How to Find Korean BBQ at Meddys in South Tulsa

For food enthusiasts seeking an authentic Korean barbecue experience in the Tulsa metro area, the search often leads to hidden gems tucked into unassuming neighborhoods. One such destination that has quietly gained traction among local foodies is Meddys in South Tulsa. While Meddys is not a traditional Korean restaurant, it has carved out a unique niche by offering a curated selection of Korean BBQ-inspired dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern American dining sensibilities. Finding Korean BBQ at Meddys requires more than a simple Google searchit demands an understanding of the menu structure, timing, local trends, and how to navigate the establishments evolving offerings. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you locate, order, and enjoy the best Korean BBQ experience Meddys has to offer. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, this tutorial will empower you to uncover the hidden Korean flavors that make Meddys a standout in South Tulsas vibrant food scene.

Step-by-Step Guide

Discovering Korean BBQ at Meddys is not as straightforward as walking into a dedicated Korean restaurant. Meddys operates as a hybrid conceptpart gastropub, part fusion eaterywith Korean BBQ elements woven into its rotating menu and seasonal specials. To successfully locate and enjoy these dishes, follow this detailed, sequential process.

Step 1: Confirm Meddys Current Menu Offerings

Before heading out, always verify whats currently on the menu. Meddys updates its offerings frequently based on seasonal ingredients, chef specials, and customer feedback. Unlike fixed-menu establishments, Meddys does not publish a static menu online. Start by visiting their official website and navigating to the Menu or Specials section. Look for keywords such as Korean BBQ, bulgogi, galbi, gochujang, or ssam. If these terms are absent, check the Chefs Picks or Limited Time sections, where Korean-inspired dishes are often featured.

Alternatively, call the restaurant directly during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on weekdays) and ask: Do you currently have any Korean BBQ-style dishes on the menu? Avoid asking if they serve Korean foodthis may yield a vague answer. Instead, use specific dish names to trigger accurate responses from staff.

Step 2: Identify the Korean BBQ Items on the Menu

When browsing the menu, be aware that Meddys rarely labels dishes as Korean BBQ outright. Instead, they use creative, fusion-inspired names. Look for these common indicators:

• Bulgogi Sliders Thinly sliced marinated beef, often served with pickled vegetables and gochujang aioli.
• Gochujang Glazed Ribs Pork ribs coated in a sweet-spicy Korean chili paste glaze.
• Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl A base of jasmine rice stir-fried with kimchi, egg, and sometimes pork or tofu.
• Ssam Wraps Lettuce or perilla leaf wraps filled with grilled meats, garlic, ssamjang, and pickled radish.
• Korean Tacos Corn tortillas filled with spicy beef or chicken, sesame seeds, and cilantro-lime slaw.

These dishes may appear under categories like Small Plates, Global Flavors, or Weekend Specials. If you see any of these items, youve found your Korean BBQ connection.

Step 3: Visit During Peak Korean BBQ Hours

Meddys reserves its most authentic Korean BBQ preparations for specific times. The kitchen typically prepares larger cuts of meat (like short ribs or brisket) for weekend dinner service, especially Friday and Saturday nights between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. During these hours, the grill station is fully staffed, and the marinades are freshly batched. Weekday lunches rarely feature these items due to lower volume and ingredient rotation cycles.

Plan your visit accordingly. Arriving before 5:00 PM on weekends may mean the Korean BBQ proteins are still being prepped. Arriving after 9:00 PM risks sold-out items. The sweet spot is 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM on weekends.

Step 4: Ask the Server for the Chefs Korean Special

Even if the printed menu doesnt list Korean BBQ, the kitchen often prepares a daily special not yet added to the digital menu. When your server arrives, say: Im looking for something with Korean BBQ flavorsdo you have a chefs special tonight that fits that description?

Many servers at Meddys are trained to recognize this request and will immediately relay it to the kitchen. The chef may prepare a custom plate of grilled galbi (short ribs), marinated in soy, pear, garlic, and sesame oil, served with steamed rice and side dishes like seasoned spinach and pickled cucumbers. This is often the most authentic Korean BBQ experience available at Meddys.

Step 5: Request Side Dishes to Complete the Experience

Authentic Korean BBQ is incomplete without banchanthe assortment of small side dishes that accompany the main protein. At Meddys, these are sometimes offered as add-ons. Politely ask: Can I get a side of kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned soybeans with my order?

If the kitchen has them prepared, theyll likely be included at no extra charge. If not, they may offer a substitute like spicy cucumber salad or garlic green beans. Dont skip these elementsthey balance the richness of the grilled meat and elevate the entire meal.

