Brian Nagele
Philadelphia, PA is known for so many different things, making it a popular tourist destination and city to live in. Among all of these attractions is the delicious restaurant scene.
When visiting somewhere new, I know it can be overwhelming to pick out restaurants to try. You never know what to expect in the food, service, and even atmosphere.
So let’s keep it simple, this post is all about Korean barbecue. And to take the pressure off, I’ve put together this list of my favorite places to grab this cuisine in town.
My list will provide you with all of the information you could ever need about each restaurant. From menu details, to the quality of service, and even the kind of environment, you’ll be an expert after reading this list. Keep reading to learn more about each location!
Best Korean Barbecue Restaurants in Philadelphia
Seorabol Restaurant
5734 Old 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: (215) 924-3355
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Trying to find a place with a little more than just barbecue? Look no further than Seorabol Restaurant. Serving Korean barbecue, bibimbop, sushi, and more.
So even if barbecue isn’t your thing, you’ll be able to find something you like here.
The menu at Seorabol Restaurant is pretty extensive, so if you need help picking something to order, try out the bulgogo plus naeugyumyun, bulnak jungol, spider roll, or chicken teriyaki.
Make sure to sip on a traditional Korean drink, too!
Kim’s Restaurant
5955 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: 215-927-4550
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Next time you’re near Fisher Park and craving beef bulgogi or bibimbap, stop by Kim’s Restaurant on North 5th Street.
They treat their guests to an authentic Korean BBQ experience that starts when the servers greet each table with a hot pot of tea and small plates called banchan.
While you sip tea and savor your banchan, your server brings out a charcoal grill– not gas, like many Korean BBQ spots– and then the fun begins!
My family quickly filled up on Sam-Gyupsal Gui, or tender pork belly slices, and the abundance of appetizers, but we gladly made room for the free ice cream at the end of our meal.
Buk Chon Korean Cuisine
132 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 925-9998
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With a stellar 4.8 star rating on Google, Buk Chon Korean Cuisine has been pleasing the Philadelphia community for years.
You’ll find Korean dishes from barbecue to fried chicken here. Located in a cozy atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home here.
Buk Chon Korean Cuisine’s menu offers a wide variety of dishes and even a couple of vegetarian options.
We recommend the kimchi paella, rib eye bulgogi, tofu and kimchi, or chili rice gnocchi. Be sure to BYOB!
Jong Ka Jib
6600 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19126
Phone: (215) 924-0100
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Completing our list of Korean barbecue spots in Philly is Jong Ka Jib. This local restaurant serves Korean cuisine alongside a BYOB policy.
With a traditional interior and family-friendly atmosphere, everyone can enjoy this place.
The menu at Jong Ka Jib is straightforward and easy to order from. Be sure to try the dried tofu wrap, bi bim bap, grilled eel, or mul man doo.
They also have a vegetarian menu, so everyone should be able to find something!
SouthGate
1801 Lombard St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: 215-560-8443
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At the intersection of Lombard Street and South 18th, smack dab between Rittenhouse Square and the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, is SouthGate gastropub.
They create some genuinely tantalizing Korean fusion fare, including a Bao Bun appetizer that I could eat every day of my life.
After indulging in those fluffy bulgogi beef-filled clouds, I went for the Seoul Hot Chicken, which certainly lives up to its name.
Despite the eye-watering heat, I ate every bite of the crispy, juicy fried chicken breast, then sopped up the sauce with my fries. Delicious!
Kpot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
789 Franklin Mills Cir, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone: (215) 709-9588
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With over 900 reviews on Google, Kpot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is evidently a popular spot in Philadelphia. This local restaurant offers Korean BBQ as well as Asian hot pot. People love the food, service, and staff at this spot.
There’s so much to enjoy on the menu at Kpot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot. We recommend the chicken bulgogi, spicy pork belly, a hot pot with your choice of ingredients, or spicy pork bulgogi. Be sure to sip on a flavored lemonade or frozen pina colada!
SO Korean Grill
6201 N Front St Suite 120, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: (267) 766-6449
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Looking for a spot to really broaden your horizons? We suggest SO Korean Grill. This local restaurant serves Korean BBQ.
With the option of a tasting menu and dishes customized to your taste, you’ll really be able to try it all here.
Choose from the regular menu or tasting menu sets at SO Korean Grill. Be sure to try the bibimbap, beef short rib soup, tofu with kimchi and pork stir fry, or chilled buckwheat noodle in spicy sauce. Don’t forget the beer or soju!
MUTA KOREAN BBQ & KARAOKE
5501 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: (215) 224-2244
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When you’re looking for a fun night out in Philly, Muta Korean BBQ & Karaoke is the place to be.
You’ll find Korean barbecue as well as other classic dishes at this restaurant. With a partial bar and karaoke, you’re bound to enjoy yourself here.
Muta Korean BBQ & Karaoke’s menu is filled with tasty options, so you really can’t go wrong here.
We recommend the sliced pork belly strips, spicy Korean noodles, thinly sliced beef brisket, or spicy stir-fried octopus with vegetables. Be sure to check out the specialty drinks as well!
Gogi BBQ
6783 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19126
Phone: (215) 424-0385
Though it may be a bit lesser known, you won’t want miss out on Gogi BBQ. Enjoy traditional Korean barbecue at this restaurant.
Aside from the food, locals also appreciate the service, staff, and atmosphere here.
There’s plenty to choose from on the menu at Gogi BBQ, so you really can’t go wrong. Be sure to try the all you can eat barbecue sometime though – it’s only $32.95 and includes a ton of delicious choices.
Don’t forget to sip on Chinese herbal tea or coconut juice!
I bet you didn’t think there would be so many Korean barbecue spots in Philadelphia. With all of these options, you may have to try them all. If one thing is for sure, it’s that this cuisine is simply delicious.
Not in the mood for Korean barbecue? Click here to check out our favorite spots to get mac ‘n’ cheese in Philly.
Which spot will you try first? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you tell us about it and we’ll check it out!
You overlooked the only one that uses a real fire: Kim’s Korean BBQ in North fFifth Street. Makes a world of difference in the flavor. You just have to be ok with leaving smelling of smoke. The best kind of smoke.