Melo Melo Kava Bar

Cool place to have some Kava and learn about its use in the traditional manner. I personally really like the taste of the Kava, something I was not expecting. It has some pretty interesting immediate effects that subside rather quickly, but I did notice a long lasting "uplifted" feeling that lingered for a few hours which was great. Overall an awesome experience due to the chill vibes and knowledgeable/friendly staff.

if you like Kava it's a good place.

I’ve been here twice and only had kava twice. I would say it’s interesting! I can’t imagine getting sick from it or being too impaired to drive 😆 but everyone is different. The ambiance is nice. They have live greenery on the wall and the kava is served in a nice little bowl. I will say the service is on the slower side.

This spot is awesome and I hope it continues to do really well. I'm an American who used to play some rugby (College and Men's club). Any American Rugby player has spent a good deal of time around Pacific Islanders. I happened to be in Tonga once upon a time and had the chance to attend a true, traditional Kava party with a Rugby team there. It was an amazing experience. Everyone sat in a circle with gentle music playing, talked softly and enjoyed the Kava together, shared out of large wooden bowls. This bar is not the same experience, because it is a bar and therefore can't be. Otherwise, it is as authentic as can be. The kava we drank tastes exactly--exactly--like what I had when I had the real thing in Tonga. The bowls are not shared as they would be at a traditional Kava party (which makes complete sense...I don't think America would even allow that in an era that wasn't the COVID era) but otherwise are made of the same material and remind me of that experience. The servers were excellent and very friendly. As to the Kava, this was my second time and I enjoyed it more than the first. My Brazilian girlfriend (who has never had any kind of drug in her life and was a bit scared to try, thinking it was a drug, which it is not) said she found it to be the best alternative to alcohol she has ever had. Like getting drunk without losing control of your body or feeling sick. I'd say it's just incredibly relaxing, but agree with her as well. Only caution to those going--I would avoid going on Wednesday between 9:30 and 11:00. At that time they have some insane, whirlwind happy hour and the place fills up with really obnoxious and borderline disrespectful 18 to 21 year olds, and the entire ambience ends up being exactly the opposite of what a Kava experience should be--chill, friendly, mellow, and relaxing. Other than those hours, it is highly, highly recommended.

Adrian Trespando

if you like Kava it's a good place.

Kevin Rodriguez Arguello

Such a chill spot, guy behind the bar was super down to earth and was genuinely one of the nicest people ive met, would recommend to anyone who like the vibe or is looking for a cool place to hang

Opamaggio

Awesome place. Clean, with a wonderful atmosphere. A place where adults can hang out like we did when we were young. And the Kava is delicious!

christopher pish

Went here for the first time and it was very nice. The kava is really good quality and it's really friendly. They gave me a free shell since it was my first kava bar, super nice. BULA!!!! I have been drinking kava for a year and wish I would have gone to something like this sooner

kimberly humann

Fun, welcoming place. Kava is an acquired taste but it’s nice to have a relaxing beverage without the hangover, and they even had a surprise special ahead of a bar-wide toast. The open mic was a good time and brought a friendly crowd on a Monday night.

Amanda Hooper

I’ve been here twice and only had kava twice. I would say it’s interesting! I can’t imagine getting sick from it or being too impaired to drive 😆 but everyone is different. The ambiance is nice. They have live greenery on the wall and the kava is served in a nice little bowl. I will say the service is on the slower side.

Arjun C

Cool place to have some Kava and learn about its use in the traditional manner. I personally really like the taste of the Kava, something I was not expecting. It has some pretty interesting immediate effects that subside rather quickly, but I did notice a long lasting "uplifted" feeling that lingered for a few hours which was great. Overall an awesome experience due to the chill vibes and knowledgeable/friendly staff.

