At $56 per order (sized for 2), I found the Kalbi to be overpriced; it DID have good flavor, but I'm unsure I'd order it again. We also got the haemul pajun, which I found not nearly as tasty as that offered by Seorabol (my fave Korean). The banchan, however, was outstanstanding; 18 dishes were placed on the table; all were good to excellent. read more

Kim's Restaurant - SO much banchan! - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

LOOOOOVE this place. Everything was great! I was looking for a legit BBQ place that actually had the grill. I just might be coming here more often if I ever crave for KBBQ again. Their Kimchi Stew is wonderful! read more

Let's just start off talking about the amount of banchan we got. It literally fills up half the table and they all taste delicious! What's also a pro is the grill. Although it can be annoying at times to move when the grill is transferred in, the charcoal flavor always wins out in the end. But could there be better vents? I don't think the vents that the restaurant has does anything. For the meat, we usually order fewer servings than the amount of people in our party (1 order is 2 servings). Even though the serving might be small, we always manage to finish with our stomachs full. Must be because we have small stomachs lol Anyway, the food and the service here are good. Getting ice cream with the meal is a plus too! However, I don't like how much they put on meat they put on the grill at one time. Too much meat on the grill overcrowds it. Over wise the meat would be steamed because the heat won't get to it or the meat will be overcooked by the time we get to it because there is too much on the grill.Controlling what to put on and when to take the food is one of the joys of going to kbbq. read more

I honestly love this place and don't understand all the bad reviews. The meat is so tender and tasty, they give you so many side dishes and will refill them if you clean the plate and want more of anything. No, it is not cheap and it's also not fancy. But I have been here multiple times and everything has been so good. Service is great too. And the most fun part is that they have self-serve ice cream for dessert! Usually they will have fun flavors too. read more

I love family owned restaurants and self proprietorships! In terms of Korean BBQ, it doesn't get any better than this! Great place, great staff, PARKING ON SITE, excellent food! One of the only places I know of that still uses charcoal for grilling as opposed to gas or electric grills! Try to leave your jackets in your car (weather permitting) otherwise you will smell of Korean BBQ deliciousness for a few days! Starters: Seafood Pancakes Steamed Egg (takes awhile to cook, so order early!) Jap Chae (clear bean noodles, stir fry with some onions, bell peppers and minced meat) Entrees: Kalbi Bulgolgi Desserts: Free ice cream! read more

My favorite korean restaurant in Philly, no doubt. I have been coming here since I was young with my family, it was a regular place we dined at. I cannot speak for the entire menu but only for what my usual order - spicy marinated ribs. I have yet to find another korean bbq spot in Philly that uses the same method/technique as Kim's when grilling. I can't say 100% what they use bc I'm not sure but its different. Different enough to make a noticable difference :) Service is very friendly. They tend to have their busy moments on weekends so expect service to be slightly delayed. I opt to go on the weekdays. A bit pricey but hey, that's korean bbq for ya. After a satisfying meal, its very worth it. read more

A bit on the pricey side compared to other Korean restaurants around the area but worth it. The service and food were both great! read more

Kim's Restaurant - Nom - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Food was good. Lots of side dishes. Loved the Korean bbq. They had a air vent above the table to help with the smoke. Free ice cream once you finish your meal :) Service was ok. Had to flag the waiter down several times for water refills, refills of side dishes, refills of lettuce and changing the bbq rake since it was starting to burn with all the stuck food. Would come again for the food :) read more

This place is very smokey, but charcoal makes the meat so much better!! My nephew has sensitive eyes, but he will gladly eat thru his tears. Not kidding, he always ask for this place if we eat Korean. I generally eat the galbi, which is always tender and mouth watering. Lots of excellent banchan, wish they sold this. I like sides with my meals and I can't cook this well. Free ice cream is a nice plus. updated 4/2017 read more

Great if you have a large group. The food is pretty good but I really felt it was pricey. I probably would appreciate it more if I ate beef. The pork belly was not easy to eat. I guess pure korean food is not my cup of tea. I miss the fusion food that was served by Seoul food in the DC area. read more

