When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Why KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot stands out as an exceptional destination for friends looking to enjoy a unique and interactive culinary experience. Specializing in a fusion of traditional Korean BBQ and Asian hot pot, KPOT offers a hands-on, all-you-can-eat format that encourages diners to become chefs at their own table. Guests choose from nearly 100 fresh ingredients, including a variety of high-quality marinated meats like beef brisket, pork belly, and short ribs, as well as fresh seafood, vegetables, and noodles. The experience is customizable, with guests selecting their preferred broths—from spicy and bold to mild and savory—and cooking their chosen ingredients to perfection either on the grill or in the simmering hot pot. Located in Grand Rapids and with many locations nationwide, the vibrant atmosphere and the communal style of dining make KPOT an inviting place for gatherings, celebrations, or casual meals where friends can share in the fun of preparing and savoring their food together. The sauce bar adds another layer of personalization, allowing each diner to craft their own dipping sauces to complement their meal. Overall, KPOT creates not just a meal, but a cultural and social experience that brings people closer through food.
Here's what people think of KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
As of recent, KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1596 reviews.
Customer reviews of KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot largely praise the restaurant for its flavorful offerings and enjoyable dining experience, contributing to its impressive 4.6-star rating based on over 1,500 reviews. Positive reviewers highlight the unique combination of Korean BBQ and hot pot, noting the freshness of the ingredients and the extensive variety that caters to diverse tastes. Many appreciate the all-you-can-eat style, which allows for sampling a wide array of meats, seafood, vegetables, and condiments, as well as the fun, interactive element of grilling and cooking at the table, which creates a lively and social atmosphere. The sauce station and quality of broths receive particular mention for enhancing the overall flavor. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional wait times and issues with service speed during busy periods. A few diners found aspects of the cooking experience messy or slightly overwhelming, especially for first-timers unfamiliar with hot pot and grill etiquette. Pricing is generally considered fair for the quantity and quality of food, though a minority feel the cost is on the higher side for their expectations. In conclusion, KPOT is widely regarded as a top destination for Korean BBQ and hot pot enthusiasts looking for an engaging and flavorful meal, with minor caveats about service and learning curve largely offset by a positive and memorable dining experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rebecca Soustek
The food was absolutely and service were outstanding. The individual Hot pots were wonderful because we all got different broth. There is a huge selection of meat,vegtables and seafood for everyone. We had so much fun cooking our beef tips and new york strip, ect. On the grill and everything was seasoned wonderfully. So many non or alcoholic drinks to chose from and a sauce bar with appetizers and desserts. Service was fantastic and we had a really fun time!
Robert Kerns
FOOD the is FUN! Great night of eating with family and friends. I was taken here last night to celebrate my birthday. This place is amazing $30 and then you are cooking as much meat as you want either in a table top grill or a small cauldron at your table. We laughed we ate and we ate some more. What they did for my birthday was amazing! I look forward to coming back and bringing more people for all the great food and fun!
LIANG yanhua
My Super Fun Birthday Dinner!** 🎂 Mom and Dad took me to the BEST restaurant where you get to cook your own food right at the table! I had my very own mini grill and a magic little pot (just like in fairy tales!). I made so many yummy meats and giggled the whole time with my family. The nice waiters even brought me a special birthday treat with a sparkly candle! I can't wait to go back and show Grandma how to be a tabletop chef too! Who knew cooking could be this much fun? 😊
Andrew (perfvillain)
I was very excited to learn about this style of restaurant and as it was my partners birthday she couldn't wait to go but what followed is 90 minutes and 90 dollars we will never get back. We got there and it was explained to us slightly what the approach and methods were. We ordered and then started cooking we did the hot pot first and cooking it took over 30 minutes. Then we had to let it cool down it was nearly 45 minutes before we could start trying to eat it. Then about an hour in we ordered the Korean bbq and had to wait to receive that and cook it as well. It took longer to cook as the size of the items was big and the cooking area was small. We weren't even halfway through cooking and our server approached us and said we had 30 minutes left. I was confused as this wasn't mentioned earlier. But when we we're fixing to leave I questioned this and he said you are limited to 90 minutes. But if that's the case you might as well cook the food for us because I am not eating raw food or getting sick because you don't know how to treat customers. My partner wanted to get up and season her food and have some dessert after but we were constantly being rushed and were able to do neither of these things. Some of the food was good but some was also bad and tasted cheap as the ribeye steak tasted very cheap as did the chicken. The lobster also didn't taste real but the vegetables and rest of the seafood was acceptable. We spent $90 and were treated like we had overstayed our welcome despite all the time it takes to prep your own food. We ended up staying over by about 10 to 15 minutes but he kept coming by and rushing us the whole time. If you want to have an enjoyable experience and eat quality food throughout this isn't the restaurant for you. This is my last and only time I will ever eat at this restaurant and will seek elsewhere for my Korean bbq and hot pot experience. Being rushed when you are eating and/or cooking your food is the easiest way to push customers away from returning.
