This place is an awesome alternative to the bar scene. If the Kava doesn't do it, the atmosphere will definitely put your mind into unwind mode. The waitress was kind and the music was awesome. I can't wait to return and relax with a Kava drink and the steel drum band on July 26th!
I really hope the best for this place.
Came here to celebrate Rachel's birthday :)
It was a clean place with good service! We walked in & were greeted immediately & given a marketing schpeel about what Kava is & how the first cup will make you feel this... the second cup will make you feel that... the third cup will complete your experience. So of course, we got the 3 cup package! Yes, and it comes in cute, photogenic coconut cups.
They do have board games & books & plenty of seating options- so it's a great place to just chit chat with friends. A good alternative to a coffee shop.
Since hubs already had Kava accidentally in Hawaii (he thought it was a fruit juice), he was not inclined to try it again. He got a fruity tea...
now I know why....
It tastes gross. No, the taste does not really get better. It looks like murky, mud-water. Tastes like murky,mud-water. The flavored one (orange-raspberry creamsickle) was better, but still has a icky aftertaste.
It does kind of relax you... but definitely only take 1 cup... you don't need 3. After 3 cups and half an hour, I kind of didn't feel good. Maybe it's because I didn't eat much beforehand? But I would only recommend 1 cup.
Anyways, good for a first time experience! Definitely good for the adventurous & spontaneous.
Just... not quite something I would look forward to in the future.
When I first heard about the kava root drink the flavor was described to me as a cold tea consistency with a gritty after taste. Hmm...drink a vanilla latte or kava with a gritty after taste??...I usually go for the latte but they kept raving about the calming affects, so I decided why not. When an opportunity presents itself to try a new food or drink I willingly accept. Â Wasn't it Neale Donald Walsch who said, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"? Point taken, Neale. Kava drink, here I come!
I have to tell you after I tried my first kava shell (cup) I was hooked...& I'm still hooked- yes there is a gritty after taste but the calming affect is loveaaaly - Â the relaxing feeling instantly covers you like a warm blanket. My gal pal, who was with me, bought a bottle to take home to her hubs, & he came back the very next day to buy two more bottles!
SquareRut Kava Bar is the bom . com for their service & variety of flavors. The first kava bar flavor I tried was coconut chocolate served in a small shelled cup. Â Not only do you instantly feel relaxed after your first sip, come to find out there are a lot of health benefits from the kava root. Thanks to Tracy, one of the owners, who shared with me all the health benefits the kava root offers. Tracy is fantabulous, personable, and knowledge of the kava root, & all the health benefits!
Pricing----$4 a shell or $11 for a full water bottle (filled with your choice of flavored kava).
The venue is spacious, adorable, & the staff are laid back & always friendly-a perfect spot for a large group or for two. They have game nights on Tuesday's- Citizens of Humanity is one of the games they play (gasping with excitement)!
THINGS TO KNOW:
-The drink does have an after taste that is a bit tart, but after the first few sips you no longer taste it.
-You can shoot the kava like a shot vs sipping on it, like I did.
-Yes the bottle of kava (small water bottle) is $11 but it will last you two days - (31/2 servings)
-The calming side affects are incredible & all natural.
-They have a new location opening up in Hyde Park this September!
-CHECK OUT THEIR HAPPY HOUR:
Monday's from 5-8pm ---50% off a shell (cup)---- (regularly $4)
I'm so excited they are opening a new location closer to where I live-I'm going to turn into a Kava bar groupie...I can't wait to visit their new location this fall!
Very pleasant experience, but subtle -- didn't get blown away; Â nice option for a girl to go to alone besides a coffee house. Â I took a book to read but didn't feel like reading, just chilled and enjoyed the mellow music. Â Friendly staff. Â It's close to where I live so I'd go again; a location closer in would probably increase their business, however, which seemed slow.
Review Source:The kava only tastes bad the first time, really. Once you acquire a taste, it's actually nice in a woody, fresh-pencil-shavings sort of way.
Like alcohol, your expectations play a role in how the kava makes you feel. Kava makes me chatty and sociable, but I most enjoy coming here alone after a long day of social interactions to recharge my introvert batteries. The space is relaxing, the baristas are friendly and you'll feel better when you leave, instead of all whacked out (coffee) or drowsy and useless for the rest of the day (alcohol.)
Last time I came here, I left with the same calm, quiet sense of well-being I usually rely on meditation or vigorous exercise to achieve. That alone was worth the drive way down S. Congress to get here.
