Korea House
4030 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ, 85712
Korea House Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Tucson for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
4030 E Speedway Blvd
Tucson, AZ, 85712 - Phone (520) 325-4377
- Website https://www.koreahouserestaurant.net/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
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Juan P.
Very cosy and good food.. Brings me memories from OSAN. Family oriented restaurant with a good menu. Kimchi is fresh and spicy. Excellent place to come on Thursday or Friday's
(5)Shannon L.
The staff is very friendly and I have always had great service. The food is wonderful; every item I have tried always tastes amazing.
(5)Christian C.
This place was super rude. My friend called to ask if the had all you can eat and the receptionist hung up on him. Like really, you can't give us an answer. This place needs to learn how to appropriately say no to someone.
(1)Philip K.
This is a staple of mine when it comes to entertaining people and showing them a new type of cuisine. Though the service is somewhat choppy as there seems to be a regular turnover of staff in the front-of-house, the food quality maintains its own. The mandu dumplings are fantastic -- light and crispy and the dipping sauce is among the best I have ever had, on the West and East coasts. The bibim naengmyon buckwheat noodle is a nice blend of spicy and sweet, and the the delivery is a nice tidy package of flavors. The cha chang myun is a black bean noodle dish which sounds a bit odd from the description. However, you should definitely give it a whirl as the rich, sweet, salty brown sauce, couple with the pork flavors and root veggies, are superb. KH doesn't skimp on the side dishes, and be sure to strap on your experimental hat and try everything. This is part of the overall dining experience that you won't get at your regular go-to dinner establishments. I think a chief reason why this restaurant fails to deliver a packed house regularly is its interior décor. It actually feels like you are walking into someone's living room, as the front portion of the restaurant seems to be a repository for old furniture, broken items, and Korean newspapers tossed around.
(4)Christine W.
I like it here. People complain about the decor but I think it is fine, it's nothing super fancy but who cares if the food is good. The food is as close as you'll get to authentic which it pretty much is and it's great. The kimchi soup is very good. The prices are reasonable as well. I likey ;)
(4)Kirstin N.
I am relatively new to Korean cuisine but I've found a new favorite in Korea House. Everyone to whom I've introduced it has also really liked it, so I now go here for dinner about once a month with family or friends. I haven't explored the menu too much because I am in love with their bool gogi (Korean bbq beef), which is delicious. I recommend asking for it a little spicy, which brings out the flavor even more. I usually get the K2 combination plate, which comes with fried crab puffs and a seasoned noodle salad in addition to the bool gogi, all of which is delicious. Others have ordered the large portion of the bool gogi, which comes out sizzling on a cast iron plate (think fajitas), with many side dishes (including the famous kimchi) in small bowls. I prefer the bool gogi at Korea House to that at Kimchi Time, which I thought was too greasy/made from a poorer cut of beef. I like the atmosphere at Korea House. It is a little shabby inside and out, but I like the choice of booth, table, or floor seating. There is a large TV that is always playing Korean soap operas, and the staff is clearly mostly family members of the owner. The servers are quiet and don't speak perfect English, but I think all this adds to the charm. It makes me feel like I am a guest in their home. Sitting in a booth makes for a really cozy experience--good for when you want a little more privacy with friends or a date.
(5)Alex G.
This place really felt like a mom and pops, really good service and great tasting food. Found this place via Yelp myself. Place is small, but super extra authentic.
(4)Annie H.
I came here with a friend sometime last fall. This place is so dainty and adorable in terms of the decor and location but the service seems quite slow. I had to grab my own menu at one point and I asked my water to be refilled about three times before it actually happened, but besides that the food was amazing. The side dishes were given with the food, I would have liked to have them before the food. I ordered soon doboo, doboki (not on the menu but they will make it), and kalbi. The really spicy for the tofu is not quite spicy enough for me but the doboki had some kick. The kalbi did not come out per spare rib like I would like but it was very well seasoned and had the perfect texture and consistency for spare ribs. I did get the bingsoo after which was a mistake. I have had way better before so skip this one and get froyo or something. Other than that I would say this place is pretty delicious.
(4)Taylor M.
I have been coming here for 18 years since I was a young buck and have always loved it. The fried mandoo is probably my favorite thing on the menu. I have had all of their meats... Beef, chicken, and pork and beef bulgogi is my favorite. It's always cooked right and full of flavor. Their Kalbi is also very good. Tempura style shrimp is always great too. The fact that I have been coming here for so long does speak for the fact that this place is consistent. Sure it is a little outdated but they food is always good and the place is always clean with good service as well.
(4)Kimberly T.
