This is the feeder Kava Bar for the Bay Area. The kava that the other kava bars get is from this bar. The owner will also mail you kava if you prefer. I guess it is the old style kava bar. It looks like a Tiki bar. There are kava roots hanging from the ceiling and also reasonable priced beach shirts and dresses. For the best prices go here. Also, strong kava. I don't know about getting food there (we weren't hungry). BTW, my hubby has used kava to "get off the wagon." It also helps him relax. read more

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Had the worst experience. I walked in with my friends and bunch of old Indian dudes sitting in the corner and giving awkward looks. Those guys looked like they were friends of owner and they almost preoccupied the spaces. Barely any room for us to sit down. The owner was rude, his tone made us feel unwanted. It was the most awkward place to be. We just ordered a bowl, finished asap and left. Won't be returning there anytime soon. Maybe the owner needs to learn how to behave politely, better customer service skills and interact more with customers instead of sitting with his friends and chatting away. I wish I could give 0 stars. read more

Came by for a Kava Bowl and it was perfect! The vibes were nice too. Caught up with an old co-worked from Circuit City. I'll definitely be back to get my kava fix read more

This place is great. Relaxed atmosphere, with friendly clientele. Every time I go in there people smile and say hello. It's like a whole pub full of friendly respectful folks that aren't drunk assholes. read more

Kava Bar - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

Wonderful service and a calm ambiance. $15, $20, and $25 sizes available. Take home what you don't finish. read more

Kava Bar - Yeah, Bula! Lovely kava in a lovely atmosphere. Comfy chairs and attentive host. $20 size shown, take home what you don't finish. - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

Really nice spot with a calm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff was kind and everything felt very laid-back. A great place to unwind and enjoy a peaceful moment. read more

Great kava, chill environment. People seem to know each other and like to hang out. Came with a friend who goes here a lot. Would definitely go back. Kava is definitely an acquired taste. read more

This is a bar, named Kava Bar, which serves Kava. If you like Kava, or have never heard of it, you should go to the bar that serves Kava named Kava Bar. If you dislike Kava, uh, I've got bad news for you about the Kava Bar... Anyways, most people presumably fall in the latter category - Kava is a root tea from the Pacific Islands. The specific restaurant is Fijian, which you can tell from the smiling portrait of former general turned Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama (very interesting person, but sadly not relevant to Yelp reviewing). Kava tastes like what you'd expect a root tea to taste like (bitter, earthy, etc.) However, it's a delightful drink. I can only describe it as having the positive effects of beer (relaxation) without all the negative impacts (of which there are innumerous). Also numbs your tongue. The actual Kava was fairly high quality, which means it's a great way to try out Kava, since Kava is apparently something that's pretty easy to mess up when you try to make it yourself (pretty jarring when it happens - I drank frat bro-brewed Kava once in college, which went as badly as you'd expect). The ambience of the bar was great, much more of a comfortable lounge (very welcoming to an older clientele) than one of those uncomfortable, poorly lit, overly loud music hosting, American style bars where regrettable acts take place in. Service also great, the hosts were very nice and helpful. Also, the prices are very affordable. You can get a small bowl for $15, a medium bowl for $20, or a large bowl for $25. They're all pretty large, because Kava drinking is clearly meant to be a communal act. Bring your friends! Great place to hang out! Will definitely be back if I visit the Bay Area again. read more

Kava Bar - its kava. it's why you're here - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

Came here late night on Saturday, around 9 PM. There were two groups of people sitting and relaxing. The store was pretty quiet and dark. There is a lot of island decorations and snacks by the front counter. The Olympics were playing, and the ambiance was very calm. The shop owner was super friendly and approachable. He gave us directions on how to drink and serve the kava. It was our first time trying it, so we got the small size for two people. Remember to swirl the liquid around! I was nervous to try it because of the reviews of people saying it tasted like dirt, but it just kind of tasted like a powdery drink, neutral and herbal. I am a fan of Chinese herbal drinks, so this was a bit different but it wasn't too weird. My throat immediately went numb after my first cup. We felt a little loopy and just sat around until a bit before closing. We saw the people next to us play cards, but I'm not sure if it's provided. I enjoyed my experience here and would come back with more people! read more

