TLDR
Innovative Korean-American fusion spotlighting standout smash burgers and creative, flavor-forward bar bites in a high-energy setting.
Instagram Posts References
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 creative Korean-American fusion, this establishment is frequently recommended for its standout burgers and unique dishes like kimchi-mayo-topped smash burgers [1], [2]. While many diners laud the prix-fixe menu and vibrant atmosphere as excellent value and fun, others note the space can become quite loud [3], [4]. Recent feedback has been largely positive, though some patrons have raised concerns regarding service consistency and food temperature on busier or off-peak nights [5].
Food Overview
The menu excels in Korean-American fusion, with the smash burger featuring kimchi mayo frequently cited as a top-tier dish [1], [2]. Other highly recommended items include honey butter tater tots and chopped cheese tteokbokki [3], [4], though the Caesar salad received mixed reviews compared to the main dishes [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"The smash burger with kimchi mayo is widely considered a must-try, often accompanied by honey butter tater tots and chopped cheese tteokbokki [1], [2]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •burger(15)
- •tasting menu(4)
- •smash burger(4)
- •chopped cheese rice cakes(3)
- •chopped cheese tteokbokki(2)
- •honey butter tater tots(2)
- •black sesame caesar salad(2)
Caveats
The restaurant is frequently described as very loud and cramped, which may make conversation difficult for some diners [1]. Some visitors have reported negative experiences with food temperature and unresponsive service, occasionally citing issues with management when raising these concerns on-site [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About NOWON
Recent Reddit Mentions
From 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."
PositiveFrom post: Birthday Dinner Tonight Thurs May 7 Brooklyn Or
"Nowon was listed as a potential restaurant where the original poster might stay under $60 per person with drinks, provided they stick to one entree and one drink each. This was mentioned in the context of a tight budget."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Lose Beef Virginity
"Nowon is mentioned as a slightly nicer place for a smash burger, following Hamburger America and Gotham."
PositiveFrom post: Good Apps And Quick Bites In The East Village
"Nowon (Korean) is mentioned for its nice drinks and appetizers, with casual outside seating, although accommodating 8 people might be challenging."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurants Like C As In Charlie
"This user recommends Nowon in the East Village."
NeutralFrom post: Good Lunchearly Dinner Near Brooklyn Monarch
"Nowon is suggested as a restaurant not too far from the venue, though the commenter could not provide information on drinks."
NeutralFrom post: One Fancy Burger
"This commenter expresses interest in trying Nowon after hearing good things."
PositiveFrom post: Black Sesame Anything
"Nowon offers black sesame crème brûlée and a black sesame Caesar salad."
PositiveFrom post: Birthday Dinner Recs
"This user recommended Nowon EV for a birthday dinner."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Go With Parents That Isnt Fussy Hyped
"Nowon was suggested as one of many options for parents or out-of-town guests."
Positive