Root of Happiness Kava Bar | Davis — Restaurant in Davis

I was at this establishment today and witnessed something completely unacceptable and appalling. A customer was blatantly discriminated against because of his speech impediment by one of the employees. Despite clearly informing the server that he had a speech impediment and was not intoxicated, the server ignored him and proceeded to kick him out—solely based on something entirely out of the customer’s control.

To make matters worse, the server's hostile attitude incited other customers to verbally abuse and mock the individual, compounding the humiliation. This wasn’t just a misunderstanding—it was a disgraceful act of ableism, carried out in public and without a shred of compassion or professionalism.

It’s deeply troubling that something this ignorant and offensive happened in Davis. The employee in question, Gabe, demonstrated a complete lack of awareness and sensitivity. Immediate and thorough training is clearly needed—not just for Gabe, but for the entire staff—on how to interact respectfully and appropriately with people from all walks of life. This kind of behavior has no place in any community, especially one that claims to value inclusion...

Came here on a rainy Saturday afternoon to have my cousins try kava for the first time. The vibe inside is like a dark tiki bar. It's pretty mellow.

I've had kava before at another shop and maybe it's due to the difference between Fijian and Hawaiian kava (I had Fijian last time and Hawaiian here), but this version tasted much less bitter than I expected. The high tide is similar to mugwort juice, which I love. The rip tide was more concentrated. I had to remember to swirl the powder around in my cup before ingesting.

The cashier was so nice. I didn't catch her name but she was open to explaining all the different options to us.

My brother got the cocktail with a kava shot because he was scared of drinking the tea straight up. It tasted like juice but he didn't feel it much.

I felt a full body high after finishing my drink. We were able to sit in the soft couches. I expected there to be more games or activities provided but there wasn't anything. I saw some people studying and casually hanging with friends.

All in all, I think it's a worthwhile place to spend time in. They had a great approach for first-time drinkers of...

This is a gorgeous, relaxing, beautifully designed space. It's obvious how much care and thought were devoted to creating a welcoming environment - and it works.

The vibe is calm, chill, and friendly - one of the few places I've visited in the city where folks actually engage in a pleasant chat with strangers. There is often live music which seems to be carefully curated, and the owner is frequently onsite in the evenings, adding a very high-touch, personalized feel.

I find the staff to be very kind and well-informed about their menu - so if you're new to kava or unsure of what you'll like, all for recommendations. If you're unaccustomed to the taste of kava [or just not a fan] they also serve healthy kombucha and CBD beverages. There are plenty of tasty options for non-drinkers and sober friends.

If you're seeking a social experience outside of the typical bar scene, this is an awesome alternative. I highly recommend...