Kava Bar - small size - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

This place is awesome!! They are a traditional kava establishment, and they are very clean and friendly. We will visit again next time we are in the area!! read more

We own Kava Sol in Ohio and made Kava Bar our literal first stop luggage in hand when we got off the plane in San Fran. We were lovingly greeted by the owner and he showed us his production and operation area where he gets root straight from Fiji and pounds it on site. Served in an authentic tanoa, it's strong and smooth kava. This is a very authentic and traditional kava bar - straight up kava only. Amazing authentic experience and so grateful we stopped! MUST TRY for experienced kava drinkers. read more

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Most awkward experience ever. I walked in with my group to see all these older men sitting in the back chatting and staring at us. Confused as no one came up to us to ask what we needed and half of the place just looked like a store. So we stood there for a moment then I finally asked if one of them could help us. I guess it is the hang out spot for the owner and their friends. We were the only customers in there besides the 15 guys. The whole time they would just stare at us and no one would come ask if we needed anything. There was nothing else besides the Kava to order. So we drank a bowl and got out ASAP. Never coming back. read more

Wow the kindest owner and very cool experience. We came here with a big group for my husbands birthday after dinner since he didn't want alcohol and really enjoyed trying kava! Very relaxing and chill vibes. Definitely recommend trying it out, we definitely would love to return. read more

Such a special place. The Kava is homemade and pounded in house. The atmosphere is so great offering drinks, snacks, and service to lounge while you drink. Definitely bring your friends here and hangout! read more

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You can feel it after drinking 2 cups I was sleepy...blood pressure was down also. Very interesting.. tastes bitter like chinese medicine. Good for helping you get to sleep as an alternative to alcohol... You can buy the same kava powder they use to make the kava and the filter bag. There are videos on youtube showing how to make it. read more

Kava Bar - Small - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

Very kind owner. They serve high quality genuine/traditional kava. Atmosphere is not for everyone but definitely seems like a community spot. Almost everyone that walked in knew the owner and the other guests by name read more

I have never been to a kava bar, as they don't have them in my home state. I didn't have any kava with me on my trip to SF, so I found the Kava Bar on Yelp, so I called and asked if they offered the powdered root for purchase, as well as the drinks. He did, so I headed that way. Rakesh (I presume the owner?) Was very helpful and friendly. They had all the items needed to make kava at home, and have me a complimentary drink in the traditional coconut cup. I would be here all the time, if I lived here! The kava was fresh and thickly condensed, which numbed my mouth and tongue quickly! Will be ordering my kava from him in the future! read more

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I loved it. It was a great experience. Everyone should try it. The people were nice, I recommend it. Try something new. It was different, it was relaxing. read more

Well, this was a unique experience. This place is such a hole in the wall in Downtown San Bruno (say what, there is such a thing). It is quite the dilapidated downtown...it has so much potential. Anyway, this is the real thing here. I can't say kava tastes like dirt. It might taste worse. I could only stomach two bowls based on palatability. Oh man and it makes your tongue feel numb. And apparently has almost any health benefit you could think of (look it up). You may not think you need any of the lollipops at the counter to go with the kava, but you will. So the owner here is super friendly and explained the process to us. They grind the root right there and everything. We went around 9:30 PM on a Tuesday, and there were a bunch of guys just shooting the breeze and playing pool. I can't describe the feeling post-kava. You just need to go try it for yourself. read more

Kava Bar - Kava. - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

My favorite kava bar in Bay Area. None of those expensive barely strong fruity cocktail like drinks found from modern kava places. This place sell pure simple strong kava. Yes! We know it tastes like dirt. Do you think you would be cool if you said that about alcoholic drinks? No. It doesn't have to taste good. Its strait to the point. But honestly, it's not that bad. Really. If you like dark things like coffee or chocolate it won't be that bitter. After your tongue gets numb you'll forget the taste. Bring your friends down, and enjoy the social benefits of kava! Ps. call if you are coming from far drive at night. The owner closes early if it's slow night. read more

