While traveling back home to Michigan, I searched up a kava bar to sit and relax at while I waited for my flight and found Nalu. It was a bit tricky to find because it's tucked away off the street on the second floor of the 722 Sumner building, but reading another Yelper's tip to look for the trash alley to find the entrance was helpful. I walked in a few minutes before they opened and was warmly greeted by the kavatender, Gabe. He was so warm, pleasant, and welcoming to me- made me feel right at home instantly, which as a weary traveler was much appreciated. He offered me a shell of their Vanuatu, which is a grounding and calming strain. They use an excellent water filtration system, which makes their kava smooth and easy to drink. The indoor space is cozy, vibey, clean, and comfy. The lighting inside sets a chill atmosphere which is enhanced by tea light candles, lots of beautiful plants, and a chill playlist. The indoor seating options include high top tables, low top tables, a private booth, and a cozy corner platform with lots of comfy pillows and a coffee table. I initially sat at the bar and chatted with Gabe and a few friendly regulars during the hours I spent there waiting for my flight. I then left to grab a quick meal down the street and returned and sat on the corner platform to laze about while I digested my meal and drink another shell. I didn't try other options on their menu, but it seems they offer cacao drink, herbal teas, and herbal pre rolls. I can't speak much to the outdoor space, since I didn't spend time on the patio, but appreciated that the option was there. If I travel back to Portland for work again, I will definitely return to this wonderful lava bar. read more

A lovely kava bar quietly tucked away. The cacao drinks are amazing and delicious. I loved the rooftop space and the clean privacy of the tables. read more

Nalu Kava Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Cute late night spot for tea lovers! Do use caution when you are female and alone visiting them in the late night hours! Super cozy intimate setting for indoor sitting so adjust your expectations when you have a passionately vocal customer and or staff during your visit. For us it was the staff, she couldn't talking about her cat and her partner with one of the customer and we literally had to listen to every in-voluntary during our entire stay. They do have outdoor sitting so perhaps that would help when the weather gets nicer and cooler. Kava is an acquired taste so be prepared if it's your first time. Limited selection of teas and snacks. Fun games and tarot cards for your entertainment at the tables. You have to enter a house like front yard to enter then walk upstairs to the main place. Free street parking. No toilet seat covers. read more

Phenomenal sober spot to chill in the afternoon/evening. Was looking for somewhere to get a mocktail or similar and read for a while. Nalu was THE spot - was able to relax in the greenhouse on the outside patio and read undisturbed while sipping kava and tokin' an herbal joint. Highly recommend. read more

Love love love this place! It's so cozy, the environment are immaculate, the music playing is high vibes and the magical elixirs are nourishing. It's so great to have a beautiful non alcohol centered space to hang in the evening, I only wish this place was also open in the afternoon read more

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Loved this secret lil spot. Incredible personable service and lovely vibe. Got kava and a rooibos chai and was in that mellow glow .. read more

First time this weekend. Was in a nice neighborhood by a school with lots of street parking which was nice since other places in Portland for kava/tea usually are more in town and you spend an hour looking for parking. Plus it's safer to be in a neighborhood by a school. The actual place- yes, good hidden secret like I hear others say. I didn't know what to expect and initially walked past the entrance from the sidewalk. I was a bit surprised by walking past and through a backyard/garbage alley kind of to get to the main entrance upstairs. I'm explaining it badly but it's not just off the main sidewalk. Once inside it felt like I traveled to another country in the mountains or a fairytale world. It's small but extremely chill and great outdoor area. Lots of plants and artwork which was cool and helped the vibe. The woman serving was really helpful, descriptive, polite, nice... saw lots of couples there and small groups of people but it wasn't rowdy or crowded. Which was nice because I was able to chat and not shout with my friend. It's very Portland vibe, very diverse, non judgmental and inclusive crowd. Clean, cool music, the price was decent for the exotic selection you usually won't find elsewhere. The kava was medium balance leaning more towards heavy relaxing type with a little uplifting. The woman said they make it themselves which was cool to hear since most are bought and becoming commercial. The other drinks were pretty good too and original, healthy. I liked the change of pace from other tea and places to get kava. For me it's either the place to start the night and get ready to head out or end and wind down since I kind of get loud and rowdy and loud/rowdy isn't the vibe there I think. But there was a decent amount of laughter to be heard there. Places like this make Portland special, unique from other cities. We need to keep them alive and more of them, less corporate sterile places. Thank you Nalu kava! read more

One of the most unique kava bars I've ever been too. Great kava. Don't live in pdx anymore but I miss this place.

