Sampan

Sampan is a contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant at 124 S 13th St in Philadelphia’s Midtown Village. The menu centers on small plates, making the restaurant suited to shared dining and a meal built around several selections rather than a single main course. The approach is modern and social, with food designed to be enjoyed across the table.

An open kitchen sits at the center of the restaurant, giving the dining room a direct connection to the cooking. A back-lit wall mural adds an art-focused visual element to the setting, while the kitchen’s central position keeps the room oriented around the preparation and presentation of the food. The overall style combines a polished restaurant environment with the energy of a bar and small-plate dining room.

Drinks include wine, beer, sake and cocktails, providing several ways to pair a meal or settle in for drinks and smaller bites. Sampan also offers a regular happy hour, which adds a more casual option for weekday visits and social meetups. Current happy hour details are best confirmed with the venue.

At the rear, Graffiti Bar provides a separate bar setting on a private patio beside the restaurant. The enclosed patio is surrounded by a mural commissioned from local artist Ali M Williams and is equipped for use in different weather conditions. The bar also includes a television and serves Asian food and drinks, making it a practical choice for guests looking for a drink-focused visit, a casual bite or a place to follow sports.

Sampan works for diners interested in contemporary Asian flavors, shared plates and a design-conscious Midtown Village setting. The restaurant’s combination of an open kitchen, art-led interior, full drinks selection and attached patio bar gives it flexibility for dinner, happy hour and evening gatherings.