Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar (Tempe)

For residents across Arizona, particularly those in the dynamic city of Tempe, the quest for a diverse and exciting Asian dining experience often leads to Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar (Tempe). This establishment offers a unique blend of Japanese Izakaya and Korean Pocha concepts, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere where friends and family can gather to enjoy a wide array of Asian fusion dishes. From expertly crafted sushi and deeply flavorful ramen to tempting grilled meats and small plates, Zu Izakaya aims to provide a comprehensive culinary journey.

More than just a restaurant, Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar strives to be a destination for those seeking a lively setting, good food, and attentive service. While opinions on specific dishes may vary, the overall consensus points to a place that prioritizes a fun and casual environment, making it a compelling choice for a night out in Tempe.

Conveniently situated in Tempe, Arizona, Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar is easily accessible for residents throughout the East Valley and beyond. You'll find this vibrant Asian kitchen at 2210 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ 85288, USA. Its location on North Scottsdale Road, a well-known thoroughfare, places it in a prominent area, making it simple to find whether you're coming from nearby Arizona State University, shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square, or driving in from other parts of the Phoenix metro area.

The restaurant's setting typically offers convenient parking, which is a valuable asset in a busy area like Tempe. Its accessibility ensures that whether you're commuting from Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, or other surrounding communities, your visit to Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar will be straightforward and stress-free. This ease of access contributes to its appeal as a central and convenient dining destination for Arizona locals.

Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar offers a wide array of services and culinary options, designed to provide a comprehensive Asian dining experience for its patrons:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in the restaurant's inviting and casual environment. Zu Izakaya aims to create a fun and comfortable setting, ideal for gathering with friends and family.
• Takeout & Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their Asian favorites from the comfort of their home or office, Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar offers robust takeout and delivery services. They are partnered with major food delivery platforms such as Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates, allowing for easy online ordering and convenient delivery to your doorstep or quick pickup.
• Sushi & Sashimi: A significant part of their menu features a wide selection of sushi rolls (including specialty rolls like Lollipop Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, Vegas Roll, and various Dragon Rolls), as well as Nigiri and Sashimi options.
• Ramen & Noodles: They offer various ramen bowls, including popular options like Spicy Ramen (often praised for staying hot in its metal bowl) and other noodle dishes like Tempura Udon and Yaki Udon.
• Izakaya-Style Small Plates & Appetizers: True to its "Izakaya" nature, the menu boasts a wide selection of appetizers and small dishes perfect for sharing. These include Egg Rolls, Gyoza, Jalapeno Poppers, Chicken Karraage, Soft Shell Crab, and various skewers (chicken, sausage, mushroom, asparagus, zucchini).
• Korean Grill & Signature Dishes: Incorporating the "Pocha" influence, they offer grilled items like Bulgogi Grill, Spicy Pork Grill, and Marinated Galbi Grill. Signature dishes include Korean Spicy Ramen, Tofu Kimchi, Kkanpungi, and Scallop Dynamite.
• Happy Hour: Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar is known for its happy hour specials, which are typically available daily during specific hours, offering deals on drinks and select appetizers.
• Full Bar: As an "Asian Kitchen Bar," they offer a selection of alcoholic beverages, including sake and other drinks, to complement your meal.

What makes Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar a notable spot for locals in Arizona, particularly in Tempe, are several key features and highlights that define its appeal:

• Diverse Asian Fusion Menu: The restaurant truly offers a broad spectrum of Asian cuisine, blending Japanese Izakaya concepts with Korean Pocha influences. This means you can find everything from sushi and ramen to grilled meats and a variety of small plates, catering to a wide range of tastes within a single establishment.
• Quality Sushi and Ramen (as per some reviews): Despite some mixed opinions, several customers are "extremely impressed with the quality of sushi, quick service, and ramen." Specific mentions include the "yummy" Lollipop Roll and spicy ramen that "stays hot the entire time" due to being served in a metal bowl.
• Lively and Casual Atmosphere: The restaurant aims to provide a "fun and casual environment for friends and family to gather," creating an inviting space for social dining. This "great vibe" is a consistent positive highlight for many patrons.
• Excellent Service: Regardless of food preferences, many reviews consistently commend the "excellent service." Staff are described as "attentive and friendly," which significantly enhances the overall dining experience and makes guests feel welcome.
• Extensive Appetizer and Small Plate Selection: The Izakaya concept shines through with a vast array of appetizers and skewers, making it ideal for sharing and sampling various flavors, much like Asian tapas.
• Happy Hour Availability: The presence of daily happy hour specials (often from 4 to 7 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.) on select appetizers and drinks makes it an attractive option for those looking for affordable bites and beverages in a social setting.
• Proximity to ASU and Shopping: Its location near Arizona State University and Scottsdale Fashion Square makes it a convenient and popular choice for students, shoppers, and local residents in Tempe.

Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar (Tempe) is known to offer various promotions, particularly their attractive happy hour. These deals are designed to provide value and encourage a lively dining atmosphere:

• Daily Happy Hour: This is a significant highlight. Zu Izakaya offers happy hour every day, typically from 4 PM to 7 PM and again from 9 PM to 11 PM. During these hours, patrons can enjoy discounted select menu items and drink specials. Past happy hour menus have featured affordable skewers (e.g., $2.50 each) and smaller appetizers (like chili garlic edamame for $3.95), along with deals on specific beers (like Sapporo) and sake.
• Delivery Platform Promotions: Keep an eye on popular food delivery apps such as Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates. Restaurants often run exclusive promotions through these platforms, including discounts on first orders, free delivery for minimum orders, or special bundle deals.
• Dine-In Specials: While not always explicitly advertised online, it's possible the restaurant may have in-house specials on certain days of the week or for specific events. Inquire with the staff when you visit.

For the most current and accurate information on active promotions, it is highly recommended to check Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar's official website, their listings on food delivery apps, or call them directly at (480) 625-4372. This ensures you can take full advantage of any available specials during your visit.

Ready to experience the diverse Asian flavors and lively atmosphere at Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar in Tempe? Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 2210 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ 85288, USA
Phone: (480) 625-4372

Feel free to call them for reservations (which they encourage online), to place a takeout order, or to inquire about their menu and current happy hour details. Their team is ready to assist you.

For residents of Arizona, particularly those in the bustling and diverse community of Tempe, Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing dining option. Its unique fusion of Japanese Izakaya and Korean Pocha concepts, combined with its strategic location and customer-focused services, makes it a compelling choice for various occasions.

Firstly, the restaurant's extensive and varied Asian fusion menu is a significant draw. Unlike restaurants that specialize in just one type of Asian cuisine, Zu Izakaya allows diners to explore a wide range of flavors, from classic sushi and comforting ramen to grilled meats and a plethora of small plates perfect for sharing. This versatility is ideal for groups with diverse tastes, ensuring everyone finds something they love, and encourages repeat visits to try new combinations.

Secondly, the establishment is celebrated for its lively and inviting atmosphere and consistently praised for its excellent service. While food quality can be subjective and vary by dish, the commitment to creating a "fun and casual environment" where staff are "attentive and friendly" makes a substantial difference to the overall dining experience. Locals appreciate a place where they feel welcomed and can enjoy a social outing, whether it's a casual dinner or a celebratory gathering.

Moreover, the highly attractive daily happy hour provides exceptional value, making a diverse range of appetizers and drinks affordable for early diners or those seeking a late-night bite. This accessibility in pricing for quality Asian fare is a significant advantage in the competitive Tempe dining scene.

Finally, its prime location on North Scottsdale Road, with good accessibility and ample parking, further enhances its convenience for Arizona locals. Whether you're coming from work, school, or home, Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar is an easy and appealing destination. It’s a place that offers more than just a meal; it provides a comprehensive and enjoyable Asian culinary experience, solidifying its suitability as a go-to spot for Tempe residents.

Zu Izakaya Asian Kitchen Bar (Tempe)

2210 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ 85288, USA