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    Nam Chon

    4.8 (86 reviews)
    ModerateKorean, Asian Fusion
    Closed • 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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    Beef dumplings
    Stacy A.

    This place was great! Brought my husband and kids for dinner when we were stuck in Philly (a story for a different day). I was surprised how much my picky eater family enjoyed the food here! The service is very laid back, but that's ok, the food made up for everything else. The only negative was the bonchon at the start of the meal. I like when they offer more freshness like pickled radish and what not, this was on the heavier side with fried potatoes and something called "fish cake" that I would not recommend. The beef stir fry was a perfect meal, as far as I am concerned, containing my fave veggies (onions, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage). The flavor was spot on! My husband really enjoyed the bulgogi bibimbap; while I liked it too it wasn't one of my favorites and the rice wasn't crispy when we were served, like it usually is. When you are done you pay at the counter. Really "local" vibes and I highly recommend for the food!

    Catherine A.

    It was my first time having Korean food and I was thoroughly impressed! We had bites including potatoes and cucumbers as a starter, I had the mushroom tofu which I highly recommend! The food was ready very quickly and our waiter was very kind and explained what was in each dish. Plenty of table seating and bar like seating is present in the restaurant.

    Dumplings
    Natalie T.

    This place is great, a casual dining experience for some fantastic Korean food. Enjoyed an appetizer of dumplings followed by bibimbap & jabche. Loved how the food came out pipping hot too. Everything was so flavorful which made it hard to save some to bring home. Great price point as well for big portions. Highly recommend to check at out if you find yourself in South St!

    Beef Jabche Fire Cheese Chicken Chicken Bibimbap Seafood Soft Tofu Soup With White Rice (side)
    Amelia C.

    Came here on a Sunday around 1:30PM, it was relatively busy. There was actually a lot of street parking outside of the restaurant. 3 of us ordered these dishes to share: Beef Jabche Fire Cheese Chicken Chicken Bibimbap Seafood Soft Tofu Soup With White Rice (side) We enjoyed everything we ordered, especially the fire cheese chicken and soup. So flavorful. Banchan was average. The older gentleman who we believed was the owner was extremely friendly and welcoming. He explained all the dishes to us. Seems like all of the sauces are homemade. The kimchi is made fresh. When you're finished with your meal, you pay at the register.

    Lauren I.

    Absolutely the best Korean food in the Philly/South Jersey area. You can taste in the food that the restauranteurs really care about their work. Go support small local businesses!

    Side dishes (banchan)
    Sarah O.

    So I've heard that Philly area doesn't really have a good Korean restaurant, but which I would've agreed until now. We did visit DuBu which is in North Philly but it is a bit out of the way from central Philly area. Nam Chon seemed to have pretty good reviews so we decided to try. Nothing fancy, but definitely authentic Korean food, tastes like how your mom would make. It was still an uber ride over but we will return

    Banchan
    Chi C.

    My friend and I were on South Street nearby and were drawn by the photos of the dishes on the windows. (It was clear that others were too; we saw many who walked in after looking like we did, so great advertising!) Nam Chon offers a simplistic, but well-designed menu of authentic Korean dishes. We were immediately served Banchan upon seating, and it was absolutely delicious! The sliced potatoes and fish cakes were both favorites. Our spicy Yangneum Chicken was also tasty, and at a great portion size as well. My Stir-Fry Tofu Pork could've improved with a bit more seasoning on the tofu, but everything else in the dish was thoroughly enjoyable. I also felt each dish was a great value for the portion sizes we received. The service was slightly slow, but I also recognize my visit was during a busier Saturday evening. The atmosphere felt like a smaller, family-run business and the staff were all tremendously kind. We didn't receive water for a little bit; but again, I do feel that the staff was very sweet in their interactions with everyone, and the overall experience was still worth the visit for delicious Korean cuisine.

    Seafood Soft Tofu Soup With White Rice (side)
    Amber K.

    I came on a Monday afternoon by myself and the place was pretty slow but I think it gets busier for the evenings. I got the soup and it was very filled with seafood and toppings. Ill liked the potato side dish a lot as well as the fish cake. The kimchi wasn't fermented at all so I was not a fan. A nice place to stop by if u are craving good Korean food

    Banchan
    Stephanie W.

    Vibes: casual, unassuming authentic Korean; bring a friend or a few Tasting notes: - Seafood soft tofu: rich seafood flavor; chock full of shrimp, squid, mussels, clams; comes with perfectly cooked, al dente, fluffy white rice - Banchan: favorites were the fish cake and sliced potatoes; kimchi cabbage and radish were on the lighter side, which I appreciated - Beef bibimbap: comes steaming hot; generous serving with excellent mix of vegetables; side of gochujang to dose as you like Other thoughts: - Meal starts with banchan landing pretty much immediately once order is placed, and ends with slices of watermelon, a hallmark of Asian restaurant hospitality - Service felt slightly slow during a busy dinner hour, but it is clear they are trying their best - Waited about a half hour on a weekend night without a reservation Impression: would come back when I am craving authentic Korean!

