Hodori

- 1116 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202

Hodori is a highly respected, long-standing Korean restaurant located in Mesa, Arizona, that has cemented its reputation among locals for serving authentic and flavorful traditional Korean cuisine. Known simply as "Hodori," the establishment operates as a full-service Restaurant specializing in a wide array of Korean dishes, from sizzling tabletop BBQ and hearty stews to flavorful noodle and rice dishes. It is frequently cited by the Arizona community as one of the most legitimate and traditional Korean dining experiences in the East Valley.

The restaurant offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, described as both Casual and Cozy, making it a perfect spot for various demographics, including College Students, Families, Groups, and Tourists. Importantly for the local community, Hodori is also noted as being both LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, ensuring a comfortable and respectful dining experience for everyone. This dedication to quality food and a positive environment is a key reason for its enduring popularity in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

A critical part of the Hodori experience is the generous offering of complimentary side dishes, known as Banchan. These flavorful small plates, which typically include Kimchi, sweet potatoes, fish cake, and pickled cucumbers, are a beloved tradition that adds depth and variety to every meal and is a highlight often mentioned by satisfied patrons. Hodori’s menu is robust, ensuring that whether a diner is craving the savory heat of a Kimchi Chigae or the rich broth of a Sul Lung Tang, they will find an authentic and satisfying option.

Hodori is conveniently located at 1116 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202, USA. This location places it in a highly accessible area of the East Valley, making it easy to reach from various parts of Mesa and neighboring cities. A significant local landmark is its close proximity to Mesa Community College (MCC), situated directly across the street from the Southern and Dobson campus. This makes Hodori a popular spot for students, faculty, and anyone working or living in the vicinity who appreciates high-quality, authentic food at reasonable prices, especially during the weekday lunch hours.

Accessibility is a key priority for Hodori, ensuring that all Arizona residents can enjoy their dining experience without hindrance. The restaurant proudly offers comprehensive accommodations for patrons requiring mobility assistance:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Free parking is available)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

In addition to the free parking lot, the location also benefits from free street parking, providing multiple hassle-free options for visitors arriving by car. These amenities further demonstrate Hodori's commitment to being a truly community-focused establishment.

Hodori offers a versatile set of services tailored to meet the needs of their busy Arizona customer base, from those seeking a quick meal to those planning a relaxed evening out.

• Dine-in: Customers can enjoy the full experience, complete with table service, in the casual and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant also accepts reservations, which is particularly useful for large groups or busy dining times, especially during the popular lunch rush.
• Takeout: Convenient pickup service is available for those who prefer to enjoy their Korean feast at home or at the office.
• Delivery: Hodori partners with various delivery services, ensuring that their delicious Korean comfort food can be enjoyed without leaving home.
• Dining Flexibility: The restaurant serves a comprehensive menu across Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert times, ensuring traditional favorites are available throughout the day.
• Alcohol Service: A range of alcoholic beverages is offered, including Beer, Wine, and Hard Liquor, perfect for pairing with their flavorful dishes, alongside Happy Hour Food specials.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Hodori caters well to families, providing a dedicated Kids' menu and High Chairs for younger diners.
• Connectivity and Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and clean Restrooms are available for the convenience of all guests.
• Payment Methods: Customers can pay using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

Hodori’s menu is a comprehensive tour of traditional Korean cooking, with several sections and specific dishes that stand out as must-try experiences for any Arizona food enthusiast.

• Exceptional Soon Tofu Soup Menu: A customer favorite, their soft tofu soup is noted for its "Pure comfort food" status and "Balanced taste," with options like:
  • Hodori Special Soon Tofu Soup ($19.25): The house signature.
  • Seafood Soon Tofu Soup ($19.25): A rich, flavorful option.
  • Vegetarian Soon Tofu Soup ($19.25): An option available for plant-based diets, with a choice of mushroom, kimchi, or seaweed flavors.
• Signature Korean BBQ: While not a self-grill spot, their BBQ entrées are famous, featuring marinated meats served either sizzling or for stew-style preparation:
  • Chok Kalbi (Beef Short Ribs) ($36.25): Highly recommended and a customer favorite.
  • Bulgogi (Beef Ribeye) ($32.25) & Traditional Bulgogi ($21.95): Classic marinated beef, offered in both tabletop and hot-pot styles.
  • Daeji Bulgogi (Spicy Pork) ($29.50) & Kimchi Jae Yook ($23.95): Excellent choices for spicy pork lovers.
• Authentic Korean Comfort Dishes: They excel at traditional staples:
  • Kimchi Chigae (Kimchi Soup) ($19.25): A spicy, deeply flavorful stew.
  • Dol Pan Bibim Bap ($21.95): Mixed rice served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, perfect for creating a crispy rice crust.
  • Haemul Pajun ($17.95): The highly-praised Seafood Pancake with scallions.
• Lunch Special Value: The weekday Lunch Special Menu (Monday – Friday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, excluding holidays) offers a fantastic value for popular items like Daeji Bulgogi, Dwen Jang Chigae, and the Hodori Special Lunch Plate at attractive prices (e.g., $17.95–$20.45).
• Fast Service & Great Tea Selection: The restaurant is known for its efficiency, receiving praise for its "Fast service," especially important during busy lunch hours. They are also highlighted for having a "Great tea selection."

For Arizona diners planning a visit, seeking takeout, or needing to make a reservation, Hodori can be contacted using the following details:

Address: 1116 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202, USA

Phone: (480) 668-7979

Mobile Phone: +1 480-668-7979

For anyone in the Arizona region seeking an authentic and comprehensive Korean dining experience, Hodori in Mesa is a clear must-visit destination. The restaurant's longevity and the fervent loyalty of its patrons, including those with a deep understanding of Korean cuisine, underscore its claim to authenticity. One of the strongest reasons to choose Hodori is the exceptional quality and traditional presentation of the food, especially the complimentary sides, or Banchan, which are fresh, plentiful, and a true hallmark of genuine Korean dining. As customers note, the flavor is "on point" and the food is "pure comfort food."

Another major factor is the sheer breadth of the menu, which goes far beyond simple BBQ. From rich, nourishing soups like the Yook Gae Jang and various Soon Tofu options (including a noted Vegetarian Soon Tofu Soup) to hearty seafood dishes like Ahgu Chim and O Jing Uh Bokum, Hodori serves as a culinary gateway to the diverse flavors of Korea. The Casserole section, with large-format dishes like GOP Chang Jungol and Budae Jungol (Army Soup), offers excellent, shared dining experiences perfect for groups.

Furthermore, Hodori understands the local Arizona market, particularly its student population and those seeking a midday value. The weekday Lunch Special Menu provides an accessible and affordable entry point to some of their best dishes, ensuring that quality Korean food is available even on a tight schedule. Coupled with the extensive accessibility features—including wheelchair access throughout—and its reputation as a safe, family-friendly, and all-inclusive space, Hodori is not just a place to eat; it's a welcoming community staple that consistently delivers high-quality, authentic Korean comfort food.

Hodori

1116 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202, USA