised pork egg noodles it was syrup-y sweet. I usually never send things back, but was interested with this, I just couldn't eat it, and I do like spicy sweet, this was just candy sweet.. after consulting with the waiter he said to no return it, so I just paid for the extra dish. He proceeded to say he didn't know how to advise me on dishes because he's never eaten the food there because he only makes $18/hour.. it was an awkward encounter ultimately ending with him saying I can feed the extra meal to a homeless person. I never leave reviews, and I like their other food, but just such a weird experience and honestly bad service.Vegetarian options: Good vegan gluten free options

Orange chicken crunchy and mostly deep fried crust, more onions than chicken. What happened to free jasmine tea with a meal? $6.55!! Server tries to be overly friendly, then disappears when you need him. Ambience cold and noisy.

Went in for a late lunch, was quickly sat down. I ordered the betty super soup. I was in awe... seriously, this broth was the most flavorful thing ever. The shrimp was cooked beautifully, and so was the the beef but my favorite part was the cabbage, which may see odd, but combined with the broth, i couldn't have asked for something better to warm me up. Wonderful service and kind and quick staff. Will definitely come by again

They don't spend much energy on the decor which could really be helped by some nicer lighting maybe some fun red light bulbs in the hanging lights along the walls. Also the mishmash of random clutter here and there should get vanished, but the food is incredibly tasty and the staff are uniformly friendly and attentive. The bowls arrive within 10 minutes at MOST. Lightning fast and nicely sized portions.Signage is confusing since it says Betty's Noodles on one part of the entry as well as the new Monster Pot sign.Bathroom is a nightmare (mens anyway). AVOID at all costs.