Shanti Kava Bar — Restaurant in Saint Augustine

✨ Shanti Kava – A Holistic Haven in St. Augustine ✨ 📍 525 FL-16 Suite 130, St. Augustine, FL

The word “Shanti” translates to calmness, peace, and tranquility—and from the moment you step inside Shanti Kava, that’s exactly what washes over you. The air feels different here: relaxed, unhurried, almost as if time itself has decided to take a deep breath. It’s the kind of place where strangers smile at one another, and regulars greet each other like old friends. Owners Denise and Troy set the tone beautifully—warm, welcoming, and genuinely engaged with every guest, creating a space that feels more like a community gathering than just another café.

Shanti Kava is St. Augustine’s premier kava bar, offering more than just drinks. It’s a thoughtfully curated lounge centered around connection, creativity, and wellness. Rooted in sustainability, they host weekly events and serve carefully sourced botanical drinks and wholesome bites that nourish both body and spirit. Their menu blends kava, coffee, botanical teas, and healthy fare—everything designed to make people feel good, inside and out.

We sampled a bit of everything during our visit. The Salted Caramel Latte and Organic Coffee were comforting and rich—perfect companions for an unhurried afternoon. The Shanti House Salad, with its organic field greens, tomatoes, red onion, and feta tossed in their signature vinaigrette, was light, fresh, and flavorful.

Their Flatbreads were equally impressive. The Buffalo Chicken flatbread, topped with grilled chicken, mozzarella, and a zesty buffalo sauce, came with a side of ranch for the perfect finishing touch. The Mediterranean flatbread, layered with feta, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil pesto, offered a bright and earthy flavor combination that paired wonderfully with their botanical drinks.

Speaking of drinks—this is where Shanti Kava truly shines. The Painkiller was a delightful, alcohol-free blend of Kavahol, pineapple and orange juices, creamy coconut, ginger syrup, orange bitters, sparkling water, and a fruit garnish. It’s robust, layered, and incredibly satisfying. The Shrooms & Tonic, a curious and invigorating mix of St. Juniper with tonic, lion’s mane, birch, yuzu, damiana, cucumber, and a touch of fruit nectar, felt like nature’s tonic—uplifting, grounding, and refreshingly unique.

For those new to it, Kava is a traditional, plant-based beverage made from the root of Piper methysticum, a shrub native to the South Pacific. For over 3,000 years, it has held a sacred place in cultures across Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga. Known for its earthy taste and calming effects, kava is traditionally shared in communal gatherings, symbolizing hospitality, connection, and peace. Unlike alcohol, it relaxes the body and enhances mood without being addictive—making it the perfect companion for meaningful conversations and quiet reflection.

In every way, Shanti Kava lives up to its name. It’s more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a sanctuary of calm in a busy world, where good food, intentional drinks, and genuine human connection come together seamlessly.

🌿 Shanti Kava is not just a stop—it’s...

We visited Shanti Kava — St. Augustine’s newest holistic haven — and it was such a refreshing experience from start to finish.

The space immediately feels welcoming — cozy, earthy, and calm, with a layout that encourages you to slow down, connect, or simply unwind. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for hours, whether you’re catching up with a friend or need a peaceful moment for yourself.

We started with the Salted Caramel Latte and Organic Coffee, both perfectly balanced and smooth (you can tell they care about quality sourcing). For food, the Shanti House Salad was fresh and vibrant — organic greens tossed in their house vinaigrette with just the right amount of feta and red onion.

We also tried two of their flatbreads — the Buffalo Chicken, which had a nice kick and melty mozzarella, and the Mediterranean Feta, loaded with sundried tomatoes, spinach, and basil pesto — absolutely delicious!

But what really stood out were their botanical drinks. The Painkiller was tropical and creamy with subtle ginger and citrus notes — like a vacation in a glass (minus the alcohol). The Shrooms & Tonic was earthy, refreshing, and surprisingly uplifting — you can feel the natural energy boost from the adaptogens.

Owners Denise and Troy were wonderful — so caring, passionate and wonderful about creating a community-centered, alcohol-free space rooted in mindfulness and wellness. And our server Talia was amazing — friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about everything on the menu.

It’s clear that Shanti Kava isn’t just another café — it’s a thoughtfully designed sanctuary for body and mind. Whether you’re looking to explore kava culture, enjoy healthy bites, or just soak in the peaceful vibe, this spot is definitely worth a visit.

📍Shanti Kava 525 FL-16 Suite 130, St. Augustine, FL

If you’re local or passing through, stop by and experience it for yourself — your nervous system...

So, I've been attending kava bars for about 10 years all over the state of Florida, and they have been instrumental in helping me stay strong on my sobriety journey. I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in this industry.... I gotta say, the other kava bars in St. Augustine are worth the visit, but Shanti Kava is without a doubt, my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE in this town. The owners are phenomenal people, they took the time to ask the community what was most important to them, and then actually gave it to them. The staff is extremely helpful and fun, the food and drink menu is diverse and has something for EVERYONE, they have pool, darts, board games, and an all-around inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Everyone I've met at Shanti, staff AND clientele, have been friendly, conversational and drama-free, and I've definitely made a few good friends here. If you're looking for your new favorite hangout in St. Aug, you've found it! This is the kind of place that promotes a healthy social life without all the drawbacks of the bar scene. HIGHLY recommended, you...