SquareRut Kava Bar

Kava root really works! Feeling relaxed, nice area and dogs are welcome! Definitely need to try this out if you’re in the area.

Woah Kava is I tense! Not quite sure it should be legal! But hay! Enjoy it while it lasts!

These guys are always awesome! I haven’t had one bartender that wasn’t cool. I love this place…

I cherish Kava Bar. Regular for 4 years now so this is my first review. Kava is a bitter, yet a passionate offering. To those who never had Kava before, it is has a mature sawdust flavor and tame midtones. It is a viscous free bitter delight that people over 25 might appreciate more than most younglings. It takes approximately 80 seconds for your glands get used to it’s taste, then it turns into a beverage with a pleasing bitter aftertaste. The Kava has a bashful muted aroma which is quite pleasing during and after consumption. This is not a ‘Coffee’ shop, but they also carry some of the finest Tea’s and Coffee blends to hold you over.
PROS
To really appreciate it’s unique experience, enjoy Kava with friends and sleep good knowing that you will be alert before the snooze button alerts you (as in my case usually).
It’s important to understand it’s history and culture about Kava before trying it out. It will only enhance the experience. The Kavarista’s and teh owners are very good about filling new patrons in the cultural and historical aspects. It’s actually quite fascinating.
For critical thinking tasks, Kava is a real treat, especially for computer work or studying. When the Kavarista says it promote’s Mindfulness, take it as a literal interpretation. I usually advise friends, professionals, students, and people who enjoy (non-​alcoholic) social time to give Kava a shot. I would not recommend Kava [or alcohol] to ‘beer/​party people’ or those with immunity or liver issues (same with alcohol) due to its effects. I might enjoy a single serving of scotch or hot saki but never consume beer with Kava.
CONS
Kava is a diuretic and can give you the runs, especially if drinking one or two shells in under 10 minutes. I might suggest consuming carbs beforehand and take your time enjoying the Kava over about an hour’s time to ease this.
Do not mix alcohol with Kava. The folks behind the counter will not serve people who have been drinking, and advises patrons to not drink kava if they plan on Party Drinking. While I personally enjoy having a single serving of scotch or hot saki with a sushi meal, I have had unpleasant experiences drinking piss beer from a party, actually it could just be the PBR, yuck i’m never drinking that again.
People with liver or immune conditions should not consume Kava (or alcohol for that matter) for medical reasons. 3 shells should be find more most folks. I might suggest drinking a (free) glass of water after having Kava if you’re a newbie.
Pro Tips:
a. Wait at least 15 – 20 minutes after drinking any ‘sugary’ beverage or eating sweeties. For example mixing Kava with Space Pepsi, Dr. Pepper or sweeties is just bad on the pallet on par with mixing toothpaste and orange juice.
b. Nibble on Pineapple and Mango to complement the Kava. I especially enjoy salted mango + pineapple with Kava. I usually get Mango+Pineapple fruit bowl from HEB or 7 – 11. It’s like good ass cheese and wine, except with the tropical treatment.
c. I have a better experience consuming Kava about 30-​minutes to an 1-​hour after consuming foods rich in carbs. I can’t say if all people are like that, but I think the carbs helps slow down the digestive process, since Kava is a diuretic. I personally especially enjoy Kava after eating something very spice like Thai food or Spicey tacos or giant burritos. Mmmm tacos

Stop in… staff is very helpful if you are new. Relaxing times!

The plus side: great renovation of a much-​loved neighborhood gathering spot. Inviting deck, comfy interior seating and square-​sided bar so patrons can face each other and chat across. Sweet baristas (kavistas?) who happily explained what kava is, and what the effects were to me and my newbie friends.
The downside: bare-​bones service, days old muffin served with no plate… coffee drink in a go-​cup (I was hoping for a nice mug and relax) with no napkin, sugar or half & half offered.
Kava: blehhh, that shit tastes terrible. I just don’t get it. It looks like mud, it tastes like mud. Bitter and cold.
Oh, and 3 out of 5 parties there while I were there were all from the Bay Area and were all talking about how long they’ve been in Austin. If I go again… not sure I will, I’ll stick to coffee.

Succinctly: good coffee, cool space.
They didn’t have iced coffee on the menu, but the person on staff happily made me an iced americano, it was fab. Big comfy chairs inside, outside seating zone, I’m happy.
Oh and they have cow, soy, and almond milk.

This place is the epitome of a feel good «coffee» bar. I love the setting. The windows are great. My only critique is that the ceiling lamps by the windows are too low for anyone over 5’10″. You will have to dodge them… LOL Oh, and it would be great if there was a narrow counter top on the window ledge. It is the perfect place for gazing and daydreaming. The baristas made me feel like an honored guest. It is wonderful that this old business building has been revitalized and reborn.

This is their brand new location and the environment couldn’t be more perfect for the effects of the Kava drink. They’ve renovated the inside with soothing colors and guest get a beautiful view of Barton Springs Rd via big windows. The bar is positioned so that visitors can sit both inside and outside. They’ve provided seating throughout the deck. There are stairs outside that provide about a 3 story view of the surrounding area. The other venues have a happy hour one day outta the week so I’m sure this location will as well, just not sure on day yet. I never remember to mention that they serve delicious, fresh coffee! I had the opportunity to talk with one of the owners professional advisors, who notifies them of the highest quality beverages so that they’re truly serving the best. Kava disclaimer (again): It’s not delicious by itself, but they always provide flavors to mask the taste. You could also just bring your own! This is a perfect place to study, chat, relax, sleep, or whatever;All in a tropical-​like abyss!