Sip & Learn
What is Kava?
Kava is a drink made from the root of a plant in the pepper family native to the South Pacific. It's ground and kneaded into water to create a smooth, earthy beverage. People are drawn to kava for the way it helps them unwind, offering a noticeable sense of relaxation and a gentle lift in mood and sociability.
Kava is a natural, non-intoxicating plant that's been enjoyed for generations in social and ceremonial settings. It’s known for feeling calming and relaxing, offering a clear-headed, quiet euphoria. For many it's an alternative to drinking alcohol while still feeling something real and enjoyable.
Our Approach to Kava
At Old City Kava Company, we prepare kava the way it’s meant to be enjoyed: kneading pure, medium-grind kava root in water for a smooth, palatable experience. No shortcuts, just high-quality kava prepared with intention.
Proper preparation brings out kava’s naturally calming and uplifting qualities while keeping the taste approachable and the experience comfortable. Our focus is on consistency and quality, which is why we use our house crafted kava as the botanical base in all of our kava mocktails - never any extracts or synthetics.
What is a Kava Bar?
A kava bar is a social space built around kava and other non-alcoholic botanical drinks. Instead of centering the experience on alcohol, kava bars focus on relaxation, connection, and conversation in a calm, welcoming environment.
People visit kava bars to unwind, socialize, or spend time out without feeling rushed, overstimulated, or pressured to drink alcohol. The atmosphere is typically more relaxed than a traditional bar, though still energetic, with an emphasis on comfort, community, and intention.
At Old City Kava Co, we’ve reimagined the kava bar as a modern, day-to-night third space. By day, it’s a comfortable café for work, focus, or a quiet reset. By night, it shifts into a warm, social lounge with curated music, thoughtful lighting, and drinks designed to support unwinding and connection.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia that has been traditionally consumed as a tea for its naturally stimulating or calming properties, depending on the variety and preparation. It comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree and has been used for generations in social, cultural, and functional contexts.
In lower amounts, kratom is often described as uplifting, focusing, or gently energizing. In higher amounts, it can feel more relaxing and grounding. Because its effects are dose and variety-dependent, kratom offers a wide range of experiences, from daytime clarity to social lubrication to evening relaxation.
When prepared thoughtfully and consumed responsibly, kratom can be an appealing option for people looking for a functional, alcohol-free way to support their mood, energy, or sense of ease while staying present, clear-headed, and feeling great.
Kava vs. Kratom
Kava and kratom are often mentioned together, but they are distinct plants with different roles. What they share is intention: both are alcohol-free botanicals that support presence, connection, and feeling good without the downsides of drinking.
They’re commonly offered together because they support different moments. Many people gravitate toward kratom for clarity or gentle energy, and toward kava for unwinding and social ease. At Old City Kava Company, we treat them as complementary, not interchangeable, and help you explore what works best for you in a comfortable, low-pressure setting.
Our Approach to Kratom
At Old City Kava Company, we approach kratom with the same care and intention we bring to everything we serve. We only use high-quality, pure kratom leaf and prepare it thoughtfully, with an emphasis on consistency, balance, and approachability.
We never use synthetic products, isolates, or extracts. Our focus is on traditional, plant-based preparation that keeps the experience grounded and transparent - no shortcuts, no additives, and no unnecessary complexity.
Our role is to make the experience feel easy and welcoming. Whether it’s your first time or you already know what you enjoy, our team is here to help you find what fits.