    Helen K.

    Finally, a decent traditional Korean restaurant that sticks to the basics and not a crazy uptick on prices. One of the few on the east coast that I found the dish quality, sizes and prices comparable to ktown LA NOT midtown Manhattan. So excited decent Kspot was opening in Queen Village and they delivered. This is not a fancy or BBQ place but a snack and a quick meal kind of place but serves the soul food of Koreans (in my opinion). Loved the Bulgogi Hot Stone Bi Bim Bab and the vegetables in it. It's seasoned, so we actually didn't need to put the gochujang (chilli paste) and made scrape off the crispy rice encrusted onto the hot stone bowl. Also, the jwe yook bok geum (kimchi pork stir-fry with tofu) is my favorite barfood and/or meal. The 3 layer with tofu, pork meat, and the kimchi just bats away the stress of the day. The seafood pancake was good with chunks of shrimp and cuttlefish and not too thick. But the thing that really was amazing was the fried chicken. The batter was so old school korean. Becareful because it is piping hot! The batter is seasoned and encases that thick and juicy chicken meat. They do deliver through various apps (uber, grubhub, doordash) and you can get take-out. But for the fried chicken and the hot stone bi bim bap, better to dine in. Also, next time I'm in Philly, definitely trying the cheesy dduk bok ki (spicy rice cakes!) and other things on the menu! *we did spend more since I wanted to try more apps since my first time there but portable spent $20 to $25 per person per meal.

    Janet C.

    Liked the cheese dokbokki! Soft and chewy with melted cheese. The japchae wasn't as good - not as flavorful as other places I've tried and noodles were all clumped together. Will return to try some of their other dishes though since others seem to have recommended those.

    Bulgogi Bibim Bab
    Patrick M.

    This place blew me away. Incredibly friendly staff and food that will sweep you off your feet. Inside was nice and we had a great seat by the window. I'll be back to try the rest of their menu. So so so good.

    Korean Wings
    Komal R.

    Very kind and friendly owner. Food was great, especially loved the Bulgogi Bibimbap. They gave everyone a complimentary slice of watermelon after the dinner as a sweet treat - such a sweet (no pun intended) gesture.

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    3 months ago

    seafood pancake is a rip off and worth $.0001. no service. tofu is a Supermarket quality not a traditional Korean tofu

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    1 year ago

    Great Korean can be had here. Good service and plenty of spice! Decor is a bit plain but don't let it fool you

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    2 years ago

    Fantastic food. Wish I could eat it everyday. Definitely try it. It's worth it. Fairly priced too.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Nam Chon Reviews in Other Languages

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    Sampan - Hamachi Ceviche

    Sampan

    4.1(2.5k reviews)
    1.0 mi•Avenue of the Arts South
    •$$$

    Sampan is probably my favorite spot in Philly for happy hour. The restaurant itself has such a cool…read moreatmosphere, with dimly lit seating, two bars inside, and a back graffiti bar that has a completely different vibe with a more open and lively feel. I come here for happy hour every now and then because the prices are really great, and both the food and drinks are delicious. We started with the specialty cocktail and the Thai Punch, and both were really good. They had fruity undertones, and the alcohol wasn't overpowering at all -- I could easily have a few of these. For food, we got a few orders of the kung pao chicken wings. They were perfectly crispy with a really flavorful glaze. The portion size was also very generous, especially for the happy hour price. These are a great example of Asian-style fried chicken wings done right. I definitely want to come back and try their full dinner menu since I've only been here for happy hour so far. Luckily, it's not too far from where I live in the city, so I'll definitely be back!

    TLDR: mediocre food and dessert. You will be rushed out and treated like a nuisance. Go if you…read moredeliberately want a short basic, salty meal and don't mind feeling rushed. The details: This place is WAY overrated online. It's amazing what a little publicity can do for a place... Honestly, I wish I had something good to say about it, but all I can say is that a couple of the dishes (mushroom shumai and salmon skewers) were just "okay". The fried items (spicy chicken bao, cauliflower) were greasy and tasted half burnt; they were clearly fried in old grease, which leaves burnt crumbs on the batter and also doesn't drain from the food as well. The short rib dumplings were salty and the meat was overcooked and mushy. Besides the poor quality food, I strongly disliked that (at a regular table with a dinner reservation) they asked for a card up front to "open a tab". Really?? That seems so weird and tacky. Very few people "dine and dash", so what would be the reason behind this? It felt especially "interesting" given the diversity of the patrons, if you get my drift. I've never been to a restaurant that does that, unless you're at the bar. Speaking of the bar...FYI They only honor the happy hour menu at the bar. The last thing I'll say is this isn't a place where you can eat comfortably and relax socially. They are literally at your table every 5-10 mins trying to get you out. It's sort of "tapas" style but they don't allow you to finish a bite before they bring the next item. We felt like we had to rush to taste everything before it got cold. To top it off, we ordered the $56pp meal thing and the dessert was 4 tiny, tiny finger-sized ice cream cones. They brought them out without warning, so they were melting right away...again, forcing us to eat or lose out. And of course the waitress brought the check out shortly thereafter. When I made it clear that we wouldn't be rushed out, she kindly gave us more water. I questioned her about rushing us, and she said they "run a high volume model". Lol doesn't every restaurant want high volume (I.e., more money)? But at the expense of service? I guess they found the sweet spot of mediocrity and profit that keeps the doors open. Maybe 10 mins later, the manager came over and picked up drink glasses and asked us how things went (another "hurry up") signal. It was truly bizarre. Unfortunately, I didn't get to finish telling him how terrible the food was because he had a nose bleed and had to run off, and didn't return right away. We just left because it was no longer worth staying around somewhere that made it uncomfortable for us to have a leisurely dinner. I definitely would never go again. I didn't take any food pics because none of it was appealing enough to make me take my camera out, and again, we had to eat fast.

