Hudson Square Highlights: February Edition

It’s 7pm at Kabin, and the scene is pure Hudson Square magic: A couple splits a Danish hot dog at the bar, creative teams from Google unwind over aquavit-spiked martinis, and owner Alex Tangen greets everyone like they’re guests in her home.

This is exactly what she envisioned: a space where Norwegian hospitality meets Manhattan energy, and where everyone’s welcome to stay awhile. And soon, weekend brunch will give guests another reason to linger, with Kabin expanding into daytime dining this March.

Step inside, and you’ll immediately understand why Kabin keeps people coming back. The atmosphere is warm yet stylish, the cocktails thoughtfully crafted with Nordic influences, and the space itself both intimate and elegant—perfect whether you’re meeting friends, settling in for a date, or just stopping by for a quiet drink at the bar.

We sat down with Alex Tangen, Kabin’s founder, to talk about what inspired the space, the thought behind the drinks and food, and why this bar is exactly what the neighborhood needed.

The Inspiration: A Blend of London, Norway, and New York

There’s a story here, and it starts with Alex’s unique background—Norwegian roots, a London upbringing, and now, a home in New York.

“I spent summers and winters in Norway in these beautiful, simple cabins where people would gather, drink, and slow down. But I also grew up around London’s pub culture, where bars were social hubs, not just places to grab a drink. I wanted to bring those ideas together in a way that made sense for New York.”

That balance—a space that’s both intimate and lively, refined yet comfortable—is exactly what Kabin delivers.

“I wanted Kabin to be a place where people don’t just come for one drink and leave. It should be the kind of spot where you drop in, end up staying longer than planned, and then come back again the next week.”

The Drinks: Nordic Ingredients, NYC Execution

Kabin’s cocktails take subtle inspiration from Scandinavian flavors, but this isn’t a themed bar. The drinks feel modern, fresh, and balanced—whether you’re into something strong, citrusy, or refreshing, there’s something on the menu for you.

Some standouts:

🍸 Lillesand – A vibrant, berry-forward take on a gin cocktail, with lingonberry lending a tart, Nordic twist. A house favorite for good reason.
🍸 Snø – Bright, complex, and just a little unexpected—gin, bitter bianco, two vermouths, mango, and bitters create a cocktail that’s both crisp and layered. Think of it as winter’s answer to a Negroni.
🍸 Klar – Light, citrusy, and dangerously easy to drink. The kind of cocktail that disappears before you realize it.

“We worked with Pamela Wiznitzer and Eloy Pacheco (of Dante) to create a cocktail menu that integrates Nordic flavors like Aquavit and lingonberries without being too on-the-nose. Everything still had to feel distinctly New York.”

Kabin also has a standout non-alcoholic cocktail list, where every drink is just as carefully crafted—no basic juice-and-soda mixes here.

The Food: Michelin-Level, Made for a Cocktail Bar

When it came to the food, Alex wanted flavors that felt bold and interesting, but also easy to enjoy with drinks. She worked with Michelin-starred chef Johnny Spero to create a menu that balances Nordic elements with a broader, shareable appeal.

🔥 Danish Hot Dog – A street food staple, elevated—the snap of the sausage, the crunch of pickles, and the balance of creamy and tangy toppings make it impossible to eat just one.
🔥 Norwegian Waffle – Light, crisp, and slightly sweet—paired with Kaluga caviar for the ultimate indulgence. This is Scandinavian comfort food, Manhattan-style.
🔥 Swedish Meatballs – Rich, tender, and deeply satisfying—they’re the real deal.

“Scandinavian food is usually thought of in these high-end tasting menus. I wanted to take some of those flavors and ideas and make them work in a bar setting—so that you can snack, share, and pair them with cocktails.”

Brunch is Coming to Kabin 🌞🍽️

Big news for food lovers: Kabin is launching brunch this March—bringing the same level of carefully crafted cocktails and Nordic-inspired bites to weekend mornings.

Starting with Saturdays, the brunch menu will introduce new dishes alongside Kabin’s signature favorites, offering a relaxed yet elevated way to kick off the weekend.

“We’re leaning more into food, and brunch is going to be a big step in that. We’ll start with Saturdays and see where it goes.” – Alex Tangen

Stay tuned for the full brunch menu reveal—and if you want first dibs on the best seats, mark your calendar now.

The Design: A Modern Take on a Nordic Cabin

Designed by Jeanette Didon, the creative mind behind Brooklyn’s Michelin-starred Aska, Kabin’s interior is a perfect blend of Scandinavian minimalism and New York edge.

“I didn’t want it to feel like an obvious ‘Nordic bar.’ The idea was to take elements of Norwegian cabins—wood, warmth, coziness—and mix them with sleek, modern materials that make it fit in New York.”

Some of the standout design features:

• A custom-built, sauna-inspired wood banquette at the center of the space.

