Long Island's First Kava Tea Bar Will Open February 12

Patchogue, NY —Kava bars are an expanding nationwide trend, serving brewed tea like drinks made from the kava root native to Pacific islands and touted for its relaxing effect on drinkers. The first Long Island kava bar will open next month at 73 North Ocean Avenue, in a former ice cream shop.

Island Kava is the brainchild of former professional MMA fighter and West Islip resident Ryan LaFlare. Co-owner Eric Ott told Patch that Island Kava will have a soft opening starting January 27 with an official opening date date of February 12.

The cafe will also serve coffee and other beverages in addition to kava tea. Kava is a traditional drink in places like Fiji and Hawaii, where it has used medicinally for centuries. The health claims and safety of ingesting kava aren't yet fully understood, and mixing the herb with certain other medications may be unadvised, so do your research.