Kava Bars Fort Lauderdale
Info obtained from Kava Magazine.
Author: K. Kiloa
South Florida has become one of the most vibrant regions in the U.S. for kava bars and plant-based beverage lounges, offering locals and visitors a new kind of social space centered around relaxation, conversation, and natural botanical drinks. From Fort Lauderdale to Miami Beach, these establishments serve a mix of kava and kratom teas along with creative mocktails and social experiences that feel very different from traditional bars.
PUBLISHERS NOTE: While Soulful Herbals does not supply any of the bars in South Florida at the moment, we will be supporting PoorHouse Kava Bar in their menu creation and supplying them the best product. Other bars do not use the high quality water we require for our teas.
🌺 What Is a Kava Bar?
A kava bar is a social venue where people gather to enjoy beverages made from the kava plant (Piper methysticum). Kava comes from the root of a plant native to the South Pacific and has a long tradition of ceremonial and communal use in places like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga. Purple Lotus
These bars emphasize:
- Relaxation
- Conversation
- Community
- Alternative, non-alcoholic socializing
Compared to a typical bar, a kava lounge aims to feel more like a coffee house or living room, often with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a focus on conversation rather than intoxication. Davie Kava
🍵 Why People Love Kava Bars in South Florida
South Florida’s culture, climate, and diverse population have helped kava bars thrive. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to these spaces because:
1. They Offer a Chill Social Alternative
Kava bars provide a place to unwind without alcohol. The environment is meant to promote calm and connection—perfect for after work, weekend relaxation, or daytime socializing. Davie Kava
2. Educational and Community-Focused
“Kavatenders” (bartenders in kava bars) often educate guests about the history, traditional preparation, and effects of kava, making the experience feel cultural as well as social. Davie Kava
3. South Florida’s Wellness Trend
The region’s strong wellness community supports plant-based, mindful alternatives to nightlife drinking, and kava bars fit perfectly into this ethos. Purple Lotus
🍃 Rise of Kratom Teas Alongside Kava
Many South Florida kava bars have expanded their menus to include kratom teas and kratom-based drinks. Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia and is used in traditional settings for its range of effects. Kava Krawl Passport
Unlike kava, which is primarily known for relaxation and stress relief, kratom is often brewed into teas or blended into beverages for:
- Mood boost
- Focus and energy (at lower doses)
- Relaxation (at higher doses)
- Social enjoyment
This combination allows kava lounges to appeal to a wider range of patrons seeking either calm or uplifting experiences without alcohol. Kava Krawl Passport
South Florida has quietly built one of the most vibrant alternative social scenes in the U.S. centered around kava bars — cozy, community-oriented lounges offering botanical beverages like kava tea and kratom tea. These spaces provide a relaxed alternative to traditional bars; they focus on connection, conversation, and plant-based experiences.
Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or someone exploring plant-based wellness, this itinerary will help you navigate the best spots from Fort Lauderdale to Dania Beach.
🕶️ WHY KAVA & KRATOM BARS THRIVE HERE
South Florida’s climate, culture, and lifestyle make it ideal for botanical lounges:
- Warm weather invites relaxed socializing
- Strong wellness culture
- Diverse population eager for alternatives to alcohol
- Beach and nightlife communities looking for late-day hangouts
Kava — made from the Piper methysticum root — offers calming effects that invite conversation and ease, while kratom — from Mitragyna speciosa leaves — has become a companion tea that some enjoy for focus or mild ease. Many bars offer both, blending menus and social experiences.
📍 THE SOUTH FLORIDA KAVA & KRATOM BAR ITINERARY
1. Poorhouse Kava Bar (Fort Lauderdale — Coming Soon)
📍 Home Base — Historic Dive Turned Botanical Lounge
The beloved Poorhouse — a Fort Lauderdale staple — is transforming into Poorhouse Kava Bar, a space where the dive-bar energy meets plant-based social culture. Expect:
- A curated kratom + kava tea menu
- Signature mocktails and botanical blends
- A casual social vibe with music, community events, and lounge seating
- A bridge between nightlife and wellness communities
Why it matters:
Poorhouse’s transformation signals a major shift in South Florida — a dive-bar iconic space embracing a plant-centric social future. It’s an upcoming destination worth visiting early to experience the evolution.
2. Casa De Kava — Fort Lauderdale
📍 701 NW 5th Ave
A cozy, highly rated lounge with a friendly crowd and approachable kava menu. Perfect first stop to ease into the culture.
Highlights:
- Traditional kava shells
- Flavored kava drinks
- Relaxed seating & conversation
3. Karma Kava — Fort Lauderdale
📍 900 N Flagler Dr
This is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most established kava bars — a staple for community nights and easy-going botanical sipping.
Highlights:
- Social atmosphere
- Light bites + tea options
- Great for early evening gatherings
4. Leaves & Roots Lounge — Fort Lauderdale
📍 445 N Andrews Ave
A blend of plant-based lounge + kava bar + tea room. This spot appeals to wellness-minded drinkers and visitors looking for a calm environment.
Highlights:
- Vegan snacks
- Herbal infusions
- Community events
5. Nectar Lab Kava Bar — Fort Lauderdale
📍 540 N Andrews Ave
A modern, slightly upscale plant lounge known for creativity and social evenings.
Highlights:
- Signature kava blends
- Comfortable vibe
- Often hosts small community events
6. Black Klover Kava Bar — Fort Lauderdale
📍 4405 N Federal Hwy
Highly rated and community favorite with a fun, inclusive atmosphere. Great for weekend nights.
Highlights:
- Friendly crowd
- Kava + herbal options
- Unique house blends
7. Tiki Tide Kava Bar — Fort Lauderdale
📍 3418 Griffin Rd
A local favorite with a cozy vibe and botanical menu — ideal for daytime chill sessions.
