I will never get tired of this place. My #1 recommended NYC restaurant to anyone who asks. I am a GM at a restaurant in Astoria, Queens and I’ve been in the restaurant industry for over 13 years. This place is hands down my favorite. Their dining area is not that large so you must make a reservation. Their waitstaff is so friendly, funny and knowledgeable about their menu. I didn’t get our servers name but shoutout to him for recommending we add bacon to our burgers it was definitely a must, and elevated our burgers. If you come here you 10000% MUST get the chopped cheese rice cakes. I dream about these things. Also garlic parm tots are insane..
I’ve been here a handful of times and cannot wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Philip Buchanan
Everything from the food to the service was phenomenal. We got the Ricotta toast and the chopped cheese rice cakes for the apps and were honestly torn by which was better. The entrees somehow stepped it up a notch with the burger being the best I’ve ever had. Our server Ashley was very attentive and made sure the experience felt special. Will definitely be back to try the things I missed this visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liam Henry-Tan
We went to Nowon for dinner to celebrate our anniversary and had a fantastic first experience. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the host and shown to our table, where Ashley took great care of us throughout the night!
We ordered the 6-course Mixtape, which was an excellent way to experience the menu. The lamb skewers were tender, juicy, and nicely spiced. The General Lee’s fried chicken was a standout. Incredibly crunchy with tender meat, a sauce that balanced sweet heat beautifully, and peanuts for extra texture. The pickled daikon was a smart addition, cutting through the richness and spice perfectly.
The yuzu focaccia was memorable: sweet and tart candied rind, super-light whipped ricotta, and a subtle background heat from the chili oil that tied everything together. The chopped cheese rice cakes were another highlight, great chew from the rice cakes, a creamy meat sauce, and breadcrumbs that added just enough contrast so the dish never felt one-note.
We decided to supplement with the dry aged truffle burger, which was cooked exactly to our liking and incredibly tender. The mushrooms added an earthy umami depth that played really well with the beef, and the truffle sauce was present without being overpowering.
We also added Jae’s Chicken Bun, which was pretty damn amazing. Essentially a larger version of the General Lee’s chicken on a bun: same great crunch, nutty peanut notes, and a sauce that was sweet, spicy, and tangy. A bit of a carb overload, but absolutely worth it.
The final dish was the tater tots with garlic honey butter. We’re not usually big tater tot people, but these were solid. All the honey butter was pooled at the bottom, and we think tossing them would have helped. They were quite sweet and buttery and could have used just a touch more salt, though that’s only noticeable because every other dish was so well balanced!
The vibe at Nowon is lively while still feeling warm and intimate. We only had Diet Coke and lemonade, but when Ashley found out it was our anniversary, she offered us a glass of champagne (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) which was such a thoughtful touch, especially since she seemed to notice we weren’t drinking.
The entire staff was warm and welcoming, and the service really elevated the evening. Overall, it was a wonderful first visit and a great night out. We’ll absolutely be back!
I went here twice, once as a walk-in with my husband and once with a group for a banquet. The staff is incredible and very accommodating, and made sure they could accommodate my husband’s food intolerances with the mixtape. The staff that I spoke with over email while booking the banquet (I think the owner?) was helpful as well and super accommodating with my headcount changes, including the ones I made two days before the event. The food is absolutely delicious and the burger is one of my favorites in the city, although the ricotta toast and chopped cheese tteokboki are incredible as well. I highly recommend this place to people visiting the village, and after the banquet my friends agreed as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Fazal
The burger. Honestly just go for the burger, it’s life changing. Everything else we had was amazing, the Caesar salad, the chopped cheese rice cakes, and the delicious cocktails… but focus on the burger, and everything will be just fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Altamirano
Solid experience with a fantastic vibe!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Legendary Burger
Courtney Miner
Burger is a must try. We traveled from Philly to get it and it did not disappoint.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Legendary Burger
Sophia M. LaRoche
If you have Celiac or allergies be VERY careful ordering here. I’d eaten here safely at least 20 times but today I went and asked for the chopped cheese rice cakes and told the server that I had a severe allergy. She went to the kitchen to check to make sure they could make them safe by removing the bread crumbs. She confirmed they could and placed the order. When the dish was brought out and I went to take a bite I noticed a texture & flavor I wasn’t used to in this dish and looked underneath the cheese and saw the bread crumbs. I then showed the server and she panicked and said they had made a mistake and they were gluten full breadcrumbs. When she realized I took a bite she ran to the manager who came over and offered to call an ambulance. I declined but she gave me her card and took my contact info, apologized profusely and said she would talk to all the staff. Very sad because I love this place and have safely eaten many times but am now going to be sick all night and for the next few months
Chris Morgan
Definitely lives up to the hype. Had both burgers, tots and rice cakes. All were amazing. Service also excellent. Can’t wait to come back again soon.
