DaKava House — Restaurant in Billings

I’ve been visiting kava bars around the country for years, and I was genuinely excited to see multiple kava bars here in Montana. As a kavatender, ethnobotanical mobile bar owner, and USBG NA People’s Choice award winner from St. Petersburg, Florida, I’m part of a growing national network and always eager to see how other regions are cultivating the kava scene.

DaKava has a beautiful setup — the deck is great, and the summer weather paired with a fireplace makes it a cozy hangout spot. I’ve visited a few times now. The tea is well-filtered, a bit clearer than what I’m used to in St. Pete — it actually reminded me more of a Moon Mountain-style preparation. The kava has a semi-potent profile, and the shakers are thick, very very sweet, and generous in portion size. I’ve noticed some variation between locations.

They offer a good selection of strains — though I didn’t get the chance to confirm if they were noble strains. I did encounter a kavatender whose vibe wasn’t particularly warm or welcoming. Which to be honest seems the norm. They weren’t rude, just not inviting. That said, the other staff members have been at times friendly, so I assume it was just an off day or a mismatch. I had my dog with me, and while I’d previously seen off-leash dogs freely roaming here, I was politely asked to leash mine next time, which I was happy to do — no issue there.

I ordered what I thought would be a straight Vanuatu kava, which tends to be heady, but was offered Tonga instead — still a great alternative.

Where things took a turn was when I expressed surprise that my kava was served hot.

The reaction was… unexpected.

From everything I’ve read and experienced — including visiting yaqona farms and witnessing traditional Fijian preparation — kava (or ‘awa, in Hawaiian tradition) is served cold or at room temperature. I’ve found nothing in my research to suggest otherwise for Hawaiian methods. While serving hot kava doesn’t necessarily ruin potency, it can reflect a gap in understanding of traditional preparation methods and why they matter.

When I brought this up gently, hoping for a dialogue about traditional practice, I was met with defensiveness and what felt like animosity. As someone who takes pride in being knowledgeable and respectful of cultural context, this really threw me off. I don’t care how someone prepares their kava — I understand modern bars adapt for many reasons — but I do care about understanding why certain traditions exist, especially when it comes to health, safety, and cultural integrity.

I left feeling like I’d somehow been cast as the antagonist in a conversation I tried to approach with curiosity and care. Maybe I came off wrong, and if so, I regret that. But I left genuinely surprised and a little disheartened. I’m passionate about building a well-educated, intentional kava community. This plant holds deep cultural and healing significance — and I believe it deserves thoughtful handling, especially in a public service space where misunderstandings could jeopardize the entire community.

So I’m going to level with you: Kavatenders need to understand drug interactions. If they do not they are going to hurt someone. The ability to answer when asked by a first timer is paramount. No surprises. Welcoming attitude and a clear concise explanation of what’s going on. Flavor, effects, chemical understanding, history, traditional preparation. The basics.

This is my concern.

I have gently asked questions over time and it’s apparent there is a lack of consistency of education across the board.

I’m sure there are people at DaKava who are deeply knowledgeable and care deeply — and I truly hope this encourages some internal discussion about consistency, education, and shared values. This isn’t a “bash the business” post. I respect that they’ve built something with their own vibe. It just wasn’t the...

Same experience as Jamie. First time i went in to try no one greeted me. I stood behind a full bar and felt awkward trying to force my way to try something. Second time i went with a friend. Still not very friendly but i finally got to try a tea and it was great. The strange numbing was unexpected but tasted great and enjoy what I believe was kava. I went again today and still the full bar is still difficult to order and know what to do. Was not greeted but ask what i would like this time. I ordered the tea and was expecting something similar to my last time but think i ordered $7 flavored tea. Really wanted to get into the kava but it is too intimidating and not very friendly/helpful unless you sit at the bar or know someone? Would be better if it was clear where to order and staff greet and walk you through the kava experience. I guess this place is for experienced kava...

If you've never been to a kava bar before, this is where to start. The staff is friendly and informative, the atmosphere is inviting and accepting, and the kava is relaxing and makes even a socially awkward/anxious person start up a conversation with the stranger next to me and end up with a new friend. Plus it makes your tongue numb!! DaKava House kava bar is the perfect hang out for meetings, relaxing afterwork or workouts, late night hangtime with friends and its family friendly! If you wanna disconnect from this crazy world and connnect to some pretty awesome humans, then this is your home and new...