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Kava bar brings booze-free social hub to Avanyu Plaza
From mud water to cherry limeade, Tanoan Kava offers a flavor for every palate
Published
If you like the taste of mud water and getting caught in engaging conversation, Albuquerque鈥檚 newest kava bar might be the place to be.
Avanyu Plaza has a new business: Tanoan Kava. The kava bar opened in late April, bringing a selection of handcrafted kava drinks, botanical teas and community events to 12th Street near the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Behind the venture is Colorado-based chain Roots & Leaves Kavas & Teas, which has one other New Mexico location in Santa Fe. That location, Casa de Kava, launched in 2022.
The company鈥檚 kava expansion comes as Americans are drinking less alcohol, recent research shows. As consumers search for alternatives, kava bars have exploded over the last few years, according to Roots & Leaves Kavas & Teas鈥� vice president of business development, Nicole Carbone.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a movement, and we鈥檙e just excited to be a part of it,鈥� Carbone said, adding that the Colorado-based company aims to offer a welcoming place for people to gather and socialize without the hangover.
On the chain鈥檚 menu, people can find drinks made from the roots of the kava plant, which is native to the South Pacific islands and has been used in ceremonies and social gatherings for centuries. Because of its earthy ingredients, kava has often been nicknamed 鈥渕uddy water,鈥� Carbone said.
But the bar also has a variety of teas, smoothies and premium kava drinks with a sweet twist, including cherry limeade and popsicle-flavored options.
While some enjoy kava鈥檚 earthy taste, Carbone said many people drink it for its relaxing benefits.
鈥淜ava is a natural way to relieve stress and anxiety. The kavalactones 鈥� the active ingredient 鈥� is what helps your body feel calm and relaxed, but you don鈥檛 get a hangover from it. It鈥檚 like a social lubricant; people that are introverted or uncomfortable with group settings 鈥� when they have some kava, it relaxes them enough that they are not as anxious.鈥�
The business will also host community events, aiming to spur conversation and connection. Some activities the bar had in June include weekly open mic nights and sound bath sessions.
Tanoan Kava occupies a spacious 2,820-square-foot unit inside Avanyu Plaza 鈥� a cultural and business center owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, and managed by Indian Pueblos Marketing Inc.
Skyler Sargent, vice president of property management for Indian Pueblos Marketing, said the kava business is a welcome addition, bringing new energy and community to the plaza.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a different item than we have on the rest of the property, so it鈥檚 another great place to come and hang out,鈥� Sargent said.
Tanoan Kava isn鈥檛 the only new business to join Avanyu Plaza in recent months. La Monta帽ita Food Co-op opened its second Albuquerque store at the property in April, joining Rainwater Wellness Day Spa, 12th Street Tavern, Itality Plant Based Foods and the only Native-owned Starbucks in New Mexico.
Carbine said it has been 鈥渁n honor鈥� for Roots & Leaves Kavas & Teas to earn the support of New Mexico鈥檚 pueblos and launch its second New Mexico location at the plaza.
鈥淚 think it says a lot about our vision and what we鈥檙e offering,鈥� Carbone said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e bringing natural remedies that are available through plants and more alternatives to be able to have a social life without booze. (We hope) to provide a safe, sober space for people of all different walks of life and backgrounds to be able to come and feel comfortable.鈥�
Kylie Garcia covers retail and real estate for the Journal. You can reach her at kgarcia@abqjournal.com.
