The Karma House - Kava Bar — Restaurant in Lakewood

Updated Review:

I am respectfully updating my review to reflect a more positive experience after reading the response from the owner of this business. Accountability is an endagered species in this world, and I appreciate the fact that there was enough care to prompt a discussion amongst the staff. It's not that they have to treat minorities as 'special' compared to others, but I would argue that they should pay 'special attention' to making them feel welcome if they want them to feel included in that space. If you are the only one of your "kind" in any environment, it's invariably going to put you in an awkward position from the crowd off the bat. Other customers aren't going to notice this (and it's not their responsibility frankly, they're there to enjoy themselves too). So that leaves it to the people that run the show at a business to be sensitive and to conciously work towards creating the feeling that ALL are welcome there. It doesn't take much - just put yourself in their shoes and imagine what would make you feel invited and welcome, and try to do those things! :)

Old Review:

Had heard about this place and was super excited to visit a business that was focused on community/fostering connection, but I don’t know….maybe I came at the wrong time when just people who knew each other were there, maybe it’s because they’re were no other “non-white” people there when I went. But I stood at the bar for at least 10 mins trying to get the attention of the two bartenders, because I really wanted to try Kava tea, but it seemed like they were too occupied to orient someone new to the place. The search continues for an inclusive environment that isn’t cliquey and where you can truly be welcomed as a stranger. Giving 2 stars because of the benefit of the doubt in that this may have just been the wrong time (I visited at 4:30 pm when it wasn’t THAT...

I am visiting Colorado for the first time in my life and I am from Florida, where there is no shortage of kava bars. I checked out some of the competitors in the surrounding areas, but The Karma House Kava Bar is BY FAR the best experience I had. As soon as I sat at the bar, the kavatender, Manny, acknowledged that I existed (something that the other kava bars in the area failed to do), and asked me how he could help me. He informed me that since I was a first-time visitor, I could get a double Vanuatu shell. When I saw that they actually used shells instead of cups, I was very pleased.

I ended up ordering another shell and grabbing a CBD soda from their fridge. The atmosphere was welcoming and the other patrons in the bar seemed down-to-earth. They had a calendar with something going on every single day during the month. Whoever does their event planning - kudos to you! The fact that this kava bar is open from 8am-3am most days and then 24 hours on Friday/Saturday is awesome and makes it a nice place to go super late night/early morning.

The kava tasted decent and it wasn't super overpowering, which is exactly the way I like it. I felt like the effects came on slowly. Whoever is brewing the kava here, again, kudos to you!

Around noon, Manny informed me that for $1, I could get another double Vanuatu shell for their 'kava slam'. The next time I am in Colorado, this will probably be the ONLY kava bar I visit (unless there is something new by the time...

I've been several times over the past few years and I really want to like it. Unfortunately, between the overstimulating/excessive volume of the music (if I wanted to not be able to talk I'd go to a club), the way people treat their dogs (letting them wander, ignoring their overstimulation, not giving them water), the cigarette smokers perpetually barricading the doors right beneath the no smoking sign, and the seeming suspicion and othering attitudes of the regulars, it's tough. None of my friends want to go back when I take them.

It's a shame because I'd really love to be part of the community and I appreciate the occasional shell of kava. But even staying when I want to us difficult because it's really hard to find a seat as people leave piles of their stuff all over the couches, tables and bar and camp them while not actually sitting at them the majority of the time. I've also never managed to get a game of pool in because they camp that too.

It really feels like an in-crowd establishment: if you don't know the people there, the regulars won't show you even basic courtesy. I have enjoyed most of my interactions with the staff though, so I still intend to pop by from time to time. I just hope they improve. They do seem really responsive to the reviews and feedback,...