If I lived anywher near NYC I would be here at least once a week! Everything was great and every bite and sip I took was exciting. I came for the burger and left craving the rice cakes. This menu is small but packs in huge flavor. Every element of every dish delivered. The chef is obviously very passionate about his craft and you can definitely taste it! The burger looks like the classic Micky D's big mac with the sesame seed bun but after the first bite, you quickly realize it is much more. The kimchee mayo and house made pickles add a layer of flavor that compliments the fatty patty and cheese so well. Its a perfect example of what excellence tastes like. Tots were great! sweet, savory with a little hint of garlic. The star of the show for me was the Chopped cheese rice cakes!! Spicy, cheesy, creamy and perfect! Only regret was that I didn't order 2. Service was also top notch. I sat at the bar and I couldn't want anymore from a bartender. We talked, he made excellent suggestions (I took them all), made me a delicious spicy mezcal margarita, and even made great suggestions of other good food in the area that could compare to what I was eating. Not only did he give suggestions on what eat, he ensured that the flavors in each dish complimented each other so I would have the best dining experience! He succeeded. It was an awesome experience!!!!
I would recommend to reserve in advance (even on a weekday). For a short trip in NYC, I had to make a tough decision between Nowon and Katz's..... The burger was full of flavors and good texture. Tots came in a huge portion, very tasty but I was left feeling thirsty all night... I am still unsure if I made the right choice that evening...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Sean Kelly
Its worth it. The rice cakes are intoxicating. The burger is addicting. KCBC doesn't make beer for just any jamoke. This is a serious place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Legendary Burger, Chopped Cheese Rice Cakes, Garlic Honey Butter Tots, Black Sesame Creme Brulee GF, Dry-Aged Truffle Steak Burger, Burger, Chopped Cheese, Cheeseburger, Legendary Cheeseburger, The Legendary Cheeseburger, The Classic, Small Honey Tots, Korean Fried Chicken, Kimchi Burger
Ignace Manoury
I can't stop thinking about their food. The cost structure respects customer value. Both employees and dishes exceeded my expectations. This place offers a comfortable ambiance. What a lucky find this was!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings, Garlic Honey Butter Tots, The Classic
Murillo John
The best burger!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Megan F.
I’ll give this place 3 stars because the burger was actually pretty solid with great flavor. The Parmesan truffle tots were yummy with the perfect amount of crunch.
However, we all ordered burgers for our party of 5 and all the online and in person menu said that comes on the burger was: kimchi special sauce, new school american cheese, pickles, onion. I asked for the kimchi special sauce on the side and no onions and I even repeated the order back to clarify as I’m very picky. The sauce ended up coming on the side but two of our burgers came with a lot of kimchi on the bottom. After I said something and was confused, the bartender/waiter said that they come with kimchi AND kimchi sauce but the menu did not specify that. I went back to double check. My aunt ordered the same burger with everything on it and they didn’t put any on hers. The waiter said “it was supposed to come the way we ordered it”, so either way they messed up 🤔 Maybe there was meant to be a comma on the menu saying “kimchi, special sauce” differentiating the two because that would make a lot more sense.
Anywho, the waiter was just acting confused and staying silent and not owning up to the mistake. I was disappointed in how the situation was handled with no apology. Only AFTER he heard me commenting about it and picking at it trying to remove it did he said he say they could remake the burger. I chose to decline because we already waited a while for the first batch of food and we had plans right after. We are from Texas where hospitality is everything so the way that was handled rubbed me the wrong way. Such a shame because I would’ve happily ordered more drinks but I’d rather spend at a place who takes better care of their customers.
I will never get tired of this place. My #1 recommended NYC restaurant to anyone who asks. I am a GM at a restaurant in Astoria, Queens and I’ve been in the restaurant industry for over 13 years. This place is hands down my favorite. Their dining area is not that large so you must make a reservation. Their waitstaff is so friendly, funny and knowledgeable about their menu. I didn’t get our servers name but shoutout to him for recommending we add bacon to our burgers it was definitely a must, and elevated our burgers.
If you come here you 10000% MUST get the chopped cheese rice cakes. I dream about these things. Also garlic parm tots are insane..
I’ve been here a handful of times and cannot wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything from the food to the service was phenomenal. We got the Ricotta toast and the chopped cheese rice cakes for the apps and were honestly torn by which was better. The entrees somehow stepped it up a notch with the burger being the best I’ve ever had. Our server Ashley was very attentive and made sure the experience felt special. Will definitely be back to try the things I missed this visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went to Nowon for dinner to celebrate our anniversary and had a fantastic first experience. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the host and shown to our table, where Ashley took great care of us throughout the night!
We ordered the 6-course Mixtape, which was an excellent way to experience the menu. The lamb skewers were tender, juicy, and nicely spiced. The General Lee’s fried chicken was a standout. Incredibly crunchy with tender meat, a sauce that balanced sweet heat beautifully, and peanuts for extra texture. The pickled daikon was a smart addition, cutting through the richness and spice perfectly.
The yuzu focaccia was memorable: sweet and tart candied rind, super-light whipped ricotta, and a subtle background heat from the chili oil that tied everything together. The chopped cheese rice cakes were another highlight, great chew from the rice cakes, a creamy meat sauce, and breadcrumbs that added just enough contrast so the dish never felt one-note.
We decided to supplement with the dry aged truffle burger, which was cooked exactly to our liking and incredibly tender. The mushrooms added an earthy umami depth that played really well with the beef, and the truffle sauce was present without being overpowering.
We also added Jae’s Chicken Bun, which was pretty damn amazing. Essentially a larger version of the General Lee’s chicken on a bun: same great crunch, nutty peanut notes, and a sauce that was sweet, spicy, and tangy. A bit of a carb overload, but absolutely worth it.
The final dish was the tater tots with garlic honey butter. We’re not usually big tater tot people, but these were solid. All the honey butter was pooled at the bottom, and we think tossing them would have helped. They were quite sweet and buttery and could have used just a touch more salt, though that’s only noticeable because every other dish was so well balanced!
The vibe at Nowon is lively while still feeling warm and intimate. We only had Diet Coke and lemonade, but when Ashley found out it was our anniversary, she offered us a glass of champagne (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) which was such a thoughtful touch, especially since she seemed to notice we weren’t drinking.
The entire staff was warm and welcoming, and the service really elevated the evening. Overall, it was a wonderful first visit and a great night out. We’ll absolutely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Dry-Aged Truffle Steak Burger, Chopped Cheese, Whipped Ricotta Toast
I went here twice, once as a walk-in with my husband and once with a group for a banquet. The staff is incredible and very accommodating, and made sure they could accommodate my husband’s food intolerances with the mixtape. The staff that I spoke with over email while booking the banquet (I think the owner?) was helpful as well and super accommodating with my headcount changes, including the ones I made two days before the event. The food is absolutely delicious and the burger is one of my favorites in the city, although the ricotta toast and chopped cheese tteokboki are incredible as well. I highly recommend this place to people visiting the village, and after the banquet my friends agreed as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The burger. Honestly just go for the burger, it’s life changing. Everything else we had was amazing, the Caesar salad, the chopped cheese rice cakes, and the delicious cocktails… but focus on the burger, and everything will be just fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Solid experience with a fantastic vibe!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Legendary Burger
Burger is a must try. We traveled from Philly to get it and it did not disappoint.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Legendary Burger
If you have Celiac or allergies be VERY careful ordering here. I’d eaten here safely at least 20 times but today I went and asked for the chopped cheese rice cakes and told the server that I had a severe allergy. She went to the kitchen to check to make sure they could make them safe by removing the bread crumbs. She confirmed they could and placed the order. When the dish was brought out and I went to take a bite I noticed a texture & flavor I wasn’t used to in this dish and looked underneath the cheese and saw the bread crumbs. I then showed the server and she panicked and said they had made a mistake and they were gluten full breadcrumbs. When she realized I took a bite she ran to the manager who came over and offered to call an ambulance. I declined but she gave me her card and took my contact info, apologized profusely and said she would talk to all the staff. Very sad because I love this place and have safely eaten many times but am now going to be sick all night and
for the next few months
Definitely lives up to the hype. Had both burgers, tots and rice cakes. All were amazing. Service also excellent. Can’t wait to come back again soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Legendary Burger, Chopped Cheese Rice Cakes, Garlic Honey Butter Tots, Dry-Aged Truffle Steak Burger
If I lived anywher near NYC I would be here at least once a week! Everything was great and every bite and sip I took was exciting. I came for the burger and left craving the rice cakes. This menu is small but packs in huge flavor. Every element of every dish delivered. The chef is obviously very passionate about his craft and you can definitely taste it! The burger looks like the classic Micky D's big mac with the sesame seed bun but after the first bite, you quickly realize it is much more. The kimchee mayo and house made pickles add a layer of flavor that compliments the fatty patty and cheese so well. Its a perfect example of what excellence tastes like. Tots were great! sweet, savory with a little hint of garlic. The star of the show for me was the Chopped cheese rice cakes!! Spicy, cheesy, creamy and perfect! Only regret was that I didn't order 2. Service was also top notch. I sat at the bar and I couldn't want anymore from a bartender. We talked, he made excellent suggestions (I took them all), made me a delicious spicy mezcal margarita, and even made great suggestions of other good food in the area that could compare to what I was eating. Not only did he give suggestions on what eat, he ensured that the flavors in each dish complimented each other so I would have the best dining experience! He succeeded. It was an awesome experience!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nowon's Double Cheeseburger, Chopped Cheese Rice Cakes, Garlic Honey Butter Tots
Restaurantji Recommends
I would recommend to reserve in advance (even on a weekday).
For a short trip in NYC, I had to make a tough decision between Nowon and Katz's.....
The burger was full of flavors and good texture. Tots came in a huge portion, very tasty but I was left feeling thirsty all night...
I am still unsure if I made the right choice that evening...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Its worth it. The rice cakes are intoxicating. The burger is addicting. KCBC doesn't make beer for just any jamoke. This is a serious place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Legendary Burger, Chopped Cheese Rice Cakes, Garlic Honey Butter Tots, Black Sesame Creme Brulee GF, Dry-Aged Truffle Steak Burger, Burger, Chopped Cheese, Cheeseburger, Legendary Cheeseburger, The Legendary Cheeseburger, The Classic, Small Honey Tots, Korean Fried Chicken, Kimchi Burger
I can't stop thinking about their food. The cost structure respects customer value. Both employees and dishes exceeded my expectations. This place offers a comfortable ambiance. What a lucky find this was!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings, Garlic Honey Butter Tots, The Classic
The best burger!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ll give this place 3 stars because the burger was actually pretty solid with great flavor. The Parmesan truffle tots were yummy with the perfect amount of crunch.
However, we all ordered burgers for our party of 5 and all the online and in person menu said that comes on the burger was: kimchi special sauce, new school american cheese, pickles, onion. I asked for the kimchi special sauce on the side and no onions and I even repeated the order back to clarify as I’m very picky. The sauce ended up coming on the side but two of our burgers came with a lot of kimchi on the bottom. After I said something and was confused, the bartender/waiter said that they come with kimchi AND kimchi sauce but the menu did not specify that. I went back to double check. My aunt ordered the same burger with everything on it and they didn’t put any on hers. The waiter said “it was supposed to come the way we ordered it”, so either way they messed up 🤔 Maybe there was meant to be a comma on the menu saying “kimchi, special sauce” differentiating the two because that would make a lot more sense.
Anywho, the waiter was just acting confused and staying silent and not owning up to the mistake. I was disappointed in how the situation was handled with no apology. Only AFTER he heard me commenting about it and picking at it trying to remove it did he said he say they could remake the burger. I chose to decline because we already waited a while for the first batch of food and we had plans right after. We are from Texas where hospitality is everything so the way that was handled rubbed me the wrong way. Such a shame because I would’ve happily ordered more drinks but I’d rather spend at a place who takes better care of their customers.
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