    Photos
    Sampan - Kitchen/bar table

    Kitchen/bar table

    Sampan - Kobe Beef

    Kobe Beef

    Sampan - The perfect way to start your meal: crisp, flavorful spring rolls and a bright lime sauce that brings the whole thing to life! ⁠

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    The perfect way to start your meal: crisp, flavorful spring rolls and a bright lime sauce that brings the whole thing to life! ⁠

    Double Knot - Scallop

    Double Knot

    4.3(1.6k reviews)
    1.0 mi•Avenue of the Arts South
    •$$

    Amazing food. Must try the edamame dumplings trust me. Everything was amazing. Shiatsu peppers were…read morevery tasty but wish it came with more of the spicy mayo. Cheesesteak bao was a bit out of place, but it is philly so gotta have it. wagyu soup dumplings were phenomenal. cod fried rice was great and their house made soy sauce was so gentle and tasty. Lovely service. Our waitress explained everything clearly and helped us pick when we couldn't decide. We sat downstairs and it was a tad bit TOO dark. I was nervous walking down there because I could not see and worried of missing a step. Other tables were using flashlights to read the menu which was valid. It was a comfy and sexy ambiance but the lighting could've been brighter and kept the same atmosphere. But I would definitely still choose to sit down there rather than any other seating options.

    Double Knot is a vibe! I've visited twice and both times were great experiences. Located in the…read moreheart of Philly, on a strip with other restaurants, Double Knot is one of the "go-to" spots. It's two levels, with the lower level being more intimate. I dined on the bottom level both times. First, if you're dining on the lower level, take out your glasses. It's dimly lit...but dimly like on overdose. I had to turn on my flashlight to properly read the menu! I've tried several items -- gyoza, sushi, sashimi, oysters, and sea bass fried rice. I can't say any item was subpar. Service, on both occasions, was excellent. Overall, a really good time! Definitely try for yourself. Cheers!

    Photos
    Double Knot - Inside bar area

    Inside bar area

    Double Knot - Robatayaki Skewers

    Robatayaki Skewers

    Double Knot - Inside

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    Inside

    Southgate

    Southgate

    4.2(415 reviews)
    1.4 mi•Rittenhouse Square
    •$$

    Went for the Sunday happy hour which starts at 2pm. It wasn't crowded at all. Their happy hour…read moremenus were extensive. Lots of great options. The Korean fried chicken was so good!!

    My girlfriend and I came to SouthGate to watch the World Cup Final while enjoying their happy hour…read morefood and drinks. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and is set up nicely, making it a fun place to catch a game. Overall, we had a great experience, with the service being the standout. Overall Ratings Atmosphere - 5/5 Service - 5/5 Food - 4/5 Parking - Street Parking Atmosphere - The restaurant has a modern and inviting atmosphere with plenty of seating. It's a great spot to watch sporting events, and the energy during the World Cup Final made the experience even more enjoyable. Service - Our two servers were absolutely amazing. They were personable, friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel welcome. They checked on us regularly without being overbearing and were happy to answer our questions. Their excellent service really elevated the entire experience. What We Ordered - -SouthGate Citywide - Good. A refreshing drink that paired well with the food. -$1 Wings - Excellent value. The wings were crispy, cooked consistently, and had great flavor. We tried both the soy and spicy sauces, and both were delicious. -Sotteok-Sotteok - Unfortunately, this was the only disappointing item. The rice cakes were noticeably undercooked, and the Japanese sausages tasted like standard store bought varieties. Considering the wait time and the price, this dish didn't live up to expectations. Final Thoughts - While one of the food items missed the mark, everything else about the experience was excellent. The atmosphere was fun, the wings were a great value, and the service was outstanding. Honestly, just the interactions we had with our servers alone would be enough reason for me to come back. I'd happily return for the drinks, the wings, and to try more of the menu.

    Photos
    Southgate - Bar

    Bar

    Southgate
    Southgate - Dining room

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    Dining room

    Nam Chon - korean - Updated October 2026

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