Cupboppers Alert, Korean Barbecue in a Cup Is Headed to the Eastside

A rapidly growing success in its home state of Utah, novel fast-casual restaurant Cupbop is expanding to the University District, specializing in Korean barbecue and steamed rice served in a handy cup.

Created by Junghun Song in 2013 as a mobile food project, Cupbop now operates more than 20 restaurant locations, six food trucks, and a concession at the Utah Jazz’s home arena.

Eater Staff

The Las Vegas base will move into the former home of Sweet Poke, a 1,600-square-foot corner space at the University Gardens retail center on Maryland Parkway, across from the shuttered Rebel Books and within the same building as Cafe Rio and Bowlology.

Aiming to become a hit with UNLV students and faculty, the “bop” part of its name is derived from the Korean word for steamed rice. The simple menu features combinations of barbecue beef, pork, or chicken, plus fried tofu with rice cabbage and noodles, The Ugly Pop Bop with Korean-style fried chicken and the Mandoo Bop option of deep-fried potstickers.

Diners can also order imported Korean drinks and choose to customize the heat level of every dish with specialty sauces that range in spiciness from level one, up to level 10.

Currently hiring, temporary signage promises the counter-service restaurant is coming soon.

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