Cupbop Comes to Billings: Korean BBQ in a Cup Sparks Excitement

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably driven by the new Cupbop spot on King Avenue West about a hundred times, glancing hopefully at the windows to see if anyone’s inside yet. I’ll admit, I’ve been keeping a close eye on their progress, counting down the days until I can finally get my hands on those famous Korean flavors that keep popping up in my social feeds. It’s almost become a bit of a personal quest, and judging by the buzz on local Facebook groups, I’m not alone!

Mark your calendars: according to fliers handed out during their soft launch (and a quick Google search), Cupbop plans to officially open its doors in Billings on Thursday, January 29.

Billings Loves a New Food Adventure

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a new eatery opening up in town. Around here, we take our food seriously. When something new pops up, especially something with a reputation for bold tastes, it’s like a mini holiday. We show up, we order big, and we decide for ourselves if the hype is real. Cupbop has absolutely been one of those places I couldn’t stop thinking about, thanks to all the raves from people who were lucky enough to try it before the doors officially swing open. The verdict? From what I’ve read, people are loving it.

Where to Find Cupbop in Billings

If you haven’t scoped it out yet, Cupbop is tucked over at 2564 King Avenue West, right next to Mary’s Health Foods and not far from Home Goods, Sierra, and Petco. It’s a spot that’s easy to swing by after running errands or as a quick lunch break when you’re in that part of town.

What’s on the Menu?

If you’re new to the Cupbop craze, here’s the scoop: they serve Korean BBQ in a way that’s super convenient, everything comes layered in a cup, so you get rice, noodles, crunchy veggies, and your pick of protein all stacked together. The best part? You can pick your heat level, from super mild to seriously spicy. Chicken, beef, pork, tofu, there’s something for everyone, and they’ve got options for people who prefer vegan or gluten-free meals, too.

Don’t Skip the Sides and Sauces

I’m especially excited to try their sides, like the dumplings (mandoo) and the legendary kimchi. There’s just something about those tangy, spicy flavors that makes your taste buds sit up and pay attention. And if you’re someone who likes your meals extra saucy, you’re definitely in for a treat. Cupbop is known for flavor combinations that are sweet, savory, and creamy all at once. It’s the kind of food that looks as good as it tastes, plus, shaking everything up in the cup before you dig in just adds to the fun.

From Food Truck to Local Favorite

A little backstory for the foodies: Cupbop started out as a single food truck in Utah back in 2013, dreamed up by Junghun Song and his crew. Thanks to some clever marketing and an appearance on Shark Tank (yes, they landed a deal with Mark Cuban!), the brand has exploded across the country and even overseas. Now, there are dozens of locations in the U.S. and hundreds more in Indonesia.

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Ready to Join the Cupbop Craze?

If you see me in line at Cupbop, just know I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and I won’t blame you if you’re just as eager to finally taste what all the fuss is about. Whether you’re a spice fiend or just looking for a fresh spin on your lunch routine, it looks like Cupbop is about to become one of Billings’ new favorite hangouts.