Mai Kai feels like the perfect “third space” in Gainesville, and it’s become basically like my second living room. It feels like the perfect halfway point between a bar and a coffee shop. There really isn’t anywhere in Gainesville with the same kind of vibe in my opinion. I came here multiple times a week with my laptop to study for a clinical license exam (which I passed), and I still come back multiple times a week now to just hang out with friends or spend some time somewhere relaxing that isn’t home. You’ll often see people chatting at the bar or at the tables while working on projects or playing games on their laptops. Mai Kai is also the only place like it I can think of in Gainesville that is open as late as it is, which is perfect since I’m naturally a night owl. The drinks are great, but I would honestly still go to hang out even if I hated them. If you’re also looking for somewhere to spend some time away from home without spending a ton of money or having specific activities/expectations, I don’t think anywhere is better in town than Mai Kai!
Franz Griffle
Kava tender from St. Pete here. This place had a great atmosphere and awesome kava tenders! If you are near you have to check it out OR ELSE it’s a knuckle sandwich!! 👊
Kiel Jocelyn
I’ve had an awesome experience, service was prompt and she walked me thru the differences of the drinks and helped me pick one suited for me, thank you Bibi! I will definitely be coming again.
hypertense
really enjoyed coming here! the girl i talked to was super sweet, polite, and informative. she took the time to explain the difference between kratom and kava, as well as giving us suggestions and explaining the different flavors. there was also some good live music, and a great atmosphere overall. highly recommend
Ari Rabinovich
Love Mai Kai! Great atmosphere and fun people. I love Bibi my fave kavatender!
Bella scramoncin
Bibi is the sweetest! She creates such a welcoming environment and it was very fun to talk with her while I was sitting here doing homework :)
Aj Ervine
All these reviews less than 5 stars are just crazy to me. This kava bar is one of the best out there. The owners are incredible, kind, and very knowledgeable about their products. The atmosphere is so cool and cozy with games, crystals, space to work, etc. It always smells good, looks clean, and the drinks always hit! They’re not “cheap” but you get what you pay for… and every drink is worth the price!! I love this place and always stop in every time I’m in Gainesville. Thank you Mai Kai for having such an inviting space for us to relax and connect. Bula!
Michael Dot Rosenboom
Fun hangout
Cassie Williams
Best Kava bar I’ve come across coming from south Florida! Great hospitality and naturally cozy for groups or single parties. 5 stars all day long
Keith
Best kratom drink's in the area. Owners and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and remember to take advantage of their specials as well.
Didn’t get anything because it was a bar. I thought they served boba but ignored the bar part in the name. Nice green atmosphere inside though. Definitely would go here for a spiked boba drink when I’m older.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shay Sigman
Best place in town for alcohol free socializing! Chill atmosphere and great staff!
Mai Kai feels like the perfect “third space” in Gainesville, and it’s become basically like my second living room. It feels like the perfect halfway point between a bar and a coffee shop. There really isn’t anywhere in Gainesville with the same kind of vibe in my opinion. I came here multiple times a week with my laptop to study for a clinical license exam (which I passed), and I still come back multiple times a week now to just hang out with friends or spend some time somewhere relaxing that isn’t home. You’ll often see people chatting at the bar or at the tables while working on projects or playing games on their laptops. Mai Kai is also the only place like it I can think of in Gainesville that is open as late as it is, which is perfect since I’m naturally a night owl. The drinks are great, but I would honestly still go to hang out even if I hated them. If you’re also looking for somewhere to spend some time away from home without spending a ton of money or having specific activities/expectations, I don’t think anywhere is better in town than Mai Kai!
Kava tender from St. Pete here. This place had a great atmosphere and awesome kava tenders! If you are near you have to check it out OR ELSE it’s a knuckle sandwich!! 👊
I’ve had an awesome experience, service was prompt and she walked me thru the differences of the drinks and helped me pick one suited for me, thank you Bibi! I will definitely be coming again.
really enjoyed coming here! the girl i talked to was super sweet, polite, and informative. she took the time to explain the difference between kratom and kava, as well as giving us suggestions and explaining the different flavors. there was also some good live music, and a great atmosphere overall. highly recommend
Love Mai Kai! Great atmosphere and fun people. I love Bibi my fave kavatender!
Bibi is the sweetest! She creates such a welcoming environment and it was very fun to talk with her while I was sitting here doing homework :)
All these reviews less than 5 stars are just crazy to me. This kava bar is one of the best out there. The owners are incredible, kind, and very knowledgeable about their products. The atmosphere is so cool and cozy with games, crystals, space to work, etc. It always smells good, looks clean, and the drinks always hit! They’re not “cheap” but you get what you pay for… and every drink is worth the price!! I love this place and always stop in every time I’m in Gainesville. Thank you Mai Kai for having such an inviting space for us to relax and connect. Bula!
Fun hangout
Best Kava bar I’ve come across coming from south Florida! Great hospitality and naturally cozy for groups or single parties. 5 stars all day long
Best kratom drink's in the area. Owners and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and remember to take advantage of their specials as well.
Restaurantji Recommends
Liked the games and painting!
Good atmosphere
Great, but expensive.
Didn’t get anything because it was a bar. I thought they served boba but ignored the bar part in the name. Nice green atmosphere inside though. Definitely would go here for a spiked boba drink when I’m older.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best place in town for alcohol free socializing! Chill atmosphere and great staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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