TLDR
Trendy Korean-American fusion in the heart of the city, famous for its legendary burgers and creative snacks. A high-energy spot perfect for a fun night out.
Instagram Posts References
Nowon is featured for its 'Legendary Cheeseburger,' which is presented as a highly recommended item. The image shows a substantial burger with multiple patties and a generous amount of toppings and sauce, indicating a rich and satisfying experience.
Nowon is praised for its flavorful and inventive Korean-inspired dishes, showcasing a chopped cheese tteokbokki, honey butter tater tots, and a double cheeseburger. The overall experience appears to be very positive, highlighting their unique takes on comfort food.
Nowon serves a Black Sesame Caesar Salad, distinctively enhanced by black sesame, which adds a bold and toasty flavor to the dish.
Details
Known for its vibrant and trendy take on Korean-American fusion, this establishment is frequently celebrated for its creative dishes and lively atmosphere [1], [2]. While the menu leans toward a gastropub style, it has gained a devoted following for its standout offerings and distinct flavor profiles [3], [4]. Despite the high acclaim, the experience can sometimes be inconsistent, with reports ranging from exceptional meals to occasional issues with food temperature and service [5].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on imaginative Korean-American fusion, with the smash burger being the most consistently praised item, often noted for its sauce and kimchi mayo [2], [3]. Other popular dishes include honey butter tater tots and chopped cheese tteokbokki [4], [6], though feedback on the rice cakes is split, with some finding them disappointing [7].
Highlights / Recommended
"The double smashed burger with kimchi mayo is widely regarded as a must-try [3], [4], along with the honey butter tater tots [4] and black sesame crème brûlée for dessert [9]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •burger(16)
- •tasting menu(5)
- •smash burger(5)
- •chopped cheese rice cakes(3)
- •chopped cheese tteokbokki(2)
- •honey butter tater tots(2)
- •black sesame crème brûlée(2)
- •black sesame caesar salad(2)
- •legendary cheeseburger(2)
Caveats
The space is often described as very loud and cramped, which can make conversation difficult [8], and some diners have reported receiving cold food or overcooked sides during their visits [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About NOWON
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Minetta Tavern In Greenwich Village July 2026 For
"Expresses a love for their smash burger."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Black Sesame Desserts In Nyc
"Notes that the Bushwick location also serves a black sesame espresso martini."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Black Sesame Desserts In Nyc
"Mentioned for their really good black sesame crème brûlée."
PositiveFrom post: Help Need Something Filling And Affordable For
"The commenter suggests trying for a walk-in, noting it is a great deal and provides good food, and suggests waiting at a nearby bar or park if there is a wait."
PositiveFrom post: New York Citys Best Burgers Gift Article 19 Places
"The commenter expresses personal enjoyment of the burgers here."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Restaurants Under 100 In Manhattan
"Included in a list of recommended restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Restaurants Under 100 In Manhattan
"Included in a list of recommended restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Nice Dinner For Two 200 All Told In
"Recommended specifically for its tasting menu."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants With Functioning Ac In The East
"The user suggests it would be the perfect restaurant if it had more bathroom stalls."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants With Functioning Ac In The East
"Recommended as a potential East Village spot with functional AC."
NeutralFrom post: What Burgers Should I Eat During A Week Off From
"Found the dry-aged burger at Nowon to be overrated, though acknowledged the rest of the food and atmosphere were good enough to consider trying the double burger again."
NegativeFrom post: What Burgers Should I Eat During A Week Off From
"Included Nowon in a list of recommended burger spots."
PositiveFrom post: What Burgers Should I Eat During A Week Off From
"Recommended Nowon for their burger."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants Similar To San Marzano East Village
"This restaurant offers a prix fixe menu for $49 per person, though it is a different cuisine than Italian. A link to its East Village menu is provided."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Classic Burger Between These
"This commenter asks if Nowon's burger is considered a modern style, having loved it."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Classic Burger Between These
"This commenter enthusiastically agrees about the quality of the burger at Nowon, calling it 'incredible'."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Classic Burger Between These
"This commenter preferred Nowon over both Minetta Tavern and Red Hook Tavern."
PositiveFrom post: Les Group Dinner Recommendations Near The Gutter
"This commenter added Nowon to the list of recommendations, specifically mentioning it as a fun place for birthdays."
PositiveFrom post: Small Group Mid Price Birthday Dining Experience
"Nowon was listed as a potential restaurant recommendation for a group birthday dining experience."
NeutralFrom post: 3rd Month Wedding Anniversary Lunchearly Dinner
"This user felt Nowon perfectly matched the original poster's request for a celebratory yet relaxed dining experience with interesting fusion food."
Positive