Bar Kabawa — Review by Eater
New York, United States — Caribbean
Bar Kabawa is the Caribbean-focused sibling to the acclaimed Kaba restaurant, featuring drinks-first service with Caribbean snacks and patties. The reviewer praised the patties as the best in New York City, highlighting the perfectly crispy cassava dough filled with kale, oats, and hot sauce, along with creative dishes like pickled ackee and Solomon Gundy that showcase authentic island cuisine.
What was great: The patties are described as the best in New York City with perfect texture and flavor, the snacks and appetizers showcase authentic Caribbean flavors, and the drinks focus on daiquiris pairs well with the food
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Bar Kabawa offers a carefully curated menu of Caribbean snacks and patties designed to pair with their daiquiri-focused drink program. The star of the show is undoubtedly the patties, made with cassava dough and filled with kale, oats, and hot sauce cooked down with coconut fat. The dough is both sweet and light with crispy edges, and the filling delivers a perfect balance of heat and flavor. The reviewer declared these the best patties in New York City without hesitation.
Beyond the signature patties, the kitchen serves up an array of traditional Caribbean bites. The pickled ackee with salted cod and chili provides a refreshing palate opener with acidity and crunch. A special shrimp preparation features raw local shrimp from Montserrat with coconut, turmeric, and trout roe, creating what the reviewer described as sunshine in a bowl with beautiful pops of roe. The Solomon Gundy, a traditional dish made from smoked herring and mullet roll with fresh cassava, bruleed on top, delivers complex flavors with a light smokiness, creamy texture, and just the right amount of bitterness from the caramelized top.
The okra and shrimp preparations showcase the kitchen's attention to Caribbean flavors, each designed to complement the signature daiquiri offerings without being too heavy or overpowering.
The Experience
Bar Kabawa represents a more casual, bar-forward approach compared to its acclaimed sibling restaurant Kaba. Chef GG, the owner and creator behind both concepts, designed this space specifically to represent Caribbean culture through both food and drink. The atmosphere is casual and approachable, with the drinks taking center stage and food playing a supporting role. The reviewer was warmly welcomed and given behind-the-scenes access to watch the kitchen prepare dishes, creating an engaging and personal experience.
Value and Pricing
Specific pricing was not mentioned in the review, but the concept positions itself as an accessible alternative to Kaba, the number one restaurant in New York City. The snack-focused menu and bar-forward approach suggest more casual pricing than the main restaurant.
Notable Moments
I have said it before, I'll say it again. These are the best patties in New York City.
It looks like sunshine. It does look like sunshine.
The reviewer's repeated declaration about the patties being the best in the city became a running theme throughout the visit, emphasizing just how impressed he was with this specific preparation.
The Verdict
Bar Kabawa is an essential destination for anyone seeking authentic Caribbean food and drinks in New York City. If you cannot secure a reservation at the acclaimed Kaba, this sibling concept offers an equally impressive experience in a more casual setting. The patties alone are worth the visit, but the thoughtfully executed snacks and Caribbean-focused drink program make this a complete dining experience. Best for those seeking casual Caribbean cuisine, cocktail enthusiasts interested in daiquiris, and anyone who appreciates chef-driven food in a relaxed environment.