Kava DSM — Restaurant in Des Moines

Look, I’m the last person who wants to come off like a Karen over trivial things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of life, but I had some issues the last time I was there that need addressed. I love the food here, I always have. I’m a loyal customer and I regularly drop 20-80 dollars when I get coffees, waffles, smoothies and salads from the cooler, and I always ALWAYS tip 20%. However the last time I was there, I bought over $90 in stuff, stuff from the cooler and a coffee and heated up cinnamon roll, all that plus tip for almost a hundred dollars. Now, I’ve been here enough to know that I should bring a book and be prepared for a little wait time. I’m fine with that, excellence deserves patience. However, I waited 45 minutes and realized from the smell in the air that they were burning my roll. I ask them when it will be ready and the blonde girl (who has been ignoring her job, preferring instead to simp over a young good looking blonde boy-this boy who by the way has been at the end of the counter eating a smoothie out of the blender mixer with a spoon.isn’t this a health code violation?) and she exclaims “oh!” And then pulls my blackened roll out of the toaster and giggles like it’s cute. Okay. I’m already annoyed. I’ve been here for way too long already. After handing me a frozen one, I ask the other girl, did you make my affogato yet? This girl, (who, to be fair, was working on food for others) also exclaims “oh!” …they completely forgot I ordered it. Why am I paying so much money and tipping 20% for service like this? The way they brushed me off like it wasn’t a big deal too, was just infuriating. I don’t even think I heard the blonde girl apologize, she just shrugged and asked if I wanted the burnt roll. No I don’t want a charred roll, why tf would I want that? With such a limited time window for parking, you’d think they would be a little more empathetic for the people who are waiting 30+ minutes for one item each? My partner ordered pizza next door and had it in less than 30 min. Granted they have more staff working to match the pace of their lines, but there was only 2 people waiting on food ahead of me. So we didn’t think a coffee and a heated roll would take so long and we very nearly didn’t get out of the parking lot in time. This is a nice place, but you have to know when the “good” baristas are working. I used to avoid coming in altogether when there was a young man working there (who thankfully seems to have moved on to a new job) who would flat out refuse to make menu items for me because “we just don’t do that here”. I remember looking at a little sign you guys had saying you could make floats with ollipop and gelato? “Sorry, we don’t make those here anymore.” Huh. That’s weird because you still sell the soda and the gelato and all you need is a cup? But, whatever? “Oh, okay, can I get a waffle?” “Sorry, I don’t think we have any waffle mix”. It was 2 in the afternoon. “Are you sure? Can you go check? There are only so many places I can go to eat gluten free.” “Yeah no, we don’t have it.” “Okay….well can I have a red velvet smoothie instead?” “I’ve never heard of that, we don’t make that here.” I pointed at the sign right in front of me advertising it. It was honestly just comedic at this point when he removed his hat and scratched his head like I was pointing to a copy of the lost Enochian scrolls or something. Even better was that he REMOVED THE SIGN so that no one could order it again. I guess all I have to say is, can you start hiring people that are properly trained for the job they’re getting paid for? Or who will do the job at hand instead of flirting with boys? I know they probably don’t get paid enough to deal with the public but I’m always willing to tip people the most since I’ve worked in the service industry for years. I’m just disappointed because now I feel like I need to go to other places for healthy options. I realize that bad reviews hurt small businesses and things happen, but this wasn’t just understaffing, and I have the right to post a review if I...

Absolutely obsessed with this place. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing, with ambient lighting, comfy seating, and plants everywhere. The woman working, Trisha, was very helpful and kind. She provided education about kava and their kava drinks, which my boyfriend and I ended up loving. A mocktail with a kick! We tried the Kava Kolada and the Lemon Butterfly (similar to a lavender lemonade) and both were delicious and effective. We stayed for about 2.5 hours to chat and did not feel rushed at all. The vibe is very easygoing— there are so few places in Des Moines that double as a restaurant and a chill spot and I’m so happy I found this one!! They have board games available for use as well, which we will definitely utilize next time. The gelato and sorbet was to die for. Our favorites were the white chocolate raspberry and pistachio. (you can get a flight with 4 scoops for $8 and try multiple flavors!) The parking lot is $5/hr, but you can redeem 2 hours free with any purchase, or there is plenty of street parking within walkable distance. Highly recommended supporting a local business, especially such a unique and cozy one! (Special thanks for Trisha for such a great...

⚠️🚨 STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE🚨⚠️

Bro this was one of the most DISGUSTING awful waffles I have ever had. You can make a better "Dubai Chocolate" gelato waffle at home with some box mix, a waffle maker and ben and jerry's ice cream. You could taste the egg, it tasted like pure egg and flour mixed together. How do u mess up on a waffle?! LIKE HUH?! The pistachio ice cream just tasted like dirt. My friend paid over $20 for just something so nasty. WHY DID WE WAIT over 20 minutes FOR A FUNKY WAFFLE. All this place cares about is how it looks. This is the second time we've had gross food here.

Additionally the WORKERS, they cant be over 18 😭. They have no idea what hospitality is. My friend walked over, obviously wanting to say something, they just ignored her, and told her to put her plate down. They didnt care if they made it good. It was a girl with brown hair who was just so dismissive. I know you're at work and I know you wanna just get stuff done- but just treat people like humans not just customers. It doesnt take a lot to be kind.

Anyway, if you want something pretty to post on instagram for 20 bucks! Sure! come here. But if you want...