Ooooh I just loved it here. The barista, Holland, was the best part. Her energy was very refreshing and she had great spirit! The Kava kava was so relaxing and mellow. She even shared her playlist and I've been vibing to it ever since! The teas here are so flavorful and full bodied too! All in all I absolutely recommend! The space is a bit small so be mindful! But besides that this is a great place to come to relax and mellow outtttttt read more

Best kept secret in town. Owner is a sweetheart, staff are like immediate friends and you can lay around in a cloud of pillows as you drink yummy mushroom drinks, cacao and kava. Greenhouse outside is so cozy (and Instagram-able). The best part is, you feel like you're walking into someone's living room so if you like chatting with strangers this is the place. It's like a super chill house gathering with tea and friends. We need more places like this! read more

Definitely a cozy spot to head up for a late night tea. It was nice to hang out with our friends while doing some tarot readings in the corner. Although they have a bigger table it's not the most comfortable places it so just be aware of that if you plan to sit for a couple of hours. They have a wide selection the people are super accommodating in letting you know the options and flavors as well. read more

Cool "speakeasy" spot for sober people who want to hang out late somewhere. Very comfy aura. Went in for my first experience with kava. Lady at the counter was very friendly and helpful. Paid $15 for a bowl of kava to share with a gf read more

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Nalu is the place in Portland where pressure does not exist. I find the ambiance uniquely original and inviting with a laid back attitude. I feel a hippie vibe and enjoy drinking chocolates, mushroom teas, mind relaxing kava, or an amazing fire cider, any of which give me a comforting segue into my journaling, game, read, or journaling. read more

Appreciate the tone & mood of the space. Some of the seating options are especially cozy. Drinking chocolate is elevated. Sweet space for small events. The downside is it's on the second story; I haven't seen an elevator so may not be ADA accessible. read more

This is a lovely space to enjoy with a companion or even oneself. The choice of beverages is unique and delicious. Set in a cozy, earthy, and intimate atmosphere, this is a wonderful place to come for conversation or contemplation. The batista was knowledgeable, friendly, and working hard to meet the needs of the patrons. I will be back. One should know that there is a tall set of stairs one needs to climb to enter. I am not sure if there is an accessible entrance or not. There is a covered outdoor deck available if desired. read more

This isn't just a superb Kava joint, it is one of the best places to hang out and meet good people. This is of course true if you're looking for a place to go out in the evening but don't want booze. But that's true for most Kava places around the world. What's so amazing about Nalu is its service to the community. They've been hosting some amazing opportunities to build community. For instance, we found a conversation about death and grief invaluable. Their recent open mic event was one of the best we've experienced of its sort. We got to hear some groovy music from the Flute Wizard. In other words, even if you don't care about Kava, check this place out and get CBD soda, tea, or a superfood latte. Come to be a part of the conversation. Come to support this invaluable space. read more

Oh the best quarantine reprieve and open until 10pm! Kava is; Relaxing, stress relief, sleep aid, cozy, date night, lounge, bar, social, good vibes that you NEED! Amazing for those who want a lounge scene but not wanting alcohol but the same effects (actually Better) than the traditional bar scene or if you are under 21 years old it's perfect! Highly recommended 5 stars. It's...The boho vibe you crave. read more

Nalu Kava Bar - Nalu Kava Bar - Honu Bowl (Large bowl) Portland Oregon, PDX - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

One of my favorite places in Portland. The people who work here are wonderful. Lots of teas and other options in addition to kava. :) I also appreciate this place making a point to support Indigenous organizers. read more

I love Nalu!!! The owner is amazing and regularly works shifts and greets customers by name. The environment Nalu has created is one of community, welcome, and creativity. Their drinking chocolate is my favorite and their snacks are a fun addition. This is a great alternative to a bar for people who don't want to drink alcohol and their events are lovely! read more

My partner and I stopped in here on a whim, and I'm glad we did. The atmosphere of the interior is really relaxing and calm (several people were working or writing as there was no live music tonight), and the outside was warm and welcoming despite the rain. We ordered drinking chocolates with a mushroom mixture. The drinks both had their own unique flavor profiles that were discernible, and the staff's recommendation to use water was great advice. We're already looking forward to going back to try other drinks. Highly recommend this place for a good vibe, relaxing evening, and overall kind and pleasant experience. read more

