From the moment I stepped onto the sidewalk at South Jazz Kitchen, I knew I was somewhere sacred. The greeting at the door was prompt, warm, and intentional. The kind of welcome that reminds you hospitality is still an art. The ambiance is chic, upscale, and intentional without ever feeling stiff. It is not too loud, allowing laughter and conversations to breathe naturally. They thoughtfully left space for guests without reservations, which shows they value people, not just bookings. Everyone was dressed beautifully, and the staff matched that same elevated professionalism. Clean. Polished. Intentional. Our server, Ashley, was exceptional. Knowledgeable. Present. Confident. She didn't just take orders. She guided an experience. The space is wheelchair accessible, and the outdoor courtyard is stunning. Photo worthy. Elegant. It instantly transported me to New Orleans. The aesthetic, the warmth, the spirit. It felt like Mama nem's table on a Sunday after church. Cousins laughing. Plates heavy. Love flowing. Culture present in every detail. Even the private event space is breathtaking. Weddings. Baby showers. Political donor events. Receptions. Community celebrations. I saw vision the moment I looked inside. And now... let's talk about the food. I had the smoked jerk turkey wings, slow cooked to perfection and served with Creole beans and rice and collard greens with smoked turkey. Let me be clear. This was not just food. This was memory. The seasoning was deep, layered, and soulful. The meat was tender, falling off the bone with ease. I fought the urge to bite the bones themselves just to stay in that moment a little longer. The mac and cheese deserves its own standing ovation. Made with a blend of four cheeses and baked into a rich, creamy cheese joy with perfection, it was rich, indulgent, and comforting in every bite. This is not a side. This is an experience. The freshly baked skillet cornbread, served with Steen's cane syrup and honey butter, was warm, soft, and balanced between sweet and savory. It was the kind of cornbread you slow down for. The kind you remember. My Nina mocktail was refreshing, sweet, and layered. Every sip revealed something new. A drink meant to be savored, not rushed. My husband ordered the buttermilk fried chicken, drizzled with hot honey and served alongside collards with smoked turkey and sweet potato gratin. I stole a wing, of course. Moist. Flavorful. Perfectly crisp. The kind of bite that makes you close your eyes and say "mmmm" without realizing it. This is not just a restaurant. It is culture. It is comfort. It is community. Meeting the general manager felt like reconnecting with family you didn't know you missed. From the first hello at the door to the final goodbye, I felt seen, welcomed, and valued. Even the bathrooms and hallways are selfie worthy. Every detail is intentional. This is where you bring your spouse. Your girls. Your sorors. Your frat brothers. Your business partners. Your family. Your whole community. We drove six hours to experience South Jazz Kitchen, and I would do it again next week without hesitation. I am sending everyone I know. And when they say "Shaleah sent me"... just know that's me, y'all. That's me. Yelp Elites, RUN. Amazing food. Amazing culture. Amazing establishment. read more

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This is a restaurant that I frequent and one that I recommend to any and anyone who is in Philly to visit so I was really taken aback when I walked in today to ask if I could get cornbread to take home from the bar as I didn't want to sit and eat it and was told there's no take out. I've gone to the bar on multiple occasions to get just cornbread and an entree to go as well as when I have had reservations to dine in, I've seen people come in, just go to the bar and order take out. I'm really disappointed at this experience and it seems like every time I go to South, It's a different experience and a different enforcement of rules. read more

My husband and I were in town for one of his fraternity events and were lucky enough to enjoy a date night with one of our favorite couples. My husband, originally from Philadelphia, had heard great things about South and wanted to check it out. Our visit was a bit last-minute and we didn't have a reservation, but the front-of-house staff was incredibly accommodating, and we were seated without much of a wait. The place is cute - not super fancy but also not too casual. For my entrée, I ordered the Sweet & Spicy Crispy Duck Breast with peach demi-glace, haricot verts, and brown sugar mashed sweet potatoes. The duck breast was excellent--perfectly cooked medium with great flavor. The mashed sweet potatoes were good, though not quite as sweet or flavorful as I expected, so I didn't eat much of them. My husband ordered the Low Country Catfish & Gulf Shrimp with cornmeal-fried catfish, sautéed shrimp, broccolini, collard pesto rice, and tomato-okra sauce. He absolutely raved about every bite and thoroughly enjoyed the dish. However, the true stars of the meal were the sides. The Freshly Baked Skillet Cornbread with Steen's cane syrup and honey butter and the Classic Mac & Cheese made with a blend of four cheeses and sweet cream custard were phenomenal. Both came out piping hot and incredibly flavorful--so good that just thinking about them makes me want to go back for more. Overall, we had a wonderful dining experience and would definitely recommend South. Pro tip: They also offer live music with dinner service in a separate room. Don't make our mistake--be sure to make a reservation if you want to enjoy that part of the experience! "Because dining is more than food - it's flavor, style and elegance that should be savored one bite at a time." - AMC read more