Simply the best restaurant around. Amazing Korean food and amazing service. You feel like you are part of the family when you are there. Feels authetic. read more

I like this authentic korean restaurant!!! All side dishes(BANCHAN) were tasty and home made!! The meat itself had less fat on it which i like. read more

This is hands down the best Korean restaurant in and around the Philadelphia area and is a MUST visit if you're looking for great Korean food. Nothing compares in the Philly area! The food is very authentic and just down right delicious. It really reminds me of my grandmother's cooking and the ingredients are super fresh! Not to mention, the service makes me feel right at home. They really take care of you and help grill the meats for you when you are like me and are not sure when the meat is done/overdone. 5/5 recommend! read more

Food is okay. Galbi is probably the only meat they marinate well. The others don't have much flavor. Service is slow. It's pricey.

This review is for those who have never been to a korean restaurant, i'm as far from a purist as it gets. Came here for lunch, it's in an area of philly that I wouldn't want my mom walking around at night by herself, but...walk in packs i guess. Upon entering, the smell of charcoal and wood is robust, you feel like this place get some serious usage. Generous seating area, decor is nice enough without being stuffy. The tables are all for 6 people, with a rectangle curout in the center for the grill. After ordering, shortly after your table is delivered a super hot charcoal grill. What I ate: Kallbil (short ribs) and Samgyupsal (pork belly). The short ribs were served in a way that the meat was removed from the bones and cooked, and then the bones were cooked. Tender, flavorful, with great char flavor, pairs really well with the seemingly 100s of accompaniments. The pork belly was fatty as expected, however, upon cooking, much of the fat rendered off leaving bacon-like strips of meat that were life affirming. We also shared a onion and pepper korean pancake, savory, cripsy, spicy, a filling appetizer that easily serves 6. Just when we were about to tap out, we find out they serve free ice cream! For clarification on how the meat is cooked, the server cooked the food for us, not sure if this was the case because it was our first time, or if this is the norm. It was nice to have him around. Overall the food was great, plus, if you just eat the bbq with the lettuce wraps, its a relatively healthy, low carb meal as well. read more

This place was AWESOME. It is not as divey as some people make it out to be--but it is definitely family run. The kids were running around and our various servers all had thick accents. But really, the meat was delicious. The sides were plentiful and ranged from hot, to sweet, to tangy, to hot, sweet, and tangy all at the same time. The flavor from the kalbi and pork bulgolgi were awesome. It seemed like they had been marinating for days. Be forewarned, however, this isn't dim sum where everything is $1. You're paying for heaping piles of marinated beef. But, one order is enough for two very hungry people. The pancake (also awesome) is about the size of a vinyl record, with mildly spicy peppers and other deliciousness in them. It puts a scallion pancake to shame. Its definitely worth the trip back up to olney for this one. read more

If you want Korean bbq this is the place to go. It is the only place I know of around here that uses real charcoal for the grill. Most places uses electric or gas grills. The charcoal makes a big difference. The food gets nice and crusty with the high level of heat from the charcoal. Everything is good here, but I prefer grilled my own meat here. You can get a large plate of marinated meat for about $40 so it's not exactly cheap, but it's worth it. They also have free ice cream here for dessert. You will smell like Korean Bangladesh so be careful what you wear here. Also the parking lot is small. read more

I can't really claim this is the best Korean food in Philly, since I haven't actually eaten Korean food anywhere else, but this is definitely a good place to eat! I've been going here for as long as I can remember (literally, it's the one restaurant my entire family always agrees on) but so far I've only ever eaten the Bulgolgi, and tried their dumplings. If I've eaten anything else, I don't remember it, which means it wasn't amazing and the dumpling weren't great, but the Bulgolgi is amazing! Thankfully, my boyfriend is more adventurous than my family, so we're hoping to try out a different dish the next time we go (maybe something spicy?) The decor sucks as does the location if you're not used to it...but whenever I go I'm treated well (I think they recognize me by now) and get free dessert teas. The banchan rocks my socks too! read more

