Where Sober Meets Social in Colorado’s Kava Bars | In The Cups

In the heart of Colorado, a unique wave of establishments is quietly reshaping the way we socialize—kava bars. With just four in 2021 and nearly 25 now operating across the state, the trend piqued my curiosity. Maybe, like me, you’ve driven past one and thought it was a quirky coffee shop. Kava, Java. I’m a simple woman. But step inside and you’ll discover something far more unexpected.

These venues offer a serene, alcohol-free alternative to traditional nightlife. They attract people seeking relaxation, sobriety, and genuine community—something increasingly rare in our fast-paced, digital world.

Among the pioneers in this movement is the Colorado Mountain Kava Company in Longmont, founded by Sam Monastra. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Monastra embarked on his journey to sobriety in 2018. His path was influenced by kratom, a Southeast Asian plant known for its mood-enhancing properties. Working in kratom stores throughout Ohio, Monastra gained firsthand experience in the plant-based wellness industry. When the pandemic led to the closure of these stores, Sam saw an opportunity to create something meaningful. With his dad and a silent partner with a shared vision for holistic living, the Colorado Mountain Kava Company was born in October 2021.

What started as a business quickly became something more. By collaborating with local businesses and focusing on connection over commerce, Colorado Mountain Kava evolved into a haven for those embracing sobriety. “In the early days, it felt like a business,” Monastra told me. “Now it feels like a community.” That sense of belonging is immediate when you walk in and are greeted by name—sometimes even by someone you’ve never met.

Kava, a root native to the South Pacific, has been used ceremonially for centuries. It promotes calm and relaxation without the cognitive fog of alcohol. That makes it an ideal choice for people in recovery or simply choosing to drink less. Monastra notes a growing trend among younger adults, especially 18- to 25-year-olds, who are leaning away from alcohol in favor of clearer minds and calmer vibes.

The Colorado Mountain Kava Company mirrors this trend by offering a welcoming environment equipped with pool tables, arcade games, and TVs—elements reminiscent of a traditional bar setting but centered around sober socialization.

To deepen the kava experience, the Colorado Mountain Kava Company has introduced several unique offerings. For the summer, their Kava Passport Program invites patrons to try every drink on the passport menu to collect stamps; complete it and you earn a custom rock glass. It’s fun, social, and perfect for the adventurous palate.

The recently launched mocktail menu is another hit. Kava Margaritas and Kava Mojitos combine favorite flavors with a mellow kick—minus the booze. For something different, try the Cream Soda Kratom, which comes in red, green, or white strain infusions for varying effects. Or sip a Lemon Drop Shot, made with kanna, a South African succulent known for its euphoric lift.

These offerings not only cater to diverse tastes but also align with the bar’s mission to provide enjoyable, sober experiences.

Just a short drive from Longmont, The Root Kava Co. in Boulder has been serving the community since 2018. As Boulder’s first traditional kava bar, it offers a similar ethos of relaxation and community. The Root Kava Co. prides itself on serving noble kava sourced from the South Pacific, ensuring high-quality and authentic experiences for its patrons. They also partner with several local businesses to provide additional ingredients for their menu.

Beyond beverages, The Root Kava Co. fosters a vibrant community through events like open mic nights, art showcases, and game nights. Their “All-You-Can-Drink” Wednesdays (with a $30 wristband) and First Friday celebrations highlight local artists and musicians, reinforcing the bar’s commitment to supporting the local creative scene.

The surge in Colorado kava bars speaks to a larger cultural shift—one that prioritizes wellness, connection, and consciousness. These spaces offer more than drinks; they’re redefining how we gather. No loud music, no hangovers, no pressure to “just have one.”

If you’ve been hesitant—if you, like me, mistook “kava” for coffee—consider this an invitation. What you’ll find behind those unassuming doors is a different kind of buzz: warm smiles, open minds, and a growing tribe of people rewriting the rules of nightlife.

So come in. Pull up a stool. Try something new. You might just find your people—in the cups.