New restaurant opening in Bradenton with Chinese hot pot, Korean barbecue and more
Hong BBQ & Hot Pot opens Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 445 Cortez Road W., in the Orange Blossom Plaza.
The new restaurant features all-you-can eat Chinese hot pot or Korean-style barbecue for $30.99. For $5 more, guests can have both.
All cooking, except the broth for hot pot, like fondue, is done by guests at their table.
“It’s an entertaining activity, especially with friends and family members. The broth inside the pot boils over our specially designed heaters, and you have a variety of protein options (meatballs and thinly sliced beef are popular) to add to your pot. In addition to the protein choices, you can add noodles, vegetables, tofu, and more into your soup. The broth comes in many different styles,” the restaurant says on its website.
As for the Korean barbecue, the restaurant says:
“Choose from our vast selection of beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and various vegetables; don’t forget to invite your grill master! While there are many side dishes to enjoy Korean BBQ with, the meats are definitely the main attraction. Many of the meats are already marinated, carefully crafted by our chefs.”
While the food is the main attraction, the setting is unique, colorful and striking. When guests enter, they are greeted by a profusion of lanterns, upside-down umbrellas and a massive dragon’s head.
The theme is carried out throughout the 10,000-square-foot restaurant, seating about 250.
The emphasis on style and quality is intentional.
“Enjoy an authentic Chinese hot pot and Korean BBQ experience while dining like royalty,” the restaurant says.
The owners opened their first Hong BBQ & Hot Pot at 5840 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa in January. The Bradenton restaurant is their second with more to come.
“We had a lot of interest in this area. Bradenton didn’t have anything like this. We felt like there was a demand,” general manager Tom Kuo said.
Hong’s Hot Pot filed paperwork with Manatee County Building Services to renovate space in the Orange Blossom Plaza in July of 2022. Workers were applying the finishing touches the week before the grand opening.
“We are about to franchise this concept and are looking for locations in Florida to develop,” Kuo said.
In addition to the main dining areas, the restaurant also has three private VIP rooms, seating 10 to 12. The largest of the VIP rooms includes a projector and wall-length screen. Reservations are accepted for the private rooms.
The menu also includes hand-crafted boba tea, wine and beer.
Reservations are not required for the main dining areas, but calling ahead for parties of six or more are recommended to facilitate seating.
Hours at Hong BBQ & Hot Pot are 1 p.m. to midnight seven days a week.
For more information and a look at the menu, visit https://honghotpot.com/ or call 941-213-9972.
