Came here on New Year's Day and they were open, which was awesome. We ordered quite a few things, and everything was fabulous. We got the bulgogi hotpot, chicken feet, and seafood pancake. The bulgogi hotpot was packed with tender, marinated beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that came together perfectly. The chicken feet were well seasoned and gelatinous, very authentic in texture, and the seafood pancake was crispy on the outside with a soft, savory interior full of fresh seafood. The place feels authentic and they refill your banchan, which is always appreciated. The flavors are slightly less fermented and a bit more geared toward American palates, but still tasty. Since the hotpot is meant for two or more people, it's large and feels like both a meal and a bit of a show. The owner personally helped cut the meat and prepare the hotpot at the table, which was very hands-on and excellent service. It's located on the second floor, so it can be a bit tricky to find, but don't just walk past it. There are multiple TV screens around the restaurant showing both Korean and American channels, which adds a fun vibe. Everything is very reasonably priced, and I can't wait to come back. One note: we think we may have seen someone try to dine and dash. The staff weren't distracted and it didn't affect the service, but it's a reminder to always pay for your food and tip well. The place is clearly privately owned and not a chain, so it's important to respect that. Despite that, service was fantastic, and the food more than makes up for any small hiccups. read more

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Stopped in at 9:30pm on a Wednesday and there was only 1 other group there. Things we ordered: Duk bokki (4/5): Good but it was too sweet, definitely order the spicy one if you get it Kanpung Mandu(5/5): BEST thing on the menu. The flavor is unreal and the sauce is so yummy. Bulgogi dulsot (4/5): This was good but I wish it had a sauce to go with it and more beef. It was mostly just rice and veggies. Overall atmosphere (3/5): There were gnats flying around all of the food the whole time and they sat us right next to the other group even though all other tables were open. read more

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How have I never reviewed this place? We've ordered from here countless times and have had basically the whole menu by now. most of it is pretty good that I feel lucky it's so accessible compared to the places out in north Philly. We normally get a bunch of stuff and eat it for like 3 days whenever I crave jjajang myeon and they have a big enough soup and stews selection that we rotate through them a lot. It's not life changing or anything but I really appreciate how reliably consistent their entire menu is. Never had a bad meal from here and they have all the foods I crave when I want korean food but don't want to drive far out. My favorite sleeper is the jan chi guk su, it's super light but full of umami and very savory. The only dud is the tong dak, the whole fried chicken, does not look like the picture. It's fried dark so it's crispy, but dry and not too flavorful. It would be a five star for consistency if only their ban chan weren't so bad every single time. At least it never changes hah! But it is like inedible. The kimchi taste improperly fermented/stored, it has the off smell from using unclean utensils in the container. The other banchan like broccoli are often not super fresh tasting. By far the worst part of their food. A shame. I've only been in the restaurant once for pick up, it's a lot more low key than I expected. No frills, just tables. Can't speak much for the dine in experience. read more

Good korean food for the price! Also fast service and yummy side dishes. Hits the spot when you are craving korean food read more

Dae Bak - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sul lung tang is typically creamier. This one was tasted very watered down... also traditionally with a different type of noodle.. will not be getting again :( Tasted the sweet and spicy fried chicken which was edible but again sauce tasted watered down. I do like how it's pieces of a whole chicken (rather than drumsticks/wings only) Flavor of yuk gae jang (pork neck hot pot) and gal bi tang (short rib soup) were good though so would recommend these. read more

Dae Bak - Sul Lung Tang (ox tail soup) - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(To-go order): Very little traditional kimchi, a lot of radish kimchi but neither very spicy. Kimchi jjigae had almost no meat and had a very off-putting flavor (I also don't prefer mine to have potatoes and zucchini). Samgyapsal comes with Napa cabbage leaves, not romaine, and ssamjang also had a weird taste. read more

