Kavasutra

The kava drink was by the far the worst tasting drink I’ve ever had. It made my body numb all over and I advise that no one ever tries this god awful drink! Try booch instead.

What a great experience very relaxing environment and the guy behind the bar is very friendly… definitely going back soon!

I will try anything one time for real. Feeling a little in the dumps decided to pass by here and check out this natural remedy elixir. I am pretty skeptical and optimistic when it comes to botanicals. But I do believe in the power of mother earth and all it has to offer.
As I sat at the bar I tried a double of Kava drink which wasnt bad, just a little chalky but passable. The barkeep was quite friendly and talkative to say the least but not overly patronizing. As I watched the tv screen of people in a forest in some indiginent land. They were hunting and catching wild bats for their daily meal. It made me feel quite humble too think I have it bad. They are eating bats!!!
I ordered some Kratom to go which was quite more powerful compared to the Kava. This made me feel more relaxed and at ease. I liked that better than the kava. I mixed the kratom with some gatorade to cut the flavor.
The prices are pretty high to say the least $ 17 to $ 25 for a pre mixed drink that has some kick. Just stick with the Kratom and you will be fine.

Great experiences here, always. Kavasutra is unique with great service and a wonderful atmosphere. I was really nervous the first time — I had no idea how it would feel. But, I’ve never been so relaxed in my life!
It doesn’t taste great at all but that’s to be expected. They always have interesting stuff on the TV so when the buzz kicks in, the television is mesmerizing.
Tip: For your first time go big or go home. You have to get the $ 25 drink or I heard it’s possible the effects won’t be as great. For your subsequent times, it’s not necessary. Hope that’s true — check with the bartender as they’re all super knowledgeable!

My friend and I had a great experience here. The Kavatender, Skylar, was attentive and knowledgable! Come here for a laid back experience.

First time here, came right after a session at the Russian baths (across the street) for some added relaxation, and it was an awesome first experience. Bartender was super friendly and helpful, and it was a nice place to chill for a while post shell.

The bartenders are so friendly. U feel like at home. They know their job. Very happy be here and will come back a lot :)

I’m guessing this all depends on the person. I may have went into this with high expectations too. I thought I was going to feel so relaxed and/​or high that I would be feeling like I’m sitting in the clouds. Basically I thought this would feel like legalized marijuana so I was ecstatic.
I did feel relaxed though after my two drinks. However, I wasn’t on the same level as my partner. I think he had a dose of the legal marijuana feeling I was looking for. He kept mentioning how relaxed his body was and how he can’t even feel his face (weeknd’s voice). At first I thought he was exaggerating until he barfed all over the floor outside, even then I thought maybe he just had bad lunch.
What I did like about Kavasutra is the calming atmosphere, great service, and the small petite location hidden in the East Village. I wouldn’t mind trying this again because the price is decent, it does give you a little sensation, and it’s healthy. Wait, is it healthy?

Amid the cultish reviews posted here, I came for the experience but was underwhelmed with kava. Relaxing enough atmosphere with nature visuals to zone out on, young 20s, early 30s East Village crowd, but kava did nothing positive for me. Also, rather limited offerings and should offer food on the menu.
I strongly advise caution with ingesting kava if you have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and are seeking a low grade benzo alternative. Personally, do not recommend and please research liver toxicity if you have decreased liver metabolism, alcohol allergies, etc.
I ingested the Ed Shell and a double per bartender’s recommendation and almost immediately felt intense nausea which also triggered a severe rash that led to a psoriatic outbreak the following day. My friend also experienced nausea and skin itchiness. The bartender was polite enough, but was not very informed of the side effects of kava and had also jokingly mentioned another female patron had vomited on the bar over the weekend so health hazards may be understated. Just basically said we had to ingest a large amount in the beginning and that kava had reverse tolerance so we had to drink more to feel the effects. Hmmm.
Marketed as a healthier alternative to alcohol, but management needs to clearly post potential side effects as a disclaimer and inform staff.

This was certainly an experience and worth experiencing once. But, it wasn’t for me. So, it might be for you, but I felt really groggy and tired the next day even though there isn’t supposed to be a hangover. I didn’t drink much either, just a double and an ed shell in the course of a few hours. I also couldn’t get past the taste. I really don’t think I could come back just because of the taste!

This spot is great drinks taste like earth and dirt but feel great great atmosphere will def go back going back soon especially to try the red top lol

I wanted to give this more stars because my first time with Justin behind the bar was AMAZING and he’s really amped about the product. I never write reviews because, who cares? HOWEVER my trip today was bogus. The bartender/​manager was obnoxious and was just having fun with the other employees (who also seemed obnoxious). I want to recommend it but if the next time I come they’re just as ridiculous I’ll just skip it forever. Good luck.

