Green Turtle Kava Bar - St. Augustine — Restaurant in Florida

Let me preface this with the fact that while I heard "Kava" and "kratom" thrown around in passing, I never cared to investigate what it was about. I was simply looking for somewhere to sit down and drink some hot tea to wind down from a day exploring St Augustine. I searched "tea near me" and this places popped up a quarter mile from where I happened to be at the moment, with a full 5 star, mind you.

As I walked to the front door I saw "18 and up" and thought it strange. Ignorant, curious, enthusiastic; what the heck, I thought, and popped it open to find a pretty comfortable lounge. A long haired fellow with a sparkly septum approached me and I asked if they had any hot tea. He started to explain to me that this wasn't really that kind of tea, something about dehydrated pepper root that is then ground and brewed at a relatively low temp.

Nicely enough, I guess, he offered me a sample of what could only be described as dirt water in a wooden cup, and instead of "cheers" you'd conk these wooden chalices to "bula". My tongue started to tingle and I was intrigued. I figured this kid was nice enough, even though this wasn't my thing, I'd get an drink of this kratom tea as it was meant to be a sort of relaxant. "You probably don't want to shoot this one, just take your time with it," the kid said.

I obliged, and halfway through the drink I was HIGH af. At first, it was pretty mellow but it gradually escalated to the point of rot gut. Sweating, hot and uncomfortable, I had to step outside of the stuffy lounge and lay down on their outdoor bench. I did not finish the drink, and certainly didn't ask for the BOGO deal.

Instead I asked for some of kratom to brew at home so I could dose it more appropriately. I waved him down to cash me out, which he did, but then he started taking care of others and generally lingering around. I had to remind him, right after cashing out, "hey could you weigh this stuff and get me outta here, please?"

I'm 33, and when I was in high school the cool thing to do was to go to hookah lounges. It's a new generation, now, isn't it? While the service was friendly enough and the kava drink was tasty, I did get physically ill and accidentally high. I was, in fact, overcome with a calming sensation since then, but it's 5 30am the next day and haven't been able to sleep for more than an hour at a time. Glad I came, but it was a weirder experience...

My husband loves this bar and frequents it often. I was excited to bring him a tea and had him text me his order. I have heard nothing but amazing things about this place and was excited to experience it. I walked in and only one guy with blonde hair with a stretchy head band was behind the bar. Two customers were already served just lounging nearby and a sweet dog was hanging out. No one greeted me or said anything. I stood waiting for someone to say something or tell me what to do or how to order and after a few minutes I just sat down. The guy behind the bar never introduced himself approached after a few minutes and asked what I wanted. I explained I was new and was coming in for a green double kava for my husband (and one for me to try). He gave me a blank stare and said they dont sell kava only Kratom. I was really confused because my husband told me to order kava via text and the menu said double shot of kava which I pointed out. Instead of helping me understand or explaining anything he looked annoyed. The people pleaser in me said "okay Im sorry whatever you would normally do please." He set the card machine in front of me without saying anything. I paid. He set down two drinks and walked away without speaking. I'm annoyed with myself for tipping but being a service industry business owner I struggle to not tip. From one business owner to another, with this being my first experience I have never felt more unwelcome.

Update: i have been back twice since I read your message Lauren thinking maybe I need to give it another shot and he may have been having a bad day. Both kavatenders were extremely kind and welcoming. I asked a few questions and they were happy to explain the product in more detail. I gave three stars instead of five because my husband did come in last week and the kavatender that was rude to me initially told my husband "tell your wife we serve kratom not kava". No apology, explaination, or context given and walked away. My husband had nothing to do with my review and wasn't with me when the original visit happened. He has always praised this bar and the staff. This was the first time he felt unwelcome and understood why I was so upset with my...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Green Turtle Kava Bar, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of amazing. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality. The employees and the owner of this establishment truly go above and beyond to make every customer feel welcome and appreciated.

The staff at Green Turtle Kava Bar are a remarkable group of individuals. They possess an extensive knowledge of kava and its benefits, and they are more than happy to share their expertise and recommendations. Whether you're a kava connoisseur or new to this herbal elixir, they take the time to guide you through the menu, answer any questions you may have, and ensure that you have a memorable experience.

One of the things that impressed me the most was the dedication of the employees to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The ambiance at Green Turtle is perfect for unwinding and enjoying some quality time with friends or even finding solace in solitude. The staff's attentiveness to the customers' needs, combined with the cozy setting, makes it an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show—their products. Green Turtle Kava Bar offers an exceptional selection of kava beverages that are prepared with utmost care and precision. Each sip is a delightful journey, delivering a unique blend of flavors that range from earthy and herbal to subtly sweet and nutty. The quality of their kava is unparalleled, ensuring a consistently enjoyable experience with every visit.

Whether you're in the mood for a traditional kava drink or looking to explore their innovative kava-based creations, Green Turtle has something to suit every palate. They also offer a variety of other beverages and snacks for those seeking alternative options. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to cater to different tastes and preferences, making it a go-to destination for both kava enthusiasts and...