Here are the must-visit kava lounges in Jacksonville, Florida
Ever heard of Kava? Kava is a plant with a name that translates to “bitter” in the Polynesian culture. Kava tea is made from the root of the plant and is known for producing sedative effects to the drinker. It has been medically proven to help with anxiety and assist others within a social setting.
Kava lounges are a great way to socialize and meet people with an atmosphere that resembles a bar scene, but doesn’t involve any alcohol; an environment for you to meet new people and build new connections.
There aren’t too many kava lounges in Jacksonville, Florida, but the ones that are – provide a fun and unique atmosphere to the Jacksonville community.
Kava and Co. (Mandarin)
Located at 11018 Old St Augustine Rd Suite #123, Jacksonville, FL 32257, United States
Kava and Co. provides a chill and relaxed environment with board games, movies, and laid back music. Often times – towards the end of the day, the lights would be dimmed down to greet the peaceful vibe. They have a small chess community as well as the occasional live music(including drum circle). Most affordable kava and kratom out of all the kava lounges without a doubt. Although the food menu changes on bi-weekly basis, the food leans more toward snack-food consisting of flatbread, sandwiches, etc. The food quality is great and almost always, include vegan options. They also serve smoothies and coffee.
The workers always greet with kindness and make everyone feel welcomed along with the regular clientele.
Kava and Co. (San Marco)
Located at: 1224 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
As opposed to the Mandarin location – the Kava and Co. in San Marco is more of a “bar” scene with louder music, karaoke, pool table, ping pong, and darts with an outdoor patio. Great area for date night or guys night. The clientele and staff alike, are very friendly and welcoming. Definitely more of a social atmosphere than Mandarin. This location has less food options than Mandarin, but they have occasional food trucks. Special events for vendors markets are regularly hosted if you’re looking to do some unique shopping or want to promote your company.
The San Marco location consists of a cozy indoor area as well as an energetic outdoor space where yoga classes are typically held. Once you step inside – you can tell this place was constructed with soul. Much love and energy was put into the look of this lounge; ready to be appreciated.
Occasionally, you’ll see live music from local bands playing.
This location hosts typically hosts majority of the events for Kava and Co.
Jax Beach Kava (Jacksonville Beach)
Located at: 1372 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Easily more of a bar scene but not as loud as you’d think. Although it looks more like a bar, it gives the best of both worlds with a relaxed environment. This lounge provides you with a unique kava and kratom drinking experience – you can request creamer in your kava, and boba in your kratom tea. They play movies and TV shows, but at one point they even played a UFC event with guest UFC fighter – Preston Parsons attending the showing.
As far as games go they have a wide selection of board games with the bartender allows video game play on the big screen as well as a separate gaming room. Definitely a fun environment. They also have trivia, game nights, and karaoke with the occasional BOGO promotions.
Wildcrafters Booze-Free & Kava Bar (Riverside)
Located at: 2105 Park St #4, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States
Definitely the most expensive, but the quality of the tea – especially the mocktails is through the roof. They don’t have food, but the location is in Riverside meaning it’s already surrounded by many areas with food within walking distance.
The environment is very laid back, but depending on the day, they may have live music performances. This location also has an outdoor location that connects to the bar – giving the clientele access to purchasing drinks much easier.
Fun fact about Wildcrafters despite being a booze-free bar, booze-free booze is still sold here. Yes, you read that correctly. Booze that is completely alcohol free!
When you visit this location, make sure you try the Pink Cadillac mocktail – easily one of their most delicious concoctions.
Floating Sea Aquatics (Phillips Highway)
Located at: 8661 Old Kings Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Floating Sea Aquatics is an aquarium store that has a kava lounge in it. This lounge provides kava lovers with a completely new environment which is filled with pretty fish and cute reptiles all while getting rooted.
The kava lounge itself serves food tasty food and wonderful desserts – especially their Taiyaki which comes with a variety of different fillings.
They have quality kava and a tasty house special mocktail called The Blue Lagoon.
There are also games scattered for you to play around the lounge.
The lounge also features a gift shop including art made by local artists.
References
Savage, Karen M., et al. “Kava for the Treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (K-GAD): Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial.” Trials, vol. 16, no. 1, 2 Nov. 2015, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-0986-5.
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