If I could give no stars I would. Worst açaí bowl ever had. I didn’t realize I paid for a water bowl.
Lucas Kerper
Neither a bar nor a coffee house. Bula Kava House is like a tea house, only specific to Kava Kava. Bula is a must-visit place. While you are there, pass the house mini guitar around and refine your chops!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike Houston
Super chill and cozy little place. Kava selection and knowledgeable staff. Saw folks chilling with friends, some couples and some folks coming in and finishing up the day on their laptops. Friendly and welcoming. Bula
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Davey Fernandez
The Kava actually does have an effect on you. Was skeptical coming in, but I did get a buzz for like 30 seconds.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elena lamphear
I like sushi. I ordered vegetable sushi, But the avocado was old.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Jeremy Adam
Happy New
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ellen Wendling
Oregon’s first Kava bar! Both the Portland and Vancouver locations offer a chill vibe with various comfy seating areas. The decor is authentic and honors the South Pacific culture without being kitschy. The Portland location features reclaimed wood from Indonesia. The Washington location boasts a stunning living wall. The kava is prepared traditionally and served in a coconut shell. The owner has spent a lot of time in the South Pacific personally meeting with his growers. And no distractions like tv screens or pool tables like an actual bar. Instead they offer things like board games and a guitar if you are lucky enough to play. There is a real sense of community in both locations with fun activities monthly at each location. I also like that they have chosen not to also serve Kratom out of respect for the ceremonial history of kava. It’s an experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Conner Williams
Great and welcoming environment, couldn't recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christopher Francisco
People treat me with respect being Indigenous here at this coffee shop. Which is important to
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kymil P.
Simply a cute and cozy space. Always nice people working there. Kava is good. Sweet ambiance. Lots of games. Great for chilling. Usually pretty quiet and personal feeling. The art changes out every time I go back in, always fun to see what's up on the walls. Yep. I like it.
I've bought kava from these guys a dozen times, and not one single time has the kava been consistent. After this last batch of poor quality Waka, I've decided to stop going. I can buy a pound of Waka kava for $34 shipped from Amazon, that I've tried, and have had consistently good results with.As for the environment, it's a bit pretentious for me. I'm really not a fan of the typical folk that inhabit Portland, especially that area. It's cold, and unwelcoming. The menu board is out of date, and they apparently don't plan on changing it any time soon, as it's been the way it is for at least 2 months, while prices have increased, and strains are no longer available.If the employees put more effort into doing their jobs, it might be a bit better. Maybe. But then that still leaves their overpriced, spotty quality kava. I get that a lot of it depends on weather in the south pacific, but that's why you have each batch tested for alkaloids. It's a no brainer to ensure consistent quality to your loyal customers. It's customer relations 101. Save your money, and buy from somewhere else. Definitely not worth the very steep price tag.
Jonathan Hoehn
Love Kava. Such a great alternative to alcohol.
Atmosphere: 5
Randall Weis
I used to live in the area and wish I had come here more often when I did. Just visited and had an urge to relax with some kava. Was one of my favorite experiences of my trip. Nice chill vibe, good kava, good juice shots. Very homey feeling there and is a good alternative to a bar or cafe to just hangout alone or connect with loved
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Drink Your Greens
Shannon Staudt
Bula Kava House stands as my top choice for hanging out with friends in Portland, boasting nearly a decade of patronage from my end. This spot has been a pivotal part of my recovery journey as an alcoholic, with kava playing a significant role in curbing my cravings.Pros:Atmosphere: The vibe is welcoming, and the seating options are ample, including a cozy couch area. It's an all ages establishment. Our kids have loved coming since they were 8 and def now that they are teens. They of course love the free WiFi.Entertainment: Regular music nights, trivia, and a showcase of local artists’ work keep the place lively. They also provide an assortment of board games, used books and art supplies.We have personally donated several games including Settlers of Catan, Forbidden Desert and several other larger group games.Staff: The employees are wonderful and contribute positively to the experience. Most are highly educated on the effects of and different kinds of Kava Strains.Flexibility: No time restrictions on hangouts, and they accommodate food deliveries.Location: Situated amidst a variety of food options.Cons:Pricing: The cost of raw kava has skyrocketed. Due to supply and demand and also environmental factors. Shells are comparable to a microbrew, though pitchers do offer some discount. Raw root powder is $40- $80 a lb. Sometimes root powder will be in the low $30s micronized will always be above $70.Limited Food Options: A simple snack platter would greatly enhance the experience and help counteract kava’s potential nausea-inducing effects.They already serve smoothies and oatmeal. A simple bread cheese veggie/fruit hummus board. We would never order takeout to be delivered if we had that option. When people start getting hungry it's annoying to have three or four different separate orders being delivered. I would change my review to a solid 5 if they would get on board with a snack tray.Furniture: The Portland location could benefit from an upgrade in its hangout spaces and furniture.Conclusion:Despite the increase in kava prices and the need for more food options, Bula Kava House remains a unique and enjoyable spot in Portland, contributing to the city’s vibrant and quirky character. With a few tweaks, it has the potential to offer an even better experience for its patrons.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Thom K
Great vibes and a place to grab a juice or smoothie at night!
