Mochinut - Citrus Park
★★★☆☆ 3.2 (6)
"The Korean Corn Dog: A viral sensation that's sweeping social media, captivating snack enthusiasts, and, apparently, my wife and daughter. According to the buzz, this "street food" is the next big thing, though, spoiler alert: It's not really Korean. But who's keeping track of that when the promise of something weird, wild, and undeniably fun hangs in the air?With the family on a mission to taste this trending marvel, we set off for Tampa, Florida. Destination: Mochinut, a tiny gem tucked inside a small strip mall in the unassuming neighborhood of Citrus Park. This isn't the kind of place that shouts, "Come on in!" but don't let that fool you. Its own charm lies in the vast retail mix and claims its average decor--clean, functional, and, for lack of a better word, pretty generic. Picture every boba shop you've ever stepped into, and you're about 85% there.The space is tight, folks. There's a single four-top table, a handful of window-side bar stools, and a smattering of couple-sized tables for those who prefer to perch. Not exactly a place for a leisurely meal, but more of a quick pit stop on your snack journey. The staff? Let's just say they're there to do their job--efficiently, yes--but warmth and hospitality aren't exactly part of the package. It's not the kind of place where you're likely to strike up a friendly conversation. I get it; they've got a steady stream of customers to juggle. Still, a little "Hey, thanks for coming in!" would've been nice.Now, let's talk about the food. When we arrived around 2 p.m., the inventory looked a little sparse--just a heads-up if you're hoping for full pickings at that hour. But the place was clearly hopping, with people in and out, eager to grab a bite. The wait was a little longer than I expected, especially with only one person working the counter and another manning the kitchen. If you plan on coming by, I suggest ordering ahead to save yourself a little time.But here's the thing: The Korean corn dog--strange, funky, and utterly fun. This isn't fine dining, nor should it be. It's junk food elevated to something unexpected. Imagine a hotdog or mozzarella stick (your pick) wrapped in a crunchy exterior of ramen noodles, fried potatoes, hot Cheetos, or my personal favorite--chili Fritos. It's an adventurous amalgamation of textures, flavors, and kitschy fun. The absurdity of it all is what makes it exciting, like eating a deep-fried carnival ride. It's messy, it's bold, and yes, it's a little ridiculous--but in the best way possible.And Mochinut isn't just about the corn dogs. Oh no. They've got donuts, pastries, and an assortment of boba drinks, all adorned with the same oddball toppings. If you've got a sweet tooth and an Instagram account, you'll be in heaven.So, is it a life-changing culinary experience? No. But that's not the point. If you're after something quirky, fun, and different, Mochinut is your playground. It's the kind of place that makes you stop and say, "What is this?" while simultaneously diving in for more. For those of you who are always searching for that next weird bite to post on your feed, this is the place. Just don't expect a warm welcome or a five-star atmosphere. The food, though, that's worth the trip."
"The place is overall nice especially how clean and put together the shop is but I really was not a fan of the overall drink I got. First of all there is no price on their menu which is always annoying. Its more annoying when you find out that you just bought a $9 smoothie that you were not that thrilled about to begin with.Second off, all of their smoothies are are basically desserts. Most of them have names like fruity pebbles, smored, or strawberry cheesecake. If you look at what they list is in them too, its chocolate or cookie. I was looking for a smoothie place I could hit on the way home from work to keep me full and energized so I could hit the gym when I got home. This was not what I was looking for.If you do plan to come here, you won't find it without GPS. I must have driven past this over a hundred times since moving out here and I only found it because I looked them up on Yelp."
"First time here. This drink. At is located in the strip plaza directly in back of Bayonett Point hospital. Clean store. Friendly people. I had the peanut butter cup smoothie and an energy drink. Will be back again."
