When I discovered alcohol back in my early twenties, I loved it. Every chance I got, I used to go down to the bar with my buds. Usually I would drink too much and wake up the next morning thinking, damn, I’m never drinking again.
It took me a while to put those words into action, but eventually I did. Still, when I think back on those days I remember the good times I used to have, even though it always seemed to lead to bad hangovers and sometimes bad choices.
Imagine getting a similar vibe that a traditional bar used to offer but without the hangover and bad decisions caused by alcohol?
Let’s think this through. You just had a long week at work, a couple of overtime shifts and you need to do something to take the edge off before you get ready for another busy week.
You walk down the street where all the bars are. Drops of rain splash on you as you check out the storefronts. Neon lights blink above you, just as the rain hits. You duck under the awning and walk in the door.
People sit at tables, smiling and chatting. The room is dimly lit. Soft jazz plays in the background. The word Kava Bar, big and bright, flashes above the bar.
A waiter comes over, smiling. “Welcome! What can I get you?” he says.
“I’ll be honest,” you say, “It’s my first time here. What exactly is Kava anyway?”
What Is Kava?
Kava is a plant grown in the South Pacific Islands of Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia. The root of the plant has traditionally been consumed by locals for ritual purposes including, births, weddings and funerals, because of its relaxing and soothing effect. It is prepared for consumption by grinding it into a paste and mixing it with water.
What Is A Kava Bar?
A kava bar is a social spot that serves kava and other non-alcoholic drinks instead of beer and liquor. These establishments combine the social experience of traditional alcohol-serving bars with the relaxing ambience of something more akin to a hookah lounge. Kava bars are located in many major cities across the U.S.
Why Kava Bars Are Growing in Popularity
Many people around the world have recently discovered Kava and its therapeutic properties. People have begun to use it as an alternative to alcohol, to treat stress and anxiety as well as physical pains and insomnia. The reason is different for everyone, but the result of consuming Kava is to induce a state of relaxation.
What’s on the Menu at a Kava Bar?
Menus vary from bar to bar, but most kava bars serve some version of the following:
- Traditional kava shells: Kava root mixed with water and served in a coconut shell. This is the classic order, and most bars offer it in more than one strength or size.
- Flavored kava: Kava blended with coconut milk, pineapple, mango, chocolate, or other flavors to soften the earthy taste.
- Kava mocktails: Kava mixed with juices and syrups into cocktail-style drinks, sometimes called “kavatinis.”
- Kava shots: Small, concentrated servings for people who want to drink quickly and skip the taste.
- Chasers: Fruit slices, juice, or small bites to clear the flavor after each shell.
- Kratom drinks: Many kava bars also serve kratom, either brewed as tea or mixed into drinks.
- Other botanical drinks: Some bars carry kanna, mushroom drinks such as lion’s mane or reishi, or hemp and CBD beverages.
- Non-alcoholic beer and seltzers: Some bars stock these for guests who want a familiar option.
- Coffee, tea, and energy drinks: Standard café drinks for guests who aren’t drinking kava.
- Snacks: Chips, candy, and sometimes small plates or baked goods.
Do Kava Bars Serve Kratom?
Many do. Kava and kratom are different plants. Kava is a root from the South Pacific, while kratom is a leaf from a Southeast Asian tree. They’re often served side by side, and some bars that serve both call themselves “kava and kratom bars.” Whether a bar can serve kratom depends on state and local law, and some states and counties restrict it. If you’re curious, ask the staff what they carry and where it’s sourced. Reputable bars should be able to show you lab testing.
What’s The Kava Bar Vibe Like Vs. A Regular Bar?
ava bars are characterized by their welcoming atmosphere, a warm and cozy ambience, and the way they bring out a sense of connection and community. The crowd tends to be quieter and more conversational than at a typical bar, and the focus is on hanging out rather than getting drunk.
That sense of community goes back a long way. Generations of Pacific Islanders have used kava as a means to create communal ties and friendship. In the modern kava bar, patrons sit around a table, each with their own shell of kava, drinking and sharing stories. The laid-back atmosphere gives people permission to lower their guard and to facilitate connection and friendship..
How Is Kava Prepared at a Kava Bar?
The main ingredient, powdered Kava root, is mixed with cold water, or a flavored beverage. It’s either blended or hand mixed with a spoon. The preparation is then served, often in coconut shells, to bar patrons. Some opt to filter the beverage to transform the bitter taste to a more mild one. This can impact the potency of the beverage and may result in a lesser effect of relaxation.
What Does Kava Taste Like?
Slight variances in Kava preparation methods result in no two identical tasting experiences. Kava is often described as bitter, earthy, nutty and spicy. Because of its strong native taste, Kava is often mixed with beverages such as coconut milk or even a flavored drink. Caution should be taken when mixing beverages, as the relaxant properties of Kava may be affected by a sugar additive. Additionally, some may experience a stomachache from combining Kava with a flavored drink.
Connect to Pacific Island Culture
People living in modern Western society often lose sight of the bigger picture in their every day routine. The office desk, the cars and the buildings all have a way of siloing people into their modern day cubicles. Sometimes it’s healthy and invigorating to escape that everyday sameness and leap into a different reality. One way of doing that is to experience a different culture. Kava bars are local representations of an ancient culture thousands of miles away. Bringing an authentic, ancient experience across oceans to the urban jungle, Kava bars beckon hard working people to take a break from mundane tasks and step into a place with just a touch of magic.
Tips for Your First Kava Bar Visit
As with any new experience, education is crucial. No two people’s kava experiences are the same, and a first-time drinker may not want to drink the same amount as someone who knows their tolerance level. A friendly, informative kava bar staff member can guide you through your first kava experience. It’s important to understand how kava affects you, the different ways you can drink it, and how each one could affect you. A good place to start is a half shell of traditional kava with a chaser.
Is Kava Safe?
While moderate consumption is considered safe according to the World Health Organization, there have been concerns about liver problems for some who have consumed Kava excessively. Moderate consumption of Kava is always recommended. It is important for a first time consumer to pay attention to any reaction they may have and get medical attention if there are any concerning side effects. If one is on medication, their doctor should be consulted before consuming Kava. If someone drank alcohol, they should avoid drinking Kava at that time, as alcohol and Kava are known to react negatively when consumed together.
How To Find A Kava Bar Near Me
Kava bars are located in cities throughout the US and a quick Google search such as “kava bar near me” can determine the closest location. Websites such as Tripadvisor and other crowd sourced review sites can provide recommendations based on personal experiences. While everyone has their own preferences, a first time Kava consumer may benefit from other people’s suggestions.
Conclusion
You lift the coconut shell to your mouth and drink deeply. The mild, earthy taste of Kava fills your mouth and you swallow. A heavy rock seems to melt from your shoulders. Tension in your muscles which a masseuse would usually handle seems to float away. You smile at the people sitting near you.
A man tells a story while everyone listens in rapt silence, drinking from their coconut shells.
It seems like you can almost smell the Pacific ocean as you sit in the warm, dimly lit room, taking it all in.
