KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot now open in Brandon and serving delicious food (2024)

Full disclosure: I was invited to KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot to try their concept. I was provided with a complimentary meal for two and two beverages during my visit. The company did not dictate any of the words written below and they are my own thoughts about the experience there.

BRANDON, FL – I have asked for a proper Korean BBQ spot to open in Tampa for years. Orlando is overflowing with Korean BBQ and Hotpot locations and although Tampa has seen a fair increase in hot pot locations across town, Korean BBQ was still lacking until I saw the news that KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot was coming to Brandon. I patiently waited months for the “coming soon” sign to change on their website. A location in Pinellas County opened first in Pinellas Park, of course. Then, last week I saw a sponsored ad on Instagram for the new KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot with the words “NOW OPEN” on the advertisem*nt. I was floored and immediately reached out to set up a visit. It was finally happening!

Servers showed guests the ropes and were available as needed

This KPOT location is a little different from the location in Orlando. The concept has all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, but this location is self-serve for everything from meats to hot pot ingredients. This allows diners to eat without waiting for their server to constantly run them food and allows the server to be a normal server, bringing beverages, helping cook food if needed, or recommending food items. It seems less stressful for the server and a better deal for diners at the same time.

Our waiter Jojo, was friendly and showed us the whole setup along with his recommendations on what to order. The manager, Peter, was also showing guests around and I thought this was a nice touch for people who may have never had Korean BBQ before. Jojo still offered to cook our food if needed, but my guest and I decided to do it ourselves like they do in Korea.

Tons of choices for Korean BBQ meats, seafood, appetizers, veggies, and desserts

I was impressed with the wide-range of meat options including plenty of spicy and garlic dishes and the usual suspects including galbi short ribs, bulgogi marinated beef, plenty of Korean pork belly (samgyapsal), and even some less seen items such as spicy salmon, oysters, and crab legs. This KPOT location really has it all. There was a noticeable quality in each bite of the meat dishes and the manager said they plan to keep it that way.

The appetizers, fruits, and dessert sections were loaded with items and everything I tried was hot and ready for consumption. I liked the salad and greens section that was filled with spinach, lettuce, broccoli, bok choy, and other greens. There were plenty of vegetable to get your daily fix and I use quite a bit of lettuce with my meat so this was a welcome addition. The sauce bar was loaded with plenty of sauces and dips to make your food more interesting. My favorite was the KPOT Sweet and Spicy sauce. Pretty much the only thing I did not locate during my visit the pink salt for pork belly and I could’ve asked my server, but it slipped my mind.

I was impressed with the banchan choices which had plenty of kimchi and pickled radishes as well as seaweed salad. The kimchi was flavorful and enjoyable. Definitely what I expect for any Korean restaurant.

There are plenty of beverage options including bubble tea, Japanese beers, soju, and co*cktails. We tried two drinks during our visit. I loved my Seoul L.IT. which is actually a Long Island Iced Tea. It was great and reminded me of fruity Japanese steakhouse co*cktails. My guest enjoyed the Pineapple Painkiller with Don Q Rum, Coconut Puree, Pineapple Juice, and Orange Juice. Drinks range from $11-15.

For dessert we tried this coconut drink that was refreshing and they also had ice cream with strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate as choices. They also had those little cakes and cookies you will frequently see at Chinese buffets.

Accessible location off I-75 and plenty of deals including Happy Hour and lunch specials

The location of KPOT BBQ & Hot Pot in Brandon was previously known as Sa Ri One and The Rack Brandon before that. Sa Ri One had a makeshift Korean BBQ concept, but the owners of KPOT have spent money upgrading the entire interior of the building and modernizing it. KPOT is located in the Publix plaza near Burlington Coat Factory and is easily accessible from I-75 at the Brandon exit just near Kings. That means anyone from Tampa to Sarasota could make a trip if they want to.

The price from Monday to Friday is $20.99 for lunch for adults from noon to 4 p.m. $30.99 for dinner from 4 p.m. to close. Kids prices vary. Saturday and Sunday the rate is rate at $30.99 for adults. I am happy with this pricing especially because so many Korean BBQ places in St. Pete and Tampa are overpriced and inaccessible to working class people. The prices is $5 extra to enjoy both Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, which is the same as other locations for this concept.

Happy Hour was just launched and ranges from Monday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m. They have plenty of televisions at the bar for sports fans who might want to stop in for a drink and watch the game. The current deal for happy hour is draft beers for $3.50, bottled beer for $3.50, classic margaritas for $5, Korean Sunrise for $5, Long Island Iced Tea for $5, and House Sake for $6. For the month of April if guests order Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, they can also enjoy a free soda or draft beer as well.

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is located at 1025 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511. The restaurant can be reached at (813) 381-3377. Hours are currently from noon to 10:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and noon to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant was not too busy when I went, but I expect it is going to be quite busy once words gets out since there was a decent crowd of people walking in even on a Tuesday night.

I fully recommend KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot and welcome more Korean BBQ options in Tampa.

Restaurant Name: KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

Address: 1025 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511

Phone Number: (813) 381-3377

Website: https://thekpot.com/

Menu: https://thekpot.com/menu/