Hong BBQ & Hot Pot

Overview:

Hong Hot Pot & BBQ on McKnight Road offers two distinct dining experiences: Chinese hot pot and Korean BBQ. With hot pot, guests simmer thinly sliced meats, noodles, vegetables, and tofu in flavorful broths, allowing the ingredients to absorb rich tastes as they cook. In contrast, the Korean BBQ side features tabletop grills where marinated beef, pork, chicken, and seafood are cooked to perfection, delivering smoky and caramelized flavors. The all-you-can-eat setup encourages guests to explore both styles, making it a great spot to enjoy interactive cooking while savoring traditional Asian cuisine.

Everyone at each table has to order the same thing. This means everyone gets either the hot pot, the BBQ, or both. So one person cannot get BBQ and the other gets hot pot, and they share. Additionally, there is a two-hour time limit once you sit down, and everything is all you can eat. Hong does not offer takeout or delivery. Everyone who eats here has to do the full dining experience at one of the large tables. 

The Food:

Hot Pot

Hong Hot Pot & BBQ delivers a satisfying hot pot experience, thanks to its rich, flavorful broth and fresh ingredients. The vegetables were crisp and added great texture, while the broth itself brought out deep, comforting flavors. One standout was the rolled-up lamb, which was tender and soaked up the broth perfectly, making each bite incredibly flavorful. The whole setup encourages experimentation, letting diners mix and match different ingredients to craft a meal suited to their taste.

Pork Bone Broth Soup

Condiment & Sauce Bar

Pork Belly & Spicy Chicken Bulgogi

On the BBQ side, the marinated meats were a highlight, especially the beef and chicken bulgogi, which were packed with bold flavors. The sauces also added a nice touch, complementing the grilled meats well. However, not everything hit the mark—the pork belly lacked seasoning, the salmon wasn’t as fresh as expected, and the portion sizes, especially for the ribeye, felt a bit small. That said, the grilling experience itself was fun and interactive, making it easy to overlook some of the flaws. 

Grill

Ribeye, Beef Bulgogi, & Salmon

Dessert

Service:

The service at Hong Hot Pot & BBQ was excellent, especially for a first-time visit. My waiter took the time to thoroughly explain how everything worked, which was helpful given the unique setup of choosing between hot pot and BBQ. Throughout the meal, he was attentive, checking in frequently to see if we needed anything and making sure we had plenty of items to cook on the grill or in the pot. Since the experience is all-you-can-eat, having a server who was proactive in keeping the meal flowing made a big difference. We were able to eat a ton of food in the two-hour window and did not feel rushed. 

Atmosphere:

Hong Hot Pot & BBQ has a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes for a fun dining experience. The restaurant is clean and well-decorated, giving it a lively feel. There’s plenty of seating, but since the tables are large and meant for groups, it tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so expect a wait if you’re coming for dinner. The setup is similar to a hibachi grill, but instead of a chef preparing the food for you, you get to do the cooking yourself, whether it’s grilling meats for Korean BBQ or simmering ingredients in a hot pot. The interactive nature of the meal makes it a great spot for gatherings and adds to the overall experience.

Rating: Good |⭐⭐⭐⭐✩|

Hong Hot Pot & BBQ offers a fun and interactive dining experience with both Chinese hot pot and Korean BBQ. The hot pot features rich, flavorful broth and fresh ingredients, while the BBQ offers well-marinated meats with great sauces to complement them. The service was excellent, with attentive staff ensuring a smooth all-you-can-eat experience. The atmosphere is clean and inviting, though the large-group seating means you may need to wait during peak hours.

In terms of value, the restaurant is on the pricier side, but you do get a lot for what you pay. The all-you-can-eat setup makes it a better deal for those planning to eat a lot. At $32 per person for either hot pot or BBQ, or $38 if you want both, it’s a worthwhile option if you come hungry and take full advantage of the variety offered. While not the cheapest meal, the quality and experience make it a good choice for those looking for an interactive and flavorful dinner.