Anybody who’s spent time in Glendale (or just passed through craving something bold) knows Korean food here isn’t just about barbecue. Flavors ignite from the first bite, with banchan spreading across tables for weeks—which is all to say this city’s dining scene sizzles year-round.
SEOUL BBQ & SUSHI
$$ | (602) 441-0900 | WEBSITE
You can actually book a table at Seoul BBQ & Sushi in Glendale for a family celebration, so all you’ll have to worry about is how many plates of marinated steak and spicy bulgogi you’re going to grill. They do excellent preparations of meats that you might’ve never cooked yourself before, like pork belly and beef bulgogi. Start with the all-you-can-eat option—it’s basically a Korean BBQ feast but with lots of seafood additions, so it’s a fun way to try a lot of the menu.
Ohya Sushi, Korean Kitchen & Bar
$$ | (602) 298-0110 | WEBSITE
Much like bulgogi and odun soup, Korean food in Glendale is beloved, especially when you’re looking for the best spot for a late-night meal. Thankfully, this restaurant gets it right. There are a ton of options, but the best dishes are the lunch bento boxes, bulgogi, and odun soup. And always go with the happy hour pricing—it won’t break the bank, but it’ll be perfectly affordable as any good Korean kitchen should be.
The location is in a welcoming atmosphere, so it’s a nice place to sit and admire the clean surroundings while you enjoy the large portion sizes. Don’t forget to rent a karaoke room for drinks.
Cupbop – Korean BBQ in a Cup
$ | (602) 860-2713 | WEBSITE
Glendale’s Korean food scene is vibrant and diverse, with options ranging from sit-down BBQ joints to casual spots. So if you’re looking for something quick, delicious, and perfect for on-the-go eating, most places nearby are either too formal, too slow, or too expensive. Enter: Cupbop – Korean BBQ in a Cup, a longtime neighborhood favorite we like to hit for a satisfying meal.
They’re just the spot for fresh, flavorful food in a cup, and have been serving up simple and delicious spicy pork, tofu, and mandoo for hungry locals. Also try the beef and chicken options, and make sure to enjoy the friendly, helpful staff and vibrant atmosphere, too.
Sushi Michi
$$ | (602) 237-5654 | WEBSITE
Everything is flawless at Sushi Michi in Phoenix: the atmosphere, the service, the sushi and Jjamppong, and even the parking—we’ve had to talk ourselves out of lingering in the modern, clean space on more than one occasion. The crowds that gather here are intimate and only for dining or celebrating, so there’s little to no noise, but the same amount of warmth.
And Sushi Michi is the ideal polished, post-work move, where you can eat some Crab and cream cheese roll and hang out in a very personal setting.
Two Hands Seoul fresh corn dogs
$ | (623) 463-5880 | WEBSITE
So much of Glendale is chain restaurants and strip malls—not Two Hands Seoul, with its bright neon signs, bustling counter service, and general street-food vibe. It’s a spot that’s not a gimmick, and a perfect place to swing by after shopping or when you need a quick, satisfying bite. You can’t come here without getting a crispy American Beef Corndog and a refreshing Frozen Lemonade Slush, and the Smoking hot French fries with Kimchi season, spicy potato dog, and well-cooked Elote are also good.
Myungrang Hotdog & Boba Drinks!
$ | (623) 213-7475 | WEBSITE
The smartest food to eat while exploring Westgate is something you can eat with one hand and no utensils while walking around. You’ll find exactly that at Myungrang Hotdog, a Korean corn dog spot near the entertainment district that serves really good, reasonably priced gourmet corn dogs. Go with the $12 3 Dog Combo, which gets you those larger-than-expected corn dogs coated in ramen flakes, along with different sauces to enhance the experience.
The half cheese and half hot dog options are delicious, yes, but are you really going to want to juggle multiple plates while checking out the shops? While you’re there, consider grabbing a boba drink to wash it all down, so you can enjoy your tasty Korean hot dogs in that comfy, welcoming atmosphere.
Paradise Hawaiian Barbeque
$ | (602) 254-7174 | WEBSITE
Paradise Hawaiian Barbeque is a welcoming, wholesome spot where you might see families with kids, large groups celebrating, or just someone decompressing with a POG after a long day. We like it for times when we’ve spent the afternoon running errands with our nieces, and they’re begging their uncle for food right away. The combo plates always come out promptly with generous portions, and basically anything that could be improved with that sweet teriyaki glaze is worth ordering here.
They also do a nice macaroni salad and have those free churros that make everyone smile.
Manna BBQ
$$ | (623) 878-5007 | WEBSITE
Most of the Korean BBQ spots in Glendale are either too expensive or too basic. The exception is Manna BBQ, a place where you’ll find a lively all-you-can-eat experience with popular items like beef brisket, beef tongue, and beef belly that you grill yourself. Sure, your friend might be hosting a backyard cookout with similar meats during the weekend, but maybe you’re temporarily avoiding his place because last time, you accidentally charred his prized short ribs while reaching for another beer.
While that’s awkward for you (and we’ve all been there), you can get a similar thrill here, all served with generous sides like radish root, tofu, and kimchi. They have a modern interior with built-in exhaust grills, and you can always smell the sizzling meat and savory marinades when you walk in.