Yuk-Hwaa and Yuk-Kae-Jang delicious and traditional. Place is a little ghetto and old but that's ok as long as their food is good. Can't go wrong the above orders.
(4)Brenda B.
The restaurant is old and outdated, with a very small parking lot which is hard to park in. The building is run down. Inside, I like that it has tables in the middle with little "rooms" where you can sit on the floor. It is expensive for what you get, ESP for a family of 5. We have this restaurant a few tries before we stopped going, just to make sure it wasn't a one time blah experience. The food was bland, and tasted nothing like traditional Korean food from Korea. None of our family felt it was a place we wanted to return and our children who love Korean food, left hungry and disappointed.
(2)Maynard G.
Since nearby Takematsu is temporarily shut down due to the fire the other day I tried it again. Sorry but I don't think this place is good. Jap chae not good; side dishes pathetic; kim chee bad.
(1)Cara S.
I really wasn't impressed with the food here. We ordered an appetizer that was described as bbq beef and rice wrapped in seaweed. What arrived looked like a sushi roll - I couldn't even tell there was beef in there. The soup that is served with the meal looked like dirty dishwater and had canned peas and carrots floating around. We got two meals, pork bool gogi, which was ok but the pork slices were so covered in flour and sauce that you couldn't taste the meat. The other dish was a seafood combination and it was unremarkable. I've been to Takamatsu and enjoyed my meal much more than at Korea House. I would not recommend it.
(2)Derek C.
Good stuff. Came with a Korean friend who was able to explain a lot of stuff. Get the pork boolgogi if you are having trouble deciding - even if you are not into pork normally because it does not taste like pork.
(5)Angela V.
It's not bad but I just can't bring myself to pay any price for mediocre Korean food, especially since I'm half and grew up eating AWESOME korean food at home and in Korea. In Tucson, I've resorted to just going to certain places to get things I crave. For example, Chajang Myun at Great Wall of China...that's ALL I get there btw. For Jap-chae I go to Takamatsu haha and that's ALL I get there too. Everything else I eat at at my mom's or make myself...lucky me hahaha.
(2)Richard R.
I've been going to Korea House since 2001 when I first moved here. Since I am actually of Korean heritage, have eaten Korean in SF, LA, NYC, NJ and Korea( my mom's the best over any of them though), I think I'm pretty qualified to review Korean food. First of all there have only been about 3 Korean restaurants in Tucson at any one time that I can think of--currently only 2 I believe. Korea House has friendly staff and a clean if very dated interior. The food is definitely not authentic, but does retain Korean flavors--similar to PF Chang's Americanized Chinese food and most American Chinese food in general.( I've also frequented Chinatowns in SF, LA, NYC). There's nothing bad about the food. It's pretty tasty and all of my non-Korean friends have enjoyed it. It would probably be 4 stars if I weren't Korean. I'm married with kids so I haven't been back there in a few years but I'd probably take my kids when they got old enough to behave well in a restaurant.
(3)Jennifer V.
For Tucson, they served really tasty Bulgogi. In the 3 months that I lived there, I ate here 6 times. Of course, it doesn't compare to Korean food in LA's K-town but being out in the desert, I was impressed. Even the bf's picky palate liked it.
(4)Andrea H.
The 'decor' (old National Geographic magazines and ghetto couches) is equivalent to my Grandma's basement, however, the food is not consistent with the hideous atmosphere. The food came out sizzling on a cast iron dish and tasted very delightful and savory. The traditional chilled sides were fresh and provided a refreshing contrast to the sizzling dishes. Although somewhat pricey (for Tucson), dinners come with soup and chilled side dishes. We left feeling stuffed and satisfied.
(4)Rena B.
First of all, the service was top notch!! I had the Chab Chae and my husband had the Kimbo II. I highly recommend the Chab Chae, it was cooked to perfection and very flavorful. My husband really enjoyed the Kimbo as well, the kimchi and mandoo were delicious. They also bring out several small dishes with sides. I also enjoyed the Ginsing Tea.
(5)Carrie B.
