First-timers to Kava Culture, located just across the street from H-E-B in Alliance Town Center, have an opportunity to instantly become a part of the tribe.

The details

Kava is a drink made from ground-up Kava root. CJ Gibbs, who owns Kava Culture with her husband, Justin, said that first timers are initiated into the “kava culture” with a drink ritual called a bula.

“A bula is the way people welcome others into their tribe,” CJ Gibbs said. “During the bula, everyone in the bar drinks kava together at once.”

CJ Gibbs added that for the bula, the basic kava drink is typically consumed, which has an earthy tone to it. From the basic drink, various blends and botanical infusions can be added to complete a unique kava cocktail. There are also different veins of kava, which can be consumed based upon the desired effect.


“The green vein is going to hit your dopamine receptors, so it helps with giving you a natural mood boost,” CJ Gibbs said. “The white vein is good for mental clarity and focus, so a lot of people use it as an alternative to caffeine.”

She said the two other veins—red and yellow—help with muscle relaxation and strength and stamina, respectively.

“Yellow is similar to pre-workout,” CJ Gibbs said.

The backstory


Kava is a mainstay of the Polynesian and Pacific Island cultures. Known for its calming, relaxing and sometimes mildly euphoric effects, CJ Gibbs said the drink is thought to be a gift from the gods and is associated with communal experiences thanks to rituals like the bula.

“Our bar is a totally different experience than people are used to,” Justin Gibbs said. “Everything is vegan and nonalcoholic. It gives the relaxed feeling of alcohol without any inhibition of motor skills, impaired thinking or hangovers.”

Justin Gibbs added that many people come in during the month of January if they are participating in Dry January, where people cut out alcohol during the month.

“A lot of other people come in who maybe want to simply cut back on their drinking, or want to find a healthy alternative to alcohol,” Justin Gibbs said.


Justin Gibbs said much like a bar, the “Kavatenders” at Kava Culture can mix kava into a variety of cocktails. Drinks are also served on tap and in to-go cans. While there’s an extensive list of drinks on the menu, CJ Gibbs said the Kavatenders often whip up a new creation on the spot.

Kava Culture doesn’t serve food, however outside food is allowed. CJ Gibbs said there are several neighboring restaurants, and some even deliver food to the bar.

“Our bar is open to all and welcoming of everyone,” CJ Gibbs said. “It’s kid-friendly; however, those under 18 will not be able to drink kava beverages—we will have other drinks available for kids under 18, or they can get mixed drinks without anything added. We are also pet-friendly and host events like trivia night, game night, karaoke and ‘paint-and-sip’ night.”

This is the first Kava Culture location in Tarrant County. The Gibbs plan on opening other locations in the future.