ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Nak Won Korean Bakery
7.6
A small, specialized stop for Korean rice-cake sweets—more utilitarian than pretty, but valuable when you want traditional textures and not just pastries. Go in with a plan and pick two distinct styles: one chewy, one softer and sweeter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted tteok (Korean rice cakes), Injeolmi (soybean powder rice cake), Sweet red bean tteok
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A rice-cake bakery option in an area dominated by savory Korean spots.
Who should go: Tteok fans and tradition-forward dessert buyers
When to visit: Morning hours before sellouts
What to order: Assorted tteok, injeolmi, red bean tteok
Insider tip: Ask what’s freshest that day—selection can change quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable during mornings, tighter midday on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — everyday clothes, quick in-and-out bakery stop.
Noise level: Low — brief counter interactions, not a sit-down environment.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a daytime bakery with no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; short lines if restocking or during peak morning hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most rice cakes are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Some options — plain rice cakes and certain bean-filled tteok, but confirm ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Yes — rice-based tteok are naturally gluten-free, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s a quick bakery stop with no seating, better as a casual add-on than a main plan.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no table service or reservations; ordering is counter-only and meant for takeaway.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids often enjoy the chewy textures, though flavors skew traditional rather than sugary.
Best For
Better for: Traditional Korean rice-cake sweets and authentic textures rather than Western-style pastries.
Skip if: You’re looking for pretty desserts, cakes, or a sit-down café experience.