I've been here many times already and I love their Gal Bi (Short Ribs). Their sides dishes are good and the service is great. It's kind of a hole in the wall place and no one really speaks English but when I want some Korean BBQ, this is one of favorite options. read more

I was originally exposed to Korean BBQ in California back in the day. Coming over to Philly I did not think I would find a place like Kim's. I got lucky in that I asked of my Korean residents what's his favorite BBQ place and he recommended this without hesitation. First of all I think it's one of the best; maybe even the best Korean BBQ I have tried. I am no expert but I have gotten around! So from downtown it's quite a drive because of the stop lights and off course the not so great neighborhood. But once you get there, FLAME ON! I would not wear my nicest clothes because you are going to end up getting splattered on and end up smelling like smoke. Also language is an issue but you can get through, it seems the waiters/staff speak English as their second language. However they are very nice and extremely helpful. Ambience/Atmosphere: The place is nothing spectacular. Simple, clean. Bench table and seats with a fire pit in the middle for grilling and an overhead vent over the table to evacuate the smoke. Parking: Have their own parking lot! It's free. I have come here couple of times in the evening and there is always a spot. Menu/Pricing: There is a variety of Korean dishes on the menu and you can always ask the staff to help you out. All the BBQ dishes come with several (usually 7-8) side dishes to complement the food. Pricing honestly is very reasonable for the amount of food you get. For two - three people one serving of BBQ is pretty filling and good. -Food: So no need to freak out here if you have not been to a Korean BBQ. Once you place your order the center part of your table is removed and a hot coal plate is placed in the middle for your cooking. You get marinated meat that's not cooked to the table and the staff places several pieces on the plate and get's you started. They often come by and place more for you, or you can do it on your own. The area get's smokey but it's a lot of fun. You can cook the meat to your liking, from rare to burnt dead but the waiters/staff will always come by and help you out and let you know when it's time to take it off the plate and into your mouth! The meat (I have tried both pork and beef) taste great. Although I prefer the beef because I felt it was more flavorful; but both were well liked by my friends. Great place to take a group of friends who just want to have a good time and have fun eating dinner and cooking up a storm with a raging hot coal plate in front of you. I am pretty sure it's not BYOB because they do have drinks but I have seen another party bring their own and the staff really did not care (not sure if they knew them personally etc). But again drinks are very reasonably priced and try the Korean Beer. Every time I have been there you get a different variety of side dishes which are "interesting" to the palate. Some taste great and others are "unique." I have not had a bad experience and have enjoyed myself and my friends have a great time too. Only down side is the drive from downtown philly. -Waiter/Service: Order at the table and staff brings you everything. Very friendly and at times language can be an issue but no big deal. -Would I return? Off course read more

Prices were reasonable, the place was clean, service was really good, and the beef was delicious. No complaints here. Charcoal grilling and plenty of side dishes to accompany our order made for a full and satisfying meal. We went on a sunday evening so I'm not sure how crowded it can get but we are looking forward to going back soon. read more

This place is amazing!!! It's different than other Korean restaurants as they don't use gas for the grills, just hot coals. The banchan are AMAZING, and the meat portions are huge!!! They even have steamed egg!!! Highly recommended!!!! Korean food can be pretty pricey for the meat dishes, which is the case here, but it's worth it. Since it;s in Olney, I'll only go during daylight hours. read more

Worst service ever!! No body serves you until u ask for water for 3 times. The prices were two times higher than one year ago.

Deserving of the 4.5 stars. Really good korean bbq, especially for philly. Kalbi and bulgogi both have plenty of great flavor and their prices aren't too bad. Place is comfortable and the last time i came here, i dont remember leaving b/c i had way too much soju! It's been a while since i've been in philly but i need to go back here. read more

It's been almost 5 years since I went here, so my review will be based off from then. The family got kalbi BBQ, and it was delicious! Very flavorful and big portion! The bean stew that came with it was too salty though. This restaurant was not well-ventilated so all of us came out smelling like charcoal (it was reeeaally bad). Also, I didn't like how the grill changing people ran around with the hot charcoal with the tongs. They literally were running, and I kept thinking that one of them was going to drop it on me, haha. read more

