Kava Bars in Australia
The Australia Kava Bar Scene
Kava bars in Australia are a relatively new thing. Since Australia began their phase 2 kava trial (January, 2022), slowly but surely kava bars are opening around Australia. The kava bar scene is very much in its infant stage, in fact so small that to date there are only two in Queensland. However much like 20 years ago in the USA, these kava pioneers are taking the first steps into in a kava bar scene that will be a much larger scene in a few years’ time. The first commercial kava bar opened in the USA in 2000. Twenty-two years later there are over 240 kava bars throughout the US and more opening every month.
Let’s take a look at how these Australian kavatrenenaurs are busting down the door for kava bars in Australia
Elixir Kava Bar – Cairns
Address: Level 1/92 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Phone: 0497 119 956
Kava Bar – Slacks Creek
Address: SHOP 2 76-86 QUEENS ROAD, SLACKS CREEK
Phone: 0481 785 227
In a quiet area of Slacks Creek, the discerning kava drinker can find Queensland’s first fully fledged kava bar. Called simply “Kava Bar” it has been operating since May 2022. The proprietor Ned and his wife established the kava bar for kava drinkers in the area to be able to enjoy a few shells. They have a comfortable chill-out area as well as a pool table and a large screen TV to catch the footy on. Board games and Chess are available for the kava drinkers who like to flex their brains after a few shells. The Kava Bar has a distinct Fiji vibe and is an excellent place to go to meet new people and enjoy the Fiji Kava vibe.
The kava served is a nice traditional root blend of Lewena and Waka. The kava culture here is very much Fiji style, so expect large Tanoa bowls servings of moderate strength kava, designed to have you nicely chilled throughout your time there.
The Kava Bar has already built up a strong local following. When we visited a steady stream of locals stopped in. Some stayed on for kava, others grabbed takeaway kava and other also grabbed some of their delicious butter chicken (available on request).
If you are in the area, we highly recommend you stop in and enjoy a shell and the Fijian Kava Culture.
Blacston Wear – Kava Bar on demand!
Address: 3/60 Vulture Street West End, Brisbane
Phone: 0449 524 244
Smack bang in the centre of Brisbane’s counterculture hub West End, is Blacston Wear . Owned by Alfred Quai, it is a fashion label and retail outlet. However, they also sell kava powder and even better, they also prepare Vanuatu kava juice on demand.
Alfred makes his kava juice in Vanuatu fashion. This means it is very strong compared to Fiji kava juice. It also means you need to be conservative in the amount you drink. When we stopped in, Alfred had prepared some Borogu kava into a rich and strong juice. Sitting out the front of the store drinking from the Tanoa was an excellent experience and highly recommended for a non-alcoholic wind down at the end of the day.