Highlights:
- Classic kava drinks
- Good vibes, approachable
8. Kavana Kava Bar — Dania Beach
📍 6 S Federal Hwy
One of the most highly reviewed kava lounges in the area — a must-visit for plant-beverage lovers.
Highlights:
- Strong community feel
- Creative kava blends
- Great place to spend longer hangouts
9. Awa Na Zen — Pompano Beach
📍 698 E McNab Rd
A relaxed, zen-oriented lounge with both tea and social spaces — often paired with herbal blends.
Highlights:
- Chill atmosphere
- Herbal and tea options
- Great for afternoon wind-down
10. Awa Na Kava — Fort Lauderdale
📍 2762 E Oakland Park Blvd
A sister space with a welcoming vibe — great as part of a day’s botanical exploration.
Highlights:
- Comfortable lounge feel
- Friendly staff
- Flexible drink pairings
11. Kavana Kava Bar — Davie
📍 3890 SW 64th Ave
A beloved community hub for both new and experienced kava drinkers — known for great service and warm atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Large, community-driven crowd
- Consistent drinks
- Relaxed vibe
🍵 WHAT’S ON THE MENU
Most South Florida kava bars share similar offerings but put their own spin on the details:
Kava Teas & Drinks
- Classic kava tea (prepared traditionally)
- Flavored kava mocktails
- Blends with juice, herbs, or botanicals
Kratom Teas & Blends
- Brewed kratom leaf teas
- Specialty mocktails combining kratom with herbal boosters
- Smoothies or mixed botanical drinks
Botanical Boosts
Many lounges also serve:
- Herbal teas (ginger, turmeric, hibiscus)
- Functional blends (adaptogens, botanicals)
- Natural sodas, infused waters, kombuchas
These allow each visitor to tailor their experience — whether they want mild ease, social vibes, or creative drinks.
🧠 COMMUNITY & EVENTS
Kava lounges in South Florida aren’t just drink spots — they’re community hubs. You’ll find:
- Live acoustic or chill music nights
- Open mic events
- Trivia or plant education nights
- Herbal wellness workshops
This emphasis on connection is part of what makes the scene so special — it’s not just the drinks, it’s the people.
🍹 CULTURAL SHIFTS: WHY THIS SCENE IS GROWING
South Florida’s kava bar movement is part of a larger trend toward:
- Mindful social spaces
- Non-alcoholic socializing
- Plant-based wellness culture
- Alternative nightlife experiences
People increasingly want relaxation without alcohol, community without pressure, and natural alternatives for socializing and comfort. Kava and kratom lounges offer exactly that.
🗓️ A SUGGESTED ITINERARY (FOR VISITORS)
Afternoon Start — 2 PM
☕ Begin with a calming herbal blend at Leaves & Roots Lounge
Late Afternoon — 4 PM
🍃 Head to Karma Kava or Casa De Kava for classic shells and conversation
Early Evening — 6 PM
✨ Explore Black Klover Kava Bar or Nectar Lab Kava Bar
Evening Wind-Down — 8 PM
🌿 Visit Poorhouse Kava Bar (once open) for signature blends and local community energy
🧠 Kava Bar Menus include some of the following:
Menus at South Florida kava bars typically include:
Kava Teas & Drinks
- Traditional kava brews
- Flavored kava mocktails
- House blends made from Pacific island roots
Kratom Teas & Mocktails
- Brewed kratom tea (various leaf types)
- Kratom blended drinks with juice or herbal infusions
- Specialty mocktails combining kratom and kava elements
Botanical Enhancements
Some bars also offer:
- Herbal teas
- Functional botanical boosters
- Natural sodas and kombuchas
This variety gives guests multiple ways to explore plant-based beverages in a social, non-alcoholic setting. Purple Lotus
🤝 Community, Education & Events
Kava bars are often more than just places to drink—they’re community hubs. Many host:
- Live music and open mic nights
- Trivia nights
- Art events
- Meditation or wellness workshops
This blend of culture and community distinguishes them from both traditional bars and coffeeshops, creating a third space where people can connect, unwind, and explore botanical beverages together. Davie Kava
🍵 Why This Scene Works in South Florida
South Florida blends:
- Beach and laid-back lifestyle
- Strong wellness culture
- Diverse, curious population
- Year-round warm climate
These factors, combined with the rise of alternative social spaces, make kava and kratom bars especially appealing here. They offer a place to relax, socialize, and enjoy plant-based drinks as a complement or alternative to traditional nightlife. Purple Lotus
🟡 A Quick Word on Regulation
Though kratom and kava are generally available and popular in Florida, regulators have been watching concentrated kratom compounds more closely than natural teas. South Florida’s kava and kratom bars are part of a broader cultural shift toward herbal beverages and away from synthetic products. Axios
🌿 Kava Bar Thoughts
South Florida’s kava and kratom bar scene is a unique blend of culture, relaxation, and community — one that complements the region’s beach lifestyle, nightlife, and wellness focus. From traditional kava shells to creative botanical mocktails, these venues offer an inviting space to connect, unwind, and explore plant-based beverages.
And with the upcoming Poorhouse Kava Bar, South Florida’s botanical social landscape is only getting richer.
South Florida’s kava and kratom bar scene is a vibrant reflection of evolving tastes, wellness priorities, and community-focused socializing. Whether you’re local or visiting, stepping into a kava lounge offers a chance to experience a unique botanical culture — one rooted in tradition, relaxation, and connection.
Next time you’re in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or beyond, consider swapping your usual night out for something a little calmer, a little deeper, and entirely enjoyable.