SquareRüt Kava Bar

Definitely not for everyone but for those seeking natural relaxation this is place to be. I went in with little knowledge of the benefits of Kava. My kavarista was enthusiastic in introducing me to several different strains through the low tide program. I deal with a lot of anxiety and occasionally have to resort to my medication for emergency panic attacks. On this particular day I had left my pills at home so I tried this place out. It may not be the same for everyone but I walked in a nervous wreck and left feeling great. No impairment, nothing like that. I was fully functional but for a good while after I left I just didn’t care about my back pain as much and my social anxiety was way more manageable. I wish it was a little more affordable for me but I’d say the prices are fair. They have a loyalty program but I’m not sure I can justify joining up just yet considering I’ve only had one visit.
There are also other beverage options. Tea galore including Yerba mate. Topo Chico, etc. I will definitely be back.

So my girlfriend and I were in the neighborhood and walked into this place. We had never heard of kava before, and we decided to be adventerous and try it out. BIG MISTAKE! my girlfriend had to shit after 2 sips, I’m talking instantenous diarrhea (we call it kava lava). she also felt her heart racing and weird feelings in her muscles. The bartender told us that she gets diarrhea from it too.
I felt fine though, the tingling in my mouth felt kind of cool, but later that night I discovered that I had rashes all over my body! FUCK KAVA! we then googled kava and discovered that rashes from kava are common, and it can basically make your skin turn into fish scales flake off, also it can damage your liver so that you need a liver transplant. But seriously guys, read the WebMD for kava, I’m not making this up.
To be fair the bar was a nice chill place, and the decorations and coconut cups were pretty cool. The bartender was also really nice, I wouldn’t mind going back for coffee or tea.

I happened to be in the area and couldn’t pass up a chance to try the north location out! They have wifi but no TV at this one. Very similar décor as the South location and vibe. It’s in a quiet residential neighborhood and parking is tight. I’ve discovered you can use points earned at the other location at this one; +1 Kava! Not much to see outside but a parking lot. Someone is smoking an E Cig in here and I’m surprised a smoke alarm hasn’t sounded. I’ve not seen someone do that down south.

Lauren and Garret have been amazing. I have been coming for almost a year now. very helpful and positive. awesome place to clear your head. thanks square rut, for the good vibes. Russel

I love this place! And this location has the kavaritas now too! Lauren and Jess are my favs! Lauren is the Kavarista I typically see at this location and she’s amazing! Very nice and very helpful with the new people! I’d say I’ve come to square rut like 4 – 5 times a week since I discovered them about 8 months ago! I highly recommend this place!

One of my favorite places in all of Austin. Super relaxed and peaceful vibes, a great escape from the outside world. Lauren is awesome, always super positive and great to talk too, really adds to the experience.

One of my friends is a Kava expert and he took me here to try out Kava for my first time.
You probably know by now, drinking Kava isn’t for the taste, well, unless you like earthy water taste.
Here are his suggestions:
1) Don’t eat too much beforehand
2) Don’t drink alcohol within 24 hours
3) Chug down the first shell, sip on the second shell, wait for 20 mins for the third shell
4) Mix a little bit of Ginger beer help ease the taste
The first chug is to numb your tongue, which helps you sipping on the second shell. I can feel the effect within minutes from the first shell, like a mini buzz, that was pretty cool.
The place is pretty chillaxing, free wifi and good place to hang out (if you enjoy Kava)

I had been wanting to try kava for a while. It helps relax you naturally and is non addictive so I was intrigued.
I went tonight and had a great experience. A huge shout out to Davey, who was running the place. He was really informative and so welcoming. If you ever wanted to feel welcome then this is the place. everyone there was engaging in conversation with each other and we did a group toast.
The kava has a very earthy flavor but adding the banana cream was totally worth it! They have a 3 kava special, and each one gives you a different vibe. I would come here when you have time to relax, hang out and be social.
If you are looking for a good night with fun people this is a great idea! Keep up the good work!

Friendly staff and fun atmosphere. Kava tastes like pencil shavings but that is hardly their fault.

I give the place itself 4 stars. The atmosphere was great. The staff were nice and the other patrons were fun as well. The kava was so gross! Lol it taste like dirty water with clay. It did make my mouth a little numb but other than that I don’t think I felt any effects. It was fun to try though. Wouldn’t do it again haha.

I hadn’t been to a Kava bar in a while and my friend hadn’t ever, but after a gruesome exam and day at work, we headed there. Loved how well Jason explained the whole process & what the effects were beforehand. He was really knowledgeable, casual and friendly which was awesome because I don’t think I had ever had anyone really explain it all to me before. Overall, it’s a great place with a very relaxed, casual vibe to it. You’ve gotta try it at least once! :)

We stumbled upon this spot after browsing Guzu Gallery next door. Having never heard of Kava, we thought we’d check it out.
A gal behind the counter explained to us that Kava is a root from the South Pacific and is consumed for its medicinal properties — helping with relaxation of the body and mind. Sure, we were skeptical but who can’t use a bit of relaxation? After drinking our first coconut shell of Kava, Waka, our tongues felt numb and I experienced some sort of head change. After the second shell, I felt my body relax. We played cards for a bit and decided to take the third to go. (A «program» usually involves three 4oz shells of kava) I have to admit, I was delightfully surprised by the subtle change I felt in my body. It was. different. I can’t quite pin point the feeling but it sure was an interesting experience. I’ll definitely head back and check it out some more.

This was our first time here and in any Kava bar so we weren’t sure what to expect. Jason was great! He explained everything from how it is made to what to expect from each shell. He made it a great experience! All the other patrons were very friendly and helped us along in learning about kava. We will definitely come back for the kava and Jason!

Great experience :) adam was super friendly and knowledgable… amazing service! Great chill atmosphere. The Kava was delicious. Very relaxing. Would definitely come back here :)

Service: Ballin! I spoke to Shelby who was like a kava genius and explained everything really thoroughly. Once we got to the Kava bar, Lauren was so helpful in explaining everything to us, and was so friendly and nice the whole time we were there. Lauren is why I want to give this place 5 stars!
Atmosphere: This place is like a bar meets a coffee shop meets the Domain. It’s not a super cozy space but it’s not stiff, it’s just nothing really to write home about. Maybe a little reminiscent of Islands, at least I think that’s what they were going for.
Kava: So basically Kava tastes like dirt water. We tried the chocolate mint flavor and the orange spice flavor after the first one grossed us out, but they were not enough to mask that we were essentially drinking dirt water. Lauren encouraged us to have the kava because she said people usually drink it not for the flavor but for the effect it has on mood. We got the program of three drinks and although Lauren was fantastic in explaining what each one was supposed to be like, neither my boyfriend nor I experienced any effects. We felt the same as before.
Conclusion: Maybe kava is like Tinkerbell — you have to believe! But I am not a believer, and we will not be back.

The service had a «nose up in the air» kind of attitude which didn’t make the visit enjoyable. They also need to learn to get off their cell phone.
I ordered the program (a set of three drinks that is about $ 10). Although the taste was different, interesting and definitely calming, I won’t be returning.

Where to start? Hmmm…
I love this place. I love the people. And of course, I love the kava.
When I have a headache, am stressed or my sciatica is acting up, I head to the kava bar. After a decidedly more intense day at my manual labor job, I had 4 shells of waka kava last night, and was actually able to stand up straight and walk (not limp) away from my bed this morning. Success!
Shelby, Garrett, Davey and Jason are my lovely invaluable kavaristas, I always look forward to whoever happens to be working when I go in. They are extremely helpful, informative, and fun!
I no longer drink so sometimes that kava bar replaces that social setting for me as well. My boyfriend and I love to go on a quite night and hunker down on a couch for a long, deep, philosophical conversation. They do have live music sometimes, which can be nice, but sometimes a little too loud for my taste.
I personally like the south Congress locations the most, it’s closest to my home. But the North Lamar on is convenient from work, and they have an espresso machine, which is almost too much for me to handle. Do I wanna get jacked on coffee, or rooted on kava? Either one, SquareRut is one of my absolute favorite hangouts.

It was chilled atmosphere, mellow patrons and Portishead on the sound system, what more could I ask for? The Kava def had an earthy taste, but being someone who like Turkish coffee it wasn’t unbeatable. Ask for a flavor of its your first time drinking it.

Really enjoyed my first time here! The bartender was super nice, friendly and knowledgeable. The kava itself was interesting and I will definitely try it again. I also really liked the atmosphere. Great place!

The new growler is just a bonus. (Thank you Groupon) Besides being within a mile from my home, this cool little spot is right next to a game store. My friends and I already have plans to go back and play Munchkins while we hang out. Adam was extremely helpful! Ask him to show you the monkey paw prints on the bamboo!

Taking Kava in capsule form for awhile now from Whole Foods and when my fiancée’s friend mentioned a bar dedicated to the magical root, I said «hey, why the hell not?»
Walking into the bar for the first time it was quiet and empty (and a tad odd) but after trying their most popular choice «the program», the dark and quiet was actually extremely relaxing!
Lauren, the bartender was extremely informative and attentive. She helped walk us through the process and explained everything in detail with a kind, professional attitude.
To all the kava lovers who go to the south location, don’t forget about this one!
A great place to relax and chill.