This was such a fun experience! I've had kava before but it was a long time ago. I didn't feel it like I did before because I had a big meal right before going but it was still so much fun. It was relaxing and had a nice vibe going. Only thing missing was a heater lol! I will definitely be going back on an empty stomach. Also the cacao drinks you can add mushrooms too were to die for. read more

Nalu Kava Bar - Honu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Such a fantastic place! The kava is amazing and so relaxing. The vibe is chill with great music. One of my favorite spots in Portland :) read more

Nalu Kava Bar - Kava, bar area, inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

So so so cool and really chill. Kava tastes a little like grass and dirt, but this place is beautiful, the people are lovely and the kava made me dreamy and relaxed. Try this experience, you will be glad you did. They also have cacao read more

Love Nalu! Such a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The hot cacao drinks and kava are excellent and nourishing. I miss this place and cannot wait to be able to spend time there again. If you're looking for exceptional drinks and good energy, this is the spot. read more

I unfortunately didn't remember to get any pictures here. I came with a friend and we both got a shell. We loved browsing through the books and adding to the communal journal ! The person at the bar was very kind and descriptive about the beverages to all of the patrons. They were setting up for live music when we left which is a very fun touch as well. Kind service, good drinks and atmosphere. Clean bathroom if you care about that. Can't go wrong :) read more

Super fun and relaxed vibe! Such a great addition compared to the usual drinking hubs in Portland. Often there are musicians playing. Really love that this is a quick walk away. As a mostly non-drinker, I love having places to take folks that aren't bars. Nalu hits the right notes for this very reason. Highly recommended. The hot chocolate was delicious and made to order. A great place to go that hits the right notes! read more

I'm so glad this Unique and amazing Bar exists. The service is great and the connection with the stuff and the costumers there is meaningful. read more

Awesome, intimate, unique experience that you definitely have to try. Kava itself is sort of a tea made from a root that can manifest multiple of its beneficial properties upon drinking. It's supposed to help sleep, alleviate anxiety, etc. Even though it had calming effects, my partner and I had a really nice positivity and energy boost after the drinks we ordered. The healing and unique elixirs with mushrooms, spices, herbs, cacao, and coconut milk was really delicious and Mary was awesome in creating and serving them to us as well as generating a wonderfully inviting and warm atmosphere and conversation. It's got a great lounge vibe and communal feel with a menu that had very unique items--and really affordable!! What? Health food, affordable? Huh? Yes. Super well priced which I really appreciated and the experience will definitely lead us to coming back! Thank you and Om shanti~ read more

I have been to Nalu tons of times and seriously love this place for their offerings, people, atmosphere, and much more. It has been a true safe haven for me. I'd recommend it to others as long as they can walk up a flight of stairs upon arrival. After life events I am no longer able to come here because they're not ADA accessible which is against the law and hurts knowing I can no longer go to one of my favorite spots in town due to this. read more

Most magical venue in Portland! Fabulous ambiance, great kava, sweet vibes ... and the best chocolate drinks in town! Nowhere in the nation do you find specialty chocolate drinks like these. LOVE THIS PLACE! read more

This place was great! I bought some kava to take home & she took the time to figure out and show me exact measurements and how to make it. Super good vibes will definitely return. read more

Just discovered this gem today. It's a fantastic space, calm and relaxed, and I highly recommend coming by. The patio deck is super!

Found this hidden gem today while wandering around in a part of town I'm not too familiar with. Holland was extremely kind and the atmosphere was really awesome. Kava did the trick too. Will definitely come back!! read more

I visited Nalu for my first time this week. The setting is very cozy, and the staff are very nice. This was my first time trying Cider/Kava drinks, and I am going to start going here, and similar places more often. Can't wait to come back! read more

Incredible space, incredible (and affordable!) drinks, love the owners!!! You can get add ons to your cacao like medicinal mushrooms and more. Soooo much magic in a mug this is an incredible place to go if you don't wanna go to a bar and drink alcohol but want the same vibe. Great for lovers and friends! Makes my heart and tummy and mood so happy! read more

Super-amazing place, delicious and nourishing drinks, elixirs, kava, and a super friendly staff. It's quite a hidden gem. Roof-top patio is pretty epic in the summer, and inside it's always cool, with great music, art, and vibe. They've got loads of awesome events too! read more