Didn't get to try the kava, but honestly? The vibes alone were worth the trip. The music? Solid. The person at the front? Super nice. The energy? Just the right amount of weird. We went on a Monday, so it was completely empty, which only made it feel more like a secret hideaway for people who appreciate a little offbeat charm. Definitely the kind of place you stumble into and think, "Yeah, this is where the interesting people hang out." Would I come back? Absolutely -- preferably on a night where there's more life, and maybe I'll finally try the kava :) read more

The Nocturnal Café - Desserts Near Me - Ithaca, New York

I came here looking for tea, ended up learning about and trying kava! If you haven't had kava before, it's a root that's powdered up and served as a drink. It has calming properties that help people be more social similar to alcohol but without the negative effects. It does taste pretty bitter and it has a numbing sensation (similar to sichuan peppercorns) so their flavored options are recommended for first-timers. The apple cider version was pretty good. I did feel the effect, but did I love it? Honestly, not sure. It felt a bit weird. But even if I decide not to try kava again, their tea was also really good and the owner is a super nice and interesting guy. People who come here are looking for something different, so give it a shot! The inside definitely looks like it used to be an elk's lounge or something. But overall, it's a chill and relaxed space with good vibes. read more

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Tucked away spot off the main downtown area; serving up an assortment of teas rather than the usual bar offerings. Saturday night, live music being played in one section and a nice bar/lounge area for drinks. After getting a couple seats at the bar, the friendly bartender went through the entire menu as well as giving us a sample of what to expect. Between two people, had two of the sovereign teas, and two raw dessert bites ($13ish altogether). The "Brigid" tea is steeped for several minutes and has a earthy flavor that's comforting to sip on. Peanut butter dessert has a nice flavor, albeit a bit small. Like the ambiance of the spot; for $5 you get to relax in the concert area (couches/playroom included). Definitely worth checking out for something different. read more

The Nocturnal Café - Dessert - Desserts Near Me - Ithaca, New York

We walked in. They weren't busy, just a few people sitting on some stools around a bar area. The person working chose to continue to gossip loudly with a patron rather than to greet us, so we walked up and started looking at the menus. We had some questions and kept looking at the loudly talking woman, to no avail. Someone who seemed to be a regular walked right up and she turned around and took his order. We asked the gentleman a few questions while he waited for his order. When she continued to ignore us we put down the menus and left. We are always interested in trying cool local places. This was not cool, just pretentious. Too bad. As Polynesians we would generally be even more supportive but there was no Aloha here. read more

This is a special place! They have kava options that aren't too harsh, and an easy way for beginners to expose themselves to kava. I recommend getting the larger bowl, so you get the amount of 5 shots. It was perfect and a reasonable price! The staff was extremely kind and it was a great place to socialize. They have weekly events too. Hoping to come back to try out the tea options and to participate in some events. Worth checking out!!! read more

The Nocturnal Café - Desserts Near Me - Ithaca, New York

we ordered the traditional kava and had a great visit reading while we drank. great service , which included a thorough explanation of kava. highly recommend! read more

Really cool spot. Visiting from Nyack, Ny and it's my first time learning about Kava and having the full experience. I don't know how I haven't heard about this before! I felt super relaxed and I loved how people could just come together, and share the moment. Had great conversation, and no judging eyes. Do not leave Ithaca without coming here at least once! read more

Only in Ithaca. This place is very chill. I am a big tea lover so I thought it this place was great. Unfortunately, they were out of some menu items when I went. I enjoyed looking at the art on the wall and the other eclectic items they have in there. The women serving the tea was nice and I appreciated the easy electric payment with the tablet. It was peaceful inside however, the door slammed very loud every time someone walked in or out. It jolted you out of the relaxing atmosphere. read more

The Nocturnal Café - a cup and saucer - Desserts Near Me - Ithaca, New York

I came here on a Saturday afternoon with a friend to have some kava drinks. The kava was available in flavors like creamy coconut and apple cider or plain and unflavored. I got to try all three and I liked all three but I took a special liking to the cider. It masked the kava's earthy, dirt taste the most. Didn't try the tea or desserts though. The location itself is tucked away in the corner behind the building. Once you find the door and descend to the lower level, it felt like I was entering an underground lounge. There was ample space between the bar, tables and couches. There is a nice ambience and decor that helps to create an inviting atmosphere. The people are friendly and open to interactions. Overall, it was a pleasant experience and I would definitely recommend folks to try the kava if they haven't before. read more

Relaxing and unique. Undoubtedly Ithaca. Slightly on the pricey side, but definitely a chill vibe you won't get anywhere else!

