I rarely leave reviews, especially negative ones, but I feel a responsibility to share my experience at Karma Kava in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Yesterday, I visited the bar intending to support a local business. As I approached the POS to purchase a simple Gatorade, I was unexpectedly told to leave—without any explanation. The owner’s demeanor was unwelcoming, abrupt, and frankly, aggressive. I asked for clarification and received none. No rules were broken, no disrespect was shown, and no context was provided for the ejection.
What struck me most was the tone and body language directed at me—something I’ve unfortunately come to recognize as the kind of quiet, coded hostility that people of color often face in certain spaces. While I can’t speak for the owner's intent, the optics and behavior left a strong impression that I was not welcome because of who I am. It’s disheartening to experience this in 2025, especially in an establishment that claims to promote community, relaxation, and wellness.
I hope Karma Kava reflects on the kind of environment they’re cultivating. Bars like this often pride themselves on being “inclusive” and “open,” but actions speak louder than branding.
To those looking for a genuinely welcoming atmosphere—especially if you're part of a marginalized group—this may not be the space for you.
Mark Karpich
I visited the Karma Kava Bar, and Ken turned out to be a very kind and wonderful person. I really appreciated how dedicated he is to his work, and I’m thankful to him for that.
Tyler Gallant (tytyx25)
Came here to see my buddy and I’ve been to 3-4 kava bars before. I came here to mention the blonde girl who served us w/ 2 braids. Super unfriendly and unwelcoming when the premise of an establishment is consumption of products that you’d want a reliable bartender for. Seemed like the only one working and I’m definitely not coming back. Management clearly needs to take a step back and do something because I could spot the issues from a mile away. We all agreed it was almost funny how hostile she seemed. I really hope things improve for you guys✌🏼
Waslley Felipe Secondino
The ambience has been amazing with the exception of the last two times we visited this past week when the playlist has been something very heavy and agitating - Very different than the deep house vibes we used to love. I’ll still give it a 5 star in general because service is good and the place is beautiful… also many other attendees didn’t seem to mind the change. But sadly the atmosphere is what specifically made us return to this particular location. I wish there was a way to know what the set list will be for the night so we can decide going or not, the music has been part of the experience. We used to go twice a week just to chill and stayed hours, yesterday we only ordered one beverage each and left.
Casey
Guy with blonde hair tats doesn’t care for cx and drinks taste really bad. Not including the blonde girl who rolls her eyes at everyone looks like she doesn’t want to work there I think her name is Caroline.
Luis Ramirez
The manager in the Blonde hair girl are very rude and abrupt about making sure you buy a drink. I was only there for 30 minutes just to work on a few things. I was gonna go ahead and buy a drink, but I was forced to vacate the premises due to not buying a drink as soon as I walk through that door And I’ve been a returning customer for the past month and the fact that they are treating returning customers like that seems like a money, hungry bar and I feel like as a business. Should never treat your customers like that or threatened to call the police do not recommend if you’re wanting to Relax and focus on things . Got it! Here’s the full message putting everything you said together in a clear, firm way:
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You singled me out just for working there 30 minutes, which is disrespectful. I asked for water first because your drinks made me feel sluggish before—one even made me throw up due to a thick, unrecognizable substance (I have video proof from a Red Bull can). I planned to buy a drink after working a bit. Then you called the cops even after I said I would buy, just not immediately, and told me I was the only one who doesn’t buy a drink as soon as I walk in. Even when I showed empathy and apologized for not buying right away, you completely ignored me.
You literally let random crack heads and people dealing drugs hang out right in front of the place. If you want me to be real, I can take action on the consumption of that thick stuff I caught on video. Maybe focus on keeping your place safe, clean, and respectful instead of rushing out paying, returning customers.
Francisco Vasquez
This cozy and welcoming spot has quickly become one of my favorite places, where Kava is truly the main character! The staff is always incredibly friendly, creating a laid-back and inclusive atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. The music is always on point, perfectly setting the mood and adding to the space’s unique, feel-good energy. This place doesn’t just serve Kava drinks; it creates its own vibe. It’s warm, chill, and full of good people. I absolutely love it here and highly recommend stopping by to experience the magic for yourself!