Real kava drinks served here in the traditional way, strong and robust, more concentrated than that in Hawaii. Chill atmosphere to vibe out or hang out with friends. The owner is from Fiji and is super chill and friendly. It's lucky we have a place like this in the bay area. read more

Kava Bar - Seating area - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

I had a wonderful experience here today! I'll soon be working on a ranch that grows Kava and the owner was delighted to hear that and gave me a ton of information about the root and how to prepare it myself. I came in stressed since I've been traveling and left feeling calm and at ease. I'll definitely be stopping by anytime I'm in San Bruno read more

Kava Bar - Kava - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

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Great setting. Relaxing atmosphere and energy. Owner was very friendly and social, and the service was quick.

Wowzzaaaa! A kava bar along the peninsula? I'M IN!!! What is kava? My iPhone's dictionary says, "a sedative drink made in Polynesia from the crushed roots from the plant of the pepper family." It's basically a drink extracted from some root from the islands that islanders would drink to turn up (aka America's alcohol). Are the side effects the same? No... But it's a different kind of "intoxication" that's a mellow, chill feeling. So if you want to sit back, relax and kick it with some homies, I'd highly recommend coming here! The drink tastes a bit bitter but watered down... Be sure to mix well since the 'pepper grinds' sink to the bottom when you let the bowl/ cup sit there and that's where all the magics from ;) you can expect to feel the effects right away after two cups or so. I would highly recommend buying some juice in the fridge next to the front of the store as chaser because the taste is pretty intense... A couple of my friends have told me that the taste tastes like some Chinese herb and I agree but this is slightly different. There's plenty of street parking if you don't go at sun busy hours and a couple of public parking lots, but carpooling is always recommended... Especially if you drink too much you might want a designative driver because this stuff makes you zone out! I also read online that back in 2000 someone got a DUI in San Mateo for driving after drinking many cups of kava (you can google it)... Be careful everyone!!! Apparently drinking too much kava is bad for your skin (said the owner, Rakesh Kumar)... So don't get addicted! -1 star because I've been to the other kava bar in Berkeley and I thought the drink was much stronger but taste was way worse, hahaha. The picture of the bowl below was $10 (depending on strength it can vary less or more) which had about 10ish servings which is good or 3-4 people! But there's an even bigger bowl for $14 that cane be shared amongst 5+ people that's perfect for a party! BTW: NOVEMBER 15, 2015 - this store is having a fundraiser with free food and whatever you purchase here some of the funds will go to charity. I forgot the name but if you're around town, definitely go this day to support!!!! read more

Kava Bar - $10 (the smaller bowl) - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

What a cool adventure coming here. Kava Bar is located in South San Francisco, nestled in amongst many different South Pacific & Asian restaurants/stores. This place is perfect for the beginner or the experienced tea drinker and everyone in between. I love kava tea, it's so relaxing to drink it and chill with good company. read more

Kava Bar - Kava - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

I love hanging out here for hours! The decor is amazing, and rakesh is such a nice guy! Also, the kava here is top notch. It's much stronger than other places, and has that good kava taste. read more

I'm absolutely never going back there again. I Brought my wife here one night around 9pm because the hours on Yelp lists that they're open till 1am or something crazy like that. When we arrived, the only people at the Kava bar were some old dudes sitting in the corner, watching the game. My wife and I walked in, and everyone got quiet and stared at us. I stared right back until they no longer felt the need to stare at us. I'm not sure if they were intentionally trying to make us feel uncomfortable with their glare or not, but either way, it did. So nonetheless, we weren't pleased to start our kava experience off with an awkward staring match. (I also noticed a few other reviews who recalled this same exact experience. Where the hours are wrong, and there's awkward men in the place when they arrive) Also, the owner wasn't very friendly. When my wife and I arrived, we weren't even greeted like customers. We were met with irritability from the owner, who clearly did not want to be there. He didn't even walk up to us to take our orders until we asked "is someone able to help us". And then he sighed like he was tired or something, and finally got up. He said "we're actually closed right now" My wife: "really? Because your hours say you're open until 1am and it's only 9pm right now" The owner: "no. We are closed. It's really hard to change the hours on Yelp. I can give you 30 mins." So my wife and I ended up having to rush our kava experience, when Kava is supposed to be relaxing. And as you can see, the owner doesn't take accountability for his hours being wrong. If a customer is telling you that the hours are listed wrong. CHANGE IT! But it's clear that Kava bar will not make the change, because there are reviews on here from YEARS AGO that say the same thing I'm writing about today. So apparently this has been an ongoing issue for years. I just feel like the owner is really lazy. He was too lazy to greet us. Too lazy to change the hours on Yelp. And too lazy to provide the same experience to the last customer of the day that the first customer of the day gets. Avoid this Kava bar and go to the one in Berkeley instead for a more relaxed vibe and friendlier experience. read more

