If you’ve visited a kava bar or looked into alcohol-free alternatives, you’ve probably come across both kava and kratom. They’re often served together – as we do at Enjoy Kava Bar at 749 Washington Ave, South Beach – but they’re very different plants with different effects, origins, and experiences.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about both so you can walk in and order with confidence. And if you want to try both? We offer a sampler experience(add link when menu page is live) where our staff guides you through the full journey.
What is Kava?
Kava comes from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, native to the Pacific Islands – Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Hawaii. It has been used for over 3,000 years in ceremonies and social gatherings as a natural relaxant.
The active compounds in kava are called kavalactones, which work on the GABA receptors in the brain to produce calm, relaxed feelings without affecting mental clarity. Most people describe it as a mild, warm body relaxation with a slightly numbing effect on the tongue and lips.
Want to go deeper? Read our full guide: What is Kava?
At Enjoy Kava Bar, kava is available from $6 per serving. See full kava menu(add link when live).
What is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia – primarily Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Its leaves contain alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with receptors in the brain to produce effects that vary significantly by strain and dose.
At Enjoy Kava Bar, we serve kratom as a brewed tea – never in capsule or powder form. This is the most traditional, enjoyable, and social way to consume kratom, and it allows our staff to ensure every guest gets the right dose for their experience level.
Kratom Strains Explained
Kratom comes in three main vein colors, each with distinctly different effects:
Red Vein Kratom – Red House Tea – $13 The most sedating strain. Deep body relaxation, pain relief, and a calming effect perfect for evenings when you want to fully unwind. Our Red House Tea is one of the most popular drinks for people transitioning away from alcohol.
Green Vein Kratom – Green House Tea – $9 The balanced strain. Mild energy boost combined with relaxation – social, focused, and uplifting without being too stimulating. Perfect for a social evening or a productive afternoon in our lounge.
White Vein Kratom – White House Tea – $11 The most energizing strain. Mood-boosting, motivating, and great for social settings. Popular with digital nomads and professionals who want to stay sharp while relaxing.
See all kratom options on our full menu(add link when live).
Kratom Special Tea Drinks – From $11
Beyond our house teas, we offer signature Kratom Special Tea in six flavors – each available in Small ($11), Medium ($14), and Large ($17):
- Bluerazz Special Tea – $11
- Sour Apple Special Tea – $11
- Açaí Special Tea – $11
- Grape Special Tea – $11
- Pineapple Special Tea – $11
- Strawberry Special Tea – $11
These are our most popular drinks for first-timers who want the benefits of kratom with a more approachable, familiar flavor. See the full Kratom Special Tea menu(add link when live).
Kava vs Kratom – Side by Side Comparison
| Kava | Kratom | |
| Origin | Pacific Islands | Southeast Asia |
| Active compounds | Kavalactones | Mitragynine alkaloids |
| Primary effect | Relaxation, anti-anxiety | Energy, mood boost, relaxation |
| Best for | Unwinding, socializing calmly | Energy, focus, elevated mood |
| Taste | Earthy, slightly bitter | Bitter – best in flavored teas |
| Starting price | $6 | $9 |
| Legal in Florida | Yes | Yes |
| Hangover | None | None |
| Duration | 2-3 hours | 3-5 hours |
Which Should You Try First?
Try kava if: You want gentle, predictable relaxation. Kava is the safer starting point for first-timers – the effects are mild, consistent, and very manageable. Start with a Traditional Kava Shell(add link) at $7.
Try kratom if: You want something with more personality – whether that’s the calm depth of Red, the social balance of Green, or the energizing uplift of White. Start with a Green House Tea(add link) at $9 – it’s the most approachable strain for beginners.
Try both: At Enjoy Kava Bar we offer a sampler experience where our staff guides you through both drinks so you can find your favorite. Ask your server about our Kava & Kratom Sampler(add link when live) from $15.
FAQ – Kava vs Kratom
Q: Is kratom legal in Florida? Yes – kratom is legal in Florida and throughout most of the United States. It is sold as a botanical supplement. Always verify current local regulations as laws can change.
Q: Can I mix kava and kratom? We recommend trying them separately first, especially if you’re new to both. Our staff can advise you on the best combination and quantities based on your experience level and desired effects.
Q: Which is stronger – kava vs kratom? It depends on the strain and dosage. Red vein kratom tends to produce stronger sedation than kava. Green and White kratom are generally comparable to kava in intensity. For first-timers, we recommend starting with kava or Green House Tea.
Q: How much do kava and kratom cost at Enjoy Kava Bar? Kava from $6, Kratom House Tea from $9, Kratom Special Tea from $11. See our full menu(add link when live) for all options and sizes.
Q: Do you have a loyalty program? Yes – earn 1 point per $1 spent on kava, kratom, and everything else. Collect 60 points for $6 off. Learn more about our loyalty program(add link when live).
Q: Can I order kava or kratom for delivery? Yes – we’re available on UberEats. Visit our UberEats page to order.
Q: What if I don’t like the taste? Our Kratom Special Teas come in six delicious flavors specifically designed for people who find the natural taste too bitter. They’re our most popular drinks for a reason. See the flavor menu(add link when live).
Visit Enjoy Kava Bar in South Beach
Ready to find your perfect botanical drink? Come visit us at 749 Washington Ave, South Beach – our staff will guide you through every option and make sure your first experience is one you’ll want to repeat.
📍 749 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
📞 (754) 299-1354
🕐 Open daily 12AM – 11AM
Miami Beach’s premier kava and kratom bar. Zero alcohol. Zero judgment. All vibes. 🌿
