Cupbop - Korean BBQ in a Cup

My family and I experienced this restaurant for the first time back in Nov 2022, at another Las Vegas location.
My reaction to this franchise at that time was that "it's just ok." I think my mistake was walking in with the expectation that this place would bring a feeling that I was at an actual, full blown, Korean BBQ restaurant.
After that initial visit, I was willing to try it again but with some expectation management involved; however, I didn't know when that time would be...well, that time finally arrived and I decided to give it another whirl on 13 Apr 2024. When I walked in, I was greeted very nicely by the gentlemen at the front; it was during non-peak hours, therefore, the restaurant wasn't busy at all (in fact I was the only customer in the restaurant at that time).
I took some time to look over the menu since I wasn't a resident expert at this restaurant.
But after several minutes of deciding, I opted for the BBQ Beef and BBQ Chicken Combo Bop Bowl with Mandoo and a side of extra Noodles (so I could taste it separately without having it mixed with all the other ingredients/condiments).
Since I got my food to-go, I was shocked when I got home to see that the food was still in perfect condition and that the quality of the food was not compromised by the commute.
This allowed me to experience the food as if I was dining in, which I enjoyed.
For the most part, the food tasted great; I'd say the meats (proteins) were probably my favorite of all the ingredients.
The Noodles were good but not spectacular...the texture didn't seem the same as the Japchae you'd get at a Korean BBQ restaurant.
I still finished it because it wasn't awful and I hate wasting food.
The Mandoo was flavorful, but I was hoping they'd have a less-dense dipping sauce for it - it's the same teriyaki glaze they use for the bowls.
It isn't bad by any means but I enjoy the more vinegar-centric (thinner base) sauces - still a must to have with your bowls. The biggest highlight to this restaurant were the employees on shift when I was there.
Normally, you don't receive as much positive interaction between employees and customers because employees these days seem either annoyed in general while at work; glued to their phones; constantly laughing and joking around instead of helping customers; or just don't enjoy interacting with their customers as much.
Regardless, it was refreshing to encounter the folks at this business (I didn't get to retrieve all the names, except I did hear one of the employees mention the name "Ko"). Finally, the price-to-quantity/quality ratio is reasonable and I highly respect this business for their support to the active men and women of the Armed Forces, including its Veterans.
This restaurant seems very popular with the younger crowds and with folks that want the quick, yet quality food.
Highly recommend this restaurant to everyone.

Owner response

Cool, different place for the NW.
Interesting concept and the food is good.
Quick service as long as they have the food ready, which they did.
You come in, decide if you want the sweet potato noodles (YES, SWEET POTATO NOODLES!!!), add rice and cabbage and yeah it's good, pick your protein, or don't and get your drink.
Friendly and easy.
Oh you can add a spice level for the sauce, which is tasty, too.
Come in and try it.
Like i said, nice change of taste!!

Yummy ! Glad there is a location on this side of town.
We came around 2pm and it was empty.
The lady at the counter had the best positive attitude and recommended us the fried chicken ! My mom got the chicken and I got the beef.
They have a wide number of sauces you can choose depending on the spice level.
They also have gluten free options.
I thought the bowls would be smaller, however the bowls themselves are a great portion especially for the price ($11) ! The noodles were nice and soft and the meat was flavorful.
If you wanted even more flavor you could just get more sauce on top.
Will definitely be back to try more.

Owner response