So, gf is feeling some gochujang( korean hot sauce) withdrawal and yelping around for some relief spots this place. Me tired and not Korean BBQ level hungry half grumpily rev up the old wagon on a snowy Philly night cause dammit baby needs her medicine. In we walk from the cold to a flurry of warm greetings and the first smile of the night slips out. Mom Kim seats us and gives us the newbie run down on the menu. So I kinda feign ignorance because heck I love the attention and end up with the spicy kalbi (priced and sized for 2) and gf gets her soup on. Moments later a wood coal hibachi is delivered to the table followed by a dozen assorted sides and kimchees. Mom shortly follows with 2 plates of marinated meat which she spreads out on the grill. As the aroma of the bbq hits me the second smile comes and didn't fade till long after we left. If you know Korean food there might be a thing here or there to pick with, gotta ask gf about that. But as for me, from the delicious flavors and aromas to the wonderful inviting service there is much I can recommend. read more

Pretty much the best Korean BBQ I've ever had. It's a restaurant where the diners are able to bbq their meats themselves which is kind of hard to find. The portion sizes are huge, and the price is in line with the quality and quantity. The spicy and mild beef and pork is just awesome every time. Their rice is cooked well, and the side dishes given out in the beginning are spectacular. I especially love the fish cakes, and this is coming from someone who doesn't normally enjoy anything fishy! Their kimchi is great, as expected from any Korean Restaurant. The only 2 gripes I have with this place is that a.) their Jap Chae is very inconsistent. I've been coming here for 6-7 years now, and it's just on and off. Sometimes it is very oily, and others, it's just right. The second complaint is the restaurant is quite dirty. Floors kept unswept, tables are slightly sticky. Fix these 2, and you have yourself a 5 star Korean BBQ. read more

I freaking love Kim-chi. I love it....and this place makes their own. When I first walked into this restaurant I was taken back by how cool the inside of the establishment looked. Every table is ordained with a charcoal grill in the center. Some friends and I went last Friday night to get some Korean BBQ. The food was wonderful. Our group of four ordered Korean BBQ with two different types of meat. We got the spicy beef and the spicy pork. The spicy pork was incredible. These meats came with a variety of all you can eat sides which included Kim-chi, pickled vegetables and a variety of dried and cured seafood items. Everything was fantastic. I have one complaint. Part of the experience of going to a Korean BBQ is the communal activity of cooking your own food at the table on a grill. They wouldn't let us do this. Every review that I had read on Yelp suggested that you could grill your own food....(which is the point of having the grill on your table and not in the back of the kitchen). Servers kept coming over to our table to cook our meat for us. And we were snapped at when we tried to do it ourselves. Every time they came over to do this (approx 8 times). I had to get up out of my chair and stand away from the table so that the server could squeeze in and use the grille. Not to mention when the server would put the meat on the grill he would overcrowd it. My favorite part of Korean BBQ is when the meat gets char on it...Because the grill was so crowded this didn't happen. The meat tasted more steamed than it did grilled. The food here was awesome!!! But I'm a little upset that we were denied the experience of having authentic Korean BBQ. It was very annoying to constantly be having someone stand over our shoulders watching us and then making us get out of our seats ever time the food needed cooked/flipped. Saddest thing every was watching the meat that we paid for (bill was $110 for four people) get dry and overcooked on the grill because we weren't allowed to touch it and the server was no where to be seen. I don't know if he didn't trust us or if he was just trying to get a better tip. Either way it severely detracted from our enjoyment of this experience. And I checked....The server was letting the other tables in the restaurant do their own grilling. There were 5 other tables grilling...but we weren't allowed. The food here is incredible and I will definitely be back. When I go back they better let me do it myself or I'm going to flip out. read more

Be prepared to leave smelling like Korean BBQ. This place was great. The service and food were phenomenal (oh the pork belly!). One of the wait staff introduced us to a Soju Bomb and gave us a lesson on how to drink Soju. Had a really good time and will definitely be back! read more

