At กะรนหมูกระทะ ปิ้งย่าง you'll flip between ecstatic fresh jumbo prawns and friendly staff, and blistering heat, slow service and almost no decent drinks
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กะรนหมูกระทะ ปิ้งย่าง — A restaurant that will make you cheer and groan in the same breath (Rated 4.2/5 from 132 reviews)
The Highs: Big flavours, bigger prawns
All-you-can-eat hot pot and BBQ at this place hits the right notes when it comes to value and variety. Guests consistently call the price reasonable and praise the helpful, friendly staff who keep the buffet moving. One memorable shout-out: a blue jumbo prawn so fresh and enormous it wouldn’t fit the pot — had to be grilled instead. The do-it-yourself aspect sparks genuine enjoyment for groups who like to cook and laugh at their own culinary disasters.
Service swings: Friendly one minute, frustrating the next
Expect wildly inconsistent service. On many nights staff are warm and attentive; on others the pace drops and quality slips. A specific report described the service as slow and low quality on a particular visit, leaving guests frustrated despite the format and price. The result is a rollercoaster where patience rewards you, but impatience will sour the meal fast.
Drinks and extras: Narrow choices with a sting
The beverage selection is strikingly limited — guests noted no fresh-made drinks and only basic sodas and water available, and the taste drew criticism. There is also a charge applied when you bring outside beverages, which clogs the calculus for budget-minded diners who want to supplement the available drinks.
Comfort, timing and practical realities
The restaurant runs late each night, opening from 16:00 until 02:00 every day, so it’s a solid late-evening option. However, multiple reports highlight it gets quite hot inside and there are too few fans to keep tables comfortable; additionally, the equipment gets very hot — watch your pan. For drivers, you’ll find both a free parking lot and free street parking nearby, which removes a common logistical headache.
Location and who this is for
Located in a cluster of Karon-area accommodations and services, the place sits close to spots like My Friend’s House Karon and Karon Studio Apartment and is convenient if you’re staying locally. Some locals noted it’s easier to reach from nearby Kata than alternatives further away, so this is a go-to for nearby residents and tourists who prioritize proximity and late hours.
Final verdict — loud, flawed, and strangely lovable
This restaurant delivers explosive highs: generous portions, a solid AYCE concept, and moments of genuine delight like the enormous, fresh prawn. It also delivers crashing lows: uneven service, skimpy drink options, and a hot dining room that can test your patience. Taken together, it’s an honest neighborhood grill that rewards the prepared and punishes the inattentive.
Actionable tips before you go
- Bring a translation app or a patient communicator — make ordering and special requests smoother without relying on flawless verbal exchange.
- Dress for heat and pace — lightweight clothing and a small towel will keep you comfortable during a toasty meal.
- Ask about portion and cooking logistics up front — confirm how large items will fit your pot so you don’t end up improvising the grill under pressure.
- Plan your budget with the drink policy in mind — there’s a straightforward buffet price structure; beverages are extra and options are limited, so factor that into your final cost.
- Use the free parking — arriving by car removes a lot of stress if you’re local or staying nearby.
Short version: go if you want lively, affordable BBQ with theatrical wins and avoidable headaches — come prepared, and you’ll leave happy more often than not.
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7.841073, 98.302444
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