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Ambiance was nice and appropriate for a jazz club. Comfortable and inviting. The food was very good and the portions were great. It took a little while for our food but it was worth it. The hibiscus margarita was refreshing. The staff was professional and friendly. I would recommend to others and hope to come back to see other jazz musicians. read more

South - Fried chicken, turkey greens, sweet potatoes soufflé . - Southern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dined at South for Valentine's Day and everything was absolutely phenomenal. Street parking was plentiful outside. The restaurant and jazz bar are connected, but the jazz area is through the restaurant and in a separate space. The jazz bar was cozy and musicians were phenomenal. There was even a proposal this evening. All of the food was delightful and seasoned well - but standouts were the skillet cornbread, Mac and cheese, and catfish. I've been wanting to come check this place out for a while and it did not disappoint. It's a great spot for date night. read more

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I had the most amazing time at south. We made reservations for the room with the live music and it was 30 per person but I do believe that fluctuates depending on who's playing. The band was fantastic and I really loved the Christmas vibes for the holidays. If you come I would definitely say make reservations for this because it elevated my experience so much. The food was absolutely amazing. We ordered the corn bread skillet to share with 4 people and it was the best corn bread I've ever had. It was perfectly moist and sweet. The fried chicken was also delicious and crispy. It came with collard greens and sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes were perfectly seasoned and I liked the crumble on top. The biscuit was also good, I'm just not a huge fan of biscuit. We also ordered the catfish which was also fantastic. The crust was crispy and I thought it was a tiny bit salty but otherwise wonderfully seasoned. The shrimp and rice was also deliciously paired with it. Lastly we ended with the pineapple bread pudding and crème brûlée which was good but nothing special. Overall super pleased with all of the food and will definitely be returning to try everything on the menu! read more

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One of my absolute favorite places to go eat in Philly. The ambiance, service, food and drinks are always top tier. This is the place you take an out of person town visiting you in Philly. South has a jazz performance where you can eat and listen to live music. You have to book a reservation in advance though so don't expect to walk in and grab a spot. I went with my family during Christmas and they even did a Christmas number which was amazing. Food - Mac and cheese and corn bread as appetizers. Then the fried chicken and/or fish entree (usually the sea bass) and you can thank me later. There's no words to describe how flavorful and delicious the mac and cheese and corn bread is. My boyfriend jokes he could eat those two as appetizers and be completely fine. The fried chicken has hot honey drizzled on it and the sea bass is cooked so delicately the meat comes right off with a fork. Drinks - Honestly, any of their drinks are delicious. I've tried mostly all of them at this point and they don't disappoint. If you're looking for a place that's a bit more elevated and has delicious food, you're looking at the right spot. Just don't forget to book a reservation in advanced because South is VERY popular and can get really busy! read more

