TLDR
Korean-inspired fusion gastropub celebrated for its cult-favorite, kimchi-topped smash burgers and playful, vibrant atmosphere.
Instagram Posts References
Nowon, a Korean-American restaurant, is famous for its creative 'Legendary Burger' which incorporates Korean-inspired flavors.
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.
The creator revisited Nowon, an absolute favorite for its legendary cheeseburger. The burger is depicted as juicy and flavorful, and the garlic honey butter tater tots are highly recommended as a perfect side dish. The overall experience is portrayed as consistently excellent, making it a must-try spot.
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 spot has built a reputation for its exceptional, saucy smash burgers [2], [35]. While many diners laud the menu for its unique, flavor-packed offerings like honey butter tots and black sesame desserts [24], [46], [56], others suggest the experience leans more towards a fun, trendy gastropub than traditional Korean fare [47]. Consistency has occasionally been a point of contention, with some visitors noting issues with food temperature or noise levels [3], [14], [25].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Korean-American comfort food, with the double smash burger featuring kimchi mayo being a recurring favorite [35], [37]. Other popular recommendations include the honey butter tater tots and black sesame crème brûlée [46], [56], [57], though the chopped cheese rice cakes receive mixed reviews ranging from a beloved dish to being perceived as disappointing [22], [23], [27], [43].
Highlights / Recommended
"The double smash burger with kimchi mayo is widely praised for its balance and flavor [35], [37]. Additionally, the honey butter tater tots and black sesame crème brûlée are frequently highlighted as standout items [46], [56]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •burger(19)
- •tasting menu(5)
- •chopped cheese rice cakes(5)
- •smash burger(5)
- •legendary cheeseburger(3)
- •chopped cheese tteokbokki(2)
- •honey butter tater tots(2)
- •black sesame crème brûlée(2)
- •black sesame caesar salad(2)
- •honey butter tots(2)
Caveats
The space is often described as very cramped and noisy, which can make conversation difficult [25], and some diners have noted that bathroom capacity can feel inadequate [53].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About NOWON
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Restaurant Vibe Similar To Thursday Kitchen In
"A simple recommendation for the restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Seeking Economical Dinner Places 4560 Pp In
"The restaurant is described as very reasonable and tasty."
PositiveFrom post: Yes Chef Food Fest Is Back For 2026 Things To Know
"The author questions the value of visiting this vendor at a food festival when the restaurant's full menu is available elsewhere."
NeutralFrom post: The Summer I Gained Fifty Pounds Late June Thru
"User praises the tasting menu but notes the portion size of the tots makes it very filling."
PositiveFrom post: Help Me Impress My Celebrity Chef Friend With A
"Suggested as a unique, non-traditional New York fusion spot."
PositiveFrom post: Any Restaurants With Modern Takes On Traditional
"Recommended as a place to try for modern fusion cuisine."
NeutralFrom post: The Summer I Gained Fifty Pounds Late June Thru
"User agrees the burger is very good."
PositiveFrom post: The Summer I Gained Fifty Pounds Late June Thru
"User considers the Nowon menu and specifically the tokbokki to be personal favorites."
PositiveFrom post: The Summer I Gained Fifty Pounds Late June Thru
"Details the items included in the tasting menu."
NeutralFrom post: The Summer I Gained Fifty Pounds Late June Thru
"The author enjoyed the tasting menu, noting the chopped cheese rice cakes were better than the burger, and praised the honey butter tots."
PositiveFrom post: My 1 Year Anniversary Is Coming Up And I Want To
"Suggests Nowon as a Korean-American bar food spot for a date night."
PositiveFrom 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."
Positive