Go here! It's worth the trip. Authentic eats. If you're not familar with the area this place in in the hood, but don't let that you deter you. read more

no other korean bbq has compared with this place yet in my book. this is no cc joint. it's real, authentic korean fare with real wood grills to cook your meat on. the ban chan is excellent and extensive, the meat fresh and plentiful, and the pancake is to die for. we always over order and over consume. the food is excellent, the atmosphere casual and family style. our favorite meat options are the spicy pork (?), kalbi, bulgoki, pork belly. we don't love the octopus which we find to be kind of tough and chewy. it does get smoky in this place, so be prepared to walk out smelling like a campfire...or a pork belly/bacon campfire to be specific. which, let's be honest, i don't mind so much. but if you're looking to do anything else later that night keep this in mind. i always feel like i need a nap and a shower after eating here. read more

Love the coal grill! Just be prepared to smell of smoke when you leave the restaurant. Marinade was perfect. Sides were plentiful. Ice cream after is fun. Wish we had something like this in Center City. read more

This place was recommended to M by a Korean friend. It was a good thing because I'm not sure if we would've found this place on our own (although Yelp can take you places...). I was a little unimpressed by the setting. It looks like a barn, it's not your date night type of place but hey, good food comes in many different forms. Now, it's been a while and I can't remember what we ate but I know our server recommended it and it was good. So good that we finished it all. Also, our server was very helpful; we needed that because Korean food is still a mystery to me sometimes! So, friendly service, and there's free ice cream for dessert which is always good. I'm looking forward to coming back. read more

HYPE*** How do so many people hype this place up. Definitely does not deserve a 5 star. Their food is ok at best, but their prices are just unreasonable. The Kalbi is priced as if it should be endless kalbi. There's definitely better korean restaurants out there. read more

Internationally they add more money on the bill!! We found out this time and we through previous two times. They did that too! Totally three times!!! Credible!! Remember to check your bill!! Please! read more

Kim's has excellent food. I was a Korean food newbie. Never tried kimchee(good). the beef was kalbi and good served with a short rib. also came with 10 side dishes, definitely not diner food. i ate most of it. excellent service with tea and ginger tea at the end. not being Asian or from the area, i felt like i traveled to another land of wonder. thank you read more

This is my ultimate fave place! A little out dated and it has this mom and pops feel to it but I guess that's what keeps it packed with regulars! It's fun for groups and I love their sides much more compared to the other Korean BBQs in Philly. This is the best of all! Even the nice looking one on Cheltenham! Plus the #Free #IceCream makes me feel like I'm winning! read more

Kim's Restaurant - Korean Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Have been coming here for a few times now and thought I found a good Korean BBQ place, but after this visit, I don't think I'll be back. The service was not good and the food was disappointing. We ordered the C3 and C4 and they literally had no favor and a large steamed egg but it was more water than egg. We decided to order a second one thinking if we told them less water it would be better, but it was a quarter filled with egg in a large clay pot. The waiter gave us water and we had to asked three times for cups. read more

I feel so disappointed about Kim. Cuz I have been planning to go to Kim so many times, and finally we made it. The price and portions are unbelievable. It makes me feel that the people working in this restaurant don't know what is going on outside. There are so many nice restaurants with good environment, cheap price and high quality food. And you just give me a plate of pork with the $5 cost (the most) and charge me $40. Does that really make any sense to you? Second, it is a Korean restaurant. Not everyone can read Korean, how you guys just giving us the receipt with just Korean on it without price, and it seems you charge the higher tax. That's not respectable at all. Four of us won't go back. It is the most unworthy dinner ever! I give the two stars just for that pork only. Besides that pork, if I could give a negative star, I will. For the Korean people, you guys still can go, they may treat you differently. But others, I will say do not try it. Def waste money. read more

PERFECT! I lived in Korea for two years and this is the only place I have found that looks, smells, and tastes exactly like it does in the back alleys of Seoul. Sit down, have some Soju and talk with friends. You will be transported to Korea while your here. It is a bit pricey but it is worth the money. read more