I should have read the reviews more thoroughly, since the stews our table got were all watered down and bland. I got the seolluntang, where the meat was more connective tissue and hard, chewy bites than soft meat. We also got galbi, which was flavored really well but had the same issue with being cuts of meat with cartilage throughout. I loved the portions of banchan though, and the service was good--just a bit slow. It was fun finding the restaurant hidden upstairs too! read more

Was a great choice to finally stop in here for lunch. You enter on Race St and go upstairs to a second floor seating area, with a nice view of the street. You're greeted and sat warmly, and banchan side dishes are brought out - had their tofu, bean sprouts, kimchi, seaweed salad, and spicy noodle. Be prepared for that, it's a lot of food! As for main, I ordered bulgogi bibimbap and it was served in a sizzling pot. Lots of fresh ingredients (assortment of veggies, egg, rice) and the meat was very tasty. Pleasant laid back spot, would like to try more of their entrees. Thanks read more

Dae Bak - Banchan side dishes - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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decent naengmyun that certainly fulfilled my craving for it, but you can tell it is packed naengmyun made with either a soup concentrate or powder. This place is a no frills korean restaurant in the heart of chinatown. read more

Dae Bak - 4F Naeng Myun - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The food was really good and high quality for the price, and we got a lot of great and flavorful banchan. The waiter was very attentive and made sure we got a window seat. Very nice view of Chinatown from our seat, and nice atmosphere. read more

Dae Bak - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The food was really good! I quite enjoyed the side dishes (especially the kimchi). Everything was so flavorful and delicious. The location was a tad confusing at first. We were a little uncertain where to go at first, but it was actually quite simple, haha. The restaurant was pretty empty, but there was a constant stream of door dash. It was a nice place and clean. The water was actually really good too! read more

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I came him looking for something spicy and I got exactly what I wanted. The restaurant itself was hard to find. You have to walk into a deserted looking food court and walk up to the second floor. There weren't many people there when I went so I was seated right away. I got a ton of bon chon almost immediately and then I ordered the squid bibimbop. It came out sizzling hot in a dol sot bowl and comprised of rice, spicy squid, fried egg, and some bell peppers. I loved how hot it was and it was incredibly filling. It was a bit pricy at $20 or so, but given how full I was afterwards, a total bang for your buck. read more

Dae Bak - 4C. Ojing eo Dolsot Bibim Bap - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Delicious! Kimchi was awesome-- good crunch, nice and spicy. Rice cakes were also so good. Hot plates were fireGod I love Korean food read more

Dae Bak - Rice cakes - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Amazing food and service!!! Mark and David were the most excellent hosts and servers. Not only was their service super punctual, but they brought the party to us! Very informative about the cuisine and helped us make the perfect ratio of soju to beer! We would come back just for them !!!! read more

Dae Bak - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Super nice staff and so many options to choose from! A lot of banchan too and love the lively atmosphere.

I discovered this place last week as I wanted to try something new before a movie. I've been a fan of Korean food since I first ate at GIWA on Sansom street in the early 2000s (no longer exists, unfortunately). This place exceeded my expectations! The banchan is plentiful. The table overlooks Race Street from the second floor. The atmosphere is minimalist but it works. I ordered a sautéed pork and veg dish called Jeyuk. It comes on a sizzling hot cast iron skillet so it stays hot for the duration of the meal. And the best part is the ending. The spicy gochujang sauce sitting on the hot dish slowly caramelizes and offers the most savory flavor! It's truly something special. I'll most certainly be back. *Shout out to my server David. He's swift, attentive, and gives you your space. read more

Dae Bak - 1A. Fried Mandu and 5E. Jeyuk - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Unfortunately they have a cockroach problem. One ran across our table. I saw another by the window. Waitstaff and kitchen seemed unbothered, but did catch the roach on our table. I had lost my appetite. My fiance and I eat out in Chinatown kind of often and have never seen a roach running on our table anywhere else. Im not sure Im overreacting. read more