We wanted to try a new restaurant so we chose the Korea House. Next door to the "safehouse" coffee stop, it looks pretty small & unassuming. We were seated in a cute little private room with wallpaper that had Korean & Chinese writing. There were people coming in & out the whole time we were there on a early Friday afternoon-5ish. There was also a room that has a Japanese style seating on the floor with no shoes directly across from us which looked fun for a date night or small dinner party. I think the food was very much like Chinese. If you're scared to try something new, don't be. There were a lot of familiar tastes & textures. We got the Fried Squid, which was like calamari and came with a sweet soy-type sauce and some won-ton like appetizers. For our main courses we shared the Hot Stone Bowl with beef, Beef bool gogi & another beef dish. Everything was served with steamed white rice which was delicious and not to sticky or soggy (my husband was in love with the stuff), and a few side dishes of kim-chee, bean sprouts, cucumber slices that tasted like bread & butter pickles & some other pickly tasting potato slices. My favorite was the hot stone bowl. The dish had beef, rice that got a cruchy texture from the hot bowl, bitter greens like spinach maybe?, zucchini & an egg on top. I was instructed to add the hot sauce to it & stir it ,stir it, stir it. I did stir it up & added the hot sauce after which wasn't too spicy and had a deep smoky flavor to it. We obliterated everything we ordered. It was delicious. It left us full for the rest of the night, which Chinese food doesn't always. The protions were generous & the staff was helpful & friendly. Great for our family dinner night out. Go check it out, but don't forget to say: KHaMSaMNiDA!! which is Thank you in Korean ;)
(4)Tu-Lien N.
Korea House claims to be the "best and oldest Korean restaurant in Arizona." In the whole state of Arizona? That's quite the claim. I guess I'd say the same if I owned a restaurant too. I live in LA now, so I have very specific images of what Korean establishments usually look like. Walking into Korea House is kind of like walking into a Chinese restaurant. Not that it's bad or anything, just unexpected and kind of weird. My party of 4 was seated in a private "room", which is definitely very Korean. The food was good, but doesn't stand out as a place that you MUST go to. This may be because I am not the biggest fan of Korean food. I am never really impressed by it, but that's just me. I had the fried squid, which was satisfying (but not very spicy, considering I ordered it "hot"), and their pickled dishes were pretty good. The service was probably the best part of the experience. The young guy was attentive, chatted it up with us, was knowledgeable about all the dishes on the menu, and even gave us some of the yummy bibimbap sauce to take home and complimentary green tea ice cream. yum.
(3)Greg E.
I ordered the Bibimbap and it was pretty good. This isn't the greatest Korean food but it is far better than ok and is the best I've found in Tucson so far. Staff was super friendly and I liked the laid back atmosphere. Check it out :)
(3)Shuang H.
Pretty much the best bibimbap you can get in Tucson. It is obviously a family-owned business so the service sometimes gets slow but the food is pretty authentic Korean and the ambience is nice too.
(4)Caroline N.
My bf got the Combination Kimpo-5, and i got the Kimpo-1. Combinations include soup (ok, basically potato, carrots, peas, and tofu), cucumber (best thing here sadly), cabbage (okay), kimchi (what the hell did they do to this...AWFUL..tasted expired, in which I don't think kimchi expires), and choice of meat: chicken, beef, or pork. Beside the above, k-1 came with mandoon, which were triangular beef dumplings which were pretty good for dumplings. k-5 came with fried shrimp and cold noodles. My bf did not like the fried shrimp because it was mainly batter, but he liked the cold noodles. No props though because they are easy to make. As for the main course, we both got the beef bulgogi. This did not taste like korean beef bulgogi at all. Total fail. This tasted more like Vietnamese meat. I kept wanting fish sauce. A plus was at the end, they give you this very refreshing dessert that i have never had. It's some type of cooling, sweet drink with rice. I would not recommend this place. This did not seem like a very authentic Korean restaurant at all. Note: The waitress was very attentive, BUT we were the only customers there. Also, what was to be the last night in AZ with my bf, all throughout our dinner, they were playing the history of Western prostitutes. Not romantic. However, although interesting, not very appropriate.
(3)H P.
best jabche in tucson. very well seasoned with just the right amount of pepper. most of the other dishes are prepared well and taste good. the negatives are the service, which can sometimes bog down and become downright incompetent. the other is the temperature level inside the old brick building. very hot and uncomfortable in the summer, and ventilation is not good, either. the bulgoki is not prepared the proper traditional way. taste is good, a little too much on the sweet side. traditionally, it would be sliced thinly and marinated. korea house present bulgoki as pieces of round steak that has a decidedly tougher, denser texture than proper bulgoki should have. on the positive side, most of the dishes have a homey honest taste, even the complimentary appetizer soup, which is a simple soup of potatoes and other vegetables in a clear salt based broth.
(3)alafair n.
I love Korean food and was spoiled living in NYC. From K-town to Flushing, I ate Korean cuisine like it was crack. Here in Tucson, however, I'm finding it harder to get good Korean food. First, my sense of smell definitely puts me off of a restaurant pretty quickly -- I've walked out of countless places here because of smell and the reviews I've read about the fish/rancid grease stench at Takematsu do NOT endear me to the idea of the place. Second, and I know this is simply an aspect of Korean food, I'm in Tucson for medical reasons and the salt level in Korea House's food is a bit much for me to handle. However, their food is delicious. I've had their Jap Chae, Kimchi Chigae, fried Mandoo and Yook Gae Jang, all of which were wholly satisfying. Their Pa Jun was on the thick and doughy side -- more like fry bread -- but still had great flavor. All in all, if it weren't for the salt thing, I'd be there far more often. For now, I'm figuring out how to cook this stuff myself (thank goodness for Grantstone and the Korean market on Pima!)
