Inside cozy kava, a new bar and lounge serving kava, kratom, and coffee | photo provided

A new bar has opened in St. Pete, but instead of shots and cocktails, it’s pouring shells of kava.

Derived from the ground roots of a South Pacific pepper plant, kava is known for its calming, anxiety-reducing effects—and it’s at the center of a growing scene in Pinellas County, where more than 50 kava bars have opened in the last decade.

This surge reflects a broader nationwide trend, as younger generations increasingly turn toward wellness-focused, alcohol-free social spaces.

Cozy Kava quietly opened last month at 2309 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District, formerly home to The MAR St. Pete, a performing arts incubator and studio that has since relocated to the St. Pete City Theatre.

Cozy Kava is located in the corner building at 2309 Central Avenue | st. pete rising

The bar serves two types of kava: Solomon Chief Basil, a mild extract from the main root, and Solomon Chief Lateral, which contains higher levels of the calming compound known as kavalactones.

Owners and longtime friends Joey Capozzi and Trevor Votour transformed the 3,000-square-foot space with a major renovation that included new flooring, fresh paint, blue armchairs and leather seating in the lounge, a pool table, darts, a private gaming area, and a 30-foot granite bar.

“We want it to be a place we would want to hang out in, even if it wasn’t our business,” Capozzi told St. Pete Rising.

They also commissioned local artist Matt Christensen to create murals inspired by Pacific islands of Vanuatu, where kava originates.

Murals created by St. Pete artist Matt Christensen pay homeage to kratom’s roots and the kava plant | photo provided

In addition to kava, the lounge offers herbal teas, kombucha, coffee, CBD- and cannabis-infused sodas, and kratom—a tea made from the leaves of a tropical Southeast Asian tree that can produce stimulant-like effects. Vape products are also available.

The CBD and cannabis sodas are from California-based Drippy and the kombucha is from Naked Hippie Brew based out of Hawaii.

Cozy Kava’s coffee offerings, from Sarasota-based Java Dawg, include drip coffee, cold brew, and espresso-based drinks.

Since opening, specialty lattes have been especially popular. Favorites include the Buttery Hug, made with cookie butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel, and the Smokin’ S’mores, which features marshmallow fluff and chocolate.

Cozy kava has classic bar games such as pool and darts as well as a private room with a playstation and retro games | photo provided

“Most businesses look for locations with less competition. We did the opposite. We believe in the quality of our products and want to be where customers already understand kava and kratom. This is the epicenter,” Capozzi said.

“Hopefully, this is just the beginning. We plan to open more locations in the area,” Capozzi added.

Cozy Kava is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The owners plan to host a grand opening later this month and will hold a special event during St. Pete Pride’s street party on June 1st, 2025.

Follow Cozy Kava on Facebook and Instagram for grand opening updates and special offers.