South - Fried Chicken soooo good but definitely a lot - Southern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What can I say? The reviews did not lie one bit. When I go out for dinner, this is the type of service I expect. From the all walk-in I was warmly greeted by gentleman in a fly suit, who assisted me with the hostess. Then we were lead to our seats where we ate at the Chefs counter and watching them work was nothing short of amazing. The speed and detail to which they plated was a sight to see. The main chef was in his zone hunny! Didn't break a move or sweat and moved with liquidity. We ordered our drinks; Southern Nobility and the Hibiscus margarita then of course the cornbread which tasted like a cloud. The ambiance was inviting and chill that we didn't even realize our food didn't come until the manager came to apologize for the delay. He then sent an additional appetizer to our table for the inconvenience (deviled eggs) which were delish! Now to the food: I don't eat pork or red meat so the fact that the everything had turkey e.g the collard greens, the jambalaya, was a solidified A++++ in my book. The jambalaya reminded me of when my grandmother used to make her red rice (which I will call her to get the recipe for) so it was welcoming feeling of nostalgia. The Jumbo lump crab cakes were LUMPING okay?! The collard pesto rice delish as I have never had collard pesto before. The Oysters: outstanding. The Mac n cheese, come on now! Now dessert is normally skipped but since this was southern hospitality I had to try that pineapple bread pudding! It was like a symphony in my mouth my. The ice cream was velvety smooth and not sweet. Everything was just grand. I had a good time here, the service, the food, the ambiance, the vibe and you can still hear the jazz show. This is a 10/10 for me that I will always recommend. If it's on your list, GO! You will not be disappointed. Oh and dress the part, I didn't see anyone get turned away BUT everyone so far adhered to the dress code. read more

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South was an amazing experience. The jazz aspect was amazing. Nasir Dickerson was AMAZING! Such a talented performer and his band and additional talent were all amazing. Now to the food. My gf ordered the Harissa lamb chops and they were perfectly cooked, and the spice level was perfect! I ordered the crab cakes and they were so fresh! The honey butter cornbread was EVERYTHING the reviews said it was omg! I will certainly return to try a different artist and menu items. My only thing was they wrapped my food up, but didn't put my sauce for the crab cakes in my bag. I definitely needed it. read more

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OMG this place is amazing. Just walking in the door you are embraced by the atmosphere that is just indescribable. There appears to be so many places you can seat and enjoy your dining experience. The staff is the best!! Rico was amazing and made awesome suggestions, however, I truly believe you can't go wrong with anything on this menu. The food was AMAZING!! The performance was spectacular and the vibes were so awesome!! I can't wait to go back again and again and again.... I loved everything about this place and read more

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Oh yes I will be back. This is one of those places where ya wanna try evvverything on the menu! We ordered as much as we could respectably consume for now. I'll hope to return on another trip to Philly. Recommended them to a friend who recently relocated there, and he took his mom for her birthday! That's a testament! Everything was DELICIOUS. Service was attentive, pleasant, professional, energetic, helpful. The vibe was for the culture! I lingered for a good 3 hours!!! Loved it all, every bit, can't wait to refer other people and return with family and friends. read more

Great food... Amazing service. Definitely recommend 10/10. We dined in jazz lounge during performance which made the night extra special. Great date night! read more

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We had an amazing time at South Jazz kitchen! Having been born and raised in the South, the restaurant really felt like a little piece of home. South is housed in a very large space, with a dining area, kitchen, and bar on one side of the restaurant, and the jazz club with dining tables on the other. We ended up getting tickets for the jazz show. When we arrived, we were kindly greeted and then seated promptly. Keep in mind that they do have a dress code, which I appreciate for this type of establishment. We ordered the skillet cornbread, short rib, catfish, and pineapple bread pudding. We also ordered the deviled eggs, but that item never came out. Luckily, it wasn't on our bill either. Aside from that small oversight, our waiter was friendly and attentive. The food was phenomenal! I really enjoyed the short rib, which came with mashed potatoes and spinach. The catfish was good but a bit bland, and the accompany shrimp was a little too salty for my liking. The stars of the show for me were the skillet cornbread and the bread pudding. The honey butter on the cornbread took it up a level, and I've never had pineapple bread pudding, but it was so delicious it had me looking for the recipe! Aside from the food, the jazz show was great and entertaining. All in all, I truly enjoyed my experience here, and I will absolutely be coming back. read more

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Food 6/10 Service 10/10 Ambiance 10/10 Really enjoyed this place VERY CLEAN !!! Especially the restrooms . The ambiance is top tier and I love that they have a LIVE jazz band . The staff is absolutely amazing !! I give the whole experience 7/10 read more

South - SOUTH-ern Fried Chicken TG - Southern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Run don't walk! Oh the food Delicious! The service from the front door to my exit professional and friendly. The vibe of the restaurant mature and delightful! I attended an Alison Williams performance with my dinner and loved every minute of it!! The grown and sexy were in the building! And my Billie Holiday drink was so good I'm still thinking about it!! read more