(4)Patrick O.
This is really a 3 star place but I added one due to it's location where Mexican food run's the city. It's good, and for Tucson it's impressive that when we walked in, all Korean staff and clean interior. The Bulgogi is good and I recommend the beef extra spicy. Wash it down it either a cold Hite or OB. Also a plus is that they've been around 23 years, so you know they're doing SOMETHING right at least.
(4)Priscila B.
I like this restaurant, a lot. I have been there twice and i am not disappointed. Kimchi is just to die for and the Korean BBQ is a must.
(4)Kimberly C.
This is one of my favorite places for Korean food in both Tucson and Phoenix. You get a lot of food for the price, which is moderate. I've never been to this place when it's busy, and yes service can be generally slow. But it's a great little family place with yummy bulgolgi and mandoo.
(4)Aaron S.
really good authentic korean food, great atmosphere & service.
(5)Wanugee N.
Korea House has been around since 1984, so it has been either pretty good or perhaps had very little competition. I think it is the latter, as the tastes are so-so! Tucson can't compare to SoCal, the Bay Area, or the Pugent Sound for Korean food. This passes by with enough Korean influences to compensate for the sparse Korean restaurant choices in Tucson. It is a prety large place, with private rooms on the left and on the right are the lowered Korean or Family type tables like in a Japanese Tatami room, except it is hardwood floors. KBBQ popular favorites like Bool Gogi (I am using their spelling) and Kalbi are available, for $13.95 and $18.00 respectively for beef. They only offer 5 side-dishes, less than most West Coast restaurants. They also have another 20 common rice, soup, and noodle dishes, like Bibeem Bob ($8.95 or $11.50in hot stone bowl), Naeng Myon (cold buckwheat noodles $9.25, ) and Tofu Soup ($9.95). They offer 6 vegetarians dishes, too. Their lunch specials are all between $6.25 - $9.75 and are served with Rice and Kimchee.
(3)Jay K.
When I was growing up in southern Maine, I had a very good friend who was a first generation American (his parents and grandparents, with whom he lived, were Korean immigrants). Now, at that time, being any kind of nonwhite immigrant living in Maine was not exactly the best gig (my high school had something like 4 people of color) and this guy was not especially thrilled about being "The Korean" in Crackerville. I remember going to his house for the first time and seeing that his kitchen had two fridges. "What gives?" I asked. He strode over to the fridge on the left, threw open the door proudly, and unveiled a world of Velveeta, hamburger meat, and Coca-cola. "That's the good fridge," he responded. Then, he shut that fridge and raised a grizzled claw toward the other. (It should be noted that, at this point, he was acting as though the other refrigerator contained human remains.) "And that," he shuddered, "is the . . . Korean . . . fridge." Despite his reticence, I got him to explain further, and that was the glorious day I learned about kimchi, bulgogi, and hangwa. As my friend explained it, "real" Korean food was so pungent, so powerful, so earth-shatteringly fragrant, that it simply couldn't be allowed to mingle with the delicate likes of Velveeta, since its flavors will overload those of its American brethren. From then on, I knew that Korean food and I would get along quite well. Now, getting to the actual review. Let me say this about Korea house: the food is just fine, but the proprietor likely doesn't need a separate fridge for it. My biggest gripe is that the flavors don't pop and, instead, feel a bit Americanized and "greasified," if I could coin a term. As seems to be the case with so many world cuisine restaurants in Tucson, getting a meal that goes above the level of "white person spicy" presents a challenge. As previous reviewers have said, the flavors here are more than serviceable, but the food feels like a semi-watered-down, P.F. Chang's type of cuisine at times. The kimchi, for example, just doesn't have that fantastically aromatic "five day old gym socks left to mold on the floor of the locker room" smell that I adore. Also, the bulgogi, which is fresh, and well-prepared, fairly cries out to be drowned in Sriracha. I am always satiated by the food, but left wanting a bit in the "kick" department. Korea House has much to commend itself, though: 1. I love the semiprivate room experience. It is wonderful for anything from an intimate evening to a business lunch (even if the rest of the restaurant's decor is nothing to write home about). 2. The staff is unfailingly friendly. Every time I have brought along dining companions who were not familiar with Korean cuisine, the waitresses have been incredibly patient, kind, and eager to explain the menu. 3. There is a robust, ever-rotating menu of specials. In my opinion, this is where the tastiest, most potentially "authentic" opportunities are. Often, the specials are difficult to prepare delicacies or seasonal specialties. I think it's a good sign that they are often announced by inconspicuous, hand-drawn signs on the wall that sometimes only contain Korean writing. 4. Portion sizes are ample, and there is plenty of fresh produce used in the dishes. More Americanized Asian food tends to be heavy on the meat and scant on the veggies; not so here. There's lots of green in this food! 5. It's pretty much the only game in town, so the fact that the food is tasty and reasonably priced goes a long way. At the end of the day, when I get a hankering for fermented Asian cuisine, I generally go back to Korea House. They may not need a Korean fridge to segregate their food, but what they serve is good, just the same.
