Elevating the Kava Bar Experience
Kava Sol is a non-alcoholic, botanical bar offering a variety of plant-based mocktails using kava and kratom as the foundation to their mood-lifting concoctions. Additionally, they proudly serve cacao, Leilo Kava Seltzers, kombucha, and other adaptogenic botanical beverages. Located in Willoughby, Ohio, 25 minutes east of Cleveland, Kava Sol is the third kava/kratom bar in Ohio. Since opening in June 2023, owners Lindsay Kronk and Mathew Butler have devoted themselves, and their business to educating the area on the benefits of kava/kratom as alternatives to alcohol. In the burgeoning kava industry Kava Sol is taking a unique stance, offering an elevated and approachable experience.
Influenced by the loss of her mother, Trish, who struggled with mental health and alcoholism, Lindsay felt the need to provide a safe community space for people without the pressure, or desire, to consume alcohol. Lindsay and Mat hoped to welcome people from all walks of life who desired to connect with each other through freedom of expression. Trish, an avid artist, grappled to find the right community to support not only her sobriety, but also her creativity, therefore feeling disconnected.
In a community typically behind the curve in terms of bar/restaurant offerings, Lindsay and Mathew have spear-headed the opportunity to bring something both new, and needed, to the area. With Trish’s paintings adorning the walls, Kava Sol invites the creative juices of customers and staff to flow on a “collaborative canvas.”
Trish’s easel stands near the entrance to the botanical bar. Every few weeks a fresh canvas with a new theme is placed on the easel, with paints and brushes available for anyone moved to add their own touch. The previously finished canvases typically hang on the walls at Kava Sol, however, in accordance with the Winter Wonderland theme, past paintings have been wrapped in holiday themed wrapping paper, complete with bows.
The Kava Sol mission is to bring people together through open-hearted conversations, while enjoying alternative beverages that foster such feelings. In bringing her vision to reality, Lindsay used her background in real estate to design Kava Sol with a bohemian chic decor/ambiance in mind. The inviting patio has been converted from beach vibes in the summer to a whimