I often hear this about sichuan and hotpot places... that the big ones like haidilao and south beauty are not that great, but other than chuan ban (for sichuan) i usually get blank stares from people asked for specific places that are better. In everyone's imagination there is mythical, secret local place that is hard that has the best food...

So, since Scott seems to have strong views on this, can you suggest a few?

BTW, both places you mention seem to be hugely popular among locals also. Haidilao for the taste and service, South Beauty to get face by showing how rich you are.