(3)Daniel W.
Excellent AUTHENTIC Korean food. I had beef bulgogi. My friend had beef kalbi. Both were tender and delicious. Very prompt service and very nice wait staff. The decor could stand to be updated. The food makes up for it.
(4)Christine Y.
This place has exceeded my expectations for good Asian food in Tucson. It is true that they building is lacking in decor and is a little run down. But who cares. The food was excellent. It is comparable to restaurants in K-town LA or NYC. They carry all the standard dishes and if what you are looking for isn't on the menu, they'll make it. I give this place 5 stars because you aren't going to find anything better in the state of Arizona.
(5)Bear R.
Very americanized which is a bad look. But when LA is 8 hours away, this does the trick I figure.
(3)Andy H.
This was the first time I ate Korean food, so all I can say was that it is the best Korean food I have ever had in my entire life. : D It was really good, though, go. Someone else got fried squid. It was ridiculously good. I'll get that next time.
(4)Arissa C.
I've had my share of Korean delicacies in SF where the tofu soup and rich seafood soup complete with whole fish simmering in the broth make for an inviting feast amidst the cold foggy nights. The change of desert heat in Tucson creates a craving for a wonderful BBQ type alternative-- and Korean House was this treat. Four students with a decent appetite and a budget befitting their tiny pockets-- the house menu was a welcome sign able to oblige. Greeted by the friendly son of the owner, we were seated in one of the cozy booth tables. The thin bamboo partition was decorated with Korean calligraphy (please take note not to laugh or talk out loud so as not be the center of attention oh well you get the idea...) with the kitschy silk rose flowers that reminded me of home. The house was decorated like most Asian restaurant with seasonal pictures and temple carvings. From the piles of National Geographic and magazines on one table- there could be long lines on weekends and evenings. Combination plates were the main attraction for lunch which all came with a side dish of bean sprout salad, cucumber salad and Kimchi (the ubiquitous Korean condiment made of preserved cabbage spiced with hot peppers and fermented). Another delectable side dish that came with the combination plate was the Chapchae- a saucy glass noodles stir fried with meat and vegetables. From the hmmm and yumm and in between compliments of "this is so good." I think that basically sums it all. The variant selection aside from chicken and pork was the house beef bulgogi. Marinated in their own BBQ sauce, the meat was very tender and grilled without too much charring as not to have a strong smokey flavor. My combination platter came with the Mundoo puff pastry- the equivalent of a pot-sticker/gyoza - a light flaky fried dough filled with finely chopped meat and vegetables. Delicious with a sweet and tangy dipping sesame soy sauce. The Korean House Bibeem Bob (var. sp. Bibimbap) came in a sizzling hot stone bowl. In it were julienned vegetables like carrots and zucchini with bean sprouts and thinly sliced beef. Seasoned with Gochujang the taste had an added richer and spicier flavor to the savory taste. The crowning end to this well deserved lunch was the dessert- Patbingsoo (the Korean version of a halo halo for all you fans out there). Shaved Ice topped with fresh fruits like strawberries and melon and cherries with crispy flakes for added texture and rice cake bits. Soy and condensed milk were added with just the right sweetness then topped with sweet beans and gelatinous jelly bits and ice cream! I have to say this is probably one of the best desserts I have had in a long time... we shared this between four people, but truly I could have finished one by myself...A perfect ending to the hot humid weather waiting outside... PS. Lunch can be a meager 12 bux but the company of new found friends-- PRICELESS ;-)
(4)Matt T.
As a first time visit I was not impressed, I am a huge fan of Korean food usually. I had seen the restaurant so many times driving down speedway and decided to give it a shot. There was only one other couple in there when we arrived which was kind of scary since it was dinner time. Our server who seemed like an owner or family of some sort was very nice the whole time. Drinks were always full and trash was removed from the table regularly. Our food on the other hand was just acceptable, there was a lack of flavor with both of our dishes. I'm glad there was a sauce that she brought to the table because otherwise it would have just been chicken and rice which I could have done at home for a lot less. Over all it was just a fine experience, not bad but not good. I hope this helps.