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8/10 everything was so good I love it , food delicious! Drinks delicious! I took 2 points off because you can't modify your own sides you have to get what comes with the entree read more

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We've tried to book a reservation here three different times and was unsuccessful. My girlfriend's obsessed with trying the food here, so I decided to give them a try. The famous Mac n cheese, too salty for my liking. The jerk turkey wings, nothing jerk about them! Not spicy at all and salty. My collard greens tender but lack seasonings. My rice was good, her rice she didn't like at all but the waiter was nice to switch the rice for broccoli which was good. The salmon was good and the corn bread sweet, like a cake, overall 3.5 stars out of 5, far as food goes. Would I return, no, only because I've had better soul food. read more

We were shocked that we were able to get seated without any reservation because the place was so busy. Over the years I have heard many good things about this restaurant. It exceeded all of my expectations with the service along with the ambience and of course the food was spectacular. Every item that we order from the menu was packed with flavor and breathtaking! I will definitely come back to this establishment to dine again, overall experience was great! read more

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Everything at South is AMAZING! Anytime I'm in Philly and have time I'll stop by, no questions asked. Food is great, fresh and filling. Our waitress, Nadia, was super nice, told us her favorites and went over the menu. The cornbread is 10/10 and the Mac and cheese is super rich and feels like a warm hug. Ambiance is also beautiful, the glass doors, jars and open kitchen remind me of grandmas house down south with tons of greenery. The jazz area is also very quaint and romantic. read more

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First off I'd like to say unfortunately most black owned restaurants have horrible service and I'm happy to say this restaurant does NOT fall in that category at all! The service was absolutely impeccable. Our server was super friendly, attentive and knowledgeable and management made sure to check every table to make sure everything was great. We had one small issue and the manager immediately took care of it and I'm so impressed! The food was absolutely amazing I was scared at first because I wasn't sure what to expect with upscale soul food but it was so good the cornbread was my absolute favorite. The restaurant is also absolutely beautiful the outdoor down upscale down south esthetic was gorgeous and inside felt like I was in an indoor range just absolutely stunning love love! read more

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Went back for my birthday and this is now my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia. Everyone is so friendly. From the bar to the table and including other patrons. The devil crab is one of the best things I've ever tasted. The fried green tomatoes were better than what we had in the Carolina's. I got the fried chicken and it was delicious. The mashed sweet potatoes were so good and like crispy on top. My wife got the turkey and said it was the best turkey she ever had. Then they brought me a brownie. read more

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I went to South for a date night to see the incredibly talented Nathan Mitchell, and the entire experience blew me away. It was my first time going to a jazz show, and I didn't know exactly what to expect--but I left completely hooked. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was just right. The ambience was cozy and intimate, the kind of setting that pulls you in and makes you feel like you're part of something special. The band was amazing, the sound quality was crisp, and the host kept the energy flowing without missing a beat. And the food? Delicious. Every bite just added to the experience. Between the music, the atmosphere, and the meal, it made for one of the best date nights I've had in a long time. I'll definitely be back. Can't wait to do it all over again. read more

They have a beautiful restaurant with excellent customer service. The food I had was very good and I'd highly recommend the Mac & Cheese. The only complaint I had was it was a bit tight in the Jazz area for the shows. However, the show was so good, I didn't trip off it. If you are a larger person, you may want to request a booth ahead of time. Definitely will go back again. read more

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Absolutely LOVE this restaurant! We attended the Jazz club for dinner and it was amazing. The ambiance, service and food were impeccable as always! South is the perfect restaurant for a special celebration or a romantic date night! It's definitely one of our favorites! read more

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Jumanne Smith brought tears to my eyes. Exceptional musicians. The food was amazing and the entire experience was uplifting. We highly recommend South!!!! read more

