Kava bars come in all different shapes and sizes. Though the term “bar” can imply that kava bars intend to replicate traditional bars, many kava bars take a completely different route. Whether you’re looking for nightlife or a quiet place to study, I can assure you that there is a kava bar out there that will suit your needs. I have put this list together to share some of my favorite bars in Pinellas County, and provide insight into what you might be able to expect.
This is by far my favorite bar – because it is exactly what I’m looking for on a casual night out! Dharma Kava Lounge can easily be identified by its moody red walls and black ceiling. Many people who walk through the doors mistakenly stroll up to the bar asking for a rum and coke. Dharma is built for nightlife, operating from 10am to 2pm every single day, including holidays. Dharma provides events almost every night, including open mics on Mondays, trivia on Wednesdays, karaoke on Thursdays, featured artists on Fridays and DJ’s on Saturdays. Dharma has a strong and loyal following, and is perfect for anyone who enjoys the nightlife.
The downtown St. Petersburg location of Grassroots Kava House is perfect for anyone who enjoys a peaceful and quiet place to mingle. Downtown St. Petersburg is the perfect location for this kava bar, because passerbys strolling down the street at all hours of the day are likely to pop in and try a shell. This kava bar is perfect for a first time kava drinker – with it’s welcoming and bright interior and friendly staff that are happy explain what to expect from their variety of exotic and traditional teas, though if you’re hoping to educate yourself a bit more on kava and kratom before diving in head first, I recommend you check out these articles before your first venture.
Tip: Make sure you locate the portal through the phone booth! That’s the only way to make it upstairs to the beautiful upstairs balcony that hangs over downtown St. Pete
Muddy Waters is a lovely kava bar located in northern St. Pete. If you are a dog lover, this is the perfect kava bar for you. Muddy Waters maintains a calm and causal environment during the day time – perfect for relaxing and doing some studying – or even working from “home”. There is a rotating door of dogs all day long, and a big outdoor patio for them to roam free. If you have a pooch of your own, this is the perfect kava bar to bring your best furry friend out while you relax. In the evenings, the Muddy Waters crowd gets a little bit more rowdy, from their occasional events, to gamers setting up shop at the bar, to people getting a bit more active outside. Muddy Waters even features a basketball course in the back end of the patio! I used to visit Muddy Waters every Sunday for about a year to play Dungeons and Dragons with my friends, and it was one of the most interesting campaigns I’ve experienced, largely due to the curious bystanders sharing interest and sparking up conversation.
Driftwood has two locations, in St. Pete and Seminole. Driftwood is interesting because on top of being a kava bar, they are coffee roasters as well! Driftwood provides the perfect environment for students, with a peaceful and quiet environment that allows for good focus, great coffee, and the perfect assortment of teas. Driftwood also provides a small menu of breakfast foods, acai bowls, and smoothies, with plenty of vegan options. Driftwood also provides events throughout the month, which can be found online.