First time at Central BBQ House, in South Mountain. We arrived around 1 PM on a Saturday and there were 5-6 tables full. I thought, at the time, that they could fit 150 diners. It was huge inside.
We were seated and greeted immediately. Our server was extremely helpful, explaining how the menu worked, how the 'all you can eat' worked and even helped us with our decisions.
The overall price was intimidating but since it was a bottomless buffet, it was acceptable.
Proteins I would recommend include: beef, pork, chicken, bulgolgi pork and the shrimp. At first, the shrimp were a challenge but then we realized we had a scissor so it got a lot easier.
I also recommend adding veggies during the cooking process, which helped make complex flavors: onions, shaved garlic, jalapeños, bean sprouts, marinated cilantro, to name a few. Return visit already planned.
Return visit update:
On our last visit, the service was the highlight. This visit, it was horrible. The very loud Mexican music did not represent a Korean BBQ. Between the neon lights, pink balloons and loud music, the atmosphere was awful too. SMH.
Our server, Matt, was hopefully new cuz if not, they're in trouble. We were greeted immediately and asked if was wanted anything that wasn't at the buffet line. Since we just sat down, we didn't know what was there, so we just ordered a glass of Chardonnay and a ginger iced tea. SMH.
We made it to the buffet and filled up our plates with meats and veggies. We got back to our table and the hot pot (Shabu Shabu) was full of broth and there was a glass of red wine. We added glass noodles, veggies and a couple of dumplings, while on the BBQ side, we added meats, veggies and soy sauce. We had to ask for bowls for our hot pot. SMH.
When Matt checked back with us, we asked for the Chardonnay and the iced tea. He said they were out of Chardonnay, so we ordered a ReislIng. He returned with Chardonnay. SMH.
He asked if we had come up with anything that wasn't at the buffet, so we asked for Beef Galbi and fried rice. He sad they were out of both. SMH.
Later, he told us that they were making fried rice for us and it would be out soon. After ten mins, the table across from us got a HUGE plate of fried rice, so we asked Matt for ours. He said he forgot and would go get it. SMH.
A full forty mins later, the rice never showed up, even tho Matt assured us several times it was on the way. SMH.
When done, we paid our $65 bill (plus tip) and walked out, shaking our heads. read more