Chad Morgan

This spot is awesome and I hope it continues to do really well. I'm an American who used to play some rugby (College and Men's club). Any American Rugby player has spent a good deal of time around Pacific Islanders. I happened to be in Tonga once upon a time and had the chance to attend a true, traditional Kava party with a Rugby team there. It was an amazing experience. Everyone sat in a circle with gentle music playing, talked softly and enjoyed the Kava together, shared out of large wooden bowls. This bar is not the same experience, because it is a bar and therefore can't be. Otherwise, it is as authentic as can be. The kava we drank tastes exactly--exactly--like what I had when I had the real thing in Tonga. The bowls are not shared as they would be at a traditional Kava party (which makes complete sense...I don't think America would even allow that in an era that wasn't the COVID era) but otherwise are made of the same material and remind me of that experience. The servers were excellent and very friendly. As to the Kava, this was my second time and I enjoyed it more than the first. My Brazilian girlfriend (who has never had any kind of drug in her life and was a bit scared to try, thinking it was a drug, which it is not) said she found it to be the best alternative to alcohol she has ever had. Like getting drunk without losing control of your body or feeling sick. I'd say it's just incredibly relaxing, but agree with her as well. Only caution to those going--I would avoid going on Wednesday between 9:30 and 11:00. At that time they have some insane, whirlwind happy hour and the place fills up with really obnoxious and borderline disrespectful 18 to 21 year olds, and the entire ambience ends up being exactly the opposite of what a Kava experience should be--chill, friendly, mellow, and relaxing. Other than those hours, it is highly, highly recommended.

Went on a Monday which was open mike night. Great night to go. Loved the Melo dream cicle and Melo colada. Staff was nice and attentive. Will be heading back soon.

Interesting experience worth a try at least once. The young lady bartender on a Sunday night was better than the young guy with glasses. I tried 2 kava drinks and didn’t really feel much. The cacao hot drink with habanero (does not come with kava) was tasty though! Dog friendly 👍

Amber Sinclair

Went on a Monday which was open mike night. Great night to go. Loved the Melo dream cicle and Melo colada. Staff was nice and attentive. Will be heading back soon.

P. O. Benito

Interesting experience worth a try at least once. The young lady bartender on a Sunday night was better than the young guy with glasses. I tried 2 kava drinks and didn’t really feel much. The cacao hot drink with habanero (does not come with kava) was tasty though! Dog friendly 👍

This is a Kava bar. If you’ve had it before, you know. It’s a bitter root steeped like tea, and you drink it from a coconut, Fiji style. It can be relaxing, or energetic, but generally stimulates creativity and conversation. It’s a good alternative to going to bars. This kava lounge is spacious and comfy. You come in and make yourself comfortable. Then you go to the bar when you are ready. It’s meant for you to relax. If you come in a hurry, you may be frustrated. You probably want to spend an hour or two for the full experience.

Neko TerminationShock

This is a Kava bar. If you’ve had it before, you know. It’s a bitter root steeped like tea, and you drink it from a coconut, Fiji style. It can be relaxing, or energetic, but generally stimulates creativity and conversation. It’s a good alternative to going to bars. This kava lounge is spacious and comfy. You come in and make yourself comfortable. Then you go to the bar when you are ready. It’s meant for you to relax. If you come in a hurry, you may be frustrated. You probably want to spend an hour or two for the full experience.

I visited the Santa Cruz location and street performers came in with saxophones. They were incredibly entertaining and even had the chance to play part of an instrumental version of the song Barbie Girl before getting kicked out by one of the employees with a man-bun. All the customers were having a great time and were very amused. I'm not sure why we were robbed of free and great entertainment shrug 🤷🏿

Peter James

I visited the Santa Cruz location and street performers came in with saxophones. They were incredibly entertaining and even had the chance to play part of an instrumental version of the song Barbie Girl before getting kicked out by one of the employees with a man-bun. All the customers were having a great time and were very amused. I'm not sure why we were robbed of free and great entertainment shrug 🤷🏿

The lady at the bar was super friendly, the kava tasted good and the vibe was chill and pleasant. However I did end up getting gastroenteritis from here. I had plans for my trip to CA that got halted by frequent vomiting and other gross things.. that left me in bed for a full day and a half. Cool experience but 10000% not worth the risk again.