5 stars because it's an out of the ordinary experience and one you should do at least once.
Kava is a lot like taking shots.
Except it tastes like mud water from Zimbabwe. It has a bite that's hard to swallow. It numbs your mouth. Makes you woozy. And then it's over. Get in your car and go back to work. True story.
It's not illegal to kava and drive. I recommend against leaving immediately and so will they. The girl behind the counter was nice and instructional on the process.
Do it. You never know until you try something.
I always drive by this place on the way to my friend's house but had never stopped in until last night. I walked in only to wait for 5 minutes at the bar before I was acknowledged. I had never heard of Kava and asked the "bartender" what most people order. He described Kava something similar to our alcohol but their drinks have no alcohol content. He described the the drink as relaxing, and elaborated on other positive aspects but I was mainly wanted to grab drinks to go to try with a friend. I ordered two to go kava drinks, which weew $11 a piece for a twelve ounce bottle filled with a muddy looking liquid poured from some random container they kept uncovered under the bar. I paid my tab and left curious to what could be so appealing about this strange drink that sold enough to keep a "bar" open south of Stassney on Congress. My friend and I opened the drink, took our first sip, and almost spewed it all over her living room. The taste can be most associated with dirt water, mixed with soap, and a tad bit of orajel that leaves your mouth with an awkward numbing sensation. I found nothing relaxing about this drink, mainly because my gag reflex wanted this out of my system. This was a terrible, and overpriced idea.
Review Source:This is my second time here with my husband, and we have once again avoided serious stress by just coming in for some Kava. Â It is so beneficial to come and get work done here. I have 7 day work weeks. The Kava is keeping me from losing it. Maybe I should start bringing it to work??? "Here! It will make your mouth numb! Now, let's all listen to Thievery Corporation on Pandora and read silently for the next 90 minutes*". Yes, this is going to be awesome!
*I do not actually intend to do this.
This place would be more popular if it weren't so far south along S. Congress. Staff is sociable, warm, and welcoming. It's a cool, open space with a pleasant color palette. Also, the coconut cups/goblets in which the Kava is served are cute. As for the unflavored drink: I found it inoffensive, but I take my coffee black and eat spoonfuls of cayenne pepper, so there's that to consider. Its aftertaste reminded me of milk of magnesia, but thankfully it didn't linger.
The psychoactive effects were a delight. I was more talkative. Plus, I felt mellow and mildly euphoric, by which I mean at ease, content or comfortable (not "stupidly happy" like when I drink alcohol). I'm glad I came here with friends. It's likely I'll be back! Definitely, I'll be recommending it to others.
Although as many others have said the Kava tastes like muddy water, so just be expecting that when you go and it will be alright. After trying the regular stuff, the coconut flavor tasted great, possibly due to the complete numbing of our taste buds but whatever works. Overall, I'm not really sure how I feel about the actual Kava experience. I guess it relaxed me and definitely made my mouth numb (others said it made them relaxed and a little tired) but I'll have to try it out again without the pint of red wine I carried in my stomach this time around.
Atmosphere-wise I definitely enjoyed the place. The staff is ridiculously friendly and loves talking about pretty much anything. There was a cool blues band playing in the background the whole time and we were able to plaster ourselves on a big leather couch and enjoy our company. Overall, the experience was definitely interesting and worth a try regardless of if you like the Kava. Cool Place!
* Huge Tip: Be sure and request to play Cards Against Humanity. Basically a way more hilarious version of Apples to Apples
Kava simply is what it is. Yes, if you drink it straight it tastes "earthy" or less tactfully, "like dirt". Â This is easily remedied by selecting a tea of your choice, coconut oolong is a-ma-ZING, and requesting a shot of Kava. Â It tastes like a teenage beach dream in the summer and feels like a beautiful, relaxing, euphoric chill in a glass, not a fancy mug.
Give this a chance and you'll likely think twice about the repercussions of a night of alcoholic cocktails next time. Â Just be open minded, relax and enjoy
My boyfriend and I went in here on a whim. After hearing about a local bar that serves a natural brew with the same sedative and mellowing effects as alcohol but without the hang over, we were more then curious to try it out. Mind you the location is way south on Congress, we're talking past Ben White. But the owner, whose name I can't remember now, definitely made it worth our while. Not only did he educate us on his product and the history of kava kava but he was also great company and even gave us free samples of new products he wanted us to try. We stopped in at 2pm on a Saturday after Christmas shopping to give it a try and will definitely be back during the week to check it out as they have pretty awesome daily events. If you've never tried kava but would like to, give this place a try. You won't regret it.