It's definitely an experience, but I would only recommend if you like earthy-type drinks. I was a little nervous based on the reviews that it would create some weird effects, but nothing happened. Was I relaxed? Not sure, but my tongue was definitely tingly and it took a while to down the taste. It wasn't my cup of tea but I appreciate the surprise. The owner was extremely sweet and helpful too! read more

Kava Bar - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

The ambiance is amazing so relaxing and therapeutic. The service is excellent and very welcoming. Will come back.

Amazing experience and very clean. Great customer service and good vibes. Would go again

Let's be real, Kava tastes like Earth... and if we're being really real, we'll admit that 'Earth' is a euphemism for dirt. It's not for everyone. Hell, it isn't for me, but I couldn't be happier that Kava Bar exists in the peninsula. Who knew, San Bruno? Who knew? Kava is plant from the Western Pacific that gets ground up and I don't really know the rest but you drink it from a shell and it's the color of mud water drainage. It makes your mouth feel numb and coated in the slick kava liquid. This was just my second time at a kava bar. I came here because I'd been meaning to check it out and needed to kill some time before my brother (who does not drink alcohol) had to be at SFO for a flight. My Dad, my brother, and myself all shared a bowl for $10. We probably got around 10+ cups out of it. I didn't help much with maybe having a glass and half. If I'd had more, I do think vomiting might have been a possibility for me, but also I'm not a person who's able to take shots without throwing up so maybe I'm just extra sensitive about the manner of drinking things quickly over the actual flavor. My brother didn't enjoy the taste, but he took about 6 cups for the team. My Dad was surprisingly tolerant and open to the stuff but I'd also say he's got a very adventurous palette. Inside is pretty chill. It looks like a basement bar you'd find in suburban home. It's got a dated tiki vibe and not very chic, but for San Bruno I'd say the place is pretty cosmopolitan. There's a pool table, chill island lights in the drop ceiling, and some snacks you'd find at a Mexican convenience store that help offset the tastes of the kava. The owner (I think) was so kind and knowledgeable. When I asked him to tell my first-timer dad and brother about kava, he pulled up a chair, served us our drinks, and sat down to give us the full lowdown of the who, what, where, and why and really made the experience a fun one. If you're adventurous, give it try. It's good for you and boyyyy does it taste like it. ;) read more

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Bula Vinaka!! Place has some seriously dynamite yaqona. Couldn't feel closer to the islands.

After I tried Kava on a vacation to Baltimore and it helped my TMJ, I went looking for one in the San Francisco area to help again when it started bothering me. I found this place and don't regret it! While it could use some updating to make it feel homey or cozy, it was very open and the owner was super nice. He is from Fiji and brought it back with him. He did his thing in the back and I wish I was able to see him pound out the root in front of me (almost like a guacamole bar) but it's all good. I knew it was fresh and not from a powder. It was served in the traditional bowls where you could ladle it into a cup made of coconut shell. I definitely think there could be some (for lack of better words) mix-ins to help mitigate the earthy taste but it's worth it if it helps you physically. If you've never tried Kava before, it doesn't make you feel loopy or anything, it just kinda relaxes you and your muscles. You might not even notice. What you should be prepared for is that your mouth may go numb for a short time. That's totally normal. I couldn't finish the whole bowl by myself so the owner let me bring in a cup and take the rest to-go. Love that! read more

