If you've never been to YC's Mongolian Grill in Tempe, let me paint you a picture: you walk in hungry, and you leave questioning every life decision that didn't involve eating here sooner. First off, the concept is elite--you build your own bowl like a culinary mastermind. Want noodles? Done. Extra meat? Obviously. Way too many sauces because you got overconfident? No judgment here (we've all been there). Then they take your chaotic masterpiece and toss it on a giant sizzling grill like it's dinner and a live performance. The cooks? Absolute legends. Watching them work that grill is like witnessing a mix between a chef and a DJ--flipping, chopping, spinning your food like it's a hit track. And somehow, no matter how questionable your sauce combinations were, it comes out tasting incredible. Portions are huge, prices are fair, and the vibe is always fun and laid-back. It's the kind of place where you accidentally eat way too much and then immediately start planning your next visit. YC's isn't just food--it's an experience. A delicious, slightly overstuffed, "why did I add that last scoop?" kind of experience. 10/10, would build a ridiculous bowl again. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - My boy in his post soccer game fill up. - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

This place has really good food and a nice variety of stuff to choose from as well. There is a big selection of noodles, meats, veggies everything. Staff were extremely nice and informative too as to how it worked and how to make sure you get as much as you can as it is a one way trip. The night I went with my family there was also free ice cream or frozen yogurt which was nice and plenty of drinks to keep getting refills. A bunch of noodles or soup and rice you can get too in case you're not full. It was a good deal and price for what you pay for. The ambiance is also overall fine but can get noisy due to it being busy. The only complaint I have is it is stupid how you can only do one trip for the grill. No matter you go for lunch or dinner, you can only do one trip which is why you need to fill up as much you can in your bowl. Also the sauce recipes could be a bit confusing as well as trying to figure out where to place the stuff to make your sauce for the grill. But it still adds great flavor to your stuff. In the end it's a good place to go just make sure you don't screw up your one trip. read more

"Stack It High, Watch It Fry at YC's" YC's Mongolian Grill in Gilbert feels less like a restaurant and more like an Arizona tradition. Established more than 30 years ago, YC's has built a loyal following across Valley locations including Tempe, Scottsdale, and Gilbert. The place was packed when our party visited, full of families, regulars, and longtime fans, which made sense when my husband shared that their Tempe location was his go-to spot back when he was a college student at ASU. It's casual, lively, and nostalgic -- the kind of place that clearly holds memories for many locals. YC's is known for its signature "bowl" concept, where you grab a bowl and build your own meal from a wide selection of noodles, meats, fresh vegetables, and countless sauces ranging from sweet to spicy. Stack it high, mix what you like, then watch your creation cooked right in front of you on a massive sizzling grill -- part dinner, part show. The food comes out hot, fresh, and simply yummy, exactly how you designed it. If you haven't been to YC's, give it a try -- build a bowl, stay awhile, and you'll see why people keep coming back with a satisfied tummy. read more

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I'd have to give 4 stars for YC's Mongolian Grill. I've been to several Mongolian grills before, many at a similar (or cheaper) price points, and most offer unlimited rounds, unlike the roughly $20 we paid here for a single round. While the single serving was definitely plenty of food, it does feel a bit high compared to other Mongolian grills I've been to. The restaurant was busy during the lunch rush. It's not outdated by any means, but it also didn't feel especially new or vibrant inside. That said, the staff was incredibly kind, insightful, and helpful, especially when answering questions about ordering and assisting with sauce combinations. There are lots of great mix-ins and toppings to choose from, though many of the sauces were fairly runny and pooled at the bottom of the bowl rather than sticking to the proteins, noodles, and vegetables. Not the best Mongolian grill dish I've ever had, but I would certainly eat at YC's again. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Build Your Own Bowl - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

Came back to YC's after not being here for quite a while, and per usual it was a great overall experience. The staff was extremely helpful! they assisted with making sauces and took the time to explain the different flavor options, which I really appreciated. As always, you've got to stack your bowl to the tippy top and let it overflow. that's part of the fun. The only downside is that they no longer offer to-go boxes unless you pay or the free soft-serve ice cream, which was such a nice touch before. I really hope they bring that back. Still a solid spot and worth the visit. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

Can't believe I haven't reviewed this place! Been coming here for years. Came in at 2 pm for late lunch. Found food area well stocked and looking fresh. Here's how we do it.... Fill bowl with choice of meats, which are very thin and nearly frozen. Using provided wax paper, press down firmly to make room on the bowl for veggies. Fill to overflow with veggies of choice and noodles , then concoct your sauce with provided oils, vinegars, etc. Hand it to the man at the iron grill top who will cook it up. The meal includes help yourself to soup, rice, fountain drink. Never left here unsatisfied, staff is friendly, place is clean. If you qualify, they offer veterans and senior discount! read more

