Categories Reviews

Unforgettable Dining at KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot: A 5-Star Feast in Columbia, SC

Kpot Review

Location: 480-2 Town Center Place, Columbia, SC 29229
Date of Visit: June 22, 2024
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Ambiance

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot offers a convenient and inviting dining experience right from the start. Parking was easy to find, and the decor inside was beautifully Korean-themed, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant was spotless, and the seating was very comfortable. Despite it being lunchtime, the noise level was pleasantly low, making for a relaxed dining environment.

Service

Upon arrival, we were seated immediately with no wait time. The staff was both professional and friendly. Our waiter noticed it was our first visit and helpfully explained how everything worked. We chose the $20.99 Korean BBQ lunch, which is all-you-can-eat and offers a vast selection of meats and side dishes. We began with spicy chicken bulgogi, spicy beef bulgogi, garlic shrimp, beef bulgogi, and beef brisket.

After placing our order, I explored the food side bar, which was stocked with a variety of sauces and finger foods like chicken nuggets, french fries, and spring rolls. Impressively, by the time I returned to our table, the food had already arrived. The service was prompt and efficient, with the food appearing almost immediately after ordering.

Food

In Korean BBQ, you cook your own food on a grill embedded in the table. Since it was our first time, our waiter offered to show us how to use it. There was also a handy cooking guide on the table detailing the cooking times for different meats, which was very useful.

  • Spicy Chicken Bulgogi: The chicken took slightly longer than the suggested five minutes to cook but was worth the wait. Served on a bed of rice, it was absolutely phenomenal.
  • Spicy Beef Bulgogi: This was even better than the chicken. We cooked it to a slight crust, which enhanced its flavor.
  • Garlic Shrimp: The shrimp cooked quickly and had a delightful marinade, making it a surprising highlight.

As our hotplate became charred from the sauces and flavors of the foods we cooked, the waiter quickly replaced it with a new one, ensuring a smooth experience. You can order food through the waiter or a tablet on the table, with a ten-minute wait required between meat orders, which is quite reasonable.

I also enjoyed some spring rolls and sausages from the food bar. The sausages were particularly amazing, especially when dipped in the spicy sweet oil sauce. They were so good that I kept going back for more.

  • Beef Brisket: Thinly sliced, the brisket cooked in about a minute but was somewhat underwhelming due to the lack of seasoning.
  • Beef Bulgogi: This was tasty and offered a nice contrast to the spicier dishes we had tried.

Other standout dishes included the spicy octopus and garlic pork belly, each adding to the diverse and rich flavor experience.

Value

The all-you-can-eat option is an incredible deal at $20.99. The quality and freshness of the food, combined with the variety available, ensure that you leave completely satisfied. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot delivers excellent value for money and a unique dining experience.

Overall

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot provided an outstanding dining experience with its excellent food, efficient service, and inviting ambiance. The spicy chicken and beef bulgogi were particular highlights, along with the garlic shrimp and sausages from the food bar. At such a reasonable price for all-you-can-eat, it’s a no-brainer. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be returning.