First time?
A bar with no alcohol, built around a South Pacific root drink called kava. Here is what a shell is, what to expect, and how to order.
Kava 101
Kava is a drink made from the root of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), a member of the pepper family native to the South Pacific islands. Ours comes from Vanuatu. Across the Pacific it has been shared for centuries at gatherings and celebrations, where preparing and passing the bowl is a way of welcoming people and bringing them together.
People describe kava as calming and relaxing while staying mentally present. It is not alcohol and it is not meant to get you “messed up.” Most guests drink it for the feeling, not the flavor: kava tastes earthy, and that is normal.
Strain
Our house kava. A coveted blend of lateral root and chips imported from Vanuatu.
Strain
A 5-diamond Vanuatu crop only available certain times of the year. Strong, but smoother than Van.
Strain
The newest product in the kava game and a Kavasutra exclusive. Extremely smooth and potent.
The shell
In the islands, kava is served in a coconut shell. Ours are metal (coconut shells are impossible to keep clean), served in a bowl the way it is done in Vanuatu. A shell is simply your serving of fresh, cold kava, and it comes in three sizes.
How it works
No host, no table service, no cover. Grab a seat at the bar and say hi to your Kavatender.
Kava has a "reverse tolerance," so first-timers often feel less than regulars do. Your Kavatender will point you to the right starting point.
Our kava specialties (Ed Shell, Special Edd, Lix Shots) are concentrated, smaller servings. They are the recommended first drink because you get a full kava experience in a smaller, faster sip.
Malo is our cheers. It comes from the Vanuatu word for kava. Drink the shell in one go if you can, then chase it with a piece of fruit or a sip of water.
Kava is a social drink. Stay a while, talk to the room, and let your Kavatender know when you are ready for another.
Good to know
The taste. Earthy and a little peppery. Nobody orders kava for the flavor. Chase it with fruit or water.
The feeling. A slight tingle or numbness on the tongue is normal. Most people describe a calm, relaxed, social mood without feeling impaired.
How much. Start with one specialty or a single shell, wait 15 to 20 minutes, and see how you feel before ordering more.
Who can drink kava. Guests 18 and older. Kava is not served to anyone who is pregnant.
Tea menu. Our Tea Menu is a separate thing with its own rules: guests 21 and older in Florida and Colorado (18 and older in Arizona), proof of age required. It lives on its own page.
Same prices everywhere. Every Kavasutra location charges the same prices, and prices include tax.
FAQ
No. Kava is a root drink with no alcohol in it. Kavasutra is an alcohol-free bar.
Kava is known for a calm, relaxed feeling while staying mentally present. It is not meant to impair you the way liquor does. Everyone reacts differently, so start small.
Earthy, peppery, a little muddy. It is served cold. Most guests chase it with fruit or a sip of water, and our Lix Shots come flavored.
A kava specialty like the Ed Shell or Special Edd, or a single shell of Van. Ask your Kavatender; that is what they are there for.
18 and older for kava. The Tea Menu is 21 and older with proof of age in Florida and Colorado, and 18 and older in Arizona.
No. Walk in any time. Every location is open early and open late.
Every day at 1pm and 1am, every location raises a shell together. It is the best time to walk in for the first time.
Find the Kavasutra nearest you and come raise your first shell.