Kava Bar - The "small bowl" Too much for just me but it was great - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

Nice little lounge to drink kava, I come here sometimes during the day to get that kava feeling. You must drink it all at once like a shot, for the taste is bitter. You'll get the numbness in your gums after drinking it for a while. The kava makes you extremely relaxed, which is why the lounge is a perfect place to sit and drink for as long as you can. read more

Kava Bar - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

Covid safe, kind of empty. Interesting feeling on tongue after drinking the lava tea. Deff an experience, not sure if I would go again but friendly service and okay area. Lots of food to eat around there after/ before read more

Out for something adventurous and new. Kava it is. The first time I heard of Kava was via a friend who went to a YEE for Kava. As she explained to me, it was a different and weird experience and I couldn't agree more. We just finished having sushi around the area and Kava Bar was in the area. Open until 1am, so why not. It's a cozy place with a pool table in the middle and tables on the right. It wasn't crowded, with only a table seated. My hunny and I were greeted by the owner. He was super nice and informative. We were pretty nervous as we heard some crazy things about it. But the owner reassured us and let us try a small bowl each for free. Owner is from Fuji and so are his Kava roots. We sipped and sipped. Slowly our tongue and mouth became numb. Slightly feeling woozy, but all in the good ways. This was supposedly normal and overtime if you become pro, the numbness would succumb. Our prior expectations and assumptions were so wrong. Kava wasn't really bad and it tasted like tea. The owner would tell us that he would get customers that drink this the whole day or even every day. Some positive side effects include a decrease in stress and anxiety. As we each only drank a small bowl, I can't confirm of it, but something was definitely happening to me. Place could seem like a great hangout or place to chill. It's sorta like a hookah bar, except kava isn't toxic for you. Not expensive either and can last you for hours. If you've never had Kava, try it. I imagine there's plenty of locals that go in for a drink and leave. This place opened up not too long ago and it's the only one in the County. So why not change it up and instead of your afternoon coffee (they don't open in the morning) go get a Kava bowl. 5 Stars for now because (1) I cannot compare it to anything else (2) Cool experience (3) Owner is great read more

Kava Bar - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

Nicely remodeled. Kava always gets me numb. Can't say enough good things about the owner. read more

Kava Bar - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

We luv the KAVA BAR! Kumar is an attentive HOST & is always willing to accommodate our NEEDs. We often go with a Big Group mostly consisting of WOMEN. We luv the "LAID BACK" environment & setting like we're back in the ISLANDs. Definitely recommend this Kava Bar to devoted drinkers as well as beginners for their 1st experience! Enjoy & as always CHEEEEERs! read more

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This was my first time trying Kava tea and the owner and the patrons were very kind and patient to explain to us what it is and what it does. What a cultural experience!! I am used to drink Ginseng tea so it wasn't too surprising to taste the bitterness but my friend and the partner thought it was too bitter for them. On the other hand, I actually liked it since it tasted like some herbal medicinal tea and it gave me some calming effect. I don't do drug so I can't compared to drug taking experience but it helped me to relax. (But this does not last long time.) Yes, you might experience the numbness on your tongue for the first time but again, it does not last for long. I also like this place because it seemed to serve as a gathering place for people who grew-up with drinking Kava. I really appreciate them for taking us in even though we were the only Asian there. Please also remember to be respectful when you go there. It might not be your cup of tea but please don't make nasty face or rude comment about the drink if you happen to not like it. read more

Kava Bar - Bar counter section gives us tropical atmosphere! - Lounges Near Me - San Bruno, California

This was my first time here and also my first time trying kava. I must say it was a little off putting going into the place as the two people who worked there were sitting down hanging out socializing with a group of five men. It took them awhile to acknowledge I was in there so it was awkward for a few minutes. Once they asked if they could help me and we spoke they were more than helpful. The kava didn't taste bad and was actually kind of good in a weird way. Worth the experience but not sure when I will stop here again. read more