Kava Gator Coffee Shop — Restaurant in Gainesville

Careful with the kratam! I came in to study at night and wanted something without caffeine. I was recommended kratam and told it was "energizing but it had no caffeine." Maybe it’s my fault for not realizing I was consuming drugs, but I thought it was odd the kratom was not listed any differently on the menu than normal tea. I have friends who had it without any kind of effect. It was not unpleasant thankfully but please be careful and know what you are getting into. It simulates the feeling of taking morphine, and had I known that I would have gotten a latte lol. I do think that this is a really cute place and the shop owner and server are very sweet and let you try things before you buy. They seem to really care about your experience and product integrity. It feels very safe. I would definitely recommend coming here for kava/kratom if that is what you want, or even coffee because it is...

Do NOT buy the KRATOM. I have never had Kratom before, and it was advertised to me as a "beneficial, herbal replacement for coffee." All of a sudden, 45 minutes after I started drinking it, I felt very high, sweaty and shaky. I had to leave, go home, and take the rest of the day off work. I was sick for 12 hours, including a headache, nausea, vomiting, chills and the sweats. I did some research on Kratom, and this stuff is a stimulant that acts like an opioid, which makes sense, because I have had the same experience when prescribed Vicodin in the past. I can't take that kind of stuff. This business is unethical in selling a substance and not advertising the possible negative side effects that some people may experience. I regularly would go in there to work, because I can work from anywhere, but this place will no longer be receiving...

Kava Gator is hands down my favorite spot in Gainesville! The atmosphere is super chill—perfect for studying, catching up with friends, or just unwinding with a good drink. Their kava and kratom options are top-notch, but even if you’re just here for coffee, you won’t be disappointed. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable, happy to help you find the perfect drink for your vibe.

The place has a great mix of cozy indoor seating and a relaxed outdoor area, which is perfect on nice days. I also love that they host events and live music—it makes the space feel even more welcoming and community-driven.

Whether you’re a kava pro or just curious to try something new, this is the place to be....