Clever Koi - Phoenix

4.8

917 Reviews

$30 and under

Asian

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 26 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Neighbourhood gem
Innovative

We are offering dine in, take out, curbside and delivery services through our online ordering platform at cleverkoi.com, UberEats, DoorDash, Grubhub. Support local!

Reservations Welcome! We are excited to have you experience Clever Koi!

We are an Asian inspired kitchen and bar, that uses a crafty American approach. A seasonally and locally refined menu includes steamed buns, house made dumplings, and progressive noodle dishes, reflecting regions such as Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam, Japan, and Indo-China. This comfortable urban setting features a heavy emphasis on seasonal craft cocktails, house made shrubs, an eclectic wine list, a variety of local beers and sakes to round out the palate creating a unique dining experience in the Central Phoenix Corridor.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Asian, American, Japanese
Hours of Operation
Lunch Daily 11:00–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 15:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 15:00–23:00
Phone number
(602) 222-3474
Website
http://www.thecleverkoi.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
We love to take care of our local business and community through our food! We cater small to large office lunches, staff outings offsite, as well as seated events. We can't wait to create something special with you and your team!

Location
4236 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Area
North Central Phoenix
Cross Street
W Glenrosa Ave
Parking details
We have a huge lot behind our building.
Public transit
Indian School/Central Ave light rail stop right out front.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Phoenix

Experiences

It Takes Two
US$32.50 per person
Multiple dates available
Every Monday & Tuesday Two Rice or Noodle Dishes paired with 4 classic cocktails or a bottle of wine, all for $65! Dine-in only

Offers

Daily Happy Hour!
Multiple dates available
Sun - 11:00 - 15:00, 15:00 - 18:00,Mon - Tue - 15:00 - 18:00,Wed - Sat - 11:00 - 15:00, 15:00 - 18:00
Phoenix: MON - FRI 3pm - 6pm | SAT - SUN 11am - 6pm $7 Classic Cocktails $7 Glasses of Wine $4 Draft Beers $2 Off Selected Menu Items

Popular dishes

Thai SaladUS$11.00
Napa cabbage / red bell pepper / celery / carrots / edamame / cilantro leaves / crushed peanuts / crispy won tons / bang bang dressing
Calamari FriesUS$12.00
Tempura / mint / furikake / yuzu aioli
Krazy FriesUS$13.00
Frites street fries / hoisin / tonkatsu / black pepper garlic aioli / pork belly / scallion / sesame
Korean Fried MushroomsUS$11.00
Maitaki mushrooms / red sriracha vinaigrette / celery leaves / sesame seeds
Koi Kung Pao VegetablesUS$12.00
Curry cauliflower / napa cabbage / celery / carrots / bean sprouts / chili de arbol / red miso beets / celery leaves / sesame seeds / rice
Tuna ChipsUS$13.50
Prawn chips / honey chili tuna crudo / herb aioli / pickled carrots / soy marinated fresno chilies / daikon sprouts

Steamed Buns

$5 each / 3 for $13.50

Pork Belly
Peanuts / cilantro / house pickles / hoisin
Soft Shell Crab
Cucumber slaw / sesame / yuzu aioli / szechuan garlic
Korean Hot Chicken
Crispy chicken thigh / gochujang hot sauce / house pickles / crispy shallots
Kimchi Cauliflower
Fuji apple / sesame seeds / gochujang aioli / scallions

Dumplings

$14 / 5 per order / additional dumplings $2 each

Pig Face
Braised pork cheeks / house red sriracha / kimchi
Short Rib
Gastrique onions / lemongrass broth / shiitake tare / cilantro leaves / garlic oil

Sandwich

KatsuUS$15.00
Crispy chicken cutlet / tonkatsu / house aioli / cabbage / toasted white bread. Choice of frites street fries or thai salad