This is a nice place to unwind after a long night out. They typically host live music and/or other forms of entertainment throughout the week. Kava, teas, and other drinks are available along with pineapple chasers. I've been there a few times for synth night, as well as open mic poetry readings. The staff is really friendly and they also have vegan desserts, i.e. peanut butter balls with dried strawberries and oat balls with raspberry. Just ask for the dessert menu (there's one on the bar), and they are $3 each. You can also share a bowl of kava (5 cups worth) for $30. Incense and other accessories are sold here. Lots of seating - couches, stools, chairs and tables available to lounge, hang out, etc. read more

The Nocturnal Café - Bar (inside) - Desserts Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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I didn't know what Kava was before coming to this place. I tried coconut-kava drink. It got my mouth tingling. I tried without much expectation. And I was surprised that it actually had a particular effect of helping with my tight and overworked muscles. And maybe, after I drank, I also could think a little better, with less mental fog. I was so tired that day when I stopped in, and that evening, I felt a lot better going out of the lounge, after a cup of kava. Kava had the similar effect as alcohol of ... waking me up (to socializing), but without problems associated with alcoholic beverages. I liked it. The bartender was very friendly, very helpful, and had an open mind of a well-traveled person - going across the globe to learn about kava. I can't take much alcohol without getting gassy. So this is a welcome alternative. And I could see how a lounge like this with kava is possible, replacing alcohol, without feeling any lesser. I tried brewing kava tea on my own at home, from a small batch I purchased from a coffee shop in Rochester, but it just didn't taste the same nor had any of that tingling effect. If Kava is not your thing, there are also many other varieties of teas to choose from. The place is spacious and you can stay at the bar or find some nooks and crannies for a private conversation with friends. I hope the business will prosper and will become a long-time Ithaca staple. It's so nice to have a sound alternative to alcohol. read more

Been here twice and lovely experience both times! Good vibes! Great place for non alcoholic drinks

The best pub in Ithaca actually serves no alcohol at all. An amazingly comfortable, friendly atmosphere, and just a beautiful space to be in. The bar creates a space to chat and meet new people, while the lack of alcohol helps create a vibe where people are having meaningful, real conversations. My favorite part of the place, though, is the attention to the sound atmosphere - something almost universally ignored at other nightlife spots. Whether there is live music or recorded, the sound is sweet and clear, but also at a level where you can still have a conversation at the bar without having to raise your voice. If you are a fan of live music, Sacred Root is a magical place to hear performances. Performer after performer will tell you that the sound on stage is as sweet as the sound out in the room, and that it's an absolute joy to play there. This makes for some performances that step above the usual. Finally, the deserts are top-notch delicious, teas are hand crafted and delightful, and kava is an interesting option. Not a place to go cruising for a wild time or a hookup. A night spot for the rest of us looking for good people and thoughtful conversation. Also, its kid-friendly, although I don't see kids there that often. read more

What a nice gem to find in Ithaca! We found parking in Ithaca and planned to walk over to Ithaca Commons. We literally parked in front of this tea bar's door. We read the sign and decided to check it out. It is a little daunting to walk down the stairs and we were not sure what we would find, but WOW what a cool place! Totally hippie vibe, but in a great way. There was meditative music playing and the place is really cute with plush couches and open space with small tables and a stage where they have music. The woman at the bar was lovely and we sat there with our 2 kids for "happy hour" 2 for 1 non-alcoholic tea drinks at 4pm. One of our kids was coming down with a cold and she made him a ginger echinacea tea with honey which he gobbled down. Hubs and I had kava drinks in coconut shell bowls with slices of pineapple as a "chaser". I had the apple cinnamon kava drink which was delicious and calming. Very interesting! We had never had it before and it was really cool to learn about the different teas & kava. There was a steady flow of people after us and the bartender treated everyone as if they were the only people in the bar. An absolute delight of a place and hidden gem in Ithaca. read more

Its a wonderful breath freshening place. I don't come here much, but it is always welcoming. People are friendly, and the teas are great!!! Very cave like, and if your of a new age metaphysical mind then this could be the place for you. There's a stage, and music. Right now it's a Celtic music band. There are comfy couches and chairs to hang out on. read more

