Most Mesa locals will tell you that the best Korean restaurant in town is whichever one is closest to their front door. But that doesn’t mean you can’t venture across the valley, especially if your heart’s set on particular bulgogi, bibimbap, or kimchi. For the best in Mesa, start with this list—you’ll find classic Korean BBQ joints, cozy spots serving perfect stews, and modern eateries blending tradition with innovation.
Drunken Tiger
$$ | (480) 755-7555 | WEBSITE
We forgive you if you assumed Drunken Tiger was just another generic Korean spot, given the almost dive-bar atmosphere and the straightforward menu boards. But this Mesa institution is worth a visit—and not just for the popular Kloud Korean beer and various soju flavors that fill the tables. The spicy pork BBQ and bulgogi fries packed with flavor are deserving of the buzz, with a perfect balance of savory and spice that makes them ideal for sharing with friends.
Don’t overlook the kimchi rice with a fried egg—which here comes sizzling in a hot stone bowl—topped with a runny yolk that ties everything together.
Sogongdong Tofu & BBQ
$$ | WEBSITE
There’s a reason Sogongdong Tofu & BBQ has become a go-to spot for Korean comfort food in Mesa. Their signature hot stone bibimbap, praised for its abundance of fresh vegetables and tender meat, will satisfy even the most discerning Korean food enthusiast, and is the perfect canvas for customizing spice levels with the side sauce. Pair it with a side of their savory soup and rice, and save room for other classics like the beef bulgogi or japchae, which travel well for takeout.
You should also grab an extra order of their pickled vegetables to go—they’re the ideal crunchy complement to any meal. This efficient, no-frills eatery inside Hmart’s food court is more accessible than some standalone restaurants, and the generous portions—plus the kind service from the staff—make it our favorite in the area.
Tipsy Chicken
$ | (480) 265-8766 | WEBSITE
Tipsy Chicken’s claim to fame is the Korean fried chicken wing, the viral crispy delight that’s been imitated by every joint from Seoul to Mesa. But Tipsy Chicken is the GOAT regardless, thanks to their exquisite pork belly with corn cheese, which is richer than many of their competitors and gives you the perfect savory bite from beginning to end.
It’s paired with beef bulgogi and fries and just barely balanced, and the result is a gut bomb that’s impossible to finish without being within stumbling distance from a sofa—not that that should stop you from trying. But locals return here again and again for their other dishes, like the crispy wings that stay perfect even after an hour, or the flavorful beef bulgogi—probably Mesa’s best. It’s tempting to enjoy your meal at a table in the ample seating area.
But be warned: There’s a hefty markup to soak up these classic Korean restaurant vibes.
Smoking Tiger Korean BBQ
$$ | (602) 851-1877 | WEBSITE
You’re not going to find a better Korean BBQ experience in Mesa without a wait. But you will find generous combo meals perfect for three or four people, tender Wagyu and Bulgogi sizzling on the grill, and other authentic Korean dishes—and you’ll find the best at this clean, attentive spot off the main drag. Stop by for a special occasion dinner with friends, or later on to share some meats that you can pair with their incredible side dishes.
We love their beef combo B, especially the galbi over the ribeye, and the shockingly fresh and flavorful house-made kimchi.
Hodori
$ | (480) 668-7979 | WEBSITE
It’s easy to mistake Hodori for a home kitchen rather than a restaurant. From the sizzling bulgogi with its perfect caramelized edges to the generous bowls of soft tofu soup brimming with customizable spice levels, their comfort food is as satisfying as it is authentic. And that holds whether you’re craving something traditional, like the spicy Korean rice cake with its flavorful chew, or substantial, like the omurice, a massive portion served with kimchi, potato salad, and string beans.
You might get overwhelmed here, so zero in on the cold noodles (a refreshing must-try), the tender spicy pork marinated to perfection, and the Soon Tofu Combo with its plentiful sides like cucumber kimchi and stir-fried zucchini.
Myungrang Hotdog Mesa
$ | (480) 703-3729 | WEBSITE
There’s no ordinary corn dog at this Korean comfort spot. Instead, everything from the potato corn dog to the squid ink half mozzarella half hot dog is coated in a delicious batter. Myungrang makes Mesa’s best hot dogs—the crispy exterior shatters and reveals a perfectly cooked interior the moment you bite into it.
(When you’re feeling adventurous, the squid ink version replaces the classic, and it’s nearly as phenomenal as the original.) Cheese and sweet chili are the stars of the condiment station, like the classic mustard pairing, whose tangy flavor complements the savory hot dog perfectly. And those super-crispy yet soft french fries will steal the spotlight at any quick meal.
Manna BBQ
$$ | (480) 733-5000 | WEBSITE
This Korean BBQ spot in Mesa may not provide the quiet, intimate atmosphere you’d expect for a fancy date night, but their all-you-can-eat experience is one of the best in town—especially the gyoza and fried rice, which other more traditional Korean restaurants don’t always include.
Go after the lunch rush but before the dinner crowd (around 4:30pm is good) and grab a seat where server Un Sun can help you with the great cuts of meat and at least one glass of Soju before the two-hour time limit kicks in. And yes, the $30 per person price is worth it.
翠园
$$ | (480) 668-7979 | WEBSITE
You won’t find white tablecloths at this bustling Korean spot in Mesa. What you will find are sizzling plates of spicy pork bulgogi, steaming bowls of Yook Gae Jang, and kimchi fried rice so flavorful and well-executed it’ll satisfy any craving, no problem. And since this is a destination for Korean food enthusiasts, each dish arrives with that authentic, traditional taste.
But this savory playground gets better: They elevate the classic japchae with noodles so perfectly cooked it’s praised as the best-ever had. The regular’s move is the bi bim bop, which comes with rice, vegetables, and a fried egg. You’re also practically required to try the spicy pork that’s so well-seasoned it’s the highlight of the meal.
Choy’s Golden Rice Flour Crispy Chicken
$ | (480) 845-0025 | WEBSITE
Even though this fried chicken spot is tucked inside Asiana Market, Choy’s Golden Rice Flour Crispy Chicken feels like a destination in its own right. Stop by for some crispy wings and at least one order of the boneless chicken, served in generous takeaway bowls. And when you’re ordering, don’t skip the yellow sauce and mustard dip: the tangy, creamy accompaniments and perfectly fried chicken will set the standard for anything gluten-free you eat moving forward.
H Mart Mesa
Step into H Mart Mesa and you’re greeted by the sizzle of Korean chicken wings alongside the sweet aroma of Asian-style baked goods—a prime example of the vibrant mashup of grocery shopping and food court dining at this spacious destination with a handful of tables scattered throughout. The wings, crispy and glazed with gochujang, are basically like eating Korean street food in the middle of a supermarket.
Creativity aside, the staff here have the basics on lock, especially when it comes to the pre-prepared meals. Options like Japanese bento boxes or Vietnamese pho are piled into some of the most convenient takeout containers in town. If your appetite can take it, go for the diverse selection of noodles and fresh produce, which offers everything from Chinese dumplings to Korean kimchi.
It’s a hub of Asian culture where competitive prices and friendly service make exploring the aisles as delightful as indulging in a meal, whether you’re stocking up on household items or just grabbing a quick bite.