Vegan Restaurant

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

0 (0 reviews) · $$$$ · mesa · Strict-vegan verified
Fully vegan
Directions
Editor synopsis · 0 reviews
Diners overwhelmingly call out the signature dish as the must-order. The vibe reads as vegan restaurant — service is consistently described as warm and unhurried. Common gotcha: queues form at peak times — go early or late.

Excerpts

Literally THE BEST service and food quality all around. Would love to see them add intestines and corn cheese to the menu! Love that they had a full bar, appetizer/dessert bar and sauce bar. And you get an ice cream when you leave. 1000% reccommend. Thank you to our server Quinn for being so nice! Our trip of trying all the KBBQ places may just have to swing back here because...YUM!

Literally THE BEST service and food quality all around. Would love to see them add intestines and corn cheese to the menu! Love that they had a full bar, appetizer/dessert bar and sauce bar. And you get an ice cream when you leave. 1000% reccommend. Thank you to our server Quinn for being so nice! Our trip of trying all the KBBQ places may just have to swing back here because...YUM!

My fiancé and I come here often and have always enjoyed the food, which is why we decided to bring my and soon to be sister-in-law and their cousin to try it. Unfortunately, this visit was extremely disappointing. We found two bugs in our food one in my soup and another on one of the vegetables. When we brought it to the manager’s attention (his name was Julio), he told us that regarding the bug on the vegetable, “there’s nothing we can do about it, we don’t use chemicals.” While we understand restaurants may not use chemicals, that response felt dismissive and lacked accountability. What was even more upsetting is that at no point did he apologize not for the bugs in our food and not for the situation overall. A simple apology would have gone a long way. He later offered 20% off. However, when we received the check, we noticed the discount was not properly applied. We tipped, then realized the percentage was calculated incorrectly from the original total. When we asked about it, instead of addressing the issue professionally, we were told, “I don’t have the time to do the math right now, I have a whole restaurant to run.” That response was unacceptable. If running a restaurant means not taking food safety concerns seriously or correcting billing mistakes for customers, then management needs improvement. To be clear, our server was fine and the hostess was professional and kind they handled themselves much better than the manager did. We’ve always liked this place, which makes this experience even more disappointing. Food safety and customer service should always be a priority. Do better, Julio.

My fiancé and I come here often and have always enjoyed the food, which is why we decided to bring my and soon to be sister-in-law and their cousin to try it. Unfortunately, this visit was extremely disappointing. We found two bugs in our food one in my soup and another on one of the vegetables. When we brought it to the manager’s attention (his name was Julio), he told us that regarding the bug on the vegetable, “there’s nothing we can do about it, we don’t use chemicals.” While we understand restaurants may not use chemicals, that response felt dismissive and lacked accountability. What was even more upsetting is that at no point did he apologize not for the bugs in our food and not for the situation overall. A simple apology would have gone a long way. He later offered 20% off. However, when we received the check, we noticed the discount was not properly applied. We tipped, then realized the percentage was calculated incorrectly from the original total. When we asked about it, instead of addressing the issue professionally, we were told, “I don’t have the time to do the math right now, I have a whole restaurant to run.” That response was unacceptable. If running a restaurant means not taking food safety concerns seriously or correcting billing mistakes for customers, then management needs improvement. To be clear, our server was fine and the hostess was professional and kind they handled themselves much better than the manager did. We’ve always liked this place, which makes this experience even more disappointing. Food safety and customer service should always be a priority. Do better, Julio.

2nd Review Korean BBQ & Hot Pot 1940 W Rio Salado Pkwy #107, Mesa, AZ 85201 Great place for both VEGANS and MEAT EATERS I’m back for another round of warmth and flavor, drawn in by the memory of Monday’s Tum Yum broth. On Monday I tasted a broth that sang with tang, heat, and a bright, citrusy bite—the kind of broth that lingers in the memory long after the last slurp. Fast forward to Friday, and I returned with the same hopeful appetite. Service was excellent once again. A friendly, attentive server named Emily made the dining room feel welcoming and seamless, whispering that she was on hand to guide the experience with a practiced, patient touch. Today, however, the Tum Yum broth didn’t carry the same magic. It fell a touch flat, and the refill did little to lift it back to its former glory. It’s a reminder that, in hot pot, the broth is the stage and the broth-maker is half the show. To the management: consider keeping the same Monday Tum Yum maestro on rotation. That Monday broth had the kind of character that reminded me of the best Yum Yum I ever tasted in Orlando—bright, zesty, and with enough depth to carry the pot through multiple rounds of dipping and tasting. Despite the dip in broth provenance, I’ll return—because I miss that Tum Yum and the overall comfort of KPOT’s atmosphere. When the broth shines, it turns a meal into a memorable investigation of balance, spice, and umami. Notes for future visits: If possible, maintain consistency by having the same broth chef for Tum Yum on Mondays to preserve flavor profile. A small adjustment to the broth’s spice level and citrus brightness could reclaim the magic even on Fridays. Emily’s service was a highlight; kudos to the staff for keeping the experience smooth and friendly. Overall: I’m drawn back by the memory of that Tum Yum and the team that makes the dining room feel like a warm kitchen. Here’s hoping the Tum Yum returns to its former glory on my next visit. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot 1940 W Rio Salado Pkwy #107, Mesa, AZ 85201 At KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, located at 1940 W Rio Salado Pkwy #107 in Mesa, AZ, my culinary adventure began with a tantalizing experience that left a lasting impression. As a first-time visitor, I was eager to dive into the vibrant world of Korean barbecue and hot pot, and KPOT did not disappoint. The Broth Experience I opted for the tom yum broth, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The rich, aromatic flavors danced on my palate, perfectly balancing the spicy and sour notes that tom yum is renowned for. Each sip was a delightful journey, showcasing the depth of flavor that can be achieved in a well-crafted broth. The freshness of the ingredients added to the overall experience, making it a highlight of my visit. Service Excellence The service at KPOT was commendable. The staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring that my dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered helpful suggestions, which enhanced my overall experience. Their enthusiasm for the food and commitment to customer satisfaction was evident, making me feel welcomed and valued. BBQ Grill Experience While I was excited about the BBQ grill aspect of the meal, I must admit that it didn't quite meet my expectations. However, I take full responsibility for this; my choices in ordering may not have showcased the grill's potential. I plan to return and approach the menu with a more adventurous spirit, eager to explore the various meats and marinades that KPOT has to offer. Conclusion In summary, my visit to KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot was a delightful experience, primarily driven by the incredible tom yum broth and the attentive service. I look forward to returning, armed with a better understanding of the menu, to fully embrace the BBQ grill offerings. For anyone seeking a fun and interactive dining experience that celebrates the best of Korean cuisine, KPOT is a must-visit destination.