Jazmine Snyder
My favorite Kava lounge in SoFlo!! Been a regular here now for the last 9 months.. the vibe is always chill, the people are down-to-earth, there’s usually a good conversation going on at any given moment, and the drinks themselves are top notch👌🏼 I’ve been to at least 7 different Kava spots from Fort Laudy, all the way down to SoBe, and though they were fun with pretty drinks, none of them could compare to the quality of the menu offered here. The music genre is different every time I come, so there’s a little bit of something for everyone. All of the staff are amazing and extremely inclusive, everyone is welcomed here. So if you’re looking for a place to kick back and unwind, leisure read, study, shoot pool, play games, converse, or just a place where you feel like you can be your silly/awkward/weird/beautiful self without judgement, this is it! :) Love and Light🤍
Sydney Boyd
We came for hookah and had to walk up to the waitresses to order while the girl with 2 curls and blonde girl talked about some man and ignored us. We also sat ourselves at tables that were dirty and had several dirty glasses on it. Clearly hasn’t been cleaned and they didn’t care. We stood in front of the 2 waitressed talking and ignoring us for 3 mins before we just left. Terrible service. Can’t say much about the food but it was weird vibes.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Lev Fishman
Great atmosphere, also a good location because there was a really good taco truck right near it. If you want a chill spot to play some pool while sucking on that kratom, this is your place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: K Soda Pineapple Passion, Karma Pong
Right from the entrance (5 min ) they force you to buy tea and throw you out if you don't buy tea when you're told. 👍🏻
I am a regular customer, I have been visiting this place for 3 years and it is very unpleasant and unprofessional
everything else is wonderful and beautiful, except for the attitude towards visitors which spoil the whole mood after which there is no desire to buy anything
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Jasmine Lucas
Nice place to chill and disconnect with rock star/country vibes.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Churros
Never Stop Exploring
Really good atmosphere and kratom🙃
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Krafty Innovations
Their was only one waitress, so it took very long for my kava and food. But she was apologetic the entire time, I felt bad for her because she was alone and could not keep up. Shame on management for not aiding or sending more staff, that was too much for one person to handle. All in all I will return because she was so friendly; but next time please have someone clean the tables, they were very dirty.
I rarely leave reviews, especially negative ones, but I feel a responsibility to share my experience at Karma Kava in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Yesterday, I visited the bar intending to support a local business. As I approached the POS to purchase a simple Gatorade, I was unexpectedly told to leave—without any explanation. The owner’s demeanor was unwelcoming, abrupt, and frankly, aggressive. I asked for clarification and received none. No rules were broken, no disrespect was shown, and no context was provided for the ejection.
What struck me most was the tone and body language directed at me—something I’ve unfortunately come to recognize as the kind of quiet, coded hostility that people of color often face in certain spaces. While I can’t speak for the owner's intent, the optics and behavior left a strong impression that I was not welcome because of who I am. It’s disheartening to experience this in 2025, especially in an establishment that claims to promote community, relaxation, and wellness.
I hope Karma Kava reflects on the kind of environment they’re cultivating. Bars like this often pride themselves on being “inclusive” and “open,” but actions speak louder than branding.
To those looking for a genuinely welcoming atmosphere—especially if you're part of a marginalized group—this may not be the space for you.
I visited the Karma Kava Bar, and Ken turned out to be a very kind and wonderful person. I really appreciated how dedicated he is to his work, and I’m thankful to him for that.
Came here to see my buddy and I’ve been to 3-4 kava bars before. I came here to mention the blonde girl who served us w/ 2 braids. Super unfriendly and unwelcoming when the premise of an establishment is consumption of products that you’d want a reliable bartender for. Seemed like the only one working and I’m definitely not coming back. Management clearly needs to take a step back and do something because I could spot the issues from a mile away. We all agreed it was almost funny how hostile she seemed. I really hope things improve for you guys✌🏼
The ambience has been amazing with the exception of the last two times we visited this past week when the playlist has been something very heavy and agitating - Very different than the deep house vibes we used to love. I’ll still give it a 5 star in general because service is good and the place is beautiful… also many other attendees didn’t seem to mind the change. But sadly the atmosphere is what specifically made us return to this particular location. I wish there was a way to know what the set list will be for the night so we can decide going or not, the music has been part of the experience. We used to go twice a week just to chill and stayed hours, yesterday we only ordered one beverage each and left.