Went here for lunch with my brothers. We were greeted very warmly, and they helped the first timers with some "pro tips" for how to load your bowl and with the sauces. The food is amazing, fresh, and cooked right in front of you. And the diner is very clean. They even have outdoor seating. This is definitely a place to go with larger groups and get your money worth. You'll definitely get full, and probably be taking home leftovers. read more

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Food is honestly not that amazing but the portions are pretty great. No matter how much sauce you put in the sauce bowl it will never have very much flavor. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Spicy Thai Bowl - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

Another great experience at YC's. The staff is equally as good as their food. Everything was stocked, looked fresh and prepared superbly. Don't pass this option up for a healthy family friendly experience. read more

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I've really missed this place, so I was thrilled to see it open again! YC's has always been my go‑to spot for a customizable, delicious meal. Being able to build my own bowl and watch it cook right in front of me is a treat, and everything tastes as amazing as I remembered. So happy it's back in the rotation--can't wait to go again! read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

What a food choice!! Fresh food- you pick the bowl size, pick protein, pick veggies, then noodles/rice or both, sauces and nuts and voila, go to cook's corner, see it cooking yourself. Bowls are bit expensive (~$20) and cannot be shared, but food is good. Me and my husband always do a to go box and quantity is enough for 2 to share. But you cannot sit and share. For dine in , each person has to buy their own food bowl which I found absurd but they bave all the unlimited rice, sauces, chips etc. may be that's why. read more

First time here , very clean ,a lot of tables to sit at , greeted right away , told how to do it , was asked it needing help with the sauces , . After putting all our food in a bowl , and so many things to choose from , from beef,chicken to tofu, lots and lots of veggies , and so many combinations to of sauces to add -liked how it was labeled out , (what made the sauce) noodles as well , they grilled it smelled amazing as well as taste great -drinks and soup also if you wanted it , price was just right After sitting down they made a point of coming around asking how it was and if we needed anything , we will go back . Wasn't overly crowded-but people kept coming in read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Tofu noodles and veggies - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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This was the first time dining at a place like this outside of the food court in the Bay Area malls. There were a variety of noodles, toppings, meats, and sauces to choose from. I love that they also had some suggested sauce combinations for you to try out. To control spillage, the sauces go in a separate bowl. You're able to pack your bowl and get quite a decent amount of food. My husband and I came here for lunch time and it was fairly packed. The line to cook your food goes fast and the food is cooked right in front of you too. Friendly atmosphere and great service. Keep in mind that takeout boxes are $0.50 if you can't finish your food. The experience was great overall. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Food loaded into their takeout boxes ($0.50 each) - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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$20 for a bowl that was flavorless. I followed one of the recommended sauce recipes and it's bland and oily. The meat gets tough and jerky like after cooking. They nickel and dime you here. I watched the chef spill some of my food onto the floor, so I didn't even get to taste the tomato I added. Unimpressed but not surprised, the selection of options was poor. read more

I had a couple of Mongolian grills I would go to in Oregon, but this is my first since moving to AZ. This is easily the best I've ever been to. Great selection of food, and including a 'to go' option is nice. read more

My brother requested coming here for this birthday meal with the family. We arrived here around 4:30 on a Friday and it wasn't too busy. We were able to walk right up to the counter and check-in. My mom saw they had a 10% senior citizen discount so you bet she and my dad used that lol. We were also able to pay the cheaper lunch price due to us coming before 5pm. The part where you actually pick out your food and try to pack it all in one bowl was only open on one side, but right when we walked up to it, a worker opened up the opposite side so we got first dibs, which was awesome. There are so many options from proteins, veggies, noodles, you name it! Also, sauces galore! I love that they display sauce recipes because when you're in front of several vats of liquids and you don't know what would go well with what, the recipes are life-savers. My game plan was basically pouring every non-spicy liquid in my sauce bowl and that was it lol. The fact that it wasn't as busy as it could've been helped with the actual cooking part too. We were able to hand our bowls over to the chefs and get our cooked food within a couple minutes. Everyone loved their meals! Also, in this economy, the prices aren't bad, considering how many meals you can get out of your bowl. Just be sure to bring your own take-out container if you don't want to pay 50 cents for one there. No complaints about the staff either! There are always workers wanting to help you choose your sauces and actually take your bowl and pour everything for you. Every time we come here, it's always a hit. read more

We came here for my little brother's 22nd birthday and had an amazing time. When you first walk in you're met by a nice host who will explain how everything works. After creating your bowl at the self serve frozen food bar, you take your bowl of treats back to the chef where you watch him work his magic. After a short wait and a free show you take your tray back to the comfy dining room. In the dining room you can find a self serve soup and rice station, fountain drinks, and even a soft sever ice cream machine. 10/10 recommend, not only did we have a great time but we have yummy left overs for tomorrow. THANK YOU STAFF OF YC's read more

