Itaewon Pocha + Karaoke — Restaurant in Houston

Discriminated by Server – Never Coming Back The first time I visited the restaurant, my experience was just okay. There was one Korean server who took care of our table, but he seemed somewhat indifferent. We had to ask him multiple times for basic things, and he seemed to be lowkey ignoring us. At the time, we didn’t think much of it—it was around midnight, so we figured he might have just been tired. Despite the service, the food was genuinely delicious, so we decided to give the place another try. On our second visit, we went on Friday midnight and ordered the kimchi pancake, but half of it came out burnt. Coincidentally, we were served by the same server from last time. Unfortunately, his behavior hadn’t improved—if anything, it was worse. He was blatantly ignoring us showing a different attitude from the start the with other Korean customers. For instant, when we asked for the check, no one came, so we eventually walked up to the front desk to ask directly. Another server noticed and let our server know. But then, another group of customers—who happened to be Korean—asked for something after us, and he responded to them immediately, walking right past us without even acknowledging our presence. Thankfully, the other server stepped in and helped us out, but by that point, the damage was done. The whole situation felt uncomfortable and, frankly, discriminatory. We were left speechless. While the food was good, the service left such a strong negative impression. Sadly, we won’t...

I enjoyed the visit here absolutely fantastic. Let me break down what I got:

Buldak Tacos (chicken): The buldak tacos were a fantastic fusion of Korean spice and Mexican street food flair. The chicken was coated in a fiery, flavorful sauce that had just the right level of heat—intense but not overwhelming.

Vietnamese coffee Martini:

This cocktail was an absolute treat. The Vietnamese coffee martini perfectly balanced strong, aromatic coffee with creamy sweetness, creating a smooth and slightly bitter

Clam soup:

The clam soup was a comforting dish that showcased fresh, tender clams in a light yet flavorful broth. The addition of sliced jalapeños brought a hint of spice, while the clean, briny taste of the clams stood out beautifully

Rose Tteobokki: This dish was easily a highlight! The rose sauce, a mix of gochujang spice and creamy richness, coated the chewy rice cakes perfectly. The addition of sausages brought a smoky, savory contrast that paired well with the creamy sauce

Overall experience:

The ambiance of the restaurant, with its neon-lit tables and cozy seating, added to the experience. The service was attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, making this a spot worth revisiting for anyone craving a mix of spicy, savory, and comforting flavors.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—especially if you love a bit of heat and a lot of flavor in your...

For all the night owls that are seeking a midnight meal/snack, this place is for you. Open late every day until 2am, this is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings. With a great selection of choices on the menu, deciding on what to get is probably the first obstacle you're gonna run into. The next is whether you're up for sharing cause you might want to order seconds. If you are a fan of tteokbokki, I recommend giving the rosé tteokbokki a try. Made with plump and chewy traditional rice cakes and paired with a savory creamy sauce, it's hard to stop at one bite. The next, one of my favorites, is the seafood pancake. The hot and crispy pancakes are not only packed with flavor but also have a great balance of seafood to veggies. Food alone is a solid 10/10 with great portion size to share. If you want good food and a great ambiance, this place won't disappoint. It's nice, spacious, and clean as well as aestically designed to give a modern vibe. Not to mention, excellent service! Waitstaffs are knowledgeable about the menu items, attentive, and friendly. So if you're ever scouting the area for your next Pocha adventure, definitely don't miss out...