Noodles

Pork RamenUS$17.00
Tonkotsu tare / house stock / chashu pork / soft egg / kimchi / bean sprouts / mushrooms / scallions / garlic oil
Spicy Kimchi RamenUS$17.00
5 spice shoyu tare / paitan / house stock / soft egg / confit kimchi chicken / house kimchi / bean sprouts / scallions / chili oil / chili crisp
Lemon Pepper Chicken RamenUS$17.00
Paitan / house stock / confit lemon chicken / soft egg / bean sprouts / mushrooms / confit tomatoes / corn / scallions
Vegan ShoyuUS$17.00
Shitake tare / lemongrass stock / tofu chashu / confit tomatoes / mushrooms / miso beets / gastrique red onions / bean sprouts / scallions / garlic oil
Chilled Sesame NoodlesUS$12.00
Bang bang sauce / gastrique onions / pickled carrots / cucumbers / corn / cilantro / peanuts / chili crisp / scallions / sesame seeds

From the Wok

Fried RiceUS$12.00
Scrambled egg / carrots / red bell pepper / edamame / scallion / garlic / ginger / crispy shallots / napa cabbage / soy / seasame oil
Shaking BeefUS$17.00
Woked filet cuts / broccolini / grape tomato / soy marinated freso chilies / gastrique onions / bok choy / scallion batons / sesame oil / furikake / served with rice
House Pad ThaiUS$12.00
Rice noodles / scrambled egg / carrots / daikon / bean sprouts / scallion / peanuts / cilantro / sesame seeds
Chow MeinUS$12.00
Yakisoba noodle / snap peas / carrots / napa cabbage / bean sprouts / bok choy / radish sprouts / soy
XO NoodlesUS$17.00
Yakisoba noodle / shrimp & scallops / pork belly / bean sprouts / snap peas / daikon / crispy shallots / scallions
Szechuan CatfishUS$17.00
Bok choy / ginger / chili oil / arbol chili / fresh garlic / snap peas / broccoli / served with rice

Proteins

Grilled Lemongrass ChickenUS$7.00
Kimchi Braised ChickenUS$7.00
Crispy Chicken ThighUS$7.00
Braised Chicken ThighUS$7.00
Pork BellyUS$6.00
SteakUS$9.00
ShrimpUS$6.00
Grilled TofuUS$4.00
Soft EggUS$1.00
Scrambled EggUS$1.00

Happy Hour Daily

Open to 6pm

$2 Off - Thai Salad
Napa cabbage / red bell pepper / celery / carrots / edamame / cilantro leaves / crushed peanuts / crispy won tons / bang bang dressing
$2 Off - Koi Kung Pao Vegetables
Curry cauliflower / napa cabbage / celery / carrots / bean sprouts / chili de arbol / red miso beets / celery leaves / sesame seeds / rice
$2 Off - Katsu
Crispy chicken cutlet / tonkatsu / house aioli / cabbage / toasted white bread. Choice of frites street fries or thai salad
$2 Off - Pork Ramen
Tonkotsu tare / house stock / chashu pork / soft egg / kimchi / bean sprouts / mushrooms / scallions / garlic oil
$2 Off - Vegan Shoyu
Shitake tare / lemongrass stock / tofu chashu / confit tomatoes / mushrooms / miso beets / gastrique red onions / bean sprouts / scallions / garlic oil
$2 Off - Chilled Sesame Noodles
Bang bang sauce / gastrique onions / pickled carrots / cucumbers / corn / cilantro / peanuts / chili crisp / scallions / sesame seeds
$2 Off - XO Noodles
Yakisoba noodle / shrimp & scallops / pork belly / bean sprouts / snap peas / daikon / crispy shallots / scallions
Classic Cocktails & Glasses of WineUS$7.00
Draft BeersUS$4.00

Happy Hour - It Takes Two

Every Monday & Tuesday

Any Two Rice or Noodle Dishes + 4 Classic Cocktails -or- A Bottle of WineUS$60.00