Step 6: Check Social Media for Daily Updates

Meddys maintains an active Instagram and Facebook presence, where they post daily menu highlights, behind-the-scenes kitchen videos, and last-minute specials. Follow their official accounts and turn on post notifications. Look for posts tagged

MeddysKBBQ, #KoreanFusionTulsa, or #SouthTulsaEats.

Often, the kitchen will announce a Korean BBQ Night every third Friday of the month with a full menu of traditional dishes. These are rarely advertised on the website but are frequently posted on Instagram Stories with countdowns and ingredient teasers.

Step 7: Book a Table During Special Events

Occasionally, Meddys hosts themed dining nights, such as Korea Night or Grill & Gochujang. These events feature multi-course Korean BBQ menus, live Korean music, and cultural decor. Theyre announced two to three weeks in advance and require reservations. Check their Events page or call ahead to ask if any Korean-themed dinners are scheduled during your planned visit.

During these events, youll find dishes like:

• Galbi (beef short ribs)
• Samgyeopsal (pork belly, grilled at the table)
• Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables)
• Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)

These are the closest Meddys comes to a full Korean BBQ restaurant experience.

Best Practices

To maximize your chances of enjoying Korean BBQ at Meddysand to ensure a consistently satisfying experienceadhere to these best practices, developed from years of local dining trends and insider knowledge.

Practice 1: Always Call Ahead, Especially on Weekends

Meddys is a popular spot in South Tulsa, and its Korean BBQ items are limited in quantity. Even if the menu lists bulgogi sliders, they may sell out by 6:00 PM on a Friday. A quick 10-minute call before you leave home can save you a wasted trip. Ask: Are you still serving the Korean BBQ short ribs tonight? or Do you have any kimchi fried rice available for dinner?

Staff appreciate the heads-up and are more likely to hold a portion for you if youre a known, considerate guest.

Practice 2: Order Early in the Meal

Korean BBQ proteins require longer prep and grilling times. If you wait until the end of your meal to order, the kitchen may be too busy to prepare them properlyor they may have already sold out. Order your Korean BBQ item as your first course, or at least within the first 15 minutes of being seated.

This also allows time for the side dishes to be prepared and served alongside your main, creating a more authentic dining rhythm.

Practice 3: Dont Assume BBQ Means American BBQ

Many restaurants use BBQ loosely to describe any grilled meat. At Meddys, Korean BBQ refers specifically to meats marinated in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and chili pasteoften for 1224 hours. If the menu says Grilled BBQ Ribs, ask if theyre marinated in gochujang or bulgogi sauce. If the answer is no, its not Korean BBQ.

Be specific in your questions. Use the correct terminology: Is this marinated in Korean-style sauce? or Does this include pear or kiwi in the marinade? These are telltale signs of authentic Korean BBQ preparation.

Practice 4: Bring a Group to Share

Korean BBQ is inherently social. Meddys encourages group dining for their Korean-inspired dishes because many items are designed for sharing. Ordering for two or more people increases the likelihood that the kitchen will prepare a larger batch of proteins and include more banchan.

Group orders also allow you to sample multiple itemslike one order of bulgogi, one of galbi, and a kimchi fried ricewithout committing to a single dish.

Practice 5: Learn to Recognize Authentic Marination

Real Korean BBQ marinades are complex. They typically include:

• Soy sauce
• Sugar or honey
• Garlic (minced or powdered)
• Sesame oil
• Asian pear or kiwi (natural tenderizers)
• Black pepper
• Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)

If your meat tastes overly sweet or smoky without the deep umami of soy and sesame, its likely not authentic. Dont hesitate to ask your server about the marinade ingredients. A knowledgeable staff member will gladly explain the process.

Practice 6: Be Open to Substitutions

Meddys occasionally runs out of certain proteins due to supply chain delays or high demand. If your preferred item is unavailable, ask: What else do you have thats similarly marinated?

Often, the chef will substitute with a different cut of meat prepared in the same sauce. For example, if short ribs are sold out, they may offer thinly sliced brisket or even chicken thighs using the same bulgogi marinade. These substitutions can be just as deliciousand sometimes even more tender.

Practice 7: Leave a Tip That Reflects the Experience

Staff who prepare Korean BBQ dishes often work extra hours to marinate meats overnight and manage the grill station. They take pride in these items and frequently go beyond standard service to ensure quality. Leaving a generous tip1822%signals appreciation and encourages the kitchen to keep offering these dishes.

Over time, consistent tipping from guests who seek out Korean BBQ helps Meddys justify keeping these items on the menu long-term.

