WHY Chinatown restaurants can seem all too similar, but JR stands out for hot pots, lobster specials and well-prepared standards.

WHAT The same owners’ JR Restaurant was one of the westside’s top Chinese restaurants, and faithful customers will find many of the same favorites at this slightly slicker updated spot with white tablecloths, beer and wine and flat-screen TVs playing Chinese movies. Sweet and addictive orange-peel beef, spicy-salt calamari and XO string beans are all satisfying choices. Lunch combos are a bargain and popular with Downtown workers.