Kava Kasa — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

I wasn't going to write a review but Google asked me to so here it goes.

Firstly, and this is no secret, masks are not worn by staff or customers. Take from this what you will. If you're pro-mask, don't bother. Anti-mask, here's your place. They advertise as open (during the beginning of the 3-week restriction period instituted by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) for carryout and outdoor seating, but everyone just sits inside, hush hush wink wink. So, like I said, if that's your thing, here's your place.

Secondly, the prices. You can get your own kava locally or online for less. It's not fun squeezing and kneading the bag so maybe paying more is better for convenience sake. We used to treat ourselves to Kava Kasa regularly. We were happy to see on their website 30% off happy hour for students 2-6pm Mon-Fri. When we tried to use this discount we were told it was actually not available, due to lackluster business due to covid they couldn't afford discounts. Okay. Maybe a better-run and more honest business would remove this from their website; this was several months ago and it is still prominently displayed. We haven't...

Kava Kasa is a comfy establishment. They offer several coffees and teas in addition to the main draw, the Kava drinks.

You can read all about Kava online, I'm not gonna preach, so depending on who you read it's anywhere between a cure-all wonder-plant or a passing tea fad. This is the kinda place that uses the word "toxins" unironically in their menu.

I got the rare double, which is what they suggest for newcomers. Cost me around 14 bucks. There's lots of options on how to prep it, just like a coffee shop. It's meant to be chugged, and it did indeed lighten my mood and numb my lips and mouth a bit.

The staff were friendly and can walk a newcomer through, or serve a pro. This place is comfy and their social media pages have events listed, if you want to go to an open mic or a social club gathering.

I give it 4/5 because the prices are a bit high, even for a specialty drinks place. There's also a lot of dubious claims in their official handouts that could use some...

Visited last night with a kava-experienced friend. Was a little weirded out by what kava is because I’d never tried it. The employee (I think owner?) explained all the different menu items, how they affect people, made suggestions, and explained the many benefits of kava. I was a little in denial of it really effecting me much, but after trying it, it’s a new favorite. Helped with chronic back pain and some anxiety relief. He also made sure to mention to me that the kava will numb my mouth when he gave it to me, and how it’s normal and okay.

Overall I was just really impressed with the experience, the actual location is very cool, though we didn’t stay in, ordered to-go. Hoping to come back very soon.

Highly recommend getting vanilla almond milk with lavender, though I’m sure there are tons of amazing...