KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot — Restaurant in Pineville

The first time we came here, August 3rd, was for our anniversary - it was absolutely spectacular. Amazing food, amazing service, couldn't stop talking about the place.

Tonight I came here for my birthday (I didn't let anyone know, I don't like the attention). I don't expect special service for any occasion. My standards aren't very high for service; I understand it's a busy Saturday night, other people need to be served, I don't expect anything crazy. But tonight, at the 30 minute mark, I was ASKED if I needed a refill when my drink was only ice left. At the hour mark, I was ASKED if I needed my grill changed when it was completely black (for context, you have two hours as your limit to eat). I ordered the sliced beef belly and the brisket SIX SEPARATE TIMES and was never brought it. Now by time three, I kind of assumed they were out of it. But no one said a word. Our waitress never said anything, the people bringing out the food never said anything, and the tablet did not say that these two items were out of stock.

As a test, my boyfriend ordered JUST one of these items. No other items, just the brisket. To see what would happen. We waited five minutes. No answer. Okay, cool. We place another order with other items, and they bring it out in a timely manner (usually 4-5 minutes; not a problem). Not once was the previous order mentioned by anyone.

Tonight we had a different waitress than before, sadly I did not catch either of their names. The lady we had before was absolutely wonderful. I told her we'd definitely be back for my birthday. She refilled our drinks SEVERAL times without asking (even when they weren't completely empty - I'm not really a big stickler about that, but my boyfriend was thoroughly pleased) and changed our grill about 5-6 times during our dining. Tonight, we had 1 refill, 2 grill changes (one, we were asked if we wanted AT THE 1 HOUR MARK) and felt very forced out. Like she wanted us gone. We're not loud, we don't ask for anything frivolous, we just want to eat, have the service we pay for, and go home. I pulled out cash for a tip today excited for the service I would receive. My boyfriend did not allow me to, and clicked no tip, because the service we received was below par. I personally believe that all waitstaff have bad days, and deserve to be tipped regardless - but we did not see our waitress for most of the night, and her job was not performed without asking if she needed to. I am intensely disappointed, because ever since we came last month, I've been bragging about the experience I had to several friends and coworkers. We will likely not be back to this location, and it's disappointing to say, because the first experience was amazing. But there is no excuse for the lack of communication and due diligence provided at this...

Extremely Disappointing Experience — A Major Letdown from a Place I Used to Appreciate.

I’ve been to this restaurant twice before and always enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and overall dining experience. I’ve even recommended it to others, generously tipped, and supported it with high regard. But my last visit, unfortunately, was a complete disaster and left me shocked, disappointed, and quite honestly, angry.

We arrived at 5:30 PM, today Friday, April 4th and from the very beginning, I was met with an unprofessional attitude from the hostess. She had a dark brown ponytail, average height, and a visibly unpleasant demeanor. Instead of greeting us with warmth or professionalism, she seemed annoyed and dismissive. She attempted to seat us right next to the kitchen, which is typically one of the least desirable areas in any restaurant. I politely expressed that I’d prefer another table — which, as a paying customer, is well within my right — and instead of accommodating us with grace, she rolled her eyes multiple times, clearly annoyed by the request.

She then moved us to another spot, right in the middle of the dining room, directly under a strong, cold fan. It was obvious this wasn’t a regular seating area for guests, especially considering the restaurant was not even full. We were the only ones placed in this uncomfortable spot, which felt intentional, and frankly, petty.

What made things worse? We waited 20 full minutes — no water, no menus, no acknowledgment from any server. It was as if we were completely invisible. No one came to greet us or offer even the basic courtesy of checking in.

I’ve traveled extensively — California, Miami, Italy, Canada, Brazil — and I’ve dined in restaurants of every type and style. But never, ever have I experienced such poor treatment and disregard as a guest. It’s unacceptable, especially considering the prices and the service level this establishment claims to offer.

This isn’t just about a bad day — this is about a lack of basic hospitality and respect. And this isn’t something I’ll be quiet about. I run a blog and a podcast focused on travel and lifestyle, and unfortunately, this experience will be part of an upcoming episode.

To the management: I strongly suggest you review how your staff treats loyal and respectful clients. You lost more than just a customer — you lost trust and...

Restaurant Review: K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Location & Atmosphere: K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot stands out with its sleek exterior, promising a modern dining experience. However, the atmosphere inside didn’t quite live up to the façade. Unfortunately, the air conditioning was out of order during our visit, which turned the restaurant into an unexpected sauna—far from ideal for a relaxed meal. The communal sauce buffet, offering various condiments and vegetables, felt more like a potluck of disappointment. The selection appeared to be of lower quality, with the vegetables lacking freshness, making the whole setup feel a bit off-putting.

Food Quality: On a brighter note, the meat quality was quite good, offering a variety of cuts that were fresh and flavorful. It’s the kind of meat that makes you forget you’re cooking it yourself at the table. Unfortunately, the experience was somewhat soured by the food runner who delivered the meat to our table. His demeanor was unexpectedly curt, and there was an uncomfortable vibe that made us wonder if it was personal or just a bad day. It left us questioning the inclusivity and welcoming nature of the establishment.

Service: The saving grace of our evening was undoubtedly our waitress, Mindy. She was a beacon of hospitality, guiding us through the unfamiliar terrain of Korean BBQ and hot pot with a warm smile and endless patience. Mindy made sure we were comfortable and well-informed, transforming our dining experience from potentially awkward to delightfully engaging. Her attentiveness and kindness were worth their weight in gold, and she alone could justify a return visit.

Overall Experience: K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot offers a mixed bag. While the meat quality hits the mark, the less-than-stellar atmosphere and the uneven service left much to be desired. The communal sauce buffet felt like an afterthought, and the uncomfortable heat inside the restaurant was a definite drawback. However, the experience was salvaged by Mindy’s excellent service, which added a personal and welcoming touch to our visit.

In summary, K-Pot has the potential to be a great spot for Korean BBQ lovers, but it needs to work on its ambiance and staff training. If you do decide to go, make sure to sit in Mindy’s section; her service could very well be the highlight...