When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE - Austin Hotpot
Why DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE - Austin Hotpot is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
DAM-A Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE in Austin offers a unique and interactive dining experience combining all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot in one place, making it an excellent spot for friends to gather. The restaurant is conveniently located in the Highland shopping center, right next to the Galaxy movie theater, which makes it ideal for a fun, shared meal before or after a movie. At each table, guests enjoy their own communal grill alongside individual hot pots, allowing them to simultaneously grill marinated bulgogi and simmer meats or vegetables in flavorful broths such as spicy Sichuan. This dual setup provides an engaging way to customize your meal and share the experience with friends. Although the selection and quality might not surpass specialized BBQ or hot pot restaurants, the convenience of enjoying both styles of dining at one price creates a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. The menu features a variety of broths including miso, mala, tonkotsu, tomato, seafood, and mushroom, appealing to diverse tastes. With unlimited flavor options, the restaurant also offers spring rolls and a self-serve array of vegetables and meats, enhancing the value for groups. This makes DAM-A a go-to place for casual meetups where eating, cooking, and socializing come together in a vibrant setting.
Here's what people think of DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE - Austin Hotpot
As of recent, DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE - Austin Hotpot holds a 4.6-star rating based on 225 reviews.
Reviewers typically praise DAM-A for its fun and interactive dining style, where combining Korean BBQ and hot pot at the same table creates a unique and engaging experience. Positive feedback highlights the helpful and enthusiastic customer service, the enjoyable communal atmosphere, and the convenience of unlimited meats and vegetables at a reasonable price. Many reviews commend how the staff clearly explains the operation, making it easy for first-timers to enjoy the meal. The variety of broths and the ability to grill and cook multiple items simultaneously are often noted as enjoyable features that add to the experience. However, some critiques focus on the limited variety of side dishes—only a handful of cooked sides, fruits, and a single ice cream machine—which may not meet the expectations of those seeking a broader buffet selection. A few reviews mention that the food quality and selection are decent but do not quite reach the level of restaurants specializing solely in Korean BBQ or hot pot. Pricing around $36 per person can feel steep for some, especially if diversity in sides is a priority. Despite these concerns, most visitors conclude that DAM-A is a solid choice for those who want an entertaining, filling meal with friends, especially if you can eat plenty or are looking for a unique pre- or post-movie dining spot. Overall, the combination of communal dining, attentive service, and all-you-can-eat offerings earns DAM-A a strong reputation in Austin.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rollyn Toliver
This is a very neat place. We enjoyed our meal here. They have a lot of meat selections and vegetables too. They offer a lot of foods from hotpot, samgyupsal, and some cooked food. These staff are nice and helpful. I'd say the hotpot can use a little more flavor, but overall, it's really good. The place is clean, which makes it enjoyable to eat. Lastly, they have desserts! That's really great!
Yili c
Excellent food and service, the best Korean BBQ and hot pot combo restaurant ever. Love the concept of getting your own meat to grill and the meat for hot pot. I like this concept over ordering from the menu as it cuts time and allows you to manage how much you can eat without being wasteful. Another plus is that they have a make yourself spring roll station.
Amber Lee
The food was delicious, the setting and spread were great. But that alone doesn’t define our experience at DAM-A and how respectful and helpful their staff really were. During our trip to DAM-A the staff were extremely friendly and attentive, the manager even coming over and encouraging us to try a special sauce they made in house (which was delicious). What we didn’t expect though, was for the power to go out in the restaurant. When the lights go out, sometimes the show stops, yet somehow it didn’t here. If anything the situation made the somehow great service even better. The waiters went into overdrive handling grumpy customers and concerned patrons. Not for a second in all the chaos of the situation did we feel unattended to or as a second thought. The meat was delicious, specifically their bulgogi. The sides were delicious and the spring roll station was a nice touch. We enjoyed how unique and balanced the options were as well as the dual KBBQ and hot pot dynamic there was. If you ever find yourself looking to support a small business that truly, and I mean TRULY, cares about its customers, then please stop by DAM-A. You won’t be disappointed.
Andrew Lee
I’ve always loved the coziness of this restaurant. The renovation and reboot to AYCE hot pot and kbbq is fantastic. The food is so nicely laid out in the shelves. The prawns were my favorite for hot pot. The spicy pork was my favorite for kbbq. I love that they have a selection of pre-cooked food as well to snack on when you’re waiting for your broth to arrive or the grill to heat up. Or, if you need a break from cooking, you can nibble on some fried chicken. I would’ve taken more food photos, but I was hungry and happy eating.
Marina Hartung
Really enjoyed our lunch here. Nice twist with Korean BBQ paired with hot pot. Good variety of ingredients, the Tonkatsu was very flavorful. Everything looked clean and well stocked. Waitress was lovely. Excited to have another AYCE hot pot place to visit in Austin!
How to reach DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE - Austin Hotpot
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Why DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE - Austin Hotpot may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE with your friends?
