I have been coming here as a patron for quite a while & I always recommend this spot to all of my sober fam. I threw an event here recently so I want to leave a review about the event space. I was in contact with a guy named Jeff who was so incredibly helpful. Jeff really knew his stuff and was very direct so there were no guessing games. The art gallery is used as the event space and it's soooo incredibly beautiful!! They had so much seating and chairs which was great. There were about 35 of us in here and it was still very comfortable. I wish they did a little bit more marketing on their social media for the event, but that's not uncommon for venues. We did a workshop on boundaries and we are hoping to hold more workshops here in the future. It was great for guests so they could grab a drink before the event started and they were able to relax and settle in. They also have two bathrooms so it made that part very easy as well.
L C.
Love the kava here, it's a great place to relax. There is an outdoor area if you'd like too. It can get busy in here, but they're always on it.
Eddie L.
the kava is really good and the best part of the place is the inside ambience and vibes. super cool place. only downside is the server guys are pretty slow and will make you wait before taking your order for a sec... only downside
Shanah C.
So, I first experienced Kava in Fiji (where it originated) and found the whole tradition and ritual process of the preparation very interesting. It doesn't taste great... kind of like water mixed with dirt, but the "ceremony" part of it is more the focus. That being said... This place offers a more "sports bar" type vibe and flavored Kava (which is an American spin on a traditional drink) definitely not a fan! I don't think I would come here again.
Amanda B.
Great spot. Best kava place in SD in my opinion. I've been to others where the vibe was really weird. It's super welcoming and friendly here. There's great kava , a great menu, and plenty of seating. There's games and also a room for meetings as well as a back patio. Definitely go here if you want to try kava.
Heathe M.
Thought I'd stop in for a iced pineapple mango kombucha after a long walk to cool off and check out their new Photography exhibit by Matt Grey..Very nice work, hope you enjoy it.
Aden Spivak
THIS IS NO LONGER HERE, it’s Kava Collective
Jenny L.
I read the reviews and this spot seems like the kind of spot that I would love. We came here on Super Bowl Sunday and there was tons of people.... A real super spreader. The space is cozy with the indoor tree and art gallery next door. I ended up leaving because it was so crowded. We weren't even able to order. I'm sure on any other day outside Super Bowl Sunday, this space would be real zen to be around.
Carrie C.
Me and my boyfriend wanted to try out different kava places after trying it and decided to come here to check it out. it's not that welcoming. It took a while until someone decided to help us. And the guy there was more attentive to other people then us which made the experience horrible. I get it when it gets busy it gets hard to attend to everyone but there would be times where he would just sit down and be on his phone after helping everyone. He checked on us once. When I looked over he would check on these girls way more then us. The experience was just not what I thought it would especially since the other Kava place we have been to was way more chiller and welcoming for first time people and this place just wasn't that at all.
Jason G.
This place has a UNIQUE vibe. It's really indescribable. The art room is constantly changing, local artist giving a taste of culture to this hip spot. It's that's my favorite part about. A buddy was allowed to throw his little birthday shin dig there in the art gallery. However, there is a very strong sense of local community too. It's like that show Cheers "where everybody knows your name." Well, they didn't know mine, lol. Butttt, they knew everyone of the group I went with and everyone was inviting and friendly. Inside there are lounge chairs and stools that provided an ambiance of hip zen yet exciting. The vibe was relaxing. The back patio had numerous fire pits for hanging out. Perfect for the non drinker because they serve KAVA. Strangely enough I live in the Hipster area of Long Beach and there isn't one kava bar like this. Maybe deep in the cut of Los Angeles but for me this little SD gem was a hit. Can be a little intimidating at first but it's worth checking out.
I used to love this place but I can't stand behind/beside nor inside an establishment that is "fake woke"Boasts BLM and Pride colors but proves to be opposite of that once inside with people in confederate flags working there and making people feel unwelcome- how is that even real? Everyone is free to believe and be who they want but don't put sht on your windows that would make people believe this is a safe space when it's not.
Jared H.