House Cocktails

The EnablerUS$12.00
George dickel 12yr whiskey / hibiscus bitters / grilled lemon juice / grade b maple syrup / smoked maldon sea salt. Our og whiskey sour. Served short with a 2x2 ice cube
Riding the PineUS$12.00
Gun club 100 proof gin / lillet rouge aperitif / lime juice / passionfruit syrup. A tropical aperitif. Served short, on the rocks
Lemongrass SwizzleUS$12.00
Monopolowa vodka / cucumber water / yuzu / lime / lemongrass syrup. Light and crushable. Served tall, over crushed ice
Long Thailand Iced TeaUS$12.00
Denizen rum / el distilador blanco tequila / evan williams 100 proof bourbon / jelink fernet / thai tea / coconut syrup. Just like the good old days. Served tall, over crushed ice
BA New NewUS$12.00
Denizen rum / heirloom genepy / tempus fugit banane / vanilla syrup / lime / muddled banana / angostura float. Doctor recommended. Served tall, over crushed ice
Lt. PandanUS$12.00
Rayu mezcal / ramazotti / tamarindo / lemon / pandan foam. Citrus smokes herbs. Served up
Almost Always Bad NewsUS$12.00
Hamilton 86 proof & 151 proof demerara rum / house zombie mix / lime. "One for the ditch". Served tall, over crushed ice
Mr. Cool BreezeUS$12.00
Suntori toki whisky / maison rouge cognac / spiced vanilla syrup / trinity bitters / absinthe rinse. "Who is spencer rattler?". Served short
Scorpion Bowl (For Two)US$24.00
Denizen rum / monopolowa gin / el presidente brandy / orgeat / passionfruit syrup / orange / lime. Must be good at sharing. Served in a scorpion bowl
Rum Old FashionUS$12.00
Ron colon rum / plantation o.f.t.d / Demerara syrup / blackstrap bitters. My first pair of timberlands. Served short, on a 2x2 cube
PagodaUS$12.00
Baijiu / green chartruese / velvet falernum / grilled pineapple bitters / pineapple / lemon. Love is a battlefield. Served up
License to DriveUS$12.00
Rittenhouse rye / house sweet vermouth / solera cream sherry / angostura & peychauds bitters. JJ's favorite. Served up

Classics

$11 after / $7 happy hour

Gimlet
Vodka or gin / thai basil / lime / simple
Koismo
Vodka / curacao / lime / peychauds bitters / simple
Moscow Mule
Vodka / lime / ginger syrup / soda
French 75
Dry gin / sparkling wine / lemon / simple
Bees Knees
Dry gin / lemon / lavender honey
Aviation
Dry gin / maraschino / creme de violet / lemon / simple
Daiquiri
White rum / lime / simple
Martini
Vodka or gin / house dry vermouth / orange bitters
Caipirinha (Swizzled)
Cachaca / simple / muddled limes
Paloma
Blanco tequila / lime / grapefruit soda / salt / lemongrass syrup
French 95
Bourbon / sparkling wine / lemon / simple
Mojito
White rum / mint / lime / simple
Piña Colada
White + coconut rum / pineapple / coconut cream
Dark & Stormy
Dark rum / bitters / soda / lime / ginger syrup
Mai Tai
White rum / dark rum / orange curacao / orgeat / lime
Tommy's Margarita
Blanco tequila / lime / agave
Old Fashion
Bourbon / bitters / demerara
Oaxacan Old Fashion
Reposado tequila / mezcal / bitters / hibiscus agave
Rusty Nail
Scotch / drambuie / lemon twist
Manhattan
Rye / sweet vermouth / bitters
Penicillin
Scotch / lemon / runny hunny / ginger syrup
Pimms Cup
Pimms / fernet / cucumber / lemon / simple
Sidecar
Brandy / lemon / orange curacao / simple
Negroni
Dry gin / campari / house sweet vermouth