Review Source:I can safely give this a five-star rating, and I'll gladly share my reasons: first, there's nothing like this in Austin. This is new, and I love the idea. We have hookah lounges, cafes... why not a kava kafe? Second: the owner, Scott, is extremely hospitable, and guides first-timers (read "me") through the basics of kava. Third: the space Scott has designed is perfect for a low-key, relaxed night away from loud clubs and chaotic bars. Comfy couches, low ambient lighting, and a slew of nifty boardgames. A word about the kava: it gives a very heady alert feeling like coffee, with a mellow uninhibited playfulness that usually accompanies a shot of good rum. Of course, it may be different for you altogether: I say give it a try. The taste will be a bit intimidating at first- for this, there are several delicious flavored kavas to try out, and some fresh pineapples slices. This is not purely a recreational distraction, but a millenia-old tradition from the Pacific islands, and I'm glad to see it arrive South Austin.
Review Source:Kava puts me in a good mood without giving me a hangover. So do the plethora of board games Kava Bar carries. Did I mention they have a horseshoe pit outside?! If you're having a crappy day, come here with a group of friends, kick back a round of Kava and play a game of Cards Against Humanity. I guarantee you'll leave feeling a lot better. I know I did.
Review Source:What a fun thing to try! Spring for the extra $1 to flavor it - the root tastes...earthy.
Your mouth goes numb, then your arms get heavy, then you're just chilled. They recommend a flight of three for $10 to experience the full effect. They also bring you some pineapple to cleanse your palate.
Totally recommend trying it for a new experience.
Its a very unique experience while sipping on your Kava drink. The Waitress was very kind and informative about the tea. As first timers she recommended the 3 cups. Good recommendation The atmosphere is very calm and there is ambiance music in the back ground. The only down side is the location. If the Kava Bar was closer to the capital it would be more fitting,
Review Source:I love this place! Â My real estate team mate and I (Marcia) were working at the condos at 6000 S. Congress (need a great place to live? Â Let me know, and even ask the SquareRut owners about the place, they live there!). Â
We stopped in today to check it out, after being on property for the past three weekends. Â
We were amazed. Â I think we both went in a little down, and not feeling our best for the day. Â We came out of there smiling, cheerful, and relaxed! Â It really was like being a bit intoxicated without the intoxication or the inability to function. Â The rest of our afternoon was a blast. Â While we didn't have any clients come through today, we did have a good time, and were optimistic, cheerful and fun! Â We'll be back there next Saturday from 11-4, stop by and visit us for a 10% off coupon. After you try the Kava experience you'll not only want to live in this complex, but you'll be a frequent visitor.
Go into the experience expecting the absolute worst and most disgusting tasting beverage you can imagine. Then, when you end up trying kava for the first time, it won't seem 1/2 as bad. This is what I did and it worked like a charm.
The kava itself: If I were to imagine was dirt tasted like, this could be it. It also has another taste/feel. You know that taste/feel in your mouth after it's been numbed? That's how my mouth felt.
Here's the other thing - the drink is almost meant to be taken like a shot. If you can do this successfully, it's not as bad.
As for the effect - I didn't feel much. I felt a little more relaxed than usual, but I'm not sure if that is because I was: tired, the dark lighting/soothing atmosphere, and/or all the hype made me think I should feel something? Not sure. I can say for sure that my friend slept for 12 hours that night.
The staff is great - friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. I loved the live music - acoustic guitar with outstanding jazz vocals.
Lovely ambiance - dark lighting, "chill" and very laid back. They also had games, which I enjoyed - although I'm not sure Pictionary fits in with the vibe. (;
Just had kava for the first time and it was fantastic! SquareRut Kava has a great ambiance about it. The drinks where wonderful and the owner was such a nice guy. This will be a place I come to often.
Kava has a very Earthy taste to it, like wood. It goes down very smooth and gives you a nice slight euphoric feeling.
Drank kava for the first time. The first taste is ok. But the bitter taste at the end was a little surprising to me. I get it it's healthy, but I'd like the taste to change.
It felt like drinking bitter dirt steeped in water. Coming from India, and having dabbled in the occasional Ayurvedic medicine, I've had worse stuff stepped in water. Like Sudarshan. Now that stuff will cure you of any ailment, if you can just get it down your throat. Triphala, is another such powder. I am going to recommend the owners to start carrying a variety of things like these. Get an Ayurvedic expert to help out and you will be the rage in this town of hippies. I mean that in a good way.
