Cupbop - Korean BBQ in a Cup

- 690 S Mill Ave Building C, Suite 121, Tempe, AZ 85281

For Arizona residents, particularly those in the bustling **Tempe** area around **Arizona State University (ASU)**, the search for a fast, flavorful, and exciting meal often leads straight to **Cupbop - Korean BBQ in a Cup**. This unique establishment brings the vibrant, authentic flavors of Korean cuisine into a convenient, modern format, living up to its name—'Bop' (밥) meaning steamed rice in Korean—packaged perfectly in a cup.

Cupbop is not your traditional Korean restaurant; it's a revolutionary fast-casual concept that originated as a food truck and quickly gained national recognition, even securing a deal on the popular TV show "Shark Tank." The mission is simple: to end the boredom of routine food choices by offering exotically flavorful, yet affordable and lightning-fast Korean dishes. The core of their offering is the famous **Cupbop**—a layered bowl featuring steamed rice, a crisp cabbage mix, sweet potato noodles, a protein of your choice, and signature sauces.

The entire experience is designed to be fun, customizable, and high-energy. Customers appreciate the ability to tailor their meal, from selecting a protein like beef bulgogi or spicy pork to choosing a precise spice level on their scale from #1 (sweet) to #10 (heat). This approach ensures everyone, from first-time samplers of Korean food to seasoned aficionados, can find their perfect flavor profile. While the concept prioritizes speed and convenience, it maintains a focus on quality, providing a delicious and memorable food fix every time.

---

The Tempe location of Cupbop - Korean BBQ in a Cup boasts an exceptional address right in the heart of the city's most dynamic district, making it highly accessible for the ASU community and downtown workers. You can find them at:

• **690 S Mill Ave Building C, Suite 121, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA**

Located on the busy **Mill Avenue**, the restaurant is within walking distance of many popular campus buildings and retail centers. This central location is ideal for students grabbing a quick lunch between classes or locals looking for an easy dinner.

The business operates with hours designed to accommodate lunch and dinner service for the busy Arizona populace:

• **Typical Hours of Operation:** Generally, the restaurant is open daily from approximately 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM, providing a long window for dining.

Given its fast-casual nature, the focus is on a quick, in-and-out experience, making it a reliable option for those who need a substantial meal without a long wait. Its proximity to other popular dining and nightlife spots ensures it is a great pre- or post-activity fuel-up.

---

Cupbop provides versatile service options tailored to modern convenience, whether you want to eat on the spot or take your meal home:

• **Dine-In:** Customers can enjoy their meal in the clean and welcoming atmosphere of the storefront.
• **Takeout and Pickup:** Given the 'in a cup' design, the food is inherently portable, making it an excellent choice for quick **pickup** orders.
• **Delivery:** The restaurant partners with popular food delivery services, allowing customers across the Tempe and wider Arizona area to get their favorite Korean bowls delivered right to their door.
• **Catering Services:** Cupbop offers catering options, including individual bowls, buffet style, and even a food truck option for large events, making it a unique choice for business lunches or student gatherings.
• **Online and App Ordering:** They utilize a mobile app and online platforms for quick and easy ordering, unlocking special deals and rewards for loyal customers.
• **Customization:** Nearly all meals are customizable, offering a choice of protein, and most importantly, a selection from a 1 to 10 spice level for their signature sauces.

---

Cupbop’s success is built upon several distinctive features that resonate with the Arizona community:

• **The 'Cup' Concept:** It’s famous for serving authentic, messy, and delicious Korean BBQ flavors in a conveniently portable cup format, making it the perfect street-food style meal on the go.
• **Customizable Spice Levels:** The signature sauces come on a unique spice scale, allowing for precise heat adjustment. The most popular choice is reportedly the #7.5, which is their Korean spicy, appealing to those who love a good kick.
• **Core Bowl Components:** Every **Cupbop** bowl is layered with a satisfying mix of **rice**, a fresh **cabbage mix**, savory **sweet potato noodles**, and a generous portion of the customer’s chosen **protein** (such as bulgogi or chicken).
• **Expanded Menu Offerings:** Beyond the classic Cupbop, the menu includes popular sides and treats such as **Mandoo** (Korean Chicken Pot Stickers), **K-Dawg** (Korean Style Corn Dogs), and traditional **Kimchi**. They also offer specialty drinks like **Milkis** (sweet and creamy Korean soft drinks) and **Yogo Vera** (Korean Aloe vera drinks).
• **Vegetarian and Gluten-Friendly Options:** The menu includes options like **Tofu** for protein and a dedicated **Salad Bop** (the original Korean Salad with noodles, roasted corn, protein, and Korean chips), along with **Gluten Free Noodles**, catering to various dietary needs.
• **Commitment to Service:** Many reviewers highlight the **friendly, informative, and welcoming atmosphere**, noting the staff's dedication to making customers feel recognized and well-cared for.
• **Value and Rewards:** The price point is generally considered **reasonably priced** for a satisfying and substantial meal. They also feature a loyalty program (Bop Rewards) that offers points for **free food**, **Birthday perks**, and other exclusive goodies.

---

For inquiries, placing orders, or checking the latest deals, you can reach Cupbop at the following:

• **Address:** 690 S Mill Ave Building C, Suite 121, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
• **Phone:** (480) 875-8807 or +1 480-875-8807

---

For any local or visitor to Tempe, the must-try item at Cupbop is simply the **Famous Korean Bowl**—the classic Cupbop. This layered composition of rice, cabbage mix, sweet potato noodles, protein, and sauce is the heart of the concept and provides the best experience of their unique, customizable flavors. When choosing your bowl, many customers highly recommend the **Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi)** or the **Spicy Pork** for a richly flavored, authentic taste. The **Rock Bop** (tangy fried chicken) is also a strong favorite among regular patrons.

The real secret to maximizing your Cupbop experience, as highlighted by loyal customers, is the sauce. Do not hesitate to ask for **extra sauce** in your cup, as one reviewer mentioned, enjoying their bowl "DROWNED in sauce" for maximum flavor. Experimenting with the spice level is also key. If you're cautious, start at a low number, but for a true Korean-style kick, try the highly popular **#7.5 spicy level** on your chosen protein.

To complement your Cupbop, consider adding the **Mandoo** (Korean Chicken Pot Stickers) or a **K-Dawg** (Korean Style Corn Dog) for a delightful, savory side. For those looking for a lighter or different experience, the **Salad Bop** is a great alternative that still features the core Korean flavors and components, minus the bulk of the rice.

Ultimately, what makes Cupbop worth choosing is its ability to deliver **authentic, yet accessible, Korean food** quickly and with fantastic customer service. Despite a few rare instances of quality issues mentioned in some reviews—particularly concerning less common items like the Chicken Katsu—the vast majority of feedback praises the consistently high quality of the classic bowls and the truly phenomenal, welcoming attitude of the staff. This dedication to a fun, fast, and friendly experience makes Cupbop a standout choice for Korean cuisine in the Arizona dining scene.

Cupbop - Korean BBQ in a Cup

690 S Mill Ave Building C, Suite 121, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA