Nowon

From a popular to pop-up to equally popular brick-and-mortar, chef Jae Lee brought his Korean-style pocha, Nowon, to Bushwick in 2023. It definitely wears the clubstaurant moniker well, as red neon lights illuminate the room and a nightly DJ sets the tone with a playlist that veers into Korean hip-hop and '90s throwback jams. Heck, if you are celebrating a birthday, they'll treat you to a drink and a sparkler straight to the table. But luckily, at this party, there is food, as Lee introduces his popular favorites from his East Village original to Brooklyn, alongside a few new creations. The double-stacked smash burger on a milk bun is one of the most notable carryovers, featuring kimchi two ways—griddled and caramelized—to a bright orange aioli with the fermented vegetable blended right in. Thanks to a leftover pizza oven from the previous tenant, Nowon's wood-fired pizzas also get that Korean spin with gochujang-kissed sauce and toppings that range from scallions and sesame to chili oil.