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# Surah – Authentic Korean BBQ Restaurant in Upper Darby, PA

Surah is a renowned Korean BBQ restaurant located at 7038 Terminal Square, Upper Darby, PA, just outside Philadelphia. Known for its all-you-can-eat offerings, Surah combines traditional Korean flavors with a modern dining experience. The restaurant has garnered attention for its attentive service and a diverse menu featuring various meats and side dishes. Despite some mixed reviews regarding food quality and service consistency, Surah remains a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Korean dining experience. The restaurant's proximity to local attractions, such as HMart, adds to its appeal, making it a convenient stop for shoppers and food enthusiasts alike.

## History
### The story of Surah
Surah was founded with the vision of bringing authentic Korean BBQ to the Upper Darby area, aiming to create a welcoming environment where guests could enjoy traditional Korean flavors. The founders sought to replicate the vibrant dining culture of Korea, where communal eating and grilling at the table are cherished experiences. Over the years, Surah has become a staple in the community, known for its dedication to quality and service.

### Milestones and growth
- **Opening**: Surah opened its doors to the public, quickly gaining popularity among local food lovers.
- **Expansion**: Following its success, Surah expanded its menu and introduced all-you-can-eat options to attract a broader audience.
- **Community Engagement**: The restaurant has participated in local events, promoting Korean culture and cuisine.
- **COVID-19 Adaptations**: During the pandemic, Surah adapted its service model to ensure safety while maintaining quality dining experiences.

### Cultural and local influence
Surah has significantly influenced the local dining scene by introducing authentic Korean BBQ to Upper Darby. It has become a gathering place for the community, where people can enjoy traditional dishes and experience Korean dining customs. The restaurant's presence has also encouraged other Korean eateries to open in the area, contributing to a growing appreciation for Korean cuisine.

### Continuing the tradition
Surah continues to uphold its founding principles by focusing on quality ingredients and excellent service. The restaurant regularly updates its menu to include seasonal items and traditional dishes, ensuring that guests have a genuine taste of Korean culture. By fostering a friendly atmosphere and engaging with the community, Surah aims to keep the tradition of Korean BBQ alive and thriving.

## Community
### Community involvement
Surah actively participates in community events and initiatives, showcasing Korean culture through food and hospitality. The restaurant often collaborates with local organizations to host events that celebrate Korean traditions, such as Lunar New Year festivities and cooking demonstrations. This involvement helps strengthen community ties and promotes cultural exchange.

### Community notion about the place
The local community views Surah as a beloved dining spot that offers a unique culinary experience. Many patrons appreciate the restaurant's commitment to authenticity and the friendly service provided by the staff. While some reviews highlight areas for improvement, the overall sentiment is positive, with many considering Surah a go-to destination for Korean BBQ.

### Events and gatherings
Surah hosts various events throughout the year, including special promotions for holidays and themed nights. These gatherings not only attract regular customers but also introduce new diners to Korean cuisine. The restaurant's layout is conducive to group dining, making it an ideal venue for celebrations, family gatherings, and casual meet-ups with friends.

## Offerings
### What Surah offers
Surah specializes in Korean BBQ, providing diners with an interactive and flavorful experience. The restaurant features a diverse menu that includes a variety of marinated and non-marinated meats, seafood, and traditional side dishes known as banchan. The all-you-can-eat option allows guests to sample multiple dishes, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore different flavors.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Surah is centered around the grilling of meats at the table, allowing guests to cook their food to their liking. The menu includes popular items such as bulgogi, galbi, and various seafood options. Diners can also enjoy a selection of side dishes, including kimchi, pickled vegetables, and rice. The restaurant's atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it suitable for both family dinners and casual outings.

### Events and packages
Surah offers special packages for large groups and events, making it an excellent choice for celebrations and gatherings. These packages typically include a selection of meats, side dishes, and beverages, providing a comprehensive dining experience. The restaurant also promotes seasonal specials and limited-time offers to keep the menu fresh and exciting.

### Facilities and features
- **Grill at each table**: Allows for an interactive dining experience.
- **Private dining options**: Available for special occasions.
- **Takeout services**: For guests who prefer to enjoy their meals at home.
- **Online ordering**: Convenient for busy customers.
- **Accessibility features**: Ensuring everyone can enjoy the dining experience.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Surah highlight a mix of experiences, with some diners praising the quality of the food and service, while others express concerns about consistency and cleanliness. The restaurant's strengths lie in its authentic flavors and friendly staff, but some guests have noted issues with food preparation and service speed during busy times.

### Compliments and strengths
Many patrons commend Surah for its flavorful meats and the overall dining experience. The attentive service from staff members is frequently mentioned, with several reviews noting that servers are eager to assist and ensure a pleasant meal. The all-you-can-eat option is also a popular feature, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of dishes.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Contrasting opinions arise regarding the quality of the meats and the cleanliness of the restaurant. Some reviews indicate that while certain dishes are exceptional, others may fall short of expectations. Additionally, concerns about cross-contamination in food handling have been raised, suggesting a need for improved kitchen practices.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Surah presents a unique dining experience with its Korean BBQ offerings. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in service consistency and food quality, the restaurant remains a favored choice for many locals. Its commitment to authenticity and community engagement helps maintain its reputation as a go-to destination for Korean cuisine.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Surah is conveniently located in Upper Darby, a suburb of Philadelphia, at 7038 Terminal Square. This area is known for its diverse dining options and proximity to shopping centers, including HMart, which is just a short walk away. The neighborhood offers a blend of cultural experiences, making it an appealing destination for both locals and visitors. The restaurant's location provides easy access to public transportation, enhancing its accessibility for those traveling from Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Surah serve** Surah specializes in Korean BBQ with a variety of meats and side dishes.
**Is there an all-you-can-eat option** Yes, Surah offers an all-you-can-eat dining experience.
**Are reservations recommended** Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours and weekends.
**Is takeout available** Yes, Surah provides takeout services for customers.
**What are the hours of operation** Surah's hours may vary, so it's best to check their website for the latest information.

## Visit Surah Today
Surah invites you to experience authentic Korean BBQ in Upper Darby, PA. With a menu that features a variety of meats and traditional side dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The restaurant's commitment to quality and community engagement makes it a welcoming place for all diners. Whether you're a seasoned Korean BBQ enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Surah promises a memorable dining experience. Come and discover why this hidden gem is a favorite among locals!

6bb57585-3f6c-4543-8168-52b379602ac1

The place is small and parking is difficult... the price is pretty high for the all you can eat Korean BBQ... If I were comparing this to LA BBQ I would have to give it 1 star... if I were to compare it to NY, GA or even VA K-BBQ then it would get 2 stars. But if you are just judging things from Philly proper... I can give it 3 1/2 stars for the attentiveness of the staff and making sure that all the different meats are available and brought quickly. I just really think for the price, the quality of the meat should be much better. I don't know if people are eating too much and the restaurant needs to compensate for it, but some of the meats were cut too thick and the steak tasted a bit older. The best part of the meal were the 2 stews on the side. They were well seasoned and tasted great! I'll be back to try it again and see if there are any improvements.

ade05c6e-e934-45b0-bcdd-95f98594c6c3

We came around 3pm on a Friday and were the only ones in the restaurant. Our server was very friendly and helped us understand their policy of not wanting to have any trash, and encouraging us to order small amounts given that our party of 3 wanted to have the 'unlimited' buffet option. The meats were good - in particular I enjoyed the Hawaiian steak, shrimp, and squid. I wish there were more vegetable options than just the mushrooms and onions, since there is just so much meat, but since we ordered the 'unlimited,' we just kept asking our server to bring out more mushrooms and onions. My only complaint is that the same tongs were being used to handle both raw and cooked meat - I always learned growing up to not cross-contaminate, and even when we have hot pot at home and similar dining in other restaurants, there are always at least two sets of utensils for this reason.

434b8371-19f8-4716-abfe-5df9a80d6dd4

I've been back to Surah multiple times since my first review and have been recommending it a lot, however, my last experience was not great and don't think I'll be back. Our group of 5 came in on a Saturday night and parking was available. It was busy but we were able to be seated as soon as we came in. The tables were definitely not spaced out to follow COVID and social distancing guidelines, but luckily the table next to us left a few minutes after we arrived. Service was slow, but to be fair there only seemed to be one server (who was literally running back and forth). We ordered meats but didn't get rice, didn't get all our orders together, didn't get cups with our water, waited a while to get sodas, etc. By the time our first round of meats were done cooking and turned cold, we were still waiting on drinks and rice. The final straw was that during our meal, I saw and killed two roaches on the wall. At that point, I lost my appetite and no longer felt comfortable dining.