Philly doesn't have a ton of Korean options to choose from but Dae Bak was conveniently located where we were traveling so stopped by for a bite. It's located in a mall with other restaurants and bars within Chinatown. Ordered the Jjangmyun (15) which was just ok. Portion was really big so definitely come if you're hungry but taste wise, it's about as average as it gets. Good service and plenty of seating which is nice. read more

Dae Bak - Jjajangmyun - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I love this place, best Korean food in Philly. I always come here when I have a craving

Super bad service and food went there with friends on night market.took a long way for the food to come, noodle wasn't fully cooked and rice taste like plastic over seasoned. BUT that wasn't the main issue, the service was terrible the worst service I ever received from a restaurant. Told them about the food they asking why I'm speaking up for my friend why ain't my friend telling them it. Then the guy literally just walk away said "stop talking" to me and I'm a customer. Plus we asked why is there an additional 18% percent tip added when we only ordered two meal and a drink they said because they was busy but they never told us beforehand and blame it on us. I would never tip this place! Super bad attitude and food used to be good but now it's terrible wouldn't recommend it to anybody in the city. They would literally ask you to give a good review for a free soda read more

I wanted Korean food and this was near our hotel. We got several apps to share and I wish I was hungrier to have eaten more food. There were so many options and everything was fresh and tasty. read more

Dae Bak - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Service was good, gave us extra side dishes without even asking. So much tofu and seafood in the soup. Good ambiance! read more

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Cozy Korean spot on the second floor of Chinatown Square. It is a hidden gem and comfort food to say the least! They also have Soju to accompany your meal. Plenty of seating for a large group. read more

Dae Bak - 3B. Pork Tofu Stew - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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A decent Korean restaurant in the middle of Philadelphia's Chinatown - I had the nyaegmyun, which was pretty good, as was everything else we tried (Kal guksu, Kalbi, and grilled mackerel). read more

Food and service was amazing! Highly recommend! We got the hot stone pot it was super flavorful read more

Dae Bak - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I'm so glad this restaurant is here! This is like the only Korean restaurant in Philadelphia, other than dubu in north Philly and a couple of spots in west Philly. It's probably the best Korean restaurant that is really close to my area. The gamja tang was really good!!! read more

Dae Bak - Ban Chan - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Still a solid place to go when we're craving Korean Food. It doesn't compare to LA, sorry not sorry, but it hits the spot. The service is always reliable and quick. We always get our food in a timely matter and they're good at anticipating needs. The vibes are the same, playing local sports, kpop videos or news. One drawback is that they do not have their own bathrooms so you are succumbed to the grimy building's bathrooms. Their banchan can also be improved, not much excitement to the sides overall. Prices have also gone up, but such is our economy now. Our go to is the seafood pajeon, kamja tang, or LA Kalbi. It's still the best Korean in center city! read more

Good food! Banchan is also very good, service is nice! I'll come back for sure next time! read more

Dae Bak - 4D. Nakgop Jungol - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Save your money! I can only speak to what I received for delivery, but I spent $50 on this Galbi dish alone, and they literally have no flavor at all. Waste of money! read more

Dae Bak - Couldn't be more disappointed in these! No flavor at all. - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We have eaten here many times and the food is solid. The dolsat bibimbap, soon dubu jjigae, duk bok ki are our favorites. Just tried the jajangmyeon which was delicious as well. The prices are reasonable and the food keeps us coming back. read more

First time here. Would gave never found it or gone there if it weren't for someone who ate there before recommending it. Great options and huge portions!! The prices are reasonable and affordable if you factor in that you can get an additional meal or two, or share the big dishes. Got the blackbeans n rice, mandos, and seafood pancake for $40. We had alot of leftovers! Small, very casual room. Believe it or not they asked us if we had reservations lol! read more

A hidden gem Korean restaurant in the Chinatown. Great taste and selection of Korean food. read more

Dae Bak - Food - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Korean options in the city are surprisingly pretty limited, but Dae Bak has been our go-to. We have only ordered takeout from here and it has always hit the spot. Their bulgogi, seafood pancake, boneless chicken, jap chae and cha Jiang myun have been our favorites. Food has always come fresh and well packaged. Serving sizes are generous. read more

