Kava in SF at Ocean Beach Cafe
Try Kava at SF’s original non alcoholic cafe. Premium kava drinks, cans, and cocktails at the beach.
Functional calm in a total vibe of a cafe.
We serve more Kava in San Francisco than anyone. Society needs more community-driven social spaces that don’t revolve around alcohol, and Kava Bar and Kava Lounges are a great example of this. At Ocean Beach Cafe, we offer the widest selection of Kava products in San Francisco, and we’re thrilled for you to come down, relax, and enjoy a premium Kava cocktail.
We recognize the traditions of intentional Kava production by sourcing the best in the Bay Area, while also bringing awareness to new and innovative kava beverages. Everyone should come through the doors of Ocean Beach Cafe to see, feel, and experience the shift toward wellness and community, in social spaces designed with these values in mind. Kava Shots, Kava Cans, and Kava Drinks!
We’re proud to bring an element of the Kava tradition to the great Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach Cafe, in the Outer Richmond of San Francisco. Come through our welcoming doors for an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Aloha, my name is Joshua James, Owner of Ocean Beach Cafe. The tradition of Kava is embedded in my life story as a Tolowa Native American enrolled tribal member that moved from the reservation in Smith River, CA at 12, and grew up on Oahu and Kauai with Fijians, Tongans, Tahitians, and Hawaiians. Incorporating Kava into Ocean Beach Cafe is something I am very passionate about. Kava, or ʻawa as it’s traditionally called in Hawaii, is more than just a drink - it's a social beverage. A way of life that embodies community, relaxation, and the spirit of Aloha. In the islands, Kava has been used for generations in ceremonies and social gatherings, bringing people together in a spirit of harmony and mutual respect.
By offering Kava drinks as an "alternative buzz" to alcohol at my Ocean Beach Cafe, I’m not just offering another beverage option, I’m creating a total vibe of a space that honors where I grew up, and shares the best of what I've found! It’s a way to bring a piece of home into the shop and provide a social experience that connects people to the cultural roots of Kava.
Ultimately, Kava is about sharing a part of who I am and the values I grew up with, creating a space where everyone can come together, relax, and enjoy a taste of Hawaii, no matter where they are.
Joshua and Kava
Kava Haven Reviews are in! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
About Kava
Kava is a drink made from the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), a species native to the Pacific Islands. Traditionally, the plant's roots are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with water to create a drink. It is often sipped slowly and is valued for its ability to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of communal bonding without the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Kava is non-addictive and, depending on the variety, is a wonderful sleep aid or an uplifting pick-me-up.
In today’s world, where more people are seeking out non-alcoholic alternatives that support a balanced, healthy lifestyle, Kava fits perfectly. We offer a wide variety of kava drinks at Ocean Beach Cafe - please ask any of our employees if you have additional questions!
Our Products
FAQ - Everything You Need to Know About Kava
Why is it called Kava or Kava Kava?
Kava is the term used by those in the know. “Kava Kava” is more of a touristy label—it’s fun to say, and it stuck. In Hawaii, the word is “ʻawa.”
What does Kava feel like?
A relaxing body buzz. It numbs your mouth a little, softens your muscles, and deepens the chill the more you consume.
What is Kava good for?
Unwinding. It’s a great alcohol alternative for social settings or evening rituals—functional calm, not heady euphoria.
Any side effects or risks?
Kava can affect the liver, especially with heavy use or preexisting conditions. Avoid mixing it with alcohol or sedatives. Everyone’s body is different.
When is it a good time to drink it?
Afternoons and evenings work best. It’s not something to take before driving or working—try it when you’re ready to slow down.
Who should drink Kava?
Anyone exploring alternatives to alcohol. We serve more Kava than anyone in SF. It’s a top seller for a reason—great vibe, no hangover.
What about those canned Kava drinks?
Functional RTDs are booming. While traditionalists might cringe, these drinks are accessible and taste great. I respect both paths.
Do you know your suppliers?
Absolutely. I source Kava from people and families who care deeply about what they grow and how they grow it.
Should you drink the powder or strain it?
Strain it. Drinking the powder stresses your system a little more.
Do you grow Kava at your cafe?
Not yet—but it’s on my dream board. That would be next level.
Anything else to know?
Kava gets grouped with Kratom and D9 THC drinks, but it’s in a league of its own. This is about chill, connection, and building the third spaces of the future.