(2)Alan K.
As I walk in the door on the day after Christmas, this place was completely empty. I tried to order a lunch special, but the waitress said they were not offering it because it was a "holiday" even though it technically wasn't (the day AFTER Christmas) This place was somewhat run down: dirty carpet, dirty booth, dirty restroom, etc. I was somewhat concerned about the cleanliness of their food. I ordered beef tofu soup. It was so so. The only thing I liked was their side dishes although they looked a little stale. After my meal, I tried to pull out the parking lot, but the lot is full of potholes that would potentially damage your car, especially the alley way.
(2)Marina M.
I really enjoyed my dinner here. I didn't know what to think at first when I saw the decor. I still can't decide if I like it or not. It feels like "tea party" decor mixed with your basic Asian restaurant decor. I did really enjoy seeing the areas where you can eat on the floor like you see in movies. The food was great. We had some wontons to start which were a bit bigger than the ones I'm used to. They were delicious! The boyfriend had the beef bulgogi and we both really enjoyed it. The sauce was perfect. I've had beef bulgogi once before and the sauce was waaay to sweet. The meat came on a sizzling cast iron plate that reminded me of the way fajitas are served in Texas. I had a seafood noodle soup and for the life of me I cannot remember the name. The soup came with a big piece of fried battered fish on top and the soup had shrimp and other seafood creatures (???) I couldn't quite identify. They were delicious though! The broth was beautiful, a deep dark red and it tasted as good as it looked. The service was pretty off, as some reviews point out. We did not get water til after we finished our appetizers and no refills after that. Not the biggest deal but I can see how that might irk some. What sealed the deal for me was that the TV in the room, though it feels slightly out of place, was playing a korean soap opera. These are often referred to as "K-dramas" and are so much fun to watch. I'm not a soap opera person (the American nor Mexican versions never appealed to me) but I love me some K-drama, with my favorite being My Lovely Samsoon. You can stream many of them, including Samsoon, on Hulu. Much better than watching NFL or whatever sports bars play on the tv these days. I'll be back I'm sure!
(4)Maximiliano L.
Korea House has excellent food and service every time. From the outside, it appears to be an older building and the inside isn't much different. However, the food is very good and authentic. The service is excellent and the servers can always recommend a great dish. Try the Chicken bolgogi, my favorite entree.
(4)Michael F.
Good food, decent service, mediocre location, decent experience over all...heres why: 1) This place is drab, the parking lot looks post apocalyptic and a SUV is required to exit comfortably. TIP: Use the bigger lot on the heading away from alvernon side to prevent rim and tire damage driving through "pitfall alley" 2) Walking into the restaurant definitely provides the true left tucson entered Gunsan South Korea feel. Having actually been to South Korea for a year take it from me the interior is very similar. 3) The service was not bad, fairly friendly, and far more prompt then I expected based on the other reviews I read before going. 4) Food was between decent and good having had real kimchi, bulgogi, kalbi, kagogi, bibimbap, and other authentic Korean dishes straight from the source I have to be measured in my expectations. The cooking style and presentation were there. The flavor, spice, and seasoning was not. The opening volley of soup was blah it made a pre sushi miso seem hearty Although I requested extra spicy bulgogi I got extra medium, the mondoo was the best I have had post korea, and their seasoned soy in the metal jar is great just as I remember it. Our table had 4 people and we were brought 1 mini saucer of kimchi and 1 mini saucer of pickled cucumber. When I inquired if we got any more the server said "thats the lunch portion" What's sad is if I had come by myself I would have received that same portion cheaping out on something as cheap and easy to make as Kimchi and pickled cucumber. I mean I realize a lunch menu has less profit then a dinner menu on average but to bring that little kimchi to a party of 4 is kind of insulting. Overall I enjoyed this place and will come back if a itch to reminisce over the great korean I have had strikes me but its locale, decor, service, and food are just not enough to make it a favorite or me a regular.