mauricio concha perez
It was amazing, it was our first time there and the waiter explained every little detail from ordering down to “you can get your ice cream and take it home”. It did not take more than 2 minutes for them to bring out orders out after you use the tablet to place it. I really like that you can have the K-BBQ and the Hot Pot for that price, and for being an AYCE is even better. No many AYCE give you 2 hours to eat… that’s a plus, we never felt pressured to finish, they really let you enjoy the experience.
Robert Kerns
FOOD the is FUN! Great night of eating with family and friends. I was taken here last night to celebrate my birthday. This place is amazing $30 and then you are cooking as much meat as you want either in a table top grill or a small cauldron at your table. We laughed we ate and we ate some more. What they did for my birthday was amazing! I look forward to coming back and bringing more people for all the great food and fun!
Rebecca Soustek
The food was absolutely and service were outstanding. The individual Hot pots were wonderful because we all got different broth. There is a huge selection of meat,vegtables and seafood for everyone. We had so much fun cooking our beef tips and new york strip, ect. On the grill and everything was seasoned wonderfully. So many non or alcoholic drinks to chose from and a sauce bar with appetizers and desserts. Service was fantastic and we had a really fun time!
LIANG yanhua
My Super Fun Birthday Dinner!** 🎂 Mom and Dad took me to the BEST restaurant where you get to cook your own food right at the table! I had my very own mini grill and a magic little pot (just like in fairy tales!). I made so many yummy meats and giggled the whole time with my family. The nice waiters even brought me a special birthday treat with a sparkly candle! I can't wait to go back and show Grandma how to be a tabletop chef too! Who knew cooking could be this much fun? 😊
Andrew (perfvillain)
I was very excited to learn about this style of restaurant and as it was my partners birthday she couldn't wait to go but what followed is 90 minutes and 90 dollars we will never get back. We got there and it was explained to us slightly what the approach and methods were. We ordered and then started cooking we did the hot pot first and cooking it took over 30 minutes. Then we had to let it cool down it was nearly 45 minutes before we could start trying to eat it. Then about an hour in we ordered the Korean bbq and had to wait to receive that and cook it as well. It took longer to cook as the size of the items was big and the cooking area was small. We weren't even halfway through cooking and our server approached us and said we had 30 minutes left. I was confused as this wasn't mentioned earlier. But when we we're fixing to leave I questioned this and he said you are limited to 90 minutes. But if that's the case you might as well cook the food for us because I am not eating raw food or getting sick because you don't know how to treat customers. My partner wanted to get up and season her food and have some dessert after but we were constantly being rushed and were able to do neither of these things. Some of the food was good but some was also bad and tasted cheap as the ribeye steak tasted very cheap as did the chicken. The lobster also didn't taste real but the vegetables and rest of the seafood was acceptable. We spent $90 and were treated like we had overstayed our welcome despite all the time it takes to prep your own food. We ended up staying over by about 10 to 15 minutes but he kept coming by and rushing us the whole time. If you want to have an enjoyable experience and eat quality food throughout this isn't the restaurant for you. This is my last and only time I will ever eat at this restaurant and will seek elsewhere for my Korean bbq and hot pot experience. Being rushed when you are eating and/or cooking your food is the easiest way to push customers away from returning.
mauricio concha perez
It was amazing, it was our first time there and the waiter explained every little detail from ordering down to “you can get your ice cream and take it home”. It did not take more than 2 minutes for them to bring out orders out after you use the tablet to place it. I really like that you can have the K-BBQ and the Hot Pot for that price, and for being an AYCE is even better. No many AYCE give you 2 hours to eat… that’s a plus, we never felt pressured to finish, they really let you enjoy the experience.
