Bar Kabawa

Tucked down Extra Place, a short, dead-end pedestrian alley off East 1st Street, Bar Kabawa occupies the intimate space that once housed Momofuku Ko. The 24-seat interior is designed to feel like a Caribbean home, avoiding clichés in favor of specific details like a bar front wrapped in rattan – a nod to chairs from Chef Paul Carmichael's childhood in Barbados – and louvered doors, a staple of island architecture. Rich woods and tropical-toned upholstery warm the room, which is anchored by two large, custom paintings by Dominican-American artist Raelis Vasquez that depict quiet, everyday moments of island life. The beverage program is built entirely around Caribbean rum and daiquiris. You’ll find classics like the Daiquiri Kabawa, made with your choice of rum and served on a mound of snow ice, alongside creative versions like a Bay Leaf, Piña Cola, or even a Jerk Daiquiri. For larger groups, there are sharable options like the Planter's Punch or the "Rum & The Coconut," a drink for two served inside a whole coconut. The wine list is just as considered, presented with playful illustrations. For food, the menu is a tight collection of island-inspired small bites centered on a full patty program. These aren't your average patties – fillings include cod and bone marrow, lobster, and jerk goat, with vegetable options like eggplant or tomato and raclette. You can also get a raw bar selection, coco bread, or Solomon Gundy, a classic herring fish dip. The whole experience is set to a soundtrack of high-energy, lyric-driven music. It’s important to know this is the more casual, bar-focused side of a dual concept; the prix-fixe restaurant, Kabawa, is a separate entity next door. Reservations are highly recommended.