(3)Nali M.
if it weren't for the food, i would have only given one star. i came here with high expectations. a co-worker of mine recommended this place because he knew i was home sick for asian foods in hawaii. we walked through the door and it was a pretty quiet tuesday evening. the nice man seated us in a room that had korean scrolls as wall paper and it was comfortable. they took forever to bring us a menu. when they finally did, the lady took our drink order. i ordered a coke. she confimed, "coke?" i said, "yes, a coke." she brought me iced tea. i was a little confused because of the color of the 'coke' that i ordered. i asked what it was. she said "iced tea" and i said, "no..... i ordered a coke". and she argued with me that i ordered iced tea. after she took the iced tea away, she wasn't very pleasant. she didn't even bring me the coke that i wanted! or water. hello? i'm thirsty. she just really wasn't pleasant after that. pretty rude the entire meal. my husband ordered the combo 1 with beef and i got the same as him except chicken. it came with soup, pickled cucumber, pickled cabbage and kim chee. when the food came out, there seemed to be a lot for the price. i was happy about that. the combo came with chicken/beef and fried mandoo. overall, the food was alright. i've definitely had way better korean food. because of the service, i don't think i will go back. sorry, korea house.
(2)Ericka H.
We used to go to Korea House at least once a month and sometimes up to 3 times! The staff was not too friendly or attentive the first time we went, but after a couple of times they warmed up and even got pretty close with my daughter. Although we moved away, they still remember us and our daughter's name, which is nice. The food is good, but if you like things spicy be sure to order hot + or super + because it can be pretty mild. The atmosphere here is lacking a bit and old along with the surrounding location, but overall I think that the food and service (once you are a regular) makes up for it. I will continue going whenever I am in the area.
(4)Anna B.
Came for bulgogi but the combination plates caught my eye. Tried the Kimpo I. The food is awesome! Cleared my plate! Well worth the visit. Reasonably priced. Great service! Can't ask for more! My new fave Korean restaurant in Tucson!
(5)Brad G.
Welcome to Speedway Blvd., apparently once called "the ugliest street in America" by Tucson's 1970s mayor. This stretch in particular -- clearly a relic of those 1970s -- shows us why. Oddly, though, I love it... completely unpretentious. Just don't get freaked out because there's a bowling alley and window repair shop across the street. I love the food here. If you're searching for the best Korean in Tucson, I think this might be a winner. I've eaten Korean cuisine for years, but this is the first place I actually felt confident enough to branch out and try things other than Bul-go-ki. I haven't been disappointed by anything here. I get the feeling they really know what they're doing here, and that's not just because Korean soap operas and karaoke contests usually are playing on their TV. This contributes to the nice atmosphere, which is warm and sortof wood-panely in a good 1970s way. Service is very friendly. My only minor complaints are the food prep can be slow when it's busy, and I wish the pork bul-go-ki was a little spicier.
(5)Kim H.
The looks of the building may make a passerby wonder if this restaurant is still in business. Yes, it is. Parking is hard at night as there is a bar next door. Service is good here and the decor is a little bit outdated. Thoughts of the building's look melted away once I tried their food. It's amazing and so good! I gain a pound after I eat here. The dinner combos are huge and I usually can't finish it. I would usually order the Pork Bulgogi, which is cooked with some sort of spicy paste. Five side dishes are included: kimchee, kakdooki, cucumber, potatoes, and rice. Most of the meats come out in a sizzling, hot iron skillet. The atmosphere is nice and quiet and there is a little bit of a wait for the food. But it's worth it because they cook it with LOVE. Our waitress is sweet and sometimes gives us a rice wine for free. The rice wine helps with digesting all that food! This is the only place we come for Korean food and we always ask for kakdooki. They recently put in new tiles in the bathroom-which is a nice change. Before, it was vinyl tile that was old and cracked, reminding me of jigsaw puzzle pieces.
(4)Stephan H.
Korea house has good authentic food that is reasonably priced. The place is a bit of a dump however, but like other good 'hole in the wall' restaurants don't let the decor fool you, the food is really quite good. I would go back for a bite to eat, however I don't think this is the kind of place to take a first date.
(3)Joshua B.
I fell in love with this place after visisting Korea a few years ago. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is very comfortable. Have an open mind and check them out. (I got some for lunch one day and took it to the office. The next week I went back to place 10 lunch orders!) If you eat meat and don't know what to order, start with the Bip Bam Bap. You won't regret it!
(4)Zip Z.
Being of Korean decent,I couldn't get past the abismal surroundings. The carpet appeared to be ripe for sowing cactus seed, and with just a little more spilled on it, could help it to germinate in no time. The booth had holes all over the paper walls and the dinginess of it all would have entertained my mother's willingness to eat there, for about the time it takes you to blink. I would never dream of recomending this as a representative of Korean fare or presentation. I can make the dishes at home and not have to worry about what the kitchen may look like.
(1)Danielle B.
This place puts Korean food to shame. The flavor is alright, but most of their food isn't fresh. I tried their bulgogi here and it was microwaved and served....unbelievable. Go to Takamatsu.
(1)Uri P.