After a hiatus of several years when I experienced brutal and blatant racism from the owner Dillon, I reentered this establishment tonight. Thinking I'd done my due diligence to ensure it would be a safe space for me, I entered the front door bordered by rainbow flags and BLM signage. To my dismay, Dillon was my server again. Front and center, the only employee behind the bar. Of course I immediately remembered him, as traumatized individuals often do. In 2019, I witnessed him wearing a confederate military uniform topped off with a confederate flag on the hat. I respectfully engaged him inviting him to discuss the harm his choice was having. He defended himself incessantly declaring reverence toward his relative, Stonewall Jackson. Subsequently, his buddies gathered around and taunted me as well. Tonight I kindly (re)introduced myself. Upon reminding him of our first interaction and asking if he still loved that uniform, he replied proudly that he did. Unable to look in my eye, he scurried away like a roach behind a a curtain where he immediately grabbed another sympathetic ear and began pointing and laughing at me. What hurts my heart most is that this establishment boasts inclusivity and a sense of belonging. Twelve Step and other recovery meetings occur in the side room. Artists are wooed to show here. People like myself -- BIPOC, queer, presumably enlightened individuals seeking a sanctuary to be themselves -- fill the back patio every night and discuss self improvement and lofty humanitarian ideals. And yet, we're simply being duped by the worst form of performative allyship. Dillon was respectfully offered time and space to converse, learn, and grow. Twice, by me alone. And -- as I'm told -- his coworkers have also addressed these matters with him. But his business partners who continue to permit him to represent their establishment are equally complicit in allowing this type of flagrant racism to occur openly in their establishment. So, fool me once. I simply cannot patronize this business. And I feel responsible to educate the beautiful humans, who, if they knew the truth, might do better by putting their dollars elsewhere. Or, better yet, stand up directly for what is right and just and human. Please think before spending your money here and allowing this type of hateful behavior to continue.
John G.
After have a few less than pleasant visits, I had a chance meeting with Jeremy here at Kava Collective.Jeremy is exactly why Kava Collective has a great reputation and reviewsVery cool employee, knowledgeable, always positive and willing to share his knowledge of Kava and its history.Cheers!
Michiko L.
Loved this place! Chill vibe, friendly crowd and the ginger kava quad $12 actually tasted good.Spoke a bit with the owner Glen who is awesome, btw. We are so lucky that he is making this incredible space available to us.I really loved the bar that is made from a walnut tree. The couches in the front are comfy, and we loved the back patio that has two fire pits and a real Aspen chalet balcony feel. I'm still not convinced the kava is doing anything for me, but I'm willing to keep trying.
Anabutler559
Worst customer service I’ve ever seen or experienced. Not only by the staff but the owner as well. Extremely unwelcoming place. I honestly don’t know how they are still in business.
I have been coming here as a patron for quite a while & I always recommend this spot to all of my sober fam. I threw an event here recently so I want to leave a review about the event space. I was in contact with a guy named Jeff who was so incredibly helpful. Jeff really knew his stuff and was very direct so there were no guessing games. The art gallery is used as the event space and it's soooo incredibly beautiful!! They had so much seating and chairs which was great. There were about 35 of us in here and it was still very comfortable. I wish they did a little bit more marketing on their social media for the event, but that's not uncommon for venues. We did a workshop on boundaries and we are hoping to hold more workshops here in the future. It was great for guests so they could grab a drink before the event started and they were able to relax and settle in. They also have two bathrooms so it made that part very easy as well.
Love the kava here, it's a great place to relax. There is an outdoor area if you'd like too. It can get busy in here, but they're always on it.
the kava is really good and the best part of the place is the inside ambience and vibes. super cool place. only downside is the server guys are pretty slow and will make you wait before taking your order for a sec... only downside
So, I first experienced Kava in Fiji (where it originated) and found the whole tradition and ritual process of the preparation very interesting. It doesn't taste great... kind of like water mixed with dirt, but the "ceremony" part of it is more the focus. That being said... This place offers a more "sports bar" type vibe and flavored Kava (which is an American spin on a traditional drink) definitely not a fan! I don't think I would come here again.
Great spot. Best kava place in SD in my opinion. I've been to others where the vibe was really weird. It's super welcoming and friendly here. There's great kava , a great menu, and plenty of seating. There's games and also a room for meetings as well as a back patio. Definitely go here if you want to try kava.
Thought I'd stop in for a iced pineapple mango kombucha after a long walk to cool off and check out their new Photography exhibit by Matt Grey..Very nice work, hope you enjoy it.
THIS IS NO LONGER HERE, it’s Kava Collective
I read the reviews and this spot seems like the kind of spot that I would love. We came here on Super Bowl Sunday and there was tons of people.... A real super spreader. The space is cozy with the indoor tree and art gallery next door. I ended up leaving because it was so crowded. We weren't even able to order. I'm sure on any other day outside Super Bowl Sunday, this space would be real zen to be around.
