I can’t say I grew up with the comforts of hygge, and I'm still working on fully understanding the concept. But I've certainly gotten a firm idea of it after visiting Hudson Square's glossy cocktail bar, Kabin.
While indicated by the name, Kabin isn't a cozy winter cabin run by your cheugy, mountainous friends. Instead, the sleek Norwegian cocktail lounge reads like an Airbnb retreat that's on your dream list. With tall ceilings anchored by white-washed wooden beams and elements of steel, the drinking den comes to life at night, illuminated by soft lighting behind the bar and handsome fixtures on the ceiling that sprout like tree roots. But sleek doesn't mean cold, as tucked-away corners hide leather chairs, furry pillows, and blankets ready to receive you.
The cocktails transport you even further into Norwegian culture, quite literally. Fashioned like a retro, almost campy airline pamphlet, cheekily billed as Nordic Air & Travel, the menu breaks out into sections of what you would experience, taste and see if you were to happen upon a visit to the region. We suggest a stopover with the Kaffenpause, a coffee-infused number that uses brewed beans from La Cabra (which they serve by the cup in the morning), thickened with a toasty, sticky rice almond milk and spiced with a few dashes of Ancho Reyes. The Karpe—which pays tribute to Norway's iconic rap duo of the same name—is certainly a boozy one, blending aquavit and mezcal, but somehow it drinks a little like Christmas thanks to warming chai spices and sherry.
As for food, yes, you can find Swedish meatballs and whitefish spreads. But, if the table gets a bit peckish, we'd steer you toward the shareable Scandi Chips, glistening with pearls of smoked trout roe and a plop of creme fraiche. Also, the lemon-oiled martini pairs well with the Danish Hot Dog, slick with spiced horseradish and crowned with so many pickled and fried onions you'll leave a trail on the table.