Draft Beer

Ask about our rotating taps

Dragoon IPAUS$6.00
Beer Shop Co. Crispy LagerUS$6.00

Bottles & Cans

Miller LiteUS$4.00
Kirin Ichiban (Lrg)US$10.00
Left Hand Milk StoutUS$6.00
Rotating SourUS$0.00
- MrktUS$0.00
Rotating CiderUS$0.00
- MrktUS$0.00

White

Milou / Rose / FranceUS$10.00
J.P Chenet / Blanc de Blanc (Sparkling) / Bordeaux, FranceUS$10.00
Griffin / Riesling / Mosel, GermanyUS$10.00
Tiki / Sauvignon Blanc / Marlborough, New ZealandUS$10.00
Ca di Alte / Pinot Grigio / Veneto, ItalyUS$10.00
Mirth / Chardonnay / Columbia Valley, WashingtonUS$10.00

Red

Sean Minor / Pinot Noir / Sonoma Coast, CaliforniaUS$10.00
Barricas / Malbec / Mendoza, ArgentinaUS$10.00
Jean Marc / Bordeaux Rouge (Natural) / Bordeaux, FranceUS$12.00
Corte Majoli / Valpolicella / Veneto, ItalyUS$11.00

Sake

Kiku Masamune Dry / Futsu-ShuUS$9.00
- Cup (180ml)US$9.00
Momokawa / Junmai Ginjo Nigori / Oregon / 750mlUS$11.00
Kuro Kabuto / Junmai Daiginjo / Fukuoka / 720mlUS$13.00
Arizona Sake / Junmai Ginjo / Holbrook, AZUS$36.00
- 370mlUS$36.00

What 917 people are saying

Clever Koi - Phoenix reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Phoenix / Arizona
Lively
Phoenix
Best Ambience
Phoenix
Innovative
Phoenix
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Clever Koi in Phoenix is celebrated for its "delicious and creative" dishes and "spectacular" drinks. Diners rave about the "short rib dumplings" and "banana fritters with caramel sauce". The "friendly, attentive" service and "cool and inviting" ambiance enhance the dining experience. However, occasional service delays and noise issues are noted.

917 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix3 reviews
3.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Not nearly as good as it has been in the past. Food temp was not good, expensive for what you get and menu has become boring. Too many other places now that serve same or similar cuisine that give you a better value and more imaginative takes.
Is this helpful?
C
Celia
Phoenix6 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
We ordered fried rice and it was quite good, not over salted as you will find at some establishments. I ordered it with the braised chicken which was a nice change and gave it a good crunch. I ordered the pornstar martini. When delivered it was brought over with a shot size of champagne and the waiter said in case it is too much. I took a sip and it was a bit more sweeter than I like and I poured in 1/2 the champagne and it was perfect. Good call on the bar staff. We went in the evening on a dark, cloudy and rainy night and the ambience was perfect. It is a bit dark and small but not overly loud. My friend and I might have been the loudest ones there. :-) On a mild night before it gets too hot sitting out on the patio would be ideal. Overall my first experience was nice and my friend and I would definitely visit there again.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a great time! Our server was very attentive and we were a group of friends catching up and were there for a while and never felt rushed.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service, great food. 10/10 would recommend.
Is this helpful?
K
Kayla
Los Angeles2 reviews
2.0
Dined on 28 February 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Party of 5 tonight, 4 of us have been in multiple times. The service off the bat was extremely lackluster but we’ve experienced that before so figured maybe it’s just how this specific waitress works. All of our chicken (different types in different dishes) was extremely crispy and way dry. Nobody came to ask how our meal was until the very end with lots of uneaten chicken left. We mentioned the chicken being way overdone in every dish and all we were met with was “oh ok”. There was no offer to remake the chicken even though any of it was barely touched in all dishes but one. Extremely disappointing especially after an almost $200 bill. Unfortunately we will not be returning mainly because the poor service is so awful every time we go in. Friendly people, horrible service. No drink refills or seeing if the table needs anything after a few bites.
Is this helpful?
B
Bridgette VIP
Chicago89 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the pork belly and duck ramen; both were very tasty. Kids had lo mein and kimchee carbonara---both were very happy with their dishes. Short rib dumplings are a must have. Pork belly bun also delicious. Sat on the patio on a beautiful evening. Service was great.
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
Denver2 reviews
4.0
Dined on 19 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
we very much enjoyed the food and loved our waitress Victoria!
Is this helpful?
F
Francisco
Phoenix1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
They have an excellent house cocktail menu, the food is delicious, and the place is very nice for spending a great time with friends.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Phoenix2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
One of my favorite places in PHX! Delicious food! Great ramens!!
Is this helpful?
S
Sue VIP
Phoenix9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience as always! Food was amazing! We wanted to try everything. Top Notch and Samantha was great with us and made the experience even better with her calm and approachable personality.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Clever Koi - Phoenix offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Clever Koi - Phoenix also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (602) 222-3474.