Guy with blonde hair tats doesn’t care for cx and drinks taste really bad. Not including the blonde girl who rolls her eyes at everyone looks like she doesn’t want to work there I think her name is Caroline.
The manager in the Blonde hair girl are very rude and abrupt about making sure you buy a drink. I was only there for 30 minutes just to work on a few things. I was gonna go ahead and buy a drink, but I was forced to vacate the premises due to not buying a drink as soon as I walk through that door And I’ve been a returning customer for the past month and the fact that they are treating returning customers like that seems like a money, hungry bar and I feel like as a business. Should never treat your customers like that or threatened to call the police do not recommend if you’re wanting to Relax and focus on things .
Got it! Here’s the full message putting everything you said together in a clear, firm way:
---
You singled me out just for working there 30 minutes, which is disrespectful. I asked for water first because your drinks made me feel sluggish before—one even made me throw up due to a thick, unrecognizable substance (I have video proof from a Red Bull can). I planned to buy a drink after working a bit. Then you called the cops even after I said I would buy, just not immediately, and told me I was the only one who doesn’t buy a drink as soon as I walk in. Even when I showed empathy and apologized for not buying right away, you completely ignored me.
You literally let random crack heads and people dealing drugs hang out right in front of the place. If you want me to be real, I can take action on the consumption of that thick stuff I caught on video. Maybe focus on keeping your place safe, clean, and respectful instead of rushing out paying, returning customers.
This cozy and welcoming spot has quickly become one of my favorite places, where Kava is truly the main character! The staff is always incredibly friendly, creating a laid-back and inclusive atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. The music is always on point, perfectly setting the mood and adding to the space’s unique, feel-good energy. This place doesn’t just serve Kava drinks; it creates its own vibe. It’s warm, chill, and full of good people. I absolutely love it here and highly recommend stopping by to experience the magic for yourself!
My favorite Kava lounge in SoFlo!! Been a regular here now for the last 9 months.. the vibe is always chill, the people are down-to-earth, there’s usually a good conversation going on at any given moment, and the drinks themselves are top notch👌🏼 I’ve been to at least 7 different Kava spots from Fort Laudy, all the way down to SoBe, and though they were fun with pretty drinks, none of them could compare to the quality of the menu offered here. The music genre is different every time I come, so there’s a little bit of something for everyone. All of the staff are amazing and extremely inclusive, everyone is welcomed here. So if you’re looking for a place to kick back and unwind, leisure read, study, shoot pool, play games, converse, or just a place where you feel like you can be your silly/awkward/weird/beautiful self without judgement, this is it! :) Love and Light🤍
We came for hookah and had to walk up to the waitresses to order while the girl with 2 curls and blonde girl talked about some man and ignored us. We also sat ourselves at tables that were dirty and had several dirty glasses on it. Clearly hasn’t been cleaned and they didn’t care. We stood in front of the 2 waitressed talking and ignoring us for 3 mins before we just left. Terrible service. Can’t say much about the food but it was weird vibes.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great atmosphere, also a good location because there was a really good taco truck right near it. If you want a chill spot to play some pool while sucking on that kratom, this is your place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: K Soda Pineapple Passion, Karma Pong
Restaurantji Recommends
Such a chill spot! Animal friendly!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Right from the entrance (5 min ) they force you to buy tea and throw you out if you don't buy tea when you're told. 👍🏻
I am a regular customer, I have been visiting this place for 3 years and it is very unpleasant and unprofessional
everything else is wonderful and beautiful, except for the attitude towards visitors
which spoil the whole mood after which there is no desire to buy anything
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Nice place to chill and disconnect with rock star/country vibes.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Churros
Really good atmosphere and kratom🙃
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Their was only one waitress, so it took very long for my kava and food. But she was apologetic the entire time, I felt bad for her because she was alone and could not keep up. Shame on management for not aiding or sending more staff, that was too much for one person to handle. All in all I will return because she was so friendly; but next time please have someone clean the tables, they were very dirty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Popcorn Chicken, Churros
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