Great flavor and a nice size portion. Food came still pretty warm. Had a good amount of pork and potato. Would order this again. The cold noodles were SO refreshing. read more

Dae Bak - 1F cha jiang myun - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I only ate here once and I am basing my review heavily off what my Korean colleagues who I dined with said, so take my review for whatever its worth. I had the 2c. Bulgogi Dolsot Bibim Bap, and it was...okay. Although I come to Chinatown regularly, I haven't eaten a lot of Korean food so my scale is limited. But it just didn't wow me or make look forward to trying it again. My two Korean friends both described their meals as "average". The atmosphere is cool and well kept, and I like the view of Race street from the 2nd story window. The prices seemed a tad high for the servings. The service was kind of slow despite not being busy, but honestly I didn't mind as the lunch conversation was good. read more

Dae Bak - the inside of a restaurant - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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How weird are a lot of things when you compare the way things were pre-covid and post-covid?! Before Covid-19 there were a number of years when I had absolutely fantasized about coming to Dae Bak to enjoy some spicy Korean cuisine, only for me to end up being COMPLETELY side-tracked over all of the other tantalizing food options that the Chinatown Square food truck had to offer! But when I finally got around to making my second Philly Chinatown visit during *sort of* post-Covid-19, I couldn't help but shed a tear over how gutted Chinatown Square was outside of the three businesses that were open! Hopefully, this changes for the better soon, and Surreal Creamery moving in could be the first move towards this. But, back when Chinatown Square was at maximum capacity Dae Bak was its centerpiece, and with the fantastic food, great service, and wonderful view of Chinatown from the window, I soon understood why. With noodles, hot pots, stews, rice dishes, and then some, its one of those menus where you'll want to order all the things! But to start things off we definitely needed dumplings, and whether you go fried, steamed, or with sweet and spicy sauce their mandu is perfection! With the weather not at its best soup and spicy was definitely in order. and the Champong delivered both in spades with delicious noods and ALL THE SEAFOOD! A good Korean restaurant surprises you with all kinds of extra mini dishes, and Dae Bak did not disappoint with spicy kimchi, bean sprouts, fresh coconut, mushrooms, and then some! Hopefully next time I come more of Chinatown Square will be restored to its former glory. But even if it isn't I know that Dae Bak will deliver a win! read more

Good service. The place itself in the Chinatown location is has very many space and ambiance. Food is very good especially the side dishe

My bf and I ordered dinner from here last night and were not disappointed at all. Everything was delicious, service was great, prices were right and facility was extremely big and clean. They were playing Korean drama in the background, which is always a nice fun plus! We ordered hae mul pajeon, japchae and mixed soft tofu stew. The seafood pancakes were our favorite. Generous with the seafood portions and tasted amazing. So tasty and I highly recommend trying this out! My bf loved his japchae and I thought it was tasty as well, but a bit too oily for my liking. I ordered the mixed tofu stew and the portion size was also very generous! A lot of meat, vegetables and seafood (octopus, shrimp, etc). I chose medium spice level which was perfect for me. It actually was pretty spicy! The dish also came with white rice! Only complaint was the bonchon. Only gave 3 sides and they were each in a tiny little cup. I know it was takeout, but I still usually get a lot more side dishes. I cannot wait to return and try more food from here. read more

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One of my favorite Korean restaurants in Chinatown. The food can be a bit pricey but it is delicious and pretty authentic. Service is quick and the space is large and can accommodate for large parties. read more

Dae Bak - Side dishes - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Loved the side dishes - the egg was our favorite, it was silky and melted in the mouth! Dolsot Bibim Bap: Pretty bland, the only flavoring came from sauce that was served on the side. Also, barely any meat! Fa Dak (Soy Sauce) / Korean Style Fried Chicken: Definitely our favorite dish - the sauce was super flavorful! They used dark meat so the chicken was juicy and the green onions added a refreshing touch. read more

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