Clever Koi - Phoenix is rated 4.8 stars by 917 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 26 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

4236 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
W Glenrosa Ave
Area
North Central Phoenix
Hours of Operation
Lunch Daily 11:00–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 15:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 15:00–23:00
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Asian, American, Japanese
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We have a huge lot behind our building.
Public transit
Indian School/Central Ave light rail stop right out front.
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thecleverkoi.com/
Phone number
(602) 222-3474
Catering
We love to take care of our local business and community through our food! We cater small to large office lunches, staff outings offsite, as well as seated events. We can't wait to create something special with you and your team!

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Phoenix

Clever Koi - Phoenix

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Phoenix

It Takes Two

Daily Happy Hour!

Thai Salad

Kimchi Cauliflower

Pork Ramen

For Sharing

Thai SaladUS$11.00

Calamari FriesUS$12.00

Krazy FriesUS$13.00

Korean Fried MushroomsUS$11.00

Koi Kung Pao VegetablesUS$12.00

Tuna ChipsUS$13.50

Steamed Buns

Pork Belly

Soft Shell Crab

Korean Hot Chicken

Kimchi Cauliflower

Dumplings

Pig Face

Short Rib

Sandwich

KatsuUS$15.00

Noodles

Pork RamenUS$17.00

Spicy Kimchi RamenUS$17.00

Lemon Pepper Chicken RamenUS$17.00

Vegan ShoyuUS$17.00

Chilled Sesame NoodlesUS$12.00

From the Wok

Fried RiceUS$12.00

Shaking BeefUS$17.00

House Pad ThaiUS$12.00

Chow MeinUS$12.00

XO NoodlesUS$17.00

Szechuan CatfishUS$17.00

Proteins

Grilled Lemongrass ChickenUS$7.00

Kimchi Braised ChickenUS$7.00

Crispy Chicken ThighUS$7.00

Braised Chicken ThighUS$7.00

Pork BellyUS$6.00

SteakUS$9.00

ShrimpUS$6.00

Grilled TofuUS$4.00

Soft EggUS$1.00

Scrambled EggUS$1.00

Happy Hour Daily

$2 Off - Thai Salad

$2 Off - Koi Kung Pao Vegetables

$2 Off - Katsu

$2 Off - Pork Ramen

$2 Off - Vegan Shoyu

$2 Off - Chilled Sesame Noodles

$2 Off - XO Noodles

Classic Cocktails & Glasses of WineUS$7.00

Draft BeersUS$4.00

Happy Hour - It Takes Two

Any Two Rice or Noodle Dishes + 4 Classic Cocktails -or- A Bottle of WineUS$60.00

House Cocktails

The EnablerUS$12.00

Riding the PineUS$12.00

Lemongrass SwizzleUS$12.00

Long Thailand Iced TeaUS$12.00

BA New NewUS$12.00

Lt. PandanUS$12.00

Almost Always Bad NewsUS$12.00

Mr. Cool BreezeUS$12.00

Scorpion Bowl (For Two)US$24.00

Rum Old FashionUS$12.00

PagodaUS$12.00

License to DriveUS$12.00

Classics

Gimlet