Mama's Restaurant Korean BBQ

We sat at a BBQ table, and we ordered the marinated short ribs, spicy Korean BBQ pork, cheese corn, and Kimchi soup. EVERYTHING was the best we've had! The soup was spicy with layers of flavor, the meat was marinated to perfection, and the cheese corn was a yummy dessert! We will be returning!

I truly enjoyed my time at this place. While the BBQ tables come at a premium, I believe the experience is well worth the cost for several reasons. Having spent considerable time in Asia for work, I can attest that this restaurant offers an authentic Asian dining experience. The food itself is genuine enough, definitely suitable for the average American palate, but it’s the overall dining experience that really stands out. In the U.S., most restaurants prioritize a quick turnover, delivering fully prepared meals designed to be consumed quickly. Diners are often nudged to finish up and leave, making way for the next paying guests. In contrast, many Southeast Asian cultures embrace a slower dining pace, often spending two or more hours at the table. Here, groups gather around a hot pot or Asian-style BBQ - actively cooking their meal together. This involvement keeps everyone engaged and drastically reduces the temptation to check their phones. As a result, meaningful conversations flow naturally. If you’re looking to connect with co-workers or share a smile with family, I highly recommend this style of dining. It offers a rare opportunity to step away from the fast-paced norm and enjoy a genuine, interactive experience.

I like the glass noodles, which is chewy and flavorful. We ordered three-people BBQ combo, and that’s much enough for four people. Pancake was tasty and authentic but a bit salty.

I absolutely adore, love, and cherish this restaurant! Never had a bad experience with Mama’s. The food here never disappoints, never! My friend and I come here almost every week because their dishes are so good. The gimbap is authentic and delicious, and that’s only an appetizer! Our staple meal order of kimchi stew, japchae, and galbi never misses. Even when we occasionally try something new, the food is always high quality. The prices are also very reasonable! The first time I went was with three other friends; we each ordered our own meals and shared two appetizers with drinks. The total was surprisingly low for how good the food was! It’s such a great environment to enjoy a meal with friends and family. They also play a fantastic K-pop playlist while you dine! I love the staff and management; they’re always open, friendly, and accommodating. This is definitely the best Korean place in Bloom—places on Kirkwood do not compete

Update: This place USED to be my favorite restaurant in bloomington. The last 2 orders have been awful. The kimchi stew had NO kimchee in it, old mushy potatoes, old vegetables and mushed tofu. It dissolves in your mouth. It was disgusting both times. The kimbab also tasted old. I am done with this restaurant, unfortunately, and no longer reccommend. I love this place and it definitely takes care of my kimchee cravings. I usually get the tofu kimchee soup and the kimbab. Don’t miss out on the kimbab! I found the noodle salad to be a strange choice to put in with the rest of the portions- I definitely didn’t eat it but everything else is perfect! Every time I’ve ordered takeout from them, it’s ready quickly and delivered PIPING hot. Everything is fresh and great as leftovers until its gone.

You can never go wrong with kbbq and this place satisfies that craving. The waitress always working there is also very kind and greets every customer with a smile and also makes sure to say goodbye every time too. The banchan is always good too.

What happened? Previously, the food actually tasted authentic and hearty. Now, it’s become inedible… I ordered 곱창전골 and what came out was not only the wrong cuts of meat, but a watery mixture of carrots and mystery vegetables. To top it off, one of our dishes came with 된장찌개 and while it was decent, it was definitely made by someone who had NO idea how to make it. It tasted way more like potato leek stew if anything. Please train your cooks better. Very disappointing.