• Moody, candlelit lighting that shifts with the time of day.

• Huge front windows that open up in the warmer months, making Kabin feel connected to the city around it.

“The space was designed to evolve throughout the night. It feels different at 5 PM than it does at 10 PM—but always welcoming.”

The Energy: More Than a Bar, A Community Spot

One of the most unique things about Kabin is the way it brings people together.

“We’re creating a place where people come in, meet others, and make this a regular spot. That’s why I love remembering names, drinks, and making people feel like this is their bar.”

To build that social atmosphere, Kabin hosts Kabin Fever, a monthly guest bartender series featuring some of the best mixologists in NYC.

🎟️ Next Kabin Fever Night: Tuesday, February 18
🎟️ March 1 Pop-Up: A caviar & cocktail night with Marky’s Caviar.

“We want Kabin to be more than just a bar—it’s about experiences, about bringing something new to the neighborhood.”

Why Kabin Should Be on Your Radar

📍 Kabin – 300 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
📅 Follow for Events & Specials: @kabin.nyc

Still need a reason to check it out? Here’s five:

✅ Expertly crafted cocktails with a Nordic touch
✅ A vibe that works whether you’re with friends, on a date, or stopping by solo
✅ Food that’s actually worth ordering
✅ Events and pop-ups that keep things fresh
✅ A team that makes you feel like a regular from day one

Kabin isn’t just another cocktail bar—it’s the kind of place that becomes your go-to without you even realizing it.

If you haven’t been yet, consider this your official invite. Pull up a seat, grab a drink, and see why Hudson Square has a new go-to.

📅 The Scoop: February in Hudson Square

🏈 The Big Game is HERE

Super Bowl Sunday (tomorrow!) is taking over the neighborhood, and you've got options:

🍺 Houston Hall – Going full game-day mode. Their viewing setup will make your 65-inch TV at home feel like a GameBoy.

🍹 Torch & Crown – Serving up special game-day drinks to help you cope with your team’s performance, win or lose.

❤️ Love Is In The Air (No, That’s Not Just Pizza Steam)

Valentine’s Day is coming in hot, and our restaurants are doing the most.

💎 Fancy Date Vibes:
🍝 Mishik – $135 menu featuring lobster uni pasta & wagyu strip loin (because nothing says “I love you” like fancy noodles and premium cow).
🥂 Vestry – Caviar + their signature chocolate heart (it’s almost too pretty to eat, but let’s be real, you’re going to eat it).
🍽️ Altro Paradiso – They had us at “truffle-topped carpaccio.”

🎉 Keep It Casual:
🍋 Houston Hall – Understood the assignment: free lemon drop shots & $59 espresso martinis the size of your head.
😂 Torch & Crown – Hosting a Valentine’s comedy show for couples who’d rather laugh than whisper sweet nothings.

🎭 The Culture Report

(For when you want to sound smart at dinner parties)

🎭 "Anywhere" at HERE Arts (through Mar 2) – Puppet theater meets visual poetry meets Greek tragedy. Yes, really. And yes, you should go.

🎞️ Film Forum: "A Woman is a Woman" (through Feb 20) – Perfect for when you want to pretend you understand French New Wave cinema.

🍷 "In Pour Taste" at SoHo Playhouse (final day today!) – Australian comedians + wine tasting = the kind of math we can get behind.

🍽️ Food & Drink News

(Because you need to eat something between all these events)

🍽️ Restaurant Week wraps up tomorrow! Last chance to catch those deals at Torch & Crown and Nonna Beppa.

🔪 Regular Spots We Can’t Shut Up About:
🍹 Kana’s Happy Hour – $9 cocktails. Cheaper than your therapist and probably just as effective.
🌹 Torch & Crown Bachelor Viewing Parties – Making Monday nights slightly less Monday-ish.
☕ Maman launched an app – You can now skip the line. Technology is finally being used for good.

💡 Need-to-Know Stuff

🚨 Book those V-Day reservations NOW – Unless you want to explain to your date why you’re eating bodega sandwiches on February 14.

👀 Most watch parties follow the "early bird gets the best view" rule – Plan accordingly.

🗺️ The BID made fancy neighborhood guides – They did the hard work so you don’t have to.

📲 Follow @hudsonsquarehighlights on Instagram – For the last-minute additions.

🍀 Coming in March:

St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans and the return of "maybe we can sit outside" weather!

💡 Got Tips? Want to Be Featured?

We love hearing from Hudson Square locals—whether it’s your favorite neighborhood hidden gem, an upcoming event we should know about, or just some good old-fashioned news.

📩 Got a tip, suggestion, or event we should include in our next edition? Let us know your feedback at [email protected].

🏡 Are you a Hudson Square resident or business owner?
We’d love to feature more local voices in our next edition. If you’ve got a story to tell—or just want to chat over coffee—reach out to us!

📲 Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @hudsonsquarehighlights to get in touch.