ROOT AWAKENING KAVA BAR: WORCESTER MA
I've never done kava before, so when I heard there was a new place opening in Worcester, I was in.
I walked by it at first; there wasn't much signage that I could see (although in all fairness I was running on 3 hours of sleep). There are two large garage doors that make up the front of the shop, and I assume that they will probably open up the space when the weather gets nicer.
My friend was there waiting, and we took a look at the menu. They had some options that were served in the traditional shells, kava that was mixed with flavors such as chocolate and coconut, and another section of drinks made from Kratom.
I'm all about feeling all the feels, so I asked the incredibly engaging "bartender" (maybe owner?) what was basically going to get me the most fucked up.
He explained that kava isn't like alcohol; the effects are more about being in your right mind, but extremely relaxed. He then added that the Kratom gives you a slightly more noticeable euphoric effect. Sold.
I picked the hibiscus flavor, and my friend chose some sort of chocolately concoction. I tasted his, and it was WAY better than mine.
The Kratom drink wasn't horrible by any means, but it wasn't something I'd order to satisfy myself with a delicious beverage. It tasted like a fizzy tea, with an undercurrent of sharpness. I chugged it down, and waited for something to happen.
After a few minutes, I did notice that I felt slightly more mentally alert, yet calm. I perused the menu again and asked the bartender about the most potent option they had. He pointed out one of the shells, and I added hibiscus flavor to it.
He brought out the shell, which looked like it was filled with muddy dishwater sludge. But at least it was delicious.
Just kidding. That shit is FUCKING DISGUSTING. I took a sip and immediately wanted to lick the bar, my coat, my friend, the floor...ANYTHING to get that vile taste out of my mouth. It tasted like the celery currently rotting in the back of my fridge, after Satan used it as an enema.
It also makes your mouth go totally numb.
But you know what? People don't drink this for pleasure (OBVIOUSLY), they drink it for the effect.
Within a few minutes, I started to feel VERY relaxed. I could feel myself slumping down as my body got on board with my inner sloth. By the third shell, I felt fucking great. Horizontal, but great.
We need more places like this for people who don't drink...or for people who DO drink, but prefer to access something to Xanax their ass while leaving them capable of thinking and driving.
This place has an amazing vibe. The service is fantastic, the drinks taste like ass but they are effective, and they have done a great job of creating an environment that sucks you in. There are two separate spaces: one room contains the bar, tons of light, and open spaces to sit and watch Worcester's finest arguing out in the streets.
The second room is small, warm, and cozy. It's the perfect place to hang out once the kava hits and you want to cuddle up in a ball of peace and light.
Definitely give this place a try on your next exploration of the Woo. Such a fun way to relax!