Gathering friends or family at DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE in Austin promises an interactive and memorable dining experience that goes beyond simply eating out. This restaurant offers a unique combination of Korean-style all-you-can-eat hot pot and BBQ, letting groups engage in cooking their own food right at the table. This communal style fosters conversation and teamwork as everyone participates in grilling marinated meats on individual BBQ grills and simultaneously cooking vegetables, seafood, and meats in flavorful broths via personal hot pots. The hybrid setup means you don’t have to choose between two beloved dining styles, creating variety that suits different tastes within a group. The casual, lively atmosphere at DAM-A encourages relaxed socializing, making it ideal for catching up or celebrations. Plus, its convenient location near entertainment venues in the Highland shopping center adds to its appeal as a pre- or post-event meal destination. With a solid 4.6-star rating from over 225 reviews, DAM-A is praised for its delicious food, approachable pricing, and fun experience—perfect reasons to gather your friends here for a fulfilling and enjoyable meal together.
What activities does DAM-A offer for group meetups?
DAM-A’s main activity centers on creating a dynamic dining experience built around cooking your own food at the table. Each table is equipped with two interactive cooking stations: a communal grill and individual hot pots for each guest. Groups can enjoy grilling thinly sliced meats such as bulgogi and pork jowl, savoring the smoky, savory flavors while chatting. At the same time, the hot pots allow participants to simmer a variety of ingredients in customizable broths, such as spicy Sichuan, bringing warmth and spice to the meal. This simultaneous cooking keeps everyone engaged, turning dining into a culinary event.
Beyond the cooking, DAM-A offers communal self-service of meats and vegetables from a central selection area, encouraging sharing and tasting different items—a social and sensory delight. The range includes various marinated and non-marinated cuts, fresh vegetables, seafood, and noodles. This variety makes the restaurant suitable for different preferences and dietary needs within a group. Side dishes, though limited in number with some staple cooked dishes, complement the main hot pot and BBQ components and are great palate cleansers throughout the meal.
Having dessert options such as fruit plates and ice cream machines adds a sweet finish, making the outing well-rounded for all ages. The all-you-can-eat format expertly supports groups that want to indulge, celebrating with no rush or restrictions on quantity. The format naturally encourages lengthy stays, helping create more relaxed and memorable social times.
Why is DAM-A ideal for group meetups?
The combination of hot pot and Korean BBQ under one roof creates an ideal environment for group gatherings by catering to diverse tastes and maximizing engagement. The novelty of cooking your meal on-site generates a shared hands-on activity, which is perfect for bonding, especially among friends and family who seek a lively experience rather than just dining passively. Because every diner manages their own hot pot and grill portions, it eliminates competition or limitations, allowing individuals to tailor their plates to their preferences and appetite.
DAM-A’s casual and vibrant setting helps reduce formality, which many group meetups benefit from; the focus is on communal fun, delicious food, and conversation in a friendly atmosphere. The location in a bustling shopping and entertainment district also facilitates before or after plans, such as catching a movie or exploring nearby venues, amplifying the outing’s social value.
The restaurant’s pricing model—approximately $36 per person for unlimited hot pot and BBQ—makes it budget-friendly when shared among multiple people, particularly for groups eager to eat heartily. Automatic gratuity for larger groups enhances convenience by simplifying the bill process. Customer service complements the experience with attentive explanations of dishes and cooking methods, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and confident even if it’s their first time at a hot pot or Korean BBQ restaurant.
What should you expect from the food and service at DAM-A?
The food quality at DAM-A receives consistent positive remarks, with reviewers praising the tasty marinated meats and fresh vegetables available for cooking. While it may not match the very highest-end specialty spots focused solely on hot pot or Korean BBQ, the dual dining format provides a fun and fulfilling alternative that satisfies most guests. The meats are well-seasoned, and the broth options are flavorful, allowing mixtures of spicy and mild tastes tailored to diners’ preferences.
Expect a balanced variety rather than an overwhelmingly large menu; this simplicity helps groups focus on quality items and comfortable cooking at the table. The selection includes several key vegetables and a modest range of side dishes and desserts, enough to complement the main courses and add variety without confusion.
Service at DAM-A is described as friendly and attentive, with staff providing helpful guidance on how to use the grills and hot pots properly. This support ensures newcomers get the best experience without frustration and regular customers enjoy a smooth, enjoyable meal. The self-serve model for meats and veggies puts diners in control, while staff remain on hand for requests and replenishing items.
Can DAM-A accommodate large groups and special occasions?
DAM-A’s layout and service are well-suited for accommodating groups, making it a strategically good option for birthdays, casual reunions, or other celebratory or social gatherings. Tables are arranged to support interactive cooking among groups, and the restaurant has provisions for automatic tips on large parties, streamlining the payment process.
The inclusive all-you-can-eat pricing encourages extended stays and hearty appetites without worry about escalating costs, providing peace of mind for event organizers. Moreover, the casual vibe and the engaging cooking experience naturally invite a festive atmosphere where people can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
The central location in Austin’s Highland neighborhood, near other entertainment options, further enhances the appeal for special occasions, enabling guests to plan for multiple activities in one outing. Though the menu is somewhat focused, the flexible cooking stations and variety of options effectively satisfy mixed group preferences, including different dietary needs and levels of culinary adventurousness.
In summary, DAM-A offers groups a compelling blend of interactive dining, a welcoming environment, and practical benefits that make hosting a meetup or celebration both easy and enjoyable. It stands out as a hot pot and Korean BBQ destination that turns a meal out into an event worthy of gathering friends and family together.