3501159b-e9a3-483e-99f5-041042194bac

This Surah location is right next to the Upper Darby HMart which makes it convenient for a meal right after all that shopping. I've been to the other 2 Surah locations before, both are far larger than this one if space and seating is an issue for you, especially in COVID times. The meat quality was just OK. The best thing on the menu is probably the pork bulgogi and everything else was mostly meh. What I found most disappointing is that the spicy meat selections aren't necessarily marinated in anything, they just toss on a spicy sauce right before they bring it out to you and as such, the flavors are more bland compared to other KBBQ establishments. I compensated by asking for a side of gochuchang. Oh also, if you check in either on FB or IG and show it to them, they'll give you a free soda with your meal. With that being said, there was just a touch too much of cross-contamination between the meats for my personal comfort. The waitress kept offering to help cook the meat for us even though we were capable of managing it on our own. We would've appreciated the service more had they not continued to mix the raw meat tongs with the cooked meat tongs and use the same pair of scissors to cut the raw and cooked meats. I'm not confident that I'll be returning here any time soon.

cffbfc39-fc73-4664-b00f-6168a7c5845b

Food was awesome and came out so quickly. Our server was really great and helpful. It was pretty empty so it was very quiet, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. We got the all you can eat but the server (I am assuming it was the owner) let us bring home our extras and no extra charge. Hidden gem in upper Darby!!!!

594c0035-0391-48f5-8be8-e6bab1522340

Overall, solid KBBQ. I'm a huge fan for KBBQ and I enjoy my experience eating here. I would recommend the chadol, bulgogi, and la galbi, which comes from the All You Can Eat BBQ A order. The meats and food has a good amount of flavor. The service can get a bit slow when it's crowded so I recommend people to stay attentive or order more ahead of time which I normally do cause we usually eat the food pretty quickly. Side tip: Ask for some lettuce and wrap the meats with some side dishes. Then eat it as a whole wrap. #healthy

f5a91f9d-06ee-4023-8368-50cea28bf40b

I have to give 5 star because I really know what is Korean BBQ. The price is really good for large group.

beee400c-fdb4-41cc-a1e7-b4aa88e7dbca

The review is more 3.5 stars It is a bit on the pricier side for the quality of the meats. But overall, it's a pretty good meal. I've been here a total of 4 times, and every single time, they seem to be short staffed. The servers are on the friendlier side, unless you eat too much lol These trips were Pre-Covid, and a lot of the negative reviews seems to be Post-Covid. The regular meats are just average, but the marinated ones are definitely much better. I hope they get their stuff together and survive this quarantine.

ffc4a9ed-608d-402e-8485-1001c38a4144

So happy to have found a Korean restaurant serving authentic dishes. The Doenjang chigae and Galbi tang are *chef's kiss*! Highly recommend!

5f80f1f6-7d8b-4543-bdb8-9fd71414059a

The server was really nice and quick as the one lady running the entire restaurant, which had an average of 5 tables on a Sunday late afternoon. However, the meat was barely defrosted and the sauce was just pour on top. The kimchi tasted like expired kimchi just like what another reviewer explain, but the fish cake and seaweed side dishes were good. The bean sprout side dish and lettuce was not very clean. As someone who is used to go to NYC/NJ Korean restaurants this is unacceptable... Definitely do not bring your jacket inside as there's no exhaust fan for each table (again another item that is unheard of for nyc/NJ Kbbq restaurant) Parking is tight or near impossible in front of the restaurant/hmart etc. and bring quarters for the meters

Discover Surah in Upper Darby, Philadelphia—an inviting restaurant offering delicious cuisine in a vibrant setting. Visit now for an unforgettable dining experience.

Surah Restaurant in Upper Darby, Philadelphia - Delicious Cuisine

Upper Darby

Surah

Pennsylvania

Explore the full menu at Surah in Philadelphia, PA. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 7038 Terminal Square, Upper Darby.

Surah Menu – Food & Drinks in Philadelphia, PA

Learn about Surah, a vibrant restaurant located at 7038 Terminal Square, Upper Darby, Philadelphia. Experience diverse cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.

About Surah in Philadelphia, PA

Opening hours for Surah, Philadelphia, PA. Find opening hours for Surah, located at 7038 Terminal Square, Upper Darby.

Surah Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

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Experience the Menu at Surah

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