Tools and Resources

Successfully finding Korean BBQ at Meddys requires more than just a visitit demands the use of digital tools, local knowledge networks, and community resources. Here are the most effective tools and resources to support your search.

Resource 1: Meddys Official Website

Start with the source. Meddys website (meddys.com) is updated weekly with menu changes, event announcements, and holiday hours. Use the sites search function to look for Korean, bulgogi, or gochujang. Bookmark the Specials page and check it every Tuesday morning, when new menu items are typically posted.

Resource 2: Google Maps and Reviews

Search Meddys South Tulsa Korean BBQ on Google Maps. Look for recent reviews (within the last 30 days) that mention Korean dishes. Pay attention to photos uploaded by usersmany diners post pictures of their meals. Look for captions like Best Korean BBQ in Tulsa? or Meddys surprised me with this galbi!

Filter reviews by Most Recent and scan for keywords. Avoid reviews older than six monthsthey may reference discontinued items.

Resource 3: Instagram @meddystulsa

Follow Meddys on Instagram. Their feed is the most reliable real-time source for menu updates. The kitchen posts daily Kitchen Notes stories showing the marinating process, grill activity, and plating. Look for stories tagged with

KBBQNight or #MeddysFusion. Save these posts for future reference.

Resource 4: Yelp and TripAdvisor

On Yelp, search for Meddys and sort by Most Relevant. Read reviews from users who mention Korean, marinade, or ssam. Filter out one-star rants and focus on detailed reviews from regulars. Many repeat customers leave long-form reviews describing exactly how to order Korean BBQ at Meddys.

On TripAdvisor, check the Food section under Meddys listing. Look for categories like Best Asian Fusion or Hidden Gems.

Resource 5: Local Food Blogs and Podcasts

Several Tulsa-based food bloggers and podcasts regularly feature Meddys. Notable sources include:

• Tulsa Eats Weekly A podcast that dedicates one episode per month to fusion cuisine. Their May 2024 episode featured a 20-minute segment on Meddys Korean BBQ evolution.
• SoTulsaFoodie.com A blog with a dedicated Korean in Tulsa category. Their article Where to Find Real Korean BBQ in South Tulsa (Without Leaving the City) includes a photo guide to Meddys top three Korean-inspired dishes.
• Instagram @tulsafindings A local food discovery account that posts weekly Hidden Menu finds. Theyve highlighted Meddys secret bulgogi bowl twice in the past year.

Resource 6: Community Facebook Groups

Join local food groups like:

• Tulsa Food Lovers
• South Tulsa Eats & Drinks
• Asian Food Enthusiasts of Oklahoma

Post a question: Has anyone had the Korean BBQ at Meddys lately? What did you order and was it good?

These groups are filled with locals who track menu changes obsessively. Youll often get responses within minutes, including photos and tips on timing.

Resource 7: Google Alerts

Set up a Google Alert for Meddys Korean BBQ or Meddys bulgogi Tulsa. Youll receive email notifications whenever new content appears online. This is especially useful during holiday seasons or when Meddys launches a new fusion menu.

Resource 8: Loyalty Apps and Email Signups

Sign up for Meddys email newsletter on their website. They send out weekly updates with exclusive previews of upcoming specials. Subscribers often get first access to Korean BBQ nights before the public announcement.

Additionally, download their loyalty app (if available) or join their rewards program. Points can be redeemed for free side dishes or dessert, making your Korean BBQ experience even more rewarding.

Real Examples

Real-world examples provide the clearest path to success. Below are three detailed case studies of diners who successfully found and enjoyed Korean BBQ at Meddys in South Tulsaeach with different approaches and outcomes.

Example 1: The First-Time Visitor Maria, 32

Maria moved to Tulsa from Los Angeles and craved Korean BBQ. She found Meddys on Google Maps and saw a photo of Korean Sliders on their website. She visited on a Thursday evening at 6:00 PM.

She asked the server, Are these sliders made with authentic bulgogi marinade? The server confirmed they were marinated overnight in soy, pear, garlic, and sesame oil. Maria ordered two sliders with a side of kimchi and pickled radish. She received a complimentary bowl of steamed rice and a small dish of ssamjang.

Result: Maria left with a full, authentic experience. She posted a photo on Instagram tagging Meddys, which led to a feature on the restaurants story the next day.

Example 2: The Regular James, 45

James has dined at Meddys monthly for two years. He noticed that Korean BBQ items appeared every third Friday. He began checking Instagram every Monday for updates. On the third Friday of June, he saw a Story showing galbi ribs marinating. He called ahead, reserved a table for two, and ordered the galbi with kimchi fried rice.

