Mystic Water Kava Bar Ventura — Restaurant in Ventura

Love going to kava bars when I travel around and can't say I'd be returning to this one, unfortunately. Initially, I knew I'd be passing through and wanted to pick up some dry kava to take back home with me and thought I'd call first to make sure they offer retail. The phone rang multiple times and eventually went to voicemail. I tried calling a time or two after that and no answer. No big deal, I'll try messaging on Instagram instead. I was able to get in contact with someone to ask about retail and it was the most dry virtual interaction, almost as if they really didn't care about making a sale and barely answering my questions of retail options, portions, and pricing. At that point, I wasn't sure if I even wanted to go and thought I'd give the benefit of the doubt and still check it out. As I was passing through, I went in and decided to simply order the first thing on the menu, which is a "double" to go. The space was chill, a cute cat inside that was friendly, fun looking area for the location as well. The "double" is a 6 or 8oz portion (smaller than I was expecting) for $15. The person behind the counter asked if I wanted to pay with cash or card and I asked what was better for them. They said it was up to me. I said I can pay in cash, no thinking about tax. I then said that I'd actually like to pay with card instead. The person then accepted my card and rang me up without mention of the small transaction fee. I signed the receipt and left. Not only was the kava very weak, but when I got to the bottom of the cup, I paused, looked in the cup, and spit out the rest as there was nothing but kava grinds at the bottom of the cup. Really not a pleasant experience, I felt it was overpriced for what it was, and not a quality serving. I truly hope this isn't the case for everyone, and I have no...

Mystic Water is a magical place that primarily serves Kava, a powdered root "tea" with a long tradition from the Polynesian islands; no alcohol is served here. Kava has been used traditionally to bring communities together. It is relaxing, enhances sociability & openness, & provides a mild euphoria at slightly higher doses. I drive up from the San Fernando Valley nearly every week on Friday, sometimes also on Saturday for the monthly "Black Swan" events, or an occasional Sunday evening visit. Regulars as well as new folks often show up to enjoy sharing Kava, or to try it for the first time, and the bar often turns into a room of respectfully congenial friends, with often inspiring conversations about a variety of subjects that may lean toward the mystical, spiritual & other fascinating & thought provoking subjects. With the magic of Kava, there is created a delightful social environment where one may safely drop their social mask & easily connect with others without the brash, awkward, often imposing & off-putting negative effects that can accompany alcohol consumption. Avi, the owner/operator of Mystic Water, is a man with a fascinating, storied past full of remarkable experiences, & he often prompts intriguing, sometimes challenging, & inspiring conversations with and among his guests, who vary widely in age and background. I have been coming to Mystic Water nearly every week for about two years now, and it is always a socially fulfilling, soul-nourishing experience where I have met new friends, learned new things, and from which I typically leave feeling inspired, uplifted, restored, and at peace, thanks to the magic of Kava, and the wonderful people Avi and his Kava draw in. Mystic Water has become my first & favorite choice for public social engagement, stress relief, and a sense...

FINALLY! A unique and eclectic environment in Ventura that cultivates community and the power of kava. From the time that I have been in this area, I have seen this location change many hands. I truly hope that this place stays around for a very long time. Once you walk into this gorgeous environment, you will feel a very unique vibe. This place is absolutely gorgeous! I felt immediately at home as Avi (the owner) is kind, generous and extremely welcoming in an authentic way.

One of the worst feelings you can ever have is to feel unwelcome when you first visit a new space. I’m telling you, I have a sense that this little find is going to be establishing an amazing name for itself - because whoever steps inside these doors will find a community that feels like home (as long as they are welcome to it of course). Whether you go alone or you are in a group - Mystic Water is a place where you can truly explore a unique environment, amazing community and of course… the ceremonial kava that is an alcohol-free alternative for a social night life.

Avi - you brought magic to this area. Thank you for breathing new life into Ventura. You are doing magical things and you are cultivating a circle that is absolutely amazing. Your environment is an extension of home - something that is very rare in this day and age. Thank you for creating something truly magical, amazing and on-point for this area. You are doing incredible work. With all this being said, I clap twice, hold up my coconut shell and...