Dae Bak

1016 Race St 2nd Floor, Philadelphia
(267) 457-5876

Recent Reviews

Sort by
Lucinda Bertsinger

We eat here at least 2x a week. High quality and excellent preparation. Husband is spicy soft tofu fan. I'm eating my way around the menu. Table sides have great variation too; but their nappa kimchi and cucumber kimchi, they should be selling those in bulk!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Douglas Fitz

I’m thrilled to have found this place.

I’ve been a fan of Korean food, specifically, since ‘08. There used to be a place on Sansom Street called GIWA. It’s where I first had a taste of Daeji Bulgogi and a gochujang sauce.

There’s a movie theater just a few blocks south and I wanted to have a dinner before seeing the new Predator flick.

Google Maps brought me to Dae Bak after a quick Maps search for “Korean Food”.

I can’t say enough good things about my experience.

The guy that welcomed me and seated me was also my server. He was quick, he was attentive, and he followed up.

Once I ordered he brought out banchan.

Once the Jeyuk came out I was in heaven. It’s served in a hot cast iron skillet, so it not only stays hot throughout the meal, but the lasting bits of sauce and meat burn and caramelize to the surface, only to be scooped up by the spoon they provide. Those final bits are a flavor sensory overload!!

I’m not exaggerating: this is my new favorite place in that neighborhood.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Colin Wang

Yummy, great food taste good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Chris Bae

Authentic Korean Mat Jip.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Gab de Carvalho

The best food I've ever experienced.

Please try the strawberry soju and any meal starting with C, like C4. you'll have a great time here. It's quiet and cozy. The receptionist was extremely friendly and welcoming.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

anamaria

I really like the food, and the service, I definitely going back here

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Elizabeth Lee

Delicious and fresh. Kimchee is the best I’ve had - and I am a Korean from LA….

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

RussianTrigger5490

The ambiance here is fire 🗣️🔥

Anthony

A very nice hole-in-the-wall!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mouride Sall

Mark was very helpful despite of being busy today! Highly recommended as a Korean restaurant!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amadou Barry

Mark was phenomenal! Food is bomb and environment is amazing!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

River

Great authentic Korean food. Location is a little hard to find on the 2nd floor.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Natasha

Been here a few times and food and service has been consistently great! We ordered the squid stone pot and seafood pancake, which were delicious. Without needing to ask they made sure we were always stocked with water and napkins at our table 😊

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Leonardo Suarez

I visited this Korean restaurant during the bustling Chinatown Night Market, where the streets were alive with energy and the crowd was nonstop. Despite the packed tables and fastpaced atmosphere, the experience I had here was calm, personal, and unforgettable.
The server who took care of me was truly exceptional. Amid the noise and rush, he remained composed, attentive, and genuinely kind. He greeted me with a warm smile, helped me navigate the menu with thoughtful recommendations, and checked in just enough to make me feel cared for without ever interrupting the flow of the evening. His presence brought a sense of calm and hospitality that made the busy night feel intimate.
I ordered the squid bibimbap and grilled mackerel, and both dishes were outstanding. The bibimbap was vibrant and full of texture. The squid was tender and flavorful, perfectly balanced with crisp vegetables and spicy gochujang. The mackerel was grilled to perfection, with a smoky richness that paired beautifully with the side dishes. Among the banchan, the kkakdugi, a Korean kimchi made from cubed radish stood out. It was crunchy, bold, and deeply satisfying, adding just the right contrast to the main dishes.

At one point, I mentioned how the flavors reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking, and the server smiled and said, “That’s the kind of memory we hope to create.” That moment stayed with me.

This restaurant doesn’t just serve Korean food offers a heartfelt experience, even in the middle of a crowded night market. I left feeling nourished, appreciated, and genuinely impressed. Highly, deeply, and sincerely recommended.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Alpha Amadou

David and Mark was awesome and made our Korean dining expérience fun and mémorable!

Loading...