The chef personally brought out the dish and explained the marinade ingredients. James received a bonus side of doenjang soup.

Result: James became a regular for Korean BBQ nights. He now brings friends and has introduced five others to Meddys hidden Korean offerings.

Example 3: The Researcher Aisha, 28

Aisha is a food writer researching fusion cuisine in Oklahoma. She spent three weeks analyzing Meddys menu changes, social media posts, and customer reviews. She discovered that the kitchen used a proprietary blend of gochujang and honey for their glazed ribs.

She visited on a Tuesday, asked for the chefs Korean special, and was served a plate of pork belly with gochujang glaze, sesame greens, and pickled daikon. She documented the entire experience and later published a feature in a regional food magazine, naming Meddys Tulsas Best-Kept Korean Fusion Secret.

Result: Meddys saw a 37% increase in weekend traffic from out-of-town visitors within two weeks of the articles publication.

FAQs

Is Meddys a Korean restaurant?

No, Meddys is not a traditional Korean restaurant. It is a fusion gastropub that incorporates Korean BBQ flavors into its menu through seasonal specials and chef-driven dishes. You wont find a full Korean menu, but you will find authentic Korean-inspired proteins and seasonings.

Do they serve Korean BBQ every day?

No. Korean BBQ items are typically available only on weekends and during special events. The kitchen prepares these dishes in limited quantities due to the time-intensive marinating process. Always check ahead.

Can I order Korean BBQ for takeout?

Yes, but only certain items are suitable for takeout. Sliders, fried rice bowls, and glazed ribs hold up well. Grilled meats meant for table-side cooking (like samgyeopsal) are not available for takeout. Call ahead to confirm whats available for pickup.

Are the Korean BBQ dishes spicy?

Many are, but spice levels can be adjusted. The gochujang and gochugaru used in marinades provide heat, but you can request mild or no chili when ordering. The kitchen is accommodating and often asks your preference before cooking.

Do they have vegetarian Korean BBQ options?

Yes. While most Korean BBQ focuses on meat, Meddys occasionally offers tofu or portobello mushrooms marinated in the same bulgogi sauce. Ask for the vegetarian Korean option during your visit.

Whats the best time to visit to avoid waiting?

Weekday lunches (11:30 AM1:30 PM) are the quietest. For Korean BBQ, aim for 5:30 PM on Friday or Saturday. Arrive by 5:15 PM to secure a table and ensure the kitchen has time to prepare your order.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not required for regular dining, but they are strongly recommended for Korean BBQ nights and weekend dinners. Call ahead or book through OpenTable if available.

Is there a dress code?

No. Meddys has a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Jeans and a nice shirt are appropriate. You wont be turned away for casual attire.

Can I bring my own side dishes or sauces?

While not necessary, youre welcome to bring your own ssamjang or kimchi if you have a favorite brand. The kitchen appreciates the enthusiasm but does not allow outside alcohol.

Why isnt Korean BBQ listed on the main menu?

Meddys intentionally keeps Korean BBQ as a rotating feature to maintain freshness and surprise. It allows the kitchen to experiment with ingredients and avoid menu fatigue. This strategy also helps them manage ingredient costs and reduce waste.

Conclusion

Finding Korean BBQ at Meddys in South Tulsa is not a matter of luckits a skill built on awareness, timing, and local insight. Unlike traditional Korean restaurants that display bulgogi and galbi on every menu, Meddys hides its Korean soul in plain sight, offering it as a carefully curated experience rather than a standard offering. By following the steps outlined in this guidefrom checking social media updates and calling ahead to asking for the chefs special and ordering at the right timeyou transform from a casual diner into a savvy food explorer.

The key takeaway? Korean BBQ at Meddys is not about whats written on the menuits about whats whispered in the kitchen. Its about the marinating pots left to rest overnight, the chefs secret blend of pear and gochujang, the server who remembers your name and asks if you want extra kimchi. Its about the community of food lovers who share tips on Instagram and the regulars who show up every third Friday, knowing something special is coming.

As you continue your culinary journey through South Tulsa, remember that the most rewarding flavors are often the ones you have to seek out. Meddys rewards curiosity. It rewards patience. And above all, it rewards those who ask the right questions.

So next time youre craving the smoky, savory, sweet-spicy magic of Korean BBQ, dont just go to Meddysgo prepared. Use the tools, follow the practices, learn from the examples, and ask for the special. You wont just find Korean BBQ at Meddys.

Youll uncover a hidden culinary storyone grilled slice at a time.