Bartender has had better things to do than take an order both times I've been. You really have to assert yourself. After you finally get her attention you get a pretty nasty drink. Then, sometimes, someone makes you do a vaguely offensive chant and you have to chug your expensive drink or the hippies get mad at you.

I've been wanting to check out this place forever and finally had an opportunity ..Went in last night and the lady with brown hair working the counter was not friendly or warm at all.Being a complete newbie, I had a few questions about Kava and felt somewhat dismissed when inquiring. I ordered two very strange tasting drinks that I could barely gag down.The door man (?) had an equally dismissive attitude as well. Oh Santa Cruz I expected so much better from ya'll. I won't be back.

I was really interested in trying this out as its supposed to give a relaxed feeling and a few of my coworkers had enjoyed it multiple times before. I will say I definitely felt relaxed after drinking two cups, but later that evening I started to feel sick. I ended up throwing up from 8pm- 3am and felt absolutely horrible. I went on a Friday was did not fully recover until Tuesday. This stuff absolutely wiped me out. The ambience was great, but definitely not worth the side effects in my opinion. I think they should be more transparent or warn you of the possible negative effects. Definitely try at your own risk!!

I used to cherish MeloMelo Kava Bar for its inclusive atmosphere, welcoming everyone regardless of background or belief. However, during my recent visit, I was disheartened by the management's decision to prominently display Palestine flags, seemingly endorsing a political agenda. While I empathize with those affected by conflict, I believe public spaces should remain neutral and inclusive. Every patron brings their own experiences and perspectives, and it's crucial to respect them all. Let's strive to keep places like MeloMelo as sanctuaries of unity and understanding. btw I would be more then happy to remove this review once this issue will be addressed I have no intention to hurt any small business owners.

Eric Malekos

Bartender has had better things to do than take an order both times I've been. You really have to assert yourself. After you finally get her attention you get a pretty nasty drink. Then, sometimes, someone makes you do a vaguely offensive chant and you have to chug your expensive drink or the hippies get mad at you.

Lex

The lady at the bar was super friendly, the kava tasted good and the vibe was chill and pleasant. However I did end up getting gastroenteritis from here. I had plans for my trip to CA that got halted by frequent vomiting and other gross things.. that left me in bed for a full day and a half. Cool experience but 10000% not worth the risk again.

sean ben

I used to cherish MeloMelo Kava Bar for its inclusive atmosphere, welcoming everyone regardless of background or belief. However, during my recent visit, I was disheartened by the management's decision to prominently display Palestine flags, seemingly endorsing a political agenda. While I empathize with those affected by conflict, I believe public spaces should remain neutral and inclusive. Every patron brings their own experiences and perspectives, and it's crucial to respect them all. Let's strive to keep places like MeloMelo as sanctuaries of unity and understanding. btw I would be more then happy to remove this review once this issue will be addressed I have no intention to hurt any small business owners.

Love Nature

I've been wanting to check out this place forever and finally had an opportunity ..Went in last night and the lady with brown hair working the counter was not friendly or warm at all.Being a complete newbie, I had a few questions about Kava and felt somewhat dismissed when inquiring. I ordered two very strange tasting drinks that I could barely gag down.The door man (?) had an equally dismissive attitude as well. Oh Santa Cruz I expected so much better from ya'll. I won't be back.

Chloe Poeppel

I was really interested in trying this out as its supposed to give a relaxed feeling and a few of my coworkers had enjoyed it multiple times before. I will say I definitely felt relaxed after drinking two cups, but later that evening I started to feel sick. I ended up throwing up from 8pm- 3am and felt absolutely horrible. I went on a Friday was did not fully recover until Tuesday. This stuff absolutely wiped me out. The ambience was great, but definitely not worth the side effects in my opinion. I think they should be more transparent or warn you of the possible negative effects. Definitely try at your own risk!!