I was at this establishment today and witnessed something completely unacceptable and appalling. A customer was blatantly discriminated against because of his speech impediment by one of the employees. Despite clearly informing the server that he had a speech impediment and was not intoxicated, the server ignored him and proceeded to kick him out—solely based on something entirely out of the customer’s control.
To make matters worse, the server's hostile attitude incited other customers to verbally abuse and mock the individual, compounding the humiliation. This wasn’t just a misunderstanding—it was a disgraceful act of ableism, carried out in public and without a shred of compassion or professionalism.
It’s deeply troubling that something this ignorant and offensive happened in Davis. The employee in question, Gabe, demonstrated a complete lack of awareness and sensitivity. Immediate and thorough training is clearly needed—not just for Gabe, but for the entire staff—on how to interact respectfully and appropriately with people from all walks of life. This kind of behavior has no place in any community, especially one that claims to value inclusion and respect.
Tatiana B
Place was pricey and gave me and my friends food poisoning. The kava was nasty which was expected but I haven’t really been able to eat since I got it which was almost 24 hours ago and it’s been terribly hard to keep anything in my stomach. Will not recommend.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Grace Johnson
It is a great place to meet new people. The tenders are cordial. It is a very frequented place by regulars and can get a bit cliquey. Good to get a drink and go.
Vegetarian options: It's all vegetarian.
Dietary restrictions: It is hard on the liver and excess use can lead to minor and sometimes major physical problems, Please educated yourself prior, can also cause seizures but very rarely.
Parking: Street parking is 2 hour and 20 minute parking allotment times.
Kid-friendliness: It's a bar 18+ please don't bring your children, it is an adult environment.
Wheelchair accessibility: A man regular comes in with his full sized electric wheelchair it is very accommodating.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: High Tide, Cloudbreaker
Mikey
No hot food; but perfect place to study for finals
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Willard
Everyone is super nice, and very chill. Atmosphere is just amazing with all the lights and everything. Love this spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cloudbreaker
Praveen Narayan
Fijian Government Trade Delegation visit to Roots of Happiness kava bar .Best in California. Must visit for your kava relaxation experience,Shells up
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Garrett Johnson
The new assistant manager has a smile the will light up a room and welcome you in to give you the best service possible! ☺️Every employee here is of the highest quality people.
Wheelchair accessibility: I don't know much but I know if I was in a wheelchair I'd be able to get in and out just fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cloudbreaker
Wally Meerschaert
Great of you like kava. I tried it and it kind of sucks. You do have to try it, but you might agree with me.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
Krishna Das
Everyone at Root of Happiness contributes to the cozy, uplifting and entertaining atmosphere here. The exceptional staff headed by Lauren do a great job of making their regulars and curious newcomers feel welcome throughout the day.The drink menu here is very customizable, there is no shortage of unique combinations one could find here!The Kava bar hosts a variety of events that that are highly community driven, they managed to consistently provide these activities while also continuing to be a great study/meeting spot on any given day of the week.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kava Root with Vanilla Soda, High Tide, Rip Tide
Marcela M.
I enjoy coming to the kava bar primarily because of the ambiance. The Kavatenders do an outstanding job at engaging with customers appropriately and providing great service. I know what to expect when I come to hangout. That consistency is something I appreciate when I’m looking for a place to chill at. For those looking to attend different events, the kava bar hosts a variety of events pretty often that engage the community. I above all appreciate the community I’ve found at the Kava bar. If you’re looking for a new experience I would recommend checking them out and giving them a shot. You may find your new favorite place to hangout at every so often!!
An amazing place that I frequent whenever I want to take a break from the outside world, study and relax 10/10 would recommend!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kava Root with Vanilla Soda
lindsey whiteford
I love kava- I love the bartenders, especially annie, lauren, destiny, jaz, gabe, tony, bri, aatiya, and everyone
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cloudbreaker
Roman Semchenko
Chill place, great service, great atmosphere. I come here all the time and keep coming back. Great staff and manager? Probably the best place to hangout in Davis with
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cloudbreaker
Hunter
Bought drinks then was asked to leave without refund, and without reason. Unbelievable customer service, the manager was extremely rude to my friends even when we agreed to leave!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Jonny
It's a nice place for kava, but it's really frustrating when they're rewards point system is down. And also parking is a nightmare!