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Celebrated my birthday here last night and I am happy to report my family and I had an amazing time!!!! First, let me say this was my third time trying to get a reservation. After the first to fails which was simply due to trying to get in last minute, I knew for my bday I needed to plan ahead, We arrived promptly at 4:30 on a Sunday just for the dining room but I can see going back for a show. Speaking of.....since we were a larger party, we were sat at a big table right in front and right next to the jazz club which is only separated by a glass paneled door. So when the band finally began to play we still got all the musical enjoyment!!! And speaking of seating, although this establishments footprint is small, it is divided up into very smart seating arrangements. You have a small bar to your left upon entry with some side table seating. Walking past the hostess station and down a small flight of stairs you have the dining room but then there's also a chefs counter area where you can observe the kitchen in action.. Adding to this are dim ambiance lighting and a rustic, country decor that all add up to a sumptuous mood. Needless to say I was digging the vibe. Last the food did not disappoint. Every one at my table ordered something different and loved their choice. This included the crab cakes, the salmon etouffee, the smoked turkey wings, the braised short ribs and for me a bold choice of whole sea bass. Knowing the head was going to be there challenged me a bit but he was not as scary as I thought and he was delicious. The fish was so moist, the sauce on top was cheerful, the broccolini was well seasoned and the potatoes were creamy. The cornbread was devoured. If you, like me, like yours sweet, this cornbread is like cake. And finally, the Mac and cheese. We all gave this a thumbs up crowd pleasing favorite. If you're still with me down here, thank you for hearing me out til the end. Sometimes you have a lot to say. My only reason for not giving that final star to make it perfect is they do not enforce the dress code. I made one family member change out of his jeans only to arrive and see a young lady seated next to us in booty shorts. Don't get me wrong, she looked very cute but that's not fine dining attire. If you want the clientele to look smart, you should hold them to it. read more

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Classy and fun jazz bar! We enjoyed seeing Jumaane Smith and the other musicians. They were incredibly talented and contributed to a wonderful night. We had dinner at another restaurant before we arrived so we only had drinks here. My martinis were made pretty well and were enjoyable to sip on during the concert. They also had some interesting options on their actual cocktail list. Overall service was slow but we can't complain too much since the concert was going on. Parking was a huge challenge to find. It's all street parking but we managed to find something. Would definitely recommended if you're looking for a great date night activity. read more

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This was a marvelous evening. The food was so delicious. The service rested a star five. This place is remarkable!!!! There was lived entertainment. read more

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My girlfriend brought me from Raleigh, NC to Philly for my birthday and made reservations here. When we arrived, I was turned away because I had a hoodie under my peacoat. I was dressed neat and appropriate for the freezing weather, but the host wouldn't seat us and offered no alternatives. I respect a dress code, but the way it was enforced felt rigid and unwelcoming. We traveled out of state, took an Uber, and planned this evening weeks in advance. The lack of flexibility or hospitality ruined the night before it even started. Most upscale restaurants use discretion and work with guests especially when someone is clean, presentable, and layered for cold weather. That didn't happen here. read more

Food: I ordered the classic freshly basked cornbread skillet. This is a must-have when coming to this restaurant. For my entree, I got the Fried Country Catfish & Gulf Shrimp which came with a side of grilled asparagus & tomato-okra. I also tried one of their non-alcoholic cocktails Service: I enjoyed our service. They graciously sat us - even though we were waiting for another person in our party - and let us order. We were also the last party to leave but never felt rushed and enjoyed their hospitality. Atmosphere: This was my first time coming to SOUTH for dinner, and not a private event. We sat in the lounge area of the dining space, which I highly recommend if you have a small party. The seats were more comfortable with a back cushion and quieter space than the larger dining area. If coming for dinner, the space is dimly lit with jazz music playing in the background, so the atmosphere feels intimate. read more

South - Fried Country Catfish & Gulf Shrimp - Southern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Amazing! Will be back! Money well spent! Food is impeccable! We really enjoyed everything!