Now I did not try the flavored stuff, but I will give them a shot next time I'm here.
Maybe it's an acquired taste. I said the same thing about beer. Now look at me.
As a fan of the bubbles, I jumped at the chance when a friend invited me to a soft opening of what I thought was a Cava bar. We arrived to find no alcohol in sight, and in its place, an airy, island-feeling coffee house layout with no coffee in sight.
In its place was something called Kava. What the heck is Kava? Well, I am here to tell you, while in liquid form, it does not have bubbles or come from a bottle that makes a loud pop when you pull the cork out of it.
Based on my Google research, Kava comes from soaking the root of a shrub called Piper methysticum or Kava plant. The liquid strained and extracted from that soaking. Once extracted it is either flavored or not flavored and consumed quickly.
The benefits are supposed to be that of calming, sedative or anesthetic properties and can promote restful sleep. Apparently, some cultures use it as an alternative to alcohol or Valium. Wikipedia is full of useful and scary information on the topic including an extensive list of side effects: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKava&s=444d89cf8e3cf29a49516c1ce6a23ba71a58d781e0421f6a84ee28244996e0c8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/…</a> .
I found the taste to be so earthy, it felt like I was drinking liquid dirt, in spite of the coconut or touted Kava Joy coconut/chocolate-like flavoring supposedly added to the two I tried. There was no sweetness, just a pungent horrid taste that left me needing ANYTHING to get the taste out of my mouth. This followed by a numbing of my mouth and tongue, similar to what an overdose of Cepacol® spray might feel like. Â
If you are not here for the Kava, they sell Zhi-Tea, Maine Root soft drinks, Zico coconut water or a Thai coconut ready for you to put a straw in and drink. Based on doing this, and not diversifying their offerings, they have limited their appeal to a very niche clientele, as they invite you on their website to "take your tats over to SquareRüt" for a "legal" version of chill.
I am not one to judge. So if you are looking for the beneficial properties of Kava, and understand all the potential side effects, risk factors and the fact that it tastes terrible (IMHO), have at it. My personal opinion is that the risks far outweigh the benefits and leave a bad taste in ones mouth.
I think I will stick to the effervescent form of Cava that suits my taste, calms me, and makes me happy.
I met up with a couple Yelp friends for SquareRüt Kava Bar's grand opening. There was some initial confusion as to exactly what we were getting ourselves into (yes, we thought perhaps it was a wine bar) but were up for an adventure. Â
We were greeted by staff at the front door who handed us a coconut shell, a nice reusable water bottle and a wristband that allowed us up to 3 free tastings. Kava is the root of a plant which is grown South Pacific Islands and rumor has it you must be 18 to drink kava in the U.S. The health benefits are relaxing the body while keeping the mind calm yet alert. After two car accidents this year, I know anxiety especially behind the wheel. I can attest that I did feel calm driving when I left the grand opening. On a side note I find magnesium supplements have a similar relaxing quality.
So what does it taste like? Well in my opinion not wonderful but much better than some of the healthy juices I have had when juicing. It is definitely an acquired taste and they did give out pineapple slices as a shot back. I tried the original and the coconut and preferred the coconut best.
The bar is set up with a tiki theme, they have a lounging area with couches inside and outdoor picnic tables all perfect for socializing and relaxing. Kava is not the only thing on the menu, you can also buy Zhi tea and coconut water.
I've been in here twice recently and really enjoyed the vibe and the kava! I had never heard of it until recently, but was intrigued. I definitely felt more relaxed after drinking it, but with no weird aftereffects, and was totally lucid.
The bar is located in a part of town that desperately needed a fun and relaxing hangout like this. I commend Square Rut for going further down soco and into a neighborhood that isn't so bogged down with traffic.
They also have a nice fenced in area with picnic tables and a bean bag toss. I took my daughter with me and we had a fun time. Staff was super friendly and helpful too.
I wish they had some snack food for sale, as this would make it a pretty perfect little spot.
When I first saw the sign I thought....hmmm no it's not really a Kava bar is it?! OMG I have to go check that place out. Well I finally did one day after dance class. It was so great to get a taste of good ol Kava again. They do have different flavors but I like mine plain, straight up. The side of pineapple is a plus. The owner is super nice and we chit chatted for a good long time while I sucked down the special of 3 shots of kava for the full effect. It did the trick as I was relaxed and went to go get a massage after. He told me they just started serving coffee too since many people came in expecting that. Now all they need is food. They have a toss game that you can play outside in the grass.
