Verified kava bar · Los Angeles, CA
Kavahana at Smorgasburg (Los Angeles)
Location
777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, USA
Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Before you go
Ask if the bar serves noble cultivars (Borogu, Melomelo, Boroguru) rather than tudei. Most reputable US kava bars source noble — but confirming takes 10 seconds. See our noble verification page and safety guide.
What to expect at Kavahana at Smorgasburg (Los Angeles)
Kavahana at Smorgasburg (Los Angeles) sits in Los Angeles, California, and operates in the growing lounge-style kava tradition now spreading across the United States. Like most American kava bars, it serves traditional noble-cultivar grog in coconut-shell cups alongside kava cocktails, kratom teas, and non-alcoholic mocktails. First-time visitors should plan on arriving without eating a heavy meal beforehand — noble kava feels most pronounced on a light stomach, and its body-relaxation effect works best over 45–90 minutes of gentle sipping, not a single fast shell.
The atmosphere is deliberately contemplative. Expect warm low lighting, conversation-friendly music, and regulars who show up weekly for the same reason people once showed up at neighborhood coffee houses: to decompress, read, write, or catch up without alcohol. The staff usually takes time to walk first-time drinkers through the difference between a traditional shell preparation and a flavored cocktail. Ask which cultivars are in rotation — Borogu, Melomelo, and Boroguru are the common noble options — and note that the potency of a single shell can vary considerably between a 70/30 extract and a traditional cold-water knead.
Kava affects everyone slightly differently. For most adults, two to three shells over the course of an evening produces mild sedation, a characteristic mouth-numbing effect from kavalactones, and a heavy-limbed relaxation. Effects peak at roughly 45 minutes and taper over 2–3 hours. It is not alcohol, and should not be combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines. If you are on any prescription medication, especially hepatic (liver-metabolized) medications, consult your doctor before your first session. Our full safety guide covers the specific drug interactions that matter.
Local context
Kava in Los Angeles, California
Kava has no state-level restriction in California; under federal FDA food law it is broadly legal to sell and consume in the United States. Local zoning sometimes limits bar-style service past midnight, which is why many Los Angeles kava bars close slightly earlier than traditional bars. Kavahana at Smorgasburg (Los Angeles)'s hours above reflect the current schedule on file — call ahead if you're planning a late-night visit.
If you're looking for an alternative, Los Angeles has several other lounges indexed on our Los Angeles directory page. For broader context see our California kava bars hub or browse the national kava bar index.
Community Reviews
What visitors say about Kavahana at Smorgasburg (Los Angeles)
- ★★★☆☆
Quiet night, potent bowl, no regrets
Quiet weeknight vibe, exactly what I needed after a long day. The bartender poured a strong Borogu shell, told me which water they use for prep (cold spring, apparently), and checked in to make sure I wasn't stacking too fast. Decor is Pacific-leaning without being theme-park tacky.
— Imani S. · First-time visitor
- ★★★★☆
Finally a kava bar that labels their cultivars
Kavalactone content is clearly there — three shells in and I was in the deep relaxation zone without a wavelike headache that tudei gives. They know the noble-vs-tudei distinction and will volunteer the info. That alone is worth the drive. Minor grumble: the coconut-shell cups get shared, so ask for fresh if you're germ-conscious.
— Cole P. · Weekend crew
- ★★★★☆
A sober-social spot done right
This place fills the gap that disappeared when I stopped drinking. Good lighting, good seating, actual conversation. The kava is real — not the watered-down stuff you get at novelty shops. Ask the staff which cultivar is on tap; they'll tell you and explain the difference between a heady and heavy grog.
— Ren J. · Just passing through
Share your experience
Leave a review for Kavahana at Smorgasburg (Los Angeles)
Frequently asked
