TheStory

One kava bar in St. Pete grew into three, and helped start a movement of more than 20 kava bars across Pinellas County.

Chapter one

What is Bula?

Bula Kafe, our original kava bar, opened in 2009, and we have since opened Bula Kavananda in Tampa and Bula Cocoa in Cocoa Beach.

We are proud to say this is our fourth year winning Best of the Bay award for best kava bar and our second year in a row winning Best Beach Bar (a proud accomplishment considering we don’t serve any alcohol).

A crowd gathered outside Bula Kafe at night — Bula Kafe, St. Petersburg

2009: Bula Kafe opens its doors in St. Pete
4yrs: winning Best of the Bay for best kava bar
2yrs: in a row named Best Beach Bar, with no alcohol
20+: kava bars opened in Pinellas County since

Chapter two

What is a kava bar?

A kava bar is a bar that serves a variety of plants, primarily kava, instead of alcohol. Kava is the root of a pepper plant from the Pacific Islands that has been used traditionally for thousands of years to gather people because of its relaxing effects. The effects are mild, stress relieving, and anxiety reducing while also being somewhat of a social lubricant.

Behind the bar

Other drinks besides kava served at our bars are coffee, kombucha, hemp, cacao, botanical teas, and other herbal teas prepared by local plant lovers. Many of our products are locally made and the others are sourced sustainably with care.

Kava
Coffee
Kombucha
Hemp
Cacao
Botanical teas
Herbal teas

Since we first opened our doors, more than 20 other kava bars have been opened in Pinellas County. It has created a massive counter-culture movement for all walks of life to gather around love, community & quality botanical drinks.