How to reach KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
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Why KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot with your friends?
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to gather with friends or family, KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot offers an engaging, flavorful, and interactive dining experience that easily turns any meetup into a memorable occasion. With a strong 4.6-star rating from over 1,500 reviews, it clearly resonates with diners craving not just good food, but also a lively setting where everyone participates in cooking their meals together. This style of dining transforms eating into a social event, breaking down barriers and encouraging conversation and interaction as everyone gathers around grills and hot pots at the table. The combination of Korean BBQ and hot pot means there is something to please every palate—from succulent, seasoned meats cooked right in front of you to rich, bubbling broths filled with fresh vegetables, clams, noodles, and more. Sharing food that you prepare together naturally sparks laughter and bonding, making KPOT an unbeatable place to create fun group memories while enjoying delicious, customizable meals. The inviting atmosphere and well-loved menu combined with the hands-on approach means it’s not just food you’re getting but a genuinely social, interactive event.
What activities and experiences make KPOT ideal for group meetups?
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is designed to be much more than just a restaurant; it’s a venue for dynamic social dining that thrives on interactivity. The most distinctive activity here is DIY cooking — diners grill their own selection of meats or cook ingredients in flavorful hot pots at the table. This interactive element inherently makes it perfect for groups because it naturally engages everyone at the table, encouraging teamwork and shared enjoyment. Ordering is usually communal, so groups can sample a wide variety of meats, vegetables, and broths, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Additionally, this style of dining is flexible for pacing—the group can eat at their own speed, chat, and have fun without feeling rushed. The vibrant environment of KPOT, often bustling with energy and the sounds of sizzling grills, adds to the fun, making it an excellent backdrop for celebrations or casual get-togethers. It also provides a unique alternative to standard sit-down meals, enriching the meetup with a hands-on and sensory experience that sparks conversation and laughter.
How does KPOT accommodate different group sizes and preferences?
KPOT is well-equipped to host a range of group sizes, making it accessible for intimate groups of friends or large family gatherings. Each table is thoughtfully designed with built-in grills or hot pots that comfortably fit several people, so everyone has front-row access to the cooking process. The menu’s flexibility allows groups to either order multiple small dishes for variety or focus on larger platters for a more abundant feast, accommodating different appetite sizes or sharing styles. Because cooking is personal and self-directed at the table, food allergies or preferences can also be easily managed by controlling what each person adds to their grill or hot pot. This flexibility ensures that all guests—whether adventurous eaters wanting spicy broths or those who prefer milder flavors—can participate equally in the meal. The communal style paired with customization options keeps everyone happy and engaged throughout the dining experience, which is especially valuable for group meetups where multiple tastes and dietary needs are present.
What makes the food quality and menu variety at KPOT stand out for group dining?
The appeal of KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot lies not only in the fun of cooking together but equally in the quality and variety of the food offered. The meats are generally pre-marinated and seasoned, so they are packed with flavor the moment they hit your grill, minimizing prep time and maximizing taste. Alongside beef, pork, and chicken, the menu often includes seafood options like clams and shrimp, a wide range of vegetables, noodles, and various broths for hot pot, giving groups abundant choices. Because diners cook their ingredients to their own liking, there’s precise control over texture and doneness, pleasing diverse preferences from rare to well done. The hot pot options, with broths touted for their rich, aromatic qualities—especially spicy Szechuan varieties—add a layer of warmth and communal sharing that complements the BBQ experience well. Many diners applaud the freshness and seasoning of the ingredients, which makes this dining outing feel indulgent while remaining approachable and casual. This extensive variety and solid execution contribute significantly to making KPOT a favorite destination for groups seeking both convenience and tasty authenticity.
How does the ambiance and service enrich the group dining experience at KPOT?