I was at this establishment today and witnessed something completely unacceptable and appalling. A customer was blatantly discriminated against because of his speech impediment by one of the employees. Despite clearly informing the server that he had a speech impediment and was not intoxicated, the server ignored him and proceeded to kick him out—solely based on something entirely out of the customer’s control. To make matters worse, the server's hostile attitude incited other customers to verbally abuse and mock the individual, compounding the humiliation. This wasn’t just a misunderstanding—it was a disgraceful act of ableism, carried out in public and without a shred of compassion or professionalism. It’s deeply troubling that something this ignorant and offensive happened in Davis. The employee in question, Gabe, demonstrated a complete lack of awareness and sensitivity. Immediate and thorough training is clearly needed—not just for Gabe, but for the entire staff—on how to interact respectfully and appropriately with people from all walks of life. This kind of behavior has no place in any community, especially one that claims to value inclusion and respect.
Place was pricey and gave me and my friends food poisoning. The kava was nasty which was expected but I haven’t really been able to eat since I got it which was almost 24 hours ago and it’s been terribly hard to keep anything in my stomach. Will not recommend.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
It is a great place to meet new people. The tenders are cordial. It is a very frequented place by regulars and can get a bit cliquey. Good to get a drink and go.
Vegetarian options: It's all vegetarian.
Dietary restrictions: It is hard on the liver and excess use can lead to minor and sometimes major physical problems, Please educated yourself prior, can also cause seizures but very rarely.
Parking: Street parking is 2 hour and 20 minute parking allotment times.
Kid-friendliness: It's a bar 18+ please don't bring your children, it is an adult environment.
Wheelchair accessibility: A man regular comes in with his full sized electric wheelchair it is very accommodating.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: High Tide, Cloudbreaker
No hot food; but perfect place to study for finals
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Everyone is super nice, and very chill. Atmosphere is just amazing with all the lights and everything. Love this spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cloudbreaker
Fijian Government Trade Delegation visit to Roots of Happiness kava bar .Best in California. Must visit for your kava relaxation experience,Shells up
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The new assistant manager has a smile the will light up a room and welcome you in to give you the best service possible! ☺️Every employee here is of the highest quality people.
Wheelchair accessibility: I don't know much but I know if I was in a wheelchair I'd be able to get in and out just fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cloudbreaker
Great of you like kava. I tried it and it kind of sucks. You do have to try it, but you might agree with me.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
Everyone at Root of Happiness contributes to the cozy, uplifting and entertaining atmosphere here. The exceptional staff headed by Lauren do a great job of making their regulars and curious newcomers feel welcome throughout the day.The drink menu here is very customizable, there is no shortage of unique combinations one could find here!The Kava bar hosts a variety of events that that are highly community driven, they managed to consistently provide these activities while also continuing to be a great study/meeting spot on any given day of the week.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kava Root with Vanilla Soda, High Tide, Rip Tide
I enjoy coming to the kava bar primarily because of the ambiance. The Kavatenders do an outstanding job at engaging with customers appropriately and providing great service. I know what to expect when I come to hangout. That consistency is something I appreciate when I’m looking for a place to chill at. For those looking to attend different events, the kava bar hosts a variety of events pretty often that engage the community. I above all appreciate the community I’ve found at the Kava bar. If you’re looking for a new experience I would recommend checking them out and giving them a shot. You may find your new favorite place to hangout at every so often!!
Food: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
An amazing place that I frequent whenever I want to take a break from the outside world, study and relax 10/10 would recommend!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kava Root with Vanilla Soda
I love kava- I love the bartenders, especially annie, lauren, destiny, jaz, gabe, tony, bri, aatiya, and everyone
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cloudbreaker
Chill place, great service, great atmosphere. I come here all the time and keep coming back. Great staff and manager? Probably the best place to hangout in Davis with
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cloudbreaker
Bought drinks then was asked to leave without refund, and without reason. Unbelievable customer service, the manager was extremely rude to my friends even when we agreed to leave!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
It's a nice place for kava, but it's really frustrating when they're rewards point system is down. And also parking is a nightmare!
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