SouthGate, a Korean Pub Is Coming to 18th and Lombard


The former Tangier at 18th and Lombard is being reborn as SouthGate, a Korean-inspired pub. Peter Hwang, his wife Mindy and Peter’s father are behind the project that includes some serious chops in the kitchen. Chef Clara Park was educated at the The Institute of Culinary Education in New York and has worked everywhere from Osteria, to Redd in Napa, to Momofuku Ko in New York. She’s also developed, tested and written recipes for cookbook author Barbara Kafka and even won an episode of Chopped. That’s what got Mindy Hwang to seek her out for this project.

Park has come on board and is developing a gastropub menu with Korean inspired flavors. There will of course be Korean Fried Chicken, Park was also behind Questlove’s drumsticks that were the hit of Feastival a few years ago. She also is working on a bulgogi burger with Korean spices and housemade pickles. Other menus items will take their inspiration from Korean barbecue and fried rice dishes. Hwang is aiming to keep all the items under $20.

SouthGate, which is named for South Korean landmark and the bar’s location as a gateway to South Street and South Philadelphia is under extensive renovations, though the layout will remain roughly the same as Tangier. If all goes well, SouthGate is aiming to open in late May.

SouthGate [Foobooz]