The Nocturnal Café - Desserts Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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I have played all the Open mikes within 50 miles of Ithaca, NY, and there is none better than the Kava Bar. It's a beautiful bar area, an old fashioned 270 degree wooden bar, but no drunks! Just intelligent, friendly people looking for good conversation most of the time (sometimes a person here or there wants to keep to himself). There are beautiful art works on the walls, usually a new artist every month. There are ancient books, with esoteric themes. There are games, and people sometimes place chess. They serve Kava, or a wide variety of teas that sooth the soul. Then there is a very big performance room, with a listening crowd...usually no interruptions, and a polite respectful crowd. Two fine musician-hosts, Karlee and Aria are attentive to the needs of the performers. The owner, Paul, is a professional sound man, so the sound is always top-notch. There are big stuffed seats and couches to sit in, and then a THIRD room...a small intimate place with a couch, a couple of chairs, and a library. Then a cubbyhole and a hallway, and two bathrooms.....It's a BIG place...low lighting and it's COOOOL....Kids come with their parents and play often, without interrupting the music. Because it's so fine, really good performers stop by to break in new material or pull out an old favorite that seems to fit. IF you're looking to have fun performing, you came to the right place.....All kinds of great featured acts as well....and usually no cover....none for open mike for sure. read more

Sacred Root is a seriously cool place. You'd be hard-pressed to find a cooler spot in Ithaca, and this place is SO ITHACA. It's weird, offbeat, quirky. It's not like anything you've ever seen before. *** Sacred Root is a kava bar. Inside, it feels like an alcohol-serving bar with a stage from which to host live music. The interior is full of eastern artifacts, totems, symbols, figures and emblems. There are comfortable couches and chairs to sit on, and the bar is usually spacious enough to sit with a few friends. *** The kava is good (well, it tastes like earth, which is what kava is apparently supposed to taste like). It's cheap as well, meaning you can buy a few of them without spending more than $10 or so. *** The service here is stellar. Truly, truly excellent. They walked me through the steps to eating kava in a friendly, relaxed manner that was never condescending or at all patronizing. They earned a fine tip. My taster was patient, knowledgable on all things kava and really made the experience a top-notch one. I'll be back. *** There's a true community feel here. The bartenders and the regulars, in both of my experiences here, have been outgoing, open and warm. *** BE SURE NOT TO MIX ALCOHOL AND KAVA. read more

A really nice place, but the guy just kept telling story after story. I'm sure you have interesting tales, dude, but chill and let me talk to the friend I came in with! I wish certain members of the staff were more attentive when you arrive and are waiting to order, then less obtrusive when we have our order and are chatting privately. Checking in with guests is great, monopolizing their time talking about how great you are isn't okay. read more

No alcohol? No problem! Pregnant women and teetotalers of the world: unite! This non alcoholic bar is a hidden gem. Beautiful artwork on the walls & hanging from the ceilings. Chill atmosphere. Nice people. Several different rooms to meet & relax. Definitely worth a visit! read more

The Nocturnal Café - one corner of the bar - Desserts Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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I've been coming to Sacred Root for tea and kava, but mostly for the people, for about three years. It's my favorite social spot. I don't like alcohol, but I love sitting at a bar and chatting with like-minded folks. I also enjoy that it's family-friendly, and has other moms and their kids popping in and out. There's also lots of interesting events and music, poetry readings, a monthly women's group, and chess and reiki and so much more! If you're looking for a safe space to socialize, free of alcohol and drama, I couldn't recommend Sacred Root more. Oh, and the tea and kava are pretty great, too. The vibe is very relaxing, it's a pretty large space with books and couches and places to sit quietly with a friend and have a private conversation, or you can sit at the bar and meet lots of interesting folks. They also have art shows up, so you can see what some of the local artists are up to. read more

I felt like I was underground/inside of a large tree while I sat there listening to a live performance on a Thursday night, I guess that's why they call it Sacred Root. The ambience is very earthy and thus very homey. If you've never tried Kava tea before, this is where you should! read more

Amazing place. I love the $15 all you can drink kava during black swan on weekends after midnight.

First time having kava. We got a great survey of what to expect and some history. Everything was as advertised, and the place has a very chill vibe. A worthy experience! read more

I wish we lived closer so we could go here all the time. This was my first experience with kava and the person who was behind the counter really knew his kava and made it so everyone, returning and new, would get along and have a good time. We enjoyed it so much we visited 3x during our vacation. Perfect atmosphere, drinks and company. read more