SquareRut Kava Bar - Lamar — Restaurant in Austin

As someone who has been drinking kava for over 20 years, visited many kava bars throughout the country and participated in ceremonies in Fuji, i have a lot of wonderful experiences to compare the kava bars in Austin too. I will begin with the pros 1)The staff is very friendly

2)The bar itself is very clean and presents a pleasant traditional kava bar atmosphere

3)A nice variety of kava

The Cons (Oh come on, you really didn't think it was going to be all peaches and cream did you? hahaha)

1)In the times i have been there, the owners (unless of course they are playing secrete shopper) are never around to meet the customers and show who they are. If you are trying to build a community for kava, you need to be there so people know who you are and get to know you in order to build trust.

2)They have not done a very good job of letting people know they exist. The only reason i know about them is because where ever i travel, i always look of kava bars in that area.

3)They have done a bad job of building and nurturing a community for kava here in Texas. In the world we currently live in, using the "If you build it they will come" theory doesn't fly.

4)While in understand why the owners do it, i don't agree with principle of not being allowed to buy one shell at a time.

With all that said, here are some things i have learned about kava drinkers and this community as a whole over the last 20 years. Kava drinkers are dedicated to the drink and the community itself. They are not dedicated to the bar unless it provides an atmosphere that inspires good people and good conversation. Here is your proof.... Most of the folks that walk into this specific location take there kava to go. What does that tell you? The reality is, if someone who actually lives here opens a kava bar and makes simple changes to embrace the community, they will easily be the hottest spot in town. In my opinion, the only reason you are in business is because the 2 locations you opened are the only game in town. The shame is, these places could be very successful with some simple changes. I should mention as a side note, i have been to the other location and while there is a bigger crowd, the same overall issue do exist.

I have been a Master Herbalist for the last 18 years and have spent most of my career writing books and hundreds of articles, doing public speaking engagements, private practice, owned an apothecary, helped small herb businesses build education programs to help educate the customer and employees and traveled to over 15 different countries educating people on medicinal herbs. If you would like to invest into your business we can sit and talk about how to put your kava bars on the kava bar map. Let me know. ...

So my visit here was… interesting. I’m new to drinking kava and was stoked to learn of an actual kava bar in the city. I’m not an expert but the quality of the kava seemed good. The interior was also nice with a bar and plenty of tables. What really put me off was that both of the times I came here (both in the afternoon btw) the talk around the bar was pretty… unsavory let’s say. Maybe some would just write it off as bar talk- but as a place that probably would want to encourage newcomers it just feels like a weird vibe- especially when the bartender is telling the patrons a story about some stuff that should probably remain private… yeah, not interested in hearing that. Some people are coming for more of a coffee shop type feel or just to relax. The regulars and bar staff here seem kind of tight knit and maybe they’re just cool with that vibe, but I guarantee you it’s driving people away. I was excited to show this place to my friends, but...

This place is outstanding! I tried kava for the first time this week, and I've been telling all my friends about SquareRut. Very relaxing atmosphere and an excellent selection of kava. The staff is friendly, not pretentious, and very knowledgeable! Don't be afraid to ask questions - knowing which kava is right for you will enhance your experience. If you hate the flavor of the plain kava, ask them to add a flavor... I prefered the chocolate or nutty flavors to the fruity ones, but everyone is different.

As for the effect, it is very calming, and I really enjoyed the mellowness of it. They also sell bags of it to brew at home and even some instant kava as well! I picked up a kava chocolate bar, which was delicious and potent! Very glad to have this place in north central Austin, not far from my...