The atmosphere at KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is energetic and casual, designed to accommodate enthusiastic diners coming together for a shared food adventure. The interplay of sizzling grills and bubbling pots creates a lively soundscape that energizes conversation and group dynamics. The seating arrangements foster intimacy while allowing easy socializing with everyone at the table. Service staff are typically attentive and knowledgeable—they assist with initial setup, explain how the cooking works, suggest menu pairings, and keep everything flowing smoothly without intruding on the fun. This balance between helpfulness and giving diners autonomy over their meal is key to KPOT’s success in hosting groups. The restaurant’s steady popularity and positive reviews highlight both its welcoming vibe and the staff’s role in making the entire experience seamless for large groups. Such an inviting ambiance combined with dependable service allows groups to relax, enjoy one another’s company, and focus on the shared meal, rather than worrying about logistics or pressures typical of regular dining.
Why is KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot a great value for hosting meetups?
Hosting a group outing at KPOT generally delivers excellent value for the combination of food quality, interactive experience, and social atmosphere. The pricing structures often allow for generous portion sizes, which can be shared or split among a group, making it cost-effective compared to ordering individual meals at other restaurants. Group meals here feel like events rather than simple dinners, which enhances perceived value—diners invest not just in food but in a fun and memorable time together. Moreover, the DIY cooking approach often lets groups experiment with different flavor combinations without the need for multiple separate orders, reducing waste and increasing satisfaction. For budget-conscious groups that still want a lively venue with great food and engaging experiences, KPOT strikes a balance between affordability and entertainment. This, coupled with its consistent positive feedback, makes KPOT a smart choice for anyone looking to host a festive yet economical gathering.
What special occasions are best suited to KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot?
KPOT is ideal for a host of special occasions including birthdays, casual celebrations, reunions, or even team outings. The interactive and relaxed nature of Korean BBQ and hot pot dining sets the tone for jovial, unhurried socializing, perfect for marking milestones with friends or family. Groups celebrating birthdays can enjoy the freedom to pace their meal and focus on togetherness rather than formalities. Reunions benefit from the engaging, collective cooking experience—it evokes a sense of community and collaboration that strengthens bonds. The lively energy of KPOT also tends to uplift team events, encouraging communication and camaraderie in a way that more conventional lunch or dinner settings might not. Overall, KPOT’s vibrant, hands-on dining complements a variety of group celebrations, making it more than just a meal—it’s an event that brings people closer.
What feedback do guests generally give about their group experiences at KPOT?
Guest reviews consistently highlight the fun, interactive nature of dining at KPOT as a central part of their positive experiences. Many patrons praise the way cooking at the table sparks conversation and enjoyment that extends beyond just the food. Groups often report that the fresh ingredients and assortment of options satisfy diverse tastes and keep everyone engaged. While some feedback mentions busy environments during peak times, this often adds to the upbeat and festive vibe rather than detracting from the experience. A few note minor issues with management or service inconsistencies, but these are overshadowed by the overall warmth of staff and quality of the food. The strong 4.6-star rating across a large number of reviews speaks to KPOT’s successful hosting of groups who leave satisfied, full, and eager to return. This wealth of positive group testimonials reinforces KPOT’s reputation as a prime spot for memorable get-togethers.
How widely available is KPOT for organizing meetups in different locations?
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot has rapidly expanded, with over 100 restaurants across the country and more than 50 new locations planned or underway. This widespread presence means planning a group meetup at KPOT is often convenient no matter where your friends or family are located. Whether you're in a major city or a growing metropolitan area, chances are good a KPOT is nearby, offering the same signature experience of shared grilling and hot pot enjoyment. This extensive network supports making KPOT a reliable choice when organizing meetups across different cities or regions, so the experience stays consistent for everyone involved. Their growing footprint signals both popular demand and a commitment to delivering their unique social dining style broadly, making KPOT a go-to venue to rally your group in multiple locations.
In summary, KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot excels as a destination for group meetups by combining interactive cooking, flavorful food variety, accommodating seating, spirited ambiance, and valued pricing. Whether celebrating milestones or just reconnecting with friends, KPOT transforms meals into shared experiences that strengthen bonds and delight palates alike. Its broad availability and enthusiastic guest reviews only confirm KPOT as a top choice to host your next group gathering.