I floated through town for a minute. My pal, who showed up late to a little social gathering I’d orchestrated, hit me with the awesomely inviting peer pressure inquiry of, «Dude, have you ever heard of kratom?»
I’d already been up plenty long enough, but my pal was insistent: «I’ll buy it for you. It’ll make your flight home perfect.»
Walking in to this spot shortly after midnight, the vibe is straight-​up East Village Tatooine, total East Village Mos Eisley Cantina. folks spaced out, drinking bantha milk and listening to space jazz or some shit. Slow-​motion nature footage played on the flatscreen over a Washed Out song. I immediately slipped into an opium headspace, eyes half-​shut, total contact buzz. Dudes working there were informative and conversational, super enthusiastic, but in a low-​key way. My pal recommended a pair of the yellow-​cap pre-​brewed kratom teas and, true to his benevolent word, he paid.
As I traversed Manhattan the following afternoon, en route to La Guardia, I drank both of the kratom teas in the back of the cab — bitter, sure, but not awful, possibly due to the addition of citrus? — and shortly thereafter felt a lovely warmth of relaxation wash over me. I felt coherent and able to focus, yet extremely relaxed. This effect intensified with time and lingered ’til I arrived at my home, floating in a cocoon, a few hours later, and truly made my flight one of the most memorable I’ve had.
Didn’t get a chance to try the kava, but I definitely will when I’m back.
Naturally, I thanked my pal profusely.

Friendly staff, very welcoming and inviting environment. The drink is a good supplement for alcohol.

Great new unique spot to visit in the east village. I love to feel good and keep it natural so I rushed to this place after work on a Friday to see what it’s about. The place is really too tiny to be a bar, I ordered a double of one their popular Kavas to go.
I don’t see Kava ever becoming an acquired taste since its so bitter and medicine like but I definitely felt good after drinking it. You feel your tongue numbing long after drinking the kava and it has a lot of after taste. Just wish they could somehow make it taste better.

Friend and I were curious so we peeked in to inquire about kava. If you day drink, you may not want to try kava as it’s best not to mix (learned courtesy of the girl next to us who did have a drink).
Justin explained the pros/​cons of the kava and we tried the edshell. The taste is like Chinese herbal medicine (earthy) and the pineapple helps to cleanse the palate. The first sensation is your tongue goes numb (similar to dental visit for a cavity filling). 10 – 15 minutes later, I felt super relaxed (similar to post massage). Overall, an interesting experience.
Here’s an in-​depth article:

The best new gem in the city. If you haven’t tried their potions, try it ASAP. great chill ambiance to relax after a stressful day. So much better than happy hour booze !! And less repercussions !

What a great experience it was here. I went grand opening day but didn’t stay for the evening festivities. The owners and their families were there from Florida and they were all so nice. I wish them much success.
It was a great communal adventure. Kava is an acquired taste. The shot you can get with strawberry is tasty. Or, you can add Torani sweeteners to the normal kava bowls.
I was headed to the juice bar when I saw the sign, «alcohol is so 2014». That drew me in and I had a great afternoon adventure.

Come all ye who are anxious, hyper, grieving, depressed, nursing an aching heart, or generally pained, frazzled or stressed — THIS is the place you need to be if you want to really get through it and relax in the long run.
I happened to be walking down the street when I saw all the flyers for Kavasutra. A place for Kava in NYC?! Could it be true? I had to check it out.
Although the place is small, the atmosphere (on a weekday at any rate) was calm and friendly. I’d take this a million times over any bar. I have familiarity with western herbalism and some ethnobotanicals, so Kava and Kratom are not new to me. However, I welcomed the bartenders additional information on Kava’s use as a beverage, as my experience came in tincture form. Let me share some advice for those of you who are new.
1) This is NOT alcohol, don’t treat it as such (except in its ability to mellow you out to naptime). Kava has some mighty strong relaxant, antidepressant and sedative effects, without leaving you in an altered mind state like alcohol does. Go in, have *a* drink, and let it work its magic. Socialize. See how you feel. Come back again another day, or get one for takeout.
2) The body needs a strong dose initially, then can take lighter and lighter doses for the same effect with regular use. The Ed Shell is the recommended starter drink.
3) This is just my opinion, but Kava in its basic traditional form tastes… uhh… earthy with lip tingly qualities? Medicinal? KNOCK IT BACK (it may take two or three gulps). Eat your pineapple to clear your palate. Remember, it’s good for you. :) I have yet to try the shots, but I understand that they’ve come up with some flavor blends to make it more tasty. I was there for the healing quality.
4) As with any other food, drink or herb, while this is generally safe for most folks, I do recommend you do a little homework first, and go easy!
I have to say that the strength of the stuff I was served was far better than the tincture dosing I’d had in the past. I had all the mellowed out feeling with none of the nausea/​dizziness of an equivalent strength of alcohol. Mentally, it was like a hose was putting out the fire of stress in my mind — things I had been stuck on for weeks gradually came into perspective again. I slept soundly for the first time in awhile once I got home, I believe there are no accidents in this world — and I’m very thankful this place opened up in walking distance from me. I wish them much success!

Relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. However… Hate to complain, but all members of my party got a bad allergic reaction from the Kava here. Incredibly itchy sensation with fever and hives for 24 hours. Now, a week later, I’m still itchy at times.
Kava tasted terrible and it was not the least bit relaxing. It was our first time trying Kava, and we asked several times about the side effects and such. The bartender was unfamiliar with the stuff — in fact, he was looking up the effects on his own phone. We were told it would be relaxing and may help us sleep. However, after getting the reaction I did some internet research and found that allergic reactions, notably «kava dermopathy» are common. I think that the staff here should inform the buyer of these common reactions and warn not to drink too much (we were told to keep drinking if we wanted to be very relaxed. We were told there were no consequences).
I would never return here. I think they should hire people who are familiar with kava and its effects.
Was planning on returning for their grand opening, when they will give a lot of kava out for free. Now, I wouldn’t have kava even if it were free! Would rather grab a beer instead and skip the itching. Buyer beware!