If I could give no stars I would. Worst açaí bowl ever had. I didn’t realize I paid for a water bowl.
Neither a bar nor a coffee house. Bula Kava House is like a tea house, only specific to Kava Kava. Bula is a must-visit place. While you are there, pass the house mini guitar around and refine your chops!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Super chill and cozy little place. Kava selection and knowledgeable staff. Saw folks chilling with friends, some couples and some folks coming in and finishing up the day on their laptops. Friendly and welcoming. Bula
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
The Kava actually does have an effect on you. Was skeptical coming in, but I did get a buzz for like 30 seconds.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I like sushi. I ordered vegetable sushi, But the avocado was old.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Happy New
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Oregon’s first Kava bar! Both the Portland and Vancouver locations offer a chill vibe with various comfy seating areas. The decor is authentic and honors the South Pacific culture without being kitschy. The Portland location features reclaimed wood from Indonesia. The Washington location boasts a stunning living wall. The kava is prepared traditionally and served in a coconut shell. The owner has spent a lot of time in the South Pacific personally meeting with his growers. And no distractions like tv screens or pool tables like an actual bar. Instead they offer things like board games and a guitar if you are lucky enough to play. There is a real sense of community in both locations with fun activities monthly at each location. I also like that they have chosen not to also serve Kratom out of respect for the ceremonial history of kava. It’s an experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great and welcoming environment, couldn't recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
People treat me with respect being Indigenous here at this coffee shop. Which is important to
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Simply a cute and cozy space. Always nice people working there. Kava is good. Sweet ambiance. Lots of games. Great for chilling. Usually pretty quiet and personal feeling. The art changes out every time I go back in, always fun to see what's up on the walls. Yep. I like it.
Restaurantji Recommends
I've bought kava from these guys a dozen times, and not one single time has the kava been consistent. After this last batch of poor quality Waka, I've decided to stop going. I can buy a pound of Waka kava for $34 shipped from Amazon, that I've tried, and have had consistently good results with.As for the environment, it's a bit pretentious for me. I'm really not a fan of the typical folk that inhabit Portland, especially that area. It's cold, and unwelcoming. The menu board is out of date, and they apparently don't plan on changing it any time soon, as it's been the way it is for at least 2 months, while prices have increased, and strains are no longer available.If the employees put more effort into doing their jobs, it might be a bit better. Maybe. But then that still leaves their overpriced, spotty quality kava. I get that a lot of it depends on weather in the south pacific, but that's why you have each batch tested for alkaloids. It's a no brainer to ensure consistent quality to your loyal customers. It's customer relations 101. Save your money, and buy from somewhere else. Definitely not worth the very steep price tag.
Love Kava. Such a great alternative to alcohol.
Atmosphere: 5
I used to live in the area and wish I had come here more often when I did. Just visited and had an urge to relax with some kava. Was one of my favorite experiences of my trip. Nice chill vibe, good kava, good juice shots. Very homey feeling there and is a good alternative to a bar or cafe to just hangout alone or connect with loved
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Drink Your Greens
Bula Kava House stands as my top choice for hanging out with friends in Portland, boasting nearly a decade of patronage from my end. This spot has been a pivotal part of my recovery journey as an alcoholic, with kava playing a significant role in curbing my cravings.Pros:Atmosphere: The vibe is welcoming, and the seating options are ample, including a cozy couch area. It's an all ages establishment. Our kids have loved coming since they were 8 and def now that they are teens. They of course love the free WiFi.Entertainment: Regular music nights, trivia, and a showcase of local artists’ work keep the place lively. They also provide an assortment of board games, used books and art supplies.We have personally donated several games including Settlers of Catan, Forbidden Desert and several other larger group games.Staff: The employees are wonderful and contribute positively to the experience. Most are highly educated on the effects of and different kinds of Kava Strains.Flexibility: No time restrictions on hangouts, and they accommodate food deliveries.Location: Situated amidst a variety of food options.Cons:Pricing: The cost of raw kava has skyrocketed. Due to supply and demand and also environmental factors. Shells are comparable to a microbrew, though pitchers do offer some discount. Raw root powder is $40- $80 a lb. Sometimes root powder will be in the low $30s micronized will always be above $70.Limited Food Options: A simple snack platter would greatly enhance the experience and help counteract kava’s potential nausea-inducing effects.They already serve smoothies and oatmeal. A simple bread cheese veggie/fruit hummus board. We would never order takeout to be delivered if we had that option. When people start getting hungry it's annoying to have three or four different separate orders being delivered. I would change my review to a solid 5 if they would get on board with a snack tray.Furniture: The Portland location could benefit from an upgrade in its hangout spaces and furniture.Conclusion:Despite the increase in kava prices and the need for more food options, Bula Kava House remains a unique and enjoyable spot in Portland, contributing to the city’s vibrant and quirky character. With a few tweaks, it has the potential to offer an even better experience for its patrons.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great vibes and a place to grab a juice or smoothie at night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoothies