Kava Nirvana Speakeasy evokes the 1920s
A new Cape Coral establishment is serving up sensory-enhancing drinks while taking patrons back in time.
Kava Nirvana Speakeasy recently opened its hidden door for customers to indulge in kava and kratom beverages while playing on the prohibition era of the United States.
With a myriad of selections and drinks themed to the 1920s, guests walk into what appears to be a game room before entering another door and feeling the full experience of this new business.
“We chose an era of American history that if you were lucky enough to be part of it, was just exciting and thriving,” said Joseph Catalano, co-owner of Kava Nirvana Speakeasy. “We chose that 1920s speakeasy and prohibition theme. We wanted to go over the top.”
Catalano, who owns the establishment with partner Laura Rasmussen, said people can get confused when they first walk in, seeing just a game room with pool tables, dart boards, and a cabinet game. Once patrons step out back, they enter a larger room with huge chandeliers, couches, chairs, and a bar scene without the alcohol.
“I’ll be working at my desk and all of a sudden I’ll hear a sound of excitement and surprise from people,” Catalano said. “They’re just blown away.”
Kava Nirvana Speakeasy offers up kava and kratom drinks, featuring a specialty drink “prohibition menu” that has a vast range of flavors and tastes.
Kava is a plant that has its roots used to make non-alcoholic beverages that can give consumers a feeling of relaxation. Kratom is a topical evergreen tree that has its leaves made into drinks that can give feelings of energy, alertness, and more.
“We pride ourselves on our brew,” said Catalano, who does all the brewing for Kava Nirvana Speakeasy. “We only carry premium leaf for kratom and premium root for kava. Everything is brewed in-house. We maintain consistency and quality through every step over the process from the canisters to the dispensing units to the customer’s glass.”
Other than being focused on premium kava, the establishment which opened in mid-April offers botanical beverages, coffee, matcha, live entertainment, and community-driven events.
“The word-of-mouth about us has spread really fast,” Catalano said. “People are enjoying the atmosphere and letting their friends know. They try our drinks and love the quality. The growth has been steady and we’re happy with it.”
There’s always something to do at Kava Nirvana Speakeasy, with growing popularity for its trivia and open mic nights.
Trivia takes place each Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m., with open mic night on Thursday from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
“The way our layout is, with the height of the ceilings and soundproofing on the walls, people are just loving the sound,” Catalano said. “The artists say it’s great to sing there because the music flows away and out, instead of bouncing off the walls back at them.”
Catalano said there are also vendors that come out for these events, with people selling different items, a nail tech, and a massage therapist.
When it comes to menu choices, the offerings are a combination of Rasmussen’s Kava Nirvana location in Fort Myers and Kava Nirvana Speakeasy’s original items.
“We have a wide selection of drinks that are great,” Catalano said. “We have a good mix. Some people only drink kava — typically ones that use cream or chocolate or peanut butter. If they’re fruity and sweet, they pair well with kratom. But it’s really up to the taste of the purchaser for what they want.
“Where we differentiated ourself if our prohibition menu. All of our drinks on that menu were popular drinks through the prohibition era. When I built those drinks, I did research on cocktails and the garnishes and flavors used. I brought that knowledge in and put our kratom twist on it. Anytime you see lemon, lime, or orange — instead of using syrups, we use actual juice. It’s more like a craft cocktail than anything else.”
With kava and kratom bars popping up around Southwest Florida, Catalano’s message to the community as to why people should come try out Kava Nirvana Speakeasy is: “First and foremost, I think that the attention to detail that we spend on gathering product and handling it –I feel that we’re putting out a quality product. If you’re looking for the best taste and best effect from what you purchase, I think that’s a big reason why they should make us their kava bar.
“Also, we are a safe facility for all people. We show nothing but respect for any person that walks through our door. In these times, there’s a lot of people that don’t feel safe at other places, and that I think understanding that Kava Nirvana Speakeasy is a safe, fun, inclusive place where we show respect to everybody — people are looking for an opportunity to experience that.”
Other themed night at Kava Nirvana Speakeasy include industry night on Mondays, pool tournaments on Wednesdays, dart tournaments on Fridays, as well as various happy hours and specialty drink times throughout the week.
Kava Nirvana Speakeasy is at 4720 S.E. 15th Ave. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Tuesday, and 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
For more information, visit kavanirvanaspeakeasy.com.