Best bulgogi, sweet potato noodles, bimbimbap, and Korean soup in town. Try the Kimpo combinations for a bit of variety.
(4)Joseph L.
Below average..had lunch beebemba ..it was a joke...it was so bad my co-worker walked by saw what I had in the styrofoam box then made a comment, it was so embarrassing thus I replied "it was not that bad" just to defending my choice of lunch...
(2)Clark M.
This place is a really interesting experience, in all the right ways. The facade is a bit chintzy and drab. The decor inside is a tad outdated and slipshod. There is a yellow sepia tint to the general interior, but the food more than makes up for it. The beef bulgogi is awesome!!! All orders come with a variety of pickled vegetables in little individual dishes, like kimchi, cucumbers, and bean sprouts. The OB beer is ice cold and washes all the savory flavors down well. The prices are relatively fair. The Korean fare here is exceptional. Definitely worth patronizing!
(4)Edward R.
Great Korea food. I wish they weren't so far away from Corona de Tucon, but then everything is far away from us. We have been there many times, taking out our food to eat at home each time. Their decor is definitely dingy and out dated, but their food is always awesome and that's what I care about when I'm eating.
(4)MJ I.
In a nut-shell, this place won't win any awards for decor or ambiance. The food, on the other hand, is pretty good and that is a lot coming from me, as I'm highly critical when it comes to feeling good about spending hard earned money on bad service or bad product. My wife and I came for dinner. We were promptly seated and drinks were ordered. Rather than fountain soda, it's served in a can with a glass of ice, which seemed a little odd to me, but not a deal breaker. The complimentary soup wasn't the best, as it was bland and lacked any real substance. The appetizer was where things picked up. We ordered the Kim Bap, which was enjoyable and soon after finishing it, our entrees (beef bbq, pork bulgogi and tofu soup with seafood) arrived. Both the bulgogi and soup were spicy in a delightful way and the bbq was tangy and enjoyable as well. The portions were of a good size and all of the side dishes were tasty too, however they only gave us 5 and other places in town gave you more variety. Still, it wasn't a deal breaker. Servers gave us our space, but checked to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. I'm not going to dream about this place, as I've had better Korean food outside of Tucson, however compared to the rest of the places in town, I'll say that in an imperfect city, this place is worth checking out once or twice. I'll be back.
(4)Kay J.
I have been to all 3 (Kimchi time and seoul kitchen), and this really is the best tasting and best portions of all of them. The side dishes were also the freshest. A lot of people are griping about the decor. I think that's a stupid thing to be hung up on especially when there are only 3 "authentic" Korean restaurants in Tucson. The people who own KH are just very old fashioned. The nice thing is that it's also right next to the coffee house, so once you're done eating, you can talk with someone until the early morning hours.
(5)RaeRae C.
I dine here quite often. Being from Taiwan where food from any country is readily available it's nice to find a nice Korean restaurant that is like the one I lived close to back then. The food is pretty authentic and the price fair. The first time I was here, the staff wasn't all that friendly, but after a few trips to and fro my table, they quickly warmed up. But being nice begets nicety, so now they're very friendly( mostly because I think they recognise me pretty well by now). Although the decoration always left me feeling something to desire, if you can look past that, you'll like it here.
(4)Joseph F.
This place is nothing to look at, inside or out , but the food is good. I was torn between the beef or the pork, but I chose the pork bulgogi upon the waitresses recommendation. The pork came out hot and sizzling on the cast-iron serving plate. The contrast between the sweetness of the pork and the heat of the spices and chili were on point.It was fenommmm. The pork was tender and the onions were caramelized poyfectly. The kimchi, bean sprouts, and raddish sides were good ( I've had tastier kimchi before). Don't know what she brought out for the nonalcoholic "digestif" but it was refreshing. I asked the waitress what it was, but I couldn't, for the life of me, understand a single syllable. But from what I tasted it was water, probably simple syrup, rice and pine nuts.
(4)Simon K.
Ordered some take out Pork Bulgogi after my daughter brought home some leftovers from lunch there. HOLY COW! Absolutely delicious. We will definitely be eating here over and over. I can't believe we have lived in Tucson for over seven years and just now tried Korea House.
(5)John M.
The funky atmosphere and homey service make you feel simultaneously right at home and in Seoul. Kimchee from pickle heaven and fabulous bulgogi. My fave is the Bibeem Bap. Try it and the Mandoo
(4)Rakhee P.
There are 6 items for vegetarians at this place. I ordered Kimchi Soup - Vegetarian. It was average. The soup didn't have much flavor. The side dishes were very yummy! .
(3)Kellee C.
I have been several times for dinner. Always good service and great food. I love the authentic atmosphere and will continue going back.
(4)