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    Kava Bar

    4.6 (88 reviews)
    InexpensiveLounges, Tea Rooms
    Closed 3:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Kava Bar Photos

    Business Info

    KAVA BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Kava Bar

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    Reviews With Photos

    Yeah, Bula! Lovely kava in a lovely atmosphere. Comfy chairs and attentive host. $20 size shown, take home what you don't finish.
    Marcia S.

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

    its kava. it's why you're here
    Kirk J.

    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.

    small size
    Michelle V.

    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!

    Kava root

    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.

    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!

    Small
    Doug C.

    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.

    Great price for a good value and quality kava blend

    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!

    Kava.
    Libby J.

    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.

    Seating area

    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.

    Kava

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    4 years ago

    Amazing place! This is so far the only kava bar I've been to that does kava the traditional way. I love it!

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    4 years ago

    Could be cuter, but very authentic kava, hand made from the root! Super relaxing. Friendly owner. Affordable compared to alcohol.

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    7 years ago

    I love this place. The owner is always nice and even showed me how to make the kava at home.

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    6 years ago

    The owner is wonderful ! I am new to kava and he explained how he brews and the benefits ! Relaxing and welcoming environment.

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Fijian owner serving Authentic Kava, this place is friendly, laid back, and a good place to say kavaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh.

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    Page 2 of 3

    Ask the Community - Kava Bar

    Is the lava bar open on Sunday or not? Website says no. Google and Yelp say yes. Called but no answer?

    no..

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Kava Bar

    Rakesh opened up this bar truly out of a love for kava and just spreading good vibes.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Nice location and view of the water along with the airplanes coming in and out. The bar area is…read morereally big and very open with glass ceilings, lots of windows, and multiple TVs. I didn't try any food this time around but I will say the person next to me had a steak rice bowl that looked really good. It must have been because I was looking one way for a little while and when I looked back, the bowl was empty! I had a great time and was served by the bartender JP. He did an excellent job, was super hospitable and friendly, and made some of the best strawberry infused lemon drops. I'll definitely stop by again when I'm in the area.

    The biggest highlight of this lounge is definitely the view. Unfortunately, it was already dark…read morewhen I checked into the hotel, so I wasn't able to enjoy it until the next morning, it was beautiful there. I'd definitely recommend visiting during the day or around sunset if possible. We grabbed seats at the bar and stayed until closing. The lounge was pretty busy and seemed a little understaffed, but the staff worked hard and were friendly throughout the night. The bartender was especially sweet and quickly figured out what kind of cocktails I liked after a couple of drinks. As for the drinks, their specialty cocktails were just okay for me. Not bad, but nothing particularly memorable. We ended up ordering classic cocktails instead. Overall, the views and service were the highlights of my visit. While I probably wouldn't come back specifically for the food or drinks, I did appreciate the staff's effort and hospitality.

    Photos
    Chips and guac
    Chips and guac
    Calamari fritti
    Calamari fritti
    Chicken sandwich

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    Chicken sandwich

    Kava Bar - lounges - Updated July 2026

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