My one suggestion is that the seating would be more cozy, loungy...I mean you are relaxing with kava right? Like a hooka bar. Also I keep thinking to get peoples attention they exist, get some college girls with coconut bras and grass skirts on to stand out with signs on Congress in front of the place to attract attention.
Well then I came back a couple of nights later with my boyfriend and he tried it out. They had a band that was good playing but it was a little loud for the small space. We just had one drink and left. They have bands that play there Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free wifi is also a plus so bring your computer and come hang out. Here's to Kava and relaxing. :D Cheers!!
They just expanded their hours and started serving Casa Brasil French Press coffee and Toddy coffee. Both are delicious. The Toddy is perfectly refreshing for hot, summer days, and the French Press coffee is a perfect pick-me-up before work. And the prices are super competitive. It's much better tasting coffee than Starbucks, and it doesn't break-the-bank. I'm sold! (Now open for coffee @ 6:00am.)
Review Source:This place is awesome! Do the special with 3 drinks, and get the flavor of the day its pretty good. Â Really great alternative to alcohol buzz, you feel great and its just an overall "good" experience. Â Plus, this is the only kava bar in the State of Texas! Now you have to go :) live music friday-Saturday, free WiFi, and the people are really friendly:) great for student to study at during the day and for those wanting a night on the town at night!
Review Source:I live in Georgetown but if I had the time, I'd drive here once a day! The owners are wonderful! The staff is educated and very knowledgeable about the kava! Like their Facebook page for updates! They always have new flavors. Live music, great atmosphere and relaxing kava!!! I love this bar!
Review Source:Well not even Portland can boast they have their own Kava bar! This place is great, ample seating, lots of windows for natural light, plenty of parking.
After the second shell of kava you don't care so much anymore about the funky taste since you are so relaxed! But not so much that you can't drive home. Usually I just want to crash when I get home but I actually feel like being productive after 4 shells of kava. If they have it when you go, try the chocolate- peanut butter flavor (just don't expect it to taste like Reese's).
So I went in their today around 2:00 and Tracy introduced herself and gave me the 3 drink special. I must say I was not disappointed this stuff made me feel great. I've taken Kava in pill form before  but never like this, this place is a must try. They  have definitely made me a patron of this great place.
Review Source:you need to know This kava product is effective. I saw the sign kava bar driving down the street. And did a double take.
Kava !? Seriously :) procured out of an establishment freshly and professionally prepared :D
this is how it works in my mind.
I really put a lot of weight in plant alkaloids...more specifically the kavalactones, six of which are primarily responsible for  your noticeable experience with kava, having similar but milder effects as a muscle relaxer, anti convulsive, or anxiolytic, potentiating GABA activity, making this brew feel like something i used to take for anxitey...only lighter, more playful, cheerful even.
feels good doesnt it?
one lactone in particular, my favorite, kavain acts by inhibiting the re uptake of noradrenaline affecting parts of the brain, such as the amygdala, where attention and responses are controlled. this is where i get that mellow focus.
dale pendell writes a good bit about how all sorts of plant alkiloids work on your brain. recreational reading. more like plant science poetry.
Â
I'm a big fan of things that taste like earth- teas and concoctions that taste like twigs and leafs, dirt, loam, silt. But a cup of unflavored kava tastes like wood. like chewing on a No2 pencil.
this is the best No2 pencil ever though...This nostalgic flavor just took me back to grade school art class. Â And I say all of this with the deepest affection.
I'm here for the effects.
take me to a place mildy euphoric, sedated, Â where I'm less salty. a place of mental stillness.
i just want to take a jug home with me and paint.
Man Kava is really awesome! I went with a few friends and we got the ceremonial bowl, which was unlike anything I've ever had. we all had a blast and stayed for over an hour! the staff did great at explaining what to do and how to do it. Â I was really happy with my overall experience. And can you say, "slept like a baby!" that night! Thanks kava!
Review Source:I just got back from the grand opening of this place and was extremely impressed. Having heard about the kava bars of the South Pacific and using the herb for stress/anxiety, I know a bit about the benefits. These guys use really high quality ingredients that make for a deliciously potent shell of kava. Got to try the plum flavour which was absolutely fantastic. The ambiance is chill, tropical, and inviting. The owner, Scott, was a super nice guy who has a great staff and knows his stuff. Definitely worth dropping in!
Review Source:
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