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    MOA Korean BBQ & Bar

    4.4 (373 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    MOA Korean BBQ & Bar Photos

    Business Info

    MOA KOREAN BBQ & BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - MOA Korean BBQ & Bar

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    Jeju Beer (rice lager with orange and tangerine)
    Ryan H.

    Must try: KBBQ Classic #2, Dakkangjeong, and Rice Lager Beers! Why: I walked by this restaurant countless times and saw it has good reviews so got 3 other friends together to try. We started with Dakkangjeong (boneless fried chicken) and it was a great appetizer - sweet and tangy and even had rice balls that were slightly crispy outside and chewy inside. We ordered KBBQ Classic #2 as recommended by waitress for our party of 4. Had a great selection of meat like wagyu brisket, pork belly, bulgogi, and ribeye. Comes with 2 sides so we tried Kimchi Stew with Pork Belly and Corn Cheese - both delicious! I put some of stew over rice. Also, that corn cheese crispy edges hit the spot. Of course banchan side dishes were plentiful, and our favs were cucumber and kimchi, and got a second round of them. I also tried both rice lagers and the Jeju (South Korea) reminded me of a Blue Moon but better! Entire meal was fantastic experience! Notes: Waitress Ryan was superb - welcoming, friendly, and helpful! She made it a fun experience and provided great recs, and even took our group photo (with many options and angles). Restaurant was clean and spacious. Lots of tables and different seating areas including outdoor seating and a bar. Decor was chic and the ambiance was chill. We had reservations for 5:30pm on a weekday so early dinner before the crowd came.

    Beef and Radish Soup
    Ally F.

    Modern, hip Korean BBQ with options to bbq your own food or choose meals a la carte. We opted out of cooking this time, and ordered our food a la carte. I tried the Seafood Bibimbap with a side of beef and radish soup. While it was yummy, it was on the slightly too fishy tasting side, and I didn't enjoy the baby shrimp. For the cost, I wish they used better shrimp, the seafood just seemed to be slightly off. Everything else we had was wonderful, and I loved my beef and radish soup. I'm excited to go back and try more next time.

    Africancrab A.

    I was on a 2 weeks assignment out of town. I was walking around trying to find a place to eat, and nothing; and I mean nothing was opened! I wonder if this is part of the Bible Belt; it's the only reason to explain why restaurants are closed on Sunday! Sigh! So, I, am resolutely heading back to my hotel, when I, see a line of Asians by a door next to a bank. I got curious and walked towards them. Turns out it is Moa - Korean BBQ Restaurant & Bar. I was greeted with enthusiasm and given a nice seat with the view of the lower section of the restaurant. My husband brought the kiddos to visit, but they left a little earlier. My suggestion did not sit well with my 24 year old, and the 12 year old was busy gaming, so dad took the 4 hour drive back to Atlanta. Thus my lone dinning! The food was quite simply delightful. A welcome tease to my tastebuds!!! Service was excellent!

    Susan W.

    The food, service and ambiance were great ! We ordered the meal for 3-4. All of the cuts of meat were quality meats. Even the sides and soup were delicious. We frequent Korean bbq often. We didn't think this was going to be very authentic tasting restaurant but we were quickly proven wrong . If you're searching for a delicious but upscale Korean bbq establishment this is def a great place to go to.

    Denisa W.

    We had a reservation for 7pm on a Friday night which we were able to book same day. Ordered the $450 wagyu Korean bbq combo and was able to swap out the shrimp for bulgogi due to a shellfish allergy. All the meat melted in your mouth and the service was prompt. The table was a little bit tight but overall the ambiance and the food were fabulous.

    Japchae
    Chris L.

    Came here for date night while visiting. Best ambiance and great service. Food is filling and it is a bit more expensive than typical Korean bbq places but it is worth it. You get to cook the food yourself.

    Pork Belly
    Evan D.

    You ever go to dinner and end up questioning your own cooking skills? That's what happened to me at MOA Korean BBQ in Uptown. One bite of their charcoal-grilled meat and I realized my home grill exists purely for decoration. This was a hosted meal, but my opinions (and appetite) are very much my own. Parking in Uptown can feel like a game of "Where's Waldo," but MOA makes it easier. They validate parking for two hours on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 5pm. That's enough time to grill, chill, and waddle out satisfied. When you walk in, you'll notice the place has serious drama. Think moody lighting, plush blue chairs, and a steak locker that looks like something out of Jurassic Park, only instead of fossils, it's filled with glorious racks of dry-aged beef. The manager, Andrew, guided us through the entire meal like a KBBQ sommelier. He explained the cuts, showed us how to cook everything, and made sure no one burned a single piece of Wagyu. A true hero. The setup makes it perfect for an interactive date night. You can either show off your grilling skills or pretend to be chill while the staff does it for you. Either way, everyone wins. Our table of three included one vegetarian, and I was impressed with how many options there were. The banchan (small Korean side dishes) covered all the bases, from crisp cucumber salad and sesame broccoli to sweet marinated sprouts and a tangy green onion salad. They even had vegetarian Japchae (glass noodles with veggies) that turned out to be one of my favorites of the night. We started strong with the Sutbul Galbi, grilled over charcoal in the kitchen. It was sweet, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, easily my top pick. The Tomahawk Steak, also cooked over charcoal, made a grand entrance and was carved tableside like a meaty performance art piece. Perfectly medium rare, juicy, and impossible not to photograph. At the table grill, we worked through an all-star lineup: * Marinated Chuck Flap, rich, buttery, and full of flavor. * Wagyu Brisket, thin delicate slices that cooked in seconds and practically dissolved on contact. * Pork Belly, crisp edges, tender center, and that irresistible sizzle soundtrack. * Chicken Bulgogi, moist marinated thighs that were delish. And of course, no KBBQ experience is complete without Corn Cheese, that bubbling mix of sweet corn and melted mozzarella that's basically Korean comfort food in a skillet. We also tried the Crispy Cauliflower tossed in a gochujang glaze, like Korean orange chicken's cooler vegetarian cousin, and the Dakkangjeong, a sweet and sticky version of fried chicken that I could've eaten by the bucket. The Mandu (fried dumplings) looked great too, but I forgot to take one. My tablemates enjoyed them while I sat there in dumpling regret. To wrap things up, we had the Basque Cheesecake with blueberry compote. It was creamy and rich, though I wish it had more of that signature burnt top Basque cheesecakes are known for. This one leaned more New York style, but still delicious. One of my friends ordered the Smoke Signal cocktail, a Lavender Mezcal Paloma from their seasonal drink menu, and swore it was great. They rotate the cocktail menu every so often, which will make you want to come back just to see what's new (okay, and for more galbi). MOA Korean BBQ nailed that fine line between upscale and approachable. Whether you're on a date, celebrating with friends, or just looking to eat your weight in marinated meat, this place delivers. And if you're like me and prefer your steak cooked for you while you watch in admiration, don't worry, they've got you covered. ____ Want more legit Charlotte food spots without the fluff? I made a guide. It's called http://evansfoodguide.com Follow me on IG instagram.com/charlottefoodieguy Go eat something good! Subscribe to my Substack Newsletter to be notified of my newest restaurant reviews and what's happening in the Charlotte food community! https://substack.com/@charlottefoodieguy

    Galbi Stone Bowl Bibimbab with beef shortrib.
    Paul C.

    Popped in for lunch on a random Wednesday. Service and ambiance were on point! Food came out quickly, was hot (but not too hot) and cooked perfectly. Service size was generous. It was so good!!

    Korean BBQ
    Latesha J.

    Stumbled across this restaurant while walking through Charlotte and decided to take my little sister and cousin to dinner. The space is beautifully decorated, and the staff were friendly and informative. We chose the Korean BBQ option, which was $90, and had calamari as an appetizer. Our warm sides were the cheesy corn and their soft eggs. We chose steak, pork belly, and shrimp as our meat selection. The meat was fresh and flavorful, seasoned simply with oil and salt. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the BBQ and I would definitely return when I am back in the Charlotte area.

    Sterling F.

    5 stars!!! This food was amazing! I decided to order the Kimchi Korean Pancake and Edamame to start. That pancake was one of the best dishes I've had! It was so good and the sauce was an added touch. I really could've just ordered two of those. I ordered the Cream Curry Udon and that was very good too, good texture and flavor. Good portion sizes for everything. I didn't even have any Korean BBQ but I know if it's anything like what I've already had, it's exceptional. It was a nice vibe in there also, clean atmosphere and fun music. All in all, I highly recommend this place. I'll be back for the BBQ!

    Japchae
    Ian N.

    Came here for restaurant week. Galbi (4/5): Tender meat that had a nice, sweet marinade. I prefer LA style though (with the bone). Samgyeopsal (4/5): Pork belly is always great. Small portion size though. Triple Chocolate Cheesecake (4/5): Very rich, but not quite as dense as I like. The cheese flavor was present but subtle. The chocolate crust (usually my favorite part) was not good. Kimchi Jjigae (4/5): I liked how much kimchi was in this. Could've used more meat though. Japchae (4/5): Great flavors, but the noodles were a bit undercooked and brittle. Also would've been better if it had meat in it. Sweet+Spicy Chicken Wings (3/5): This tasted like a Chinese buffet wing (I think because of the msg flavor?) tossed in a spicy sweet and sour sauce. Not bad, but I've had much better Korean fried chicken. Hazelnut Crunch (2/5): I liked the blend of textures with the crunchy bits and the frozen cream, but the flavor was not for me (too sweet and tasted kinda like amaretto). *The banchan sides weren't great RATING SYSTEM 5 - Great (Need to get this again) 4 - Good (Would get this again) 3 - Ok (Might give this another shot) 2 - Not Good (Won't get this again) 1 - Bad (Telling people to avoid this)

    Victoria B.

    5 stars. What a gem in downtown Charlotte! I love Korean bbq and excited to try a new spot for me. The ambiance was clean and inviting. We had fried calamari and rice cakes for appetizers. For the entrees we shared create your own combo and classic 2. Everything was absolutely delicious especially soot bul Galbi (beautiful presentation), pork belly, rice cakes, and American Wagyu Brisket. The dessert yuzu citrus cake was good not overly sweet just right. A must try again while in Charlotte.

    Cooking dry
    Mo S.

    I made the reservation here on a Wednesday evening through OpenTable for a birthday dinner. When we arrived they did recognize the birthday which was a nice touch. This was our first time here. The ambiance is kinda dark and unimpressive in my opinion. Its expensive to dine here and I was disappointed with our dining experience . There was a large group at a table beside of us that our waitress was more attentive to. 1.All of the tables have the cook top. There is limited room under the table for you to stretch out your legs out because of the built in stove under the table. 2. Our waitress oiled our stove and took the cooking spray to the larger group. Our meats ended up being scorched because she never came back to check on us and we could not adjust the heat settings. We didn't even get to fully cook eveything because the stove turned off automatically before we were done. She didn't check on us until we were ready to go. 3. It took forever for her to come check us out. I did like all of the side small plates of sides, however, they were all cold. I won't ever go back.

    Table setup

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    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - MOA Korean BBQ & Bar

    Is there free or validated parking for this restaurant?

    No not to my knowledge.

    Is this all you can eat? If so, how much? Thanks

    No! It's not! I was disappointed to learn this. So I don't think it was worth it.

    Is it expensive?

    For dinner, yes (depending on what you consider expensive). You have lower prices options for lunch, but dinner is meat-heavy and costly. We went for my son's college graduation. Seven adults and two children. One table only ordered appetizers. The… Read more

    What is the food charge on the receipt?

    I checked my receipt and there was an 8.25% charge under the title "Food" that is most likely a combination of any applicable state, county and local sales taxes "on prepared food and beverages in restaurants."

    Where do you park?

    205 S church street parking garage. They'll validate it for you.

    View All 7 Questions

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    Mac's Speed Shop

    Mac's Speed Shop

    3.9
    (729 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    After striking out at two other BBQ spots on a Saturday night, I landed at Mac's Speed Shop around…read more8:30 p.m. and ended up having a surprisingly enjoyable experience. Mac's sits in the heart of South End and shares the neighborhood with several busy bars and nightlife spots. Parking can be a bit of an adventure, but they do have dedicated lots nearby. Once you're there, the setup is great: a large dining room, plenty of picnic-table patio seating, and my favorite option--a seat at the outdoor bar where the inside bar opens through a service window to the patio. The bartender, Alyssa, was fantastic. Friendly, knowledgeable, and patient while I stared at the giant menu trying to figure out what I wanted. When I asked for recommendations, she immediately suggested the burnt ends, BBQ baked beans, and Mexican street corn. Excellent call. The blackberry seasonal hard cider she recommended was delicious and paired beautifully with the meal. My only surprise was the price. At nearly $9, it was more than I expected for a cider, and I wish I had asked beforehand. The burnt ends arrived with bright pickled red onions that added the perfect acidic balance. The flavor was excellent--smoky, rich, and satisfying. That said, they leaned heavily toward the fatty side. The deeper I got into the serving, the more rendered fat I encountered compared to meat. Delicious? Yes. Light? Absolutely not. The BBQ baked beans were exactly what you want from a barbecue joint. The Mexican street corn was a standout and a refreshing contrast to all the richness. My only critique was that the burnt ends weren't served quite as hot as I would have liked, and by the end of the meal, the richness became overwhelming. That's probably more on me for ordering burnt ends at 9 p.m. than on Mac's. The final bill came to about $37 before tip, which felt a little steep for a solo barbecue dinner and cider. Looking back, I'd probably visit during lunch. Their weekday lunch specials around $10 look like one of the best values in South End. Would I come back? Absolutely. The service was warm, the recommendations were spot on, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the food delivered exactly what a barbecue craving calls for. Next time, I'll arrive earlier, bring a bigger appetite, and maybe save the burnt ends for lunchtime. Life is too short not to eat well, Charlotte. If you're exploring South End and craving barbecue, Mac's Speed Shop is worth a stop.

