🍖 KPOT Pineville – A Heavenly (Smoky) Experience?

Just tried the newly opened KPOT in Pineville… and wow, it really took me back to my “days in the heavenly palace” — and not in a good way 😅. At a-friendly price, it’s got its pros and cons — but honestly, I’d still pick I-Ding, Burning 99, or even Mr. Tokyo next door over this. 👥 Service That Gives You a “Tour” We were a group of four. The hostess first seated us in a private room — shared with another group and extremely smoky 🌫️. Like, can’t-breathe smoky. We asked to sit outside. She said, “There’s gonna be a wait.” We asked how long — “Don’t know, ask the front.” We walked to the front… and guess what? They said no wait — and led us to… a table right outside that same smoky room! So we basically did a full 1.5 laps around the restaurant before sitting down 🚶💨. 🔥 Smoke Level: Heavenly Palace Vibe We arrived at 5 PM. By 5:30–6 PM, the smoke got real. It wasn’t just smoke — it was immersion. By 6:30, my eyes were stinging 👀… I could barely keep them open. If you dine here often as a girl, be prepared to become a “yellow-faced wife” 😷💛. Seriously — no ventilation above or below. How did this place pass inspection? Your clothes will smell so strong you’ll need to wash them twice. Your hair? Get ready for multiple shampoos 🧴 — the smoke marinates you. 🍢 Food: Just Okay Not a huge selection. KPOT’s popularity probably comes from a strong PR team — not the flavor. The galbi (beef short rib) was marinated in a sauce that burned instantly — bitter both times we grilled it. Also, heavy on the MSG — I was thirsty all night + the whole next day 💦. 👍 But a few bright spots: Grilled mussels on the iron plate — saw a neighbor doing it, copied them. Fresh, tender, delicious! Pineville steak sauce — similar to A1 sauce. Great with grilled steak! 💑 Not Date-Friendly The smell + smoke combo is a mood-killer. If you start sweating? Oh boy… the sour, smoky scent sticks. Not cute. Plus, all that smoke will just make you sleepy 😴. 🍽️ Small Portions They bring things out bit by bit — just a few slices at a time. I prefer the all-you-can-eat style at Burning 99 or So Hot. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Groups: Better go to I-Ding next door — more seafood options, and you can even sing karaoke! 🎤 #CharlotteEats #KPOTExperience #NCFood #SmokyButNotInAGoodWay #FoodReview #CantBreatheButAteAnyway #KPOTvsIDing #NotHeavenlyJustHot #CharlotteFoodScene #LocalEats #NCRecommendations #KPOTPineville #SkipThisSpot #StickWithBurning99