Food and beverage was amazing! Service once seated was outstanding. Was quite a bit of a wait for seating with a reservation for the jazz side, but once seated, zero complaints. Music was incredible. Can't wait to go back for another amazing experience! read more

Went for early dinner and we had a good time. Ambiance was great. Portions are huge. Soul food flavors! Service was excellent. Appears to be a neighborhood gem read more

I'm here every restaurant week! The food quantity and quality is really good. I love the option of the restaurant or dining in the jazz room. Perfect date night or birthday dinner read more

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Came here August 2025 with my husband for an anniversary dinner. Brianna and her band was playing, great music and she was a little funny and interacted with the audience so that was great. The place was romantic and we had a great time. Parked on the street, no issues. Quiet that time of night. The food was Delicious!!!! I was shocked, my family is huge and from the South (NC and LA) and I felt like I was at home. We had the fried chicken and grouper for entrees and the peach and burrata salad and the seafood boil ( special) was out of this world!!! You hear me?! If you are thinking about going...Go! If just for dinner...it's all good. Oh and for dessert was the crème brûlée and that was also good, but I love that dish. Will update this review with more after we return. Thanks South! read more

Great food & entertainment for my birthday celebration. I tried to get more of my friends to come out to help me celebrate but the tickets sold out quick very small room . We will celebrate at a different location. Otherwise, everything was nice. read more

South - Salmon, broccoli, & rice Also cornbread not in picture as serve I ate before I took the photo - Southern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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If you're looking for a restaurant right outside center city with great Southern cuisine and live Jazz, this is the spot for you. From celebrating your special occasion, date night , or just because! The staff here were all friendly and welcoming with smiles. And were all eager to share their recommendations from the menu. There's multiple dining options as well. Main dining room, chefs table and court yard when weather permits. The creole deviled eggs was delicious. I had the lamb cooked med well very tender and flavorful. The cornbread is a must! I sadly didn't grab dessert however it was recommended that the pumpkin cheesecake was top tier. read more

South - Whiskey inspired drink - Southern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I highly recommend South for all occasions. I was heartbroken when Warmdaddy's and Relish closed, they were my go-to when meeting up with friends in Philly. South replaces both by far with its fresh ambiance and separate performance space, combining the two. Driving in from Jersey, parking is a little tricky but I've always been able to find parking on the street over -or- on Broad after making certain maneuvers, lol. Our entire party was not available at arrival so we were invited to sit at the bar. The bartender was very pleasant and offered us the menu. There was a mixup on time (with one of our guests) and we weren't ready to be seated until an hour and a half after our reservation. There was a performance that nice so we were given the option to sit at the bar or the chef's table. I personally think the chef's table seating was a stroke of luck for us. Our host, Quiana (sorry for the misspelling), was phenomenal. She gave real life suggestions which really helped with our ordering. We of course ordered the cornbread - which we should have all ordered one for ourselves. We also shared the macaroni and cheese, which Quiana highly praised. I liked it, but it was a little heavy on the garlic for me (and that's only because I'm garlic sensitive). Quiana also made mocktail suggestions - but I ended up taking her recommendation for the sweet tea. I could have drank a gallon. Now, I knew where I was coming after returning from North Carolina. I did not specifically want southern comfort food. But I was in luck! Quiana shared the details of the surf and turf special and I went for that. I'm so glad I did...although I don't eat red meat - the little corner I tasted of the steak with the sauce was delicious. I ate the 5oz lobster tail so quickly, I really couldn't tell you about it, lol. I do recall wishing I had drawn butter to go with it. The asparagus and mashed potatoes were delectable. I really ate too much. Sitting at the chef's table was like sitting in my girlfriend's living room. We were greeted by the chefs and manager. We actually enjoyed ourselves so much we didn't realize we had closed down the restaurant. I brought the steak and leftovers home and they magically disappeared with a request for a date night in the near future. I'll definitely be back, thank you South! read more

Not the best service; our waiter ignored our request and still charged us for dishes we did not receive. Nice jazz music but the attitude of the staff was uncaring, unethical, and rude. I would not return and would not recommend the place for any special event or holiday. read more

The first experience I've had at South was such a positive one that I can't wait to come back! Immediately upon coming in to wait for friends joining me, I was greeted by the warmest host and bartender who made me feel welcomed. When we got to our seat, the server seemed very knowledgeable about the menu and food options for our diet needs. Food is on point as far as seasoning and presentation! The catfish and shrimp meal was delicious! We opted to also try the cornbread and a bottle of white wine. The wine prices were very affordable around $30 each. The vibe inside of South is chill with mood lighting while having jazz music in the background for casual feels as we caught up on our week together. It was easy to make a reservation and also get in and seated to enjoy our night. read more

South - Low Country Catfish STG - Southern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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