SquareRt Kava Bar, known for selling kava, a Pacific Island–inspired drink believed to relieve anxiety, stress and more, will open its second Austin location the first or second week of April at Plaza 5000, 5000 N. Lamar Blvd.
Calling itself the first kava bar in Texas, SquareRt considers the drink a safe alternative to alcohol by promoting relaxation and a cheerful mood without causing impairment. According to SquareRt's website, kava has been used for more than 3,000 years for medicinal, religious, political, cultural and social purposes.
SquareRt also has a location at 6000 S. Congress Ave, Ste. 106. 512-382-9293. www.squarerut.com
Other Impacts:
COMING SOON—Local Slice Pizza, already with one location in Cedar park, will open a second site in East Austin this summer at the Walnut Creek Retail Center, 8063 Exchange Drive. The restaurant offers pizza slices, garlic knots and cheese sticks as well as specialty pizzas. 512-258-3333. www.localsliceaustin.com
IN THE NEWS—Art Alliance Austin will host the 11th annual Art Night Austin fundraiser at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. The event will span two locations, Women & Their Work art gallery, 1710 Lavaca St., and The Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 W. 18th St., and include food, film, art displays, live music and more. Tickets are $45 per person. 512-609-8591. www.artallianceaustin.org