While walking down Main Street in Hudson, you might notice a shoe repair shop tucked between New City Microcreamery and Avidia Bank. Though the space did belong to an actual cobbler years ago, behind the curtain is Hudson’s newest jewel: < > (pronounced “Less Than Greater Than”), a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar that takes classic drinks to a whole new level.

“A few people have come to the window with shoes, banging on the door,” said Jason Kleinerman, one of the owners of Less Than Greater Than and New City Microcreamery. The actual entrance is located inside New City – flip the light switch in the back corner to gain entrance.

Officially opened in late October, Less Than Greater Than is meant to be a celebration and homage to the era when cocktails came to be. According to Kleinerman, during Prohibition, people had to travel abroad, leading them to discover new liquors and drink combinations. “It’s a nod to the era, but we didn’t want it to be a gimmick,” he said. “It’s not like we’re walking around in flapper costumes. There’s a modern aesthetic going on.”

Instead, Kleinerman and fellow owners Karim El-Gamal and Michael Kasseris let their drinks do the talking. “We wanted to do things the right way, produce the highest-quality cocktail we possibly could,” said Kleinerman.

To do this, Less Than Greater Than makes many of the ingredients in house – like bitters and simple syrups – much like its sister joints, New City and Rail Trail Flatbread Co., do. Staff even makes the tonic, which, when combined with gin, makes the best G&T you’ve ever sipped. And each day, the staff hand carves large cubes from a block of ice to get the perfect base for their take on the classic Old Fashioned.

“Large ice cubes are trendy but serve a purpose,” El-Gamal said. “The larger surface area of the cube keeps the integrity of the drink.”

Though hand-carving is more painstaking and expensive than using regular ice, this is what sets Less Than Greater Than apart from the crowd. “We want to make the best drink, not one in the cheapest or fastest way,” said El-Gamal. “This is a craft; every step matters.”

Well-made drinks are all part of the experience. There are no TVs in the 21+ bar, and although you might have to wait, you’re rewarded with seats in an uncrowded, relaxed atmosphere. The best entertainment comes from watching bartenders make drinks – whether from the menu or by special request – at the low bar. Patrons can also enjoy small plates made from locally sourced food. But the most unique thing about Less Than Greater Than is the Spirits & Creme section.

“That is what drove all of this, the liquid nitrogen, alcohol, mixology approach,” said El-Gamal, adding that when the group snagged the town’s last liquor license, the idea was to put the bar somewhere in New City, but special restrictions forced them to think outside the box. “Very few people have the opportunity or access to liquid nitrogen in their bar. The -325 degree liquid nitrogen is so cold, it supersedes the lowest freezing point of alcohol, so it holds form. There’s no other Grasshopper like ours in the country.”

This unique process and environment are what will make cocktail-lovers travel the extra mile to visit. “It was so important to have a friendly, welcoming place,” said El-Gamal. “At the end of the day, we have some very fancy liquors, but in a warm way. What’s going to bring you back is the quality of drinks. The way they’re made and the ingredients in them make them special.”

Less Than Greater Than at 28 Main St., Hudson, is open Tuesday-Saturday beginning at 5 p.m.