Me and my boyfriend wanted to try out different kava places after trying it and decided to come here to check it out. it's not that welcoming. It took a while until someone decided to help us. And the guy there was more attentive to other people then us which made the experience horrible. I get it when it gets busy it gets hard to attend to everyone but there would be times where he would just sit down and be on his phone after helping everyone. He checked on us once. When I looked over he would check on these girls way more then us. The experience was just not what I thought it would especially since the other Kava place we have been to was way more chiller and welcoming for first time people and this place just wasn't that at all.
This place has a UNIQUE vibe. It's really indescribable. The art room is constantly changing, local artist giving a taste of culture to this hip spot. It's that's my favorite part about. A buddy was allowed to throw his little birthday shin dig there in the art gallery. However, there is a very strong sense of local community too. It's like that show Cheers "where everybody knows your name." Well, they didn't know mine, lol. Butttt, they knew everyone of the group I went with and everyone was inviting and friendly. Inside there are lounge chairs and stools that provided an ambiance of hip zen yet exciting. The vibe was relaxing. The back patio had numerous fire pits for hanging out. Perfect for the non drinker because they serve KAVA. Strangely enough I live in the Hipster area of Long Beach and there isn't one kava bar like this. Maybe deep in the cut of Los Angeles but for me this little SD gem was a hit. Can be a little intimidating at first but it's worth checking out.
Restaurantji Recommends
I used to love this place but I can't stand behind/beside nor inside an establishment that is "fake woke"Boasts BLM and Pride colors but proves to be opposite of that once inside with people in confederate flags working there and making people feel unwelcome- how is that even real? Everyone is free to believe and be who they want but don't put sht on your windows that would make people believe this is a safe space when it's not.
After a hiatus of several years when I experienced brutal and blatant racism from the owner Dillon, I reentered this establishment tonight. Thinking I'd done my due diligence to ensure it would be a safe space for me, I entered the front door bordered by rainbow flags and BLM signage. To my dismay, Dillon was my server again. Front and center, the only employee behind the bar. Of course I immediately remembered him, as traumatized individuals often do. In 2019, I witnessed him wearing a confederate military uniform topped off with a confederate flag on the hat. I respectfully engaged him inviting him to discuss the harm his choice was having. He defended himself incessantly declaring reverence toward his relative, Stonewall Jackson. Subsequently, his buddies gathered around and taunted me as well. Tonight I kindly (re)introduced myself. Upon reminding him of our first interaction and asking if he still loved that uniform, he replied proudly that he did. Unable to look in my eye, he scurried away like a roach behind a a curtain where he immediately grabbed another sympathetic ear and began pointing and laughing at me. What hurts my heart most is that this establishment boasts inclusivity and a sense of belonging. Twelve Step and other recovery meetings occur in the side room. Artists are wooed to show here. People like myself -- BIPOC, queer, presumably enlightened individuals seeking a sanctuary to be themselves -- fill the back patio every night and discuss self improvement and lofty humanitarian ideals. And yet, we're simply being duped by the worst form of performative allyship. Dillon was respectfully offered time and space to converse, learn, and grow. Twice, by me alone. And -- as I'm told -- his coworkers have also addressed these matters with him. But his business partners who continue to permit him to represent their establishment are equally complicit in allowing this type of flagrant racism to occur openly in their establishment. So, fool me once. I simply cannot patronize this business. And I feel responsible to educate the beautiful humans, who, if they knew the truth, might do better by putting their dollars elsewhere. Or, better yet, stand up directly for what is right and just and human. Please think before spending your money here and allowing this type of hateful behavior to continue.
After have a few less than pleasant visits, I had a chance meeting with Jeremy here at Kava Collective.Jeremy is exactly why Kava Collective has a great reputation and reviewsVery cool employee, knowledgeable, always positive and willing to share his knowledge of Kava and its history.Cheers!
Loved this place! Chill vibe, friendly crowd and the ginger kava quad $12 actually tasted good.Spoke a bit with the owner Glen who is awesome, btw. We are so lucky that he is making this incredible space available to us.I really loved the bar that is made from a walnut tree. The couches in the front are comfy, and we loved the back patio that has two fire pits and a real Aspen chalet balcony feel. I'm still not convinced the kava is doing anything for me, but I'm willing to keep trying.
Worst customer service I’ve ever seen or experienced. Not only by the staff but the owner as well. Extremely unwelcoming place. I honestly don’t know how they are still in business.