    Meh. When you need…read moreto be aggressive with a knife to get thru a rack of ribs, things aren't great. They didn't promise "fall off the bone" so I can't expect that, but most places I get ribs they just tear apart. This took work, and the mass of BBQ sauce slathered on makes the surgery a mess. So, that was a bummer. The tots lack creativity or any sort of seasoning which seems like an easy upgrade and a crowd pleaser. Oh well. Maybe I got there in a bad day, but if this is standard then I can't see not going to Noble Smoke next time I need ribs.

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    Inside Mac's Speed Shop - South End
    Inside Mac's Speed Shop - South End
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    Midwood Smokehouse

    Midwood Smokehouse

    4.3
    (391 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    The brisket is divine Barria tacos can avoid the salt…read more Drunken Beans done well Sweet potato fries being offered A+ Actually all the sides being offered= Great options but I avoid those greens. The pot liquor on the collard greens is done right but they don't cook them down long enough, FOR ME, or offer a mix (e.g. add some turnip and/or mustard greens in there). The other meats are just okay but service+ brisket and packaging that helps make this long, out of the way trip worth it because I made it back to University area and everything remained hot. You can order online via Toast tab (I think) but I enjoy restaurants that go to known platforms so I don't have whip out a card and pay when it's already on file. P.S. those burnt ends are beef and they're super salty. I want to enjoy them with less sodium. We are aging now so I don't need to add to contributing factors for stroke and heart disease via salt because I'm not giving up on good Que and you'll get that here.

    This was my third time trying the brisket cheesesteak and I can confidently say it's the best…read morecheesesteak I've had. It's absolutely loaded with meat -- not skimpy at all -- and the flavor is unreal. The brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with that smoky richness you expect, but elevated. The caramelized onions take it to another level. They add the perfect touch of sweetness that balances the savory brisket so well. And the bread? Perfect choice. It pairs beautifully with the meat and somehow doesn't get soggy, even with how juicy everything is. One thing I really love is that it comes wrapped in foil, and you could easily reheat it right in that same foil without losing quality. It holds up that well. Honestly, if they ever made brisket cheesesteak fries -- like this same brisket and toppings over crispy fries -- it would be an instant hit and such a great appetizer option. Third time trying it and it's just as amazing as the first. Definitely a must-order.

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    Midwood Smokehouse
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    Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q

    Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q

    3.9
    (695 reviews)
    11.8 mi
    $$

    We brought the whole family out today and left completely blown away. This place is the real deal…read more no shortcuts, no gimmicks, just serious barbecue done right. Chill vibe inside. We went all in on the meats: smoked chicken salad, spareribs, pulled chicken, Carolina-style pork, and BBQ brisket. Every single protein was fall-off-the-bone tender with that perfect smoke ring and deep, layered flavor you can only get from a pit master who actually knows what they're doing. The brisket deserves its own paragraph buttery, juicy, and sliced just right. The sides are not an afterthought here, and that alone sets this place apart. Cheddar cornbread muffins are no joke. mac and cheese was rich and creamy, the baked potato was loaded and generous, and the onion rings had a satisfying crunch. The baked beans had that slow-cooked depth, the collard greens were perfectly seasoned, and the coleslaw was crisp and refreshing ,a great palate cleanser between bites. And then there was the brisket chili. Smoky, hearty, and packed with chunks of real brisket , it's the kind of bowl that makes you wish you saved more room. Everything came out flavorful and cooked with obvious care and pride. the quality was consistent across the board, and the whole family left happy and stuffed. This is the kind of BBQ spot you tell your friends about and then bring them to the following weekend. Absolutely coming back.

    It was one of my first meals after moving back to NC- delicious! I missed NC's pulled pork a lot,…read moreand this definitely was a hit! Potato salad was delicious as well, and the collard greens too! Definitely recommend this spot!

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    Bar
    Bar
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    The bread is to die for

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    The bread is to die for

    MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - bbq - Updated June 2026

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