I used to frequent YC's in my early working years as it was delicious, good for larger groups and near my work (frequented the Southern and McClintock location). Now most locations are gone but the Power and Ray location stands strong. If you are not familiar with the process, you order a bowl size from the hostess at the register when you enter. Small bowl is usually enough for a single meal. If you want 2 meals you can get a large and a to-go box. Next you enter the line where the ingredients to customize your bowl are lined up. There's two sides to prevent backup. The meat is chilled and sliced. There are about 15-20 veggie options and then 3 noodle options. Compacting your food with the wax paper and then piling the bowl up high is encouraged. Finally you can make your own sauce from about another 15 options. For those with food allergies, the workers welcome to help you and will pour the sauces from the original bottles to prevent any cross-contamination. Next you deliver the sauce and bowl to the chefs manning the hot plate. They will spread out and cook your food and recombine into a new bowl. It's a fun process to observe. Again for those with food allergies you can request them to clean the stone before cooking your food! There's also a station with rice, wonton chips, soups and sauces for even for food if your bowl isn't big enough! The dining area is pretty large with some natural lighting. There's also a patio! The only thing preventing 5-stars for me is the price. The small and large bowl are only $1 apart and both over $15. Several premium items may cost more as well. The froyo used to be free, but now it's only for dinner unless you want to pay. This if you are only getting one meal out of it...it may be pricy. If you plan for two meals it's very reasonable. read more

Haven't been here in years and food was delicious! Great deal for the amount of food you get. Service was phenomenal! An employee helped my party with creating a sauce that would go good with our dishes. Employees were constantly cleaning which was great to see and reassured me that this place is sanitary. It was an awesome experience to watch the cook make the stir fry! All around amazing staff and food. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

We loved Mongolian barbecues in So Cal so we decided to stop by and check out this place today. From the start of our visit to the end, it was a terrific experience. It's a very popular place, but it seems that there was enough seating for everybody. You pay at the front after deciding what size bowl you want. For lunch, the drinks are included. The friendly gal gave us a quick rundown since we were new and handed us our bowls. We grabbed a tray, placed our bowls on it and started down the line to put the meats and vegetables that we wanted in our stirfry. There's quite a few more options for sauces than the Mom and Pop places we have been before. One of the team members showed up right away and helped us with our sauce. We are used to putting it on top of the meat and vegetables, but here, they use a separate bowl for the sauce and you give your whole tray to one of the two gentlemen doing the stirfry on the stone. It's a very smooth operation and everything was delicious! Once we were through the line, we found a seat, grabbed a bowl of white and brown rice and our drinks. We couldn't quite eat it all so they provided small to go boxes. You leave the trays behind and they buss the tables. The place is very clean and they are constantly cleaning the tables to make room for new people. We will definitely be back. read more

The food is great, they are so accommodating with people with allergies (I have a mushroom sensitivity and they cleaned the grill and only cooked my food when my turn came). It was a fun place and even my son ate his! Oh and the leftovers were fantastic! Yes, you pay for the take out containers but that is because you can stuff your bowl full full and there is extra to go around! It was noisy but not too horrible and the people were so nice! read more

The food was excellent. The service was impeccable and impressive. The ambiance was very nice and the price was right.

Clean location and super nice staff! Prices have gone up recently and they changed the child pricing. However, we always go with the larger bowl and a to go box and get at least two meals out of our bowl. For 3 adults and 2 kids ( 2 and 4 year old) we paid about $75. One of the more expensive faster food options but great quality. We enjoy it here. read more

Great lunch today at YC's! The buffet line starts with proteins, then vegetables, noodles to choose from including a GF Rice Noodle then sauces! All items are labeled GF or if they include wheat! The restaurant is clean and everyone is so friendly! Everyone is greeted and thanked upon leaving! read more

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As always, exactly what I wanted cooked exactly right and unbeatably fresh, straight off the wok. Friendly people in a clean and pleasant environment. read more

We come here often. Always great customer service and so clean. But the last 2 times the flavors have been off. I wish I could figure out how to make it saucier. I've done double sauce and it just doesn't seem to "stick". My noodles are dry. Oh well! read more

Haven't been to a YC's in years! The food was good...just like I remember it at the original location in Tempe. They have definitely grown over the years. It was fun for the kids to customize their own bowls and flavors. They also enjoyed watching the guys cook it for them. The employees were awesome from the moment we walked in we were greeted and asked if we had ever been there before so they can explain it to us if we were newbies. When we were in line making our bowls there was someone there to help if you needed it, especially in the sauce area. That was really nice because it can be overwhelming with all the delicious flavors they offer. The rice soup and chip area was very clean. The soda, silverware and ice cream area was also very clean. While we were eating, there was an employee that also came in to check on us to see if everything was tasting good. Their bathrooms were very clean as well. Overall, this restaurant is nice and clean, the food was fresh and the employees were awesome and friendly. The only bummer is that back in the day of the ice cream machine area would have cones or cup selections. I guess they did away with the cones. :( Still a good, nice and casual family dinner experience. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Beef, broccoli, mushroom noodles with spicy hunan sauce. - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

Came here for a birthday dinner, and boy, was it packed for a Thursday night. Almost every table was taken with a party dining, including the back patio area. Who doesn't love DIY bowl with toppings of your choice? I will say that I have a solid game plan when trying to fill the large bowl with as many ingredients as possible. The strategy is to build a wall with the zucchini to extend your bowl size (you're welcome). I will also say to pack your proteins in as much as possible, but when you think you're done, add more. I felt like I added a ton, but after it's cooked, it either evaporates or just shrinks down tremendously. Who's stealing my proteins? The wonton chips and warm sweet and sour sauce are always a solid side dish, and I even tried their hot mustard. Be careful as you could "wasabi yourself" and cry if you get too much on your chip. Service was great, the folks waking around tending to the tables were really nice, minus the woman that stood there waiting for me to finish my soup. read more

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We haven't been here in a while, since the location closest to us shut down years ago, but we're craving it....it didn't disappoint! It's just crazy how much it's gone up in price! It was $53+ for 3 of us to have lunch BUT it was delicious. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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I love myself some good Mongolian BBQ!! First time trying YC's and it was amazing. Price includes drink and rice. They have a self service rice and soup station. Staff is friendly and keeps the lobby clean. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

Definitely concerned about the cleanliness factor. I watched a worker reload the red potatoes, celery and noodles, spilling it on the tray counter and scoop them back into the veggie bins with the tongs. Not to mention resting the bottom reloading tin on the veggies/item. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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I love dining at YC's after a long day of work or classes. If you can pack the food into the bowl, you can end up with several servings of food for yourself! The options for meats, veggies, and sauces ensure there is something for everyone! The staff make sure you are taken care of and offer to help with the process if you aren't sure what to do. read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Large Bowl & Soup - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

We love YC'S! Honestly the food is great quality! All of the ingredients are very fresh!! The vegetables taste like they were freshly cut that morning! I couldn't say enough amazing things about this place!!! The servers are on top of it; any empty dish on the table they pick up instantly! The staff is super sweet and very attentive! This restaurant is always so clean and well stocked! The prices are good because if you stack it right you have left overs. You can get a Togo box for .50 which is not bad at all!! Thanks for the great quality and delicious food! read more

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I couldn't stay away! After going to the Scottsdale location just a few days ago, I had to show the boo thang the YC's near his home. Again - super SUPER friendly service, very cleanly atmosphere, and lots of great noodle and topping options! I have seriously never been disappointed by any YC's location. Thanks, guys! read more

Love this place! It's gotten a little pricey but it's so darn good and you get a bunch of food! The workers are always so friendly, willing to help and give recipe recommendations. I'm a huge fan of their YC's own sauce! read more

YC's Mongolian Grill - Be careful- it's hot! You can see the steam - Mongolian Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

This is the best location for some Mongolian grill! It's typically pretty busy and at certain times / days table are hard to come but it's so worth it! The employees are always friendly and I have always been greeted upon walking in. The concept is easy. You pay first, grab your bowl size next (depending on what you paid for) and head down the buffet lune to grab your toppings and meats. There is an endless possibility of all the different sauces you can make and there is usually someone there helping you make the mixture of your liking. The food is cooked quickly and by the time you sit down, its reaaaaaaady. There is rice available as well, soup, and they also have ice cream and cones! read more

Ive been to a couple of these kind of restaurants before, so I knew what to expect. The veggies were fresh, the pasta bountiful, and the meat was thinly sliced and frozen which of course limits how much you can take at any given time. The price for lunch was around $20 and you will be full. The sauces were creative and plentiful, but it did cause a bottleneck as you stood in line to get a bowl of your sauce. Overall, the food is ok. The ambiance is rudimentary. I would eat there again, but I'll keep looking for "the place." read more

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Acceptable for the price I am used to HuHot which is markedly better The entrees we're fresh and plentiful They staff warm and friendly encouraging me to stack the bowl The establishme clean and constantly maintained The beef soup was not my palate I prefer Hot and sour you can't please everyone Soup rice drinks and rice noodle chips unlimited I'll return but I won't crave it read more

I came here with my mom and we absolutely loved it. The staff were so helpful as they explained everything and helped with making our sauces . Will definitely come again . The ambiance was clean. read more

Food is okay. But the prices need to come back down to reality. $ Even when it's busy the waits are not bad unless you're wanting it to go then it seems a bit long. read more