Dignitary Cafe — Restaurant in Tampa

Part (1/2)

AVOID Dignitary Tea and Kava bar. I recently had a horrible experience with management there and I’ll explain here + provide follow up slides. Let me preface this by saying that I am the last person to make this kind of post but I gave it some thought and figured I was wrong enough to warrant this.

For context, I am straight edge so therefore don’t drink Kava or Kratom. I’m committed to sobriety and have been since I was a kid. I was introduced to that place by my girlfriend. I only go there to socialize (I have some friends there) and to accompany her. On multiple occasions, I purchased candy or soda.

However, on Thursday April 6th, 2023, I was kicked out. The owner Ian, cited his reasons as that I “don’t drink Kava or Kratom” and “don’t purchase anything”. Only one of those is true. On that day, I was minding my business, playing an arcade game, when a bartender took it upon himself to announce a one drink minimum rule that is hardly ever enforced by admission of a regular customer of theirs. I had just eaten a lot of food at Buffalo Wild Wings before going to dignitary and drank 2 full glasses of lemonade there. That bartender then came over specifically to me and asked me if I wanted any Kava or Kratom. I refused. I refused for 2 reaons. I don’t drink kava or Kratom and secondly I was stuffed. He then proceeded to list coca cola products hoping I would buy one. I refused again. I was too full, I didn’t even want water.

I got off that arcade machine then played chess with a friend when that same bartender came over to my table a second time. This time, he informed me directly of their one drink minimum and asked if I would buy anything. I refused again and then he said I’d have to leave. My girlfriend was in the bathroom during all of this so I ASKED him at that moment if it was OK to wait for my girlfriend before exiting the building (since I’m not going to buy anything on a full stomach no matter what you tell me). He says that’s OKAY and walks away. I resume my game and the owner, Ian, remarks to me saying “there are rules here young man” insinuating that I broke their rules by not purchasing a drink. I said “I know, I just spoke with your bartender about this, I’ll leave once my girlfriend comes out of the bathroom”

The owner proceeded to antagonize me by standing up, walking over to me and saying I have to leave immediately despite my previous agreement with the bartender. I respond with “OK, but that’s coercion, you can’t force people to buy things, especially when their partner already bought something and gave you money” and he was adamant that I leave, so I...

I wanted to update my review as the place is growing and I'm growing on the place as well! I feel like I take advantage because when I'm super stressed, or just a little over the top on things that really should not bother me, I stop in and hang out with both the customers and the staff. I do feel it's critical to mention that the staff are the reason I come back. Just for a second, let's acknowledge that Kava and Kratom have an effect on the mind and body, so don't let that fact slip on by, HOWEVER!!! It is absolutely the folks that work that that get me back down to the ground level way before the drinks can kick in. Now...Let's be honest. Why are you going to Dignitary Cafe in the first place? I go to seriously chill out. If you're looking to relax, be around accepting non-judgemental people, and just "be" while maybe engaging in a light conversation, or playing chess, or a classic style video game, all while music and mellow lighting have a calming effect, there really is no place like Dignitary Cafe because the folks that visit, and the folks that work there really have a tendency to make me feel welcome, and relaxed. In all honesty I struggle to do those things (relax, fit in, be around the public) therfore I really enjoy the time I spend here. I'm a veteran, so I'm not quite normal, but I feel like I belong when I'm hanging out. I wish I could express better what that means, but you'll get the point if...

As someone who works in the kava industry and has been to every kava bar in the Bay Area, I am very happy to say Dignitary is a must visit. Located in South Tampa off Westshore, you can already feel at home when you walk up to the Rasta decorated location. The owner, Ian, is so friendly, always going out of his way to talk to customers and provide great service along with the rest of the staff. The kavatenders who have become my friends, William and Ally, are absolutely wonderful to be around & provide excellent service. On my weekends when I’m off work from my smoke shop, this is where I go to hang out! I am thankful for them and that it is only a mile from my house. A must go to if you love chess, good people, chill atmosphere, pool, strong drinks, & arcade games!

UPDATE 2025 - so happy to call this amazing place my second home and the people who go/work there my second family. Been attending for over a couple years now & always have the BEST time. As someone who has been working in the industry since 2022, I find it funny that other people claim Dignitary doesn’t have the best/strongest products and drinks in South Tampa. It 100% knocks any other kava bar in the area out of the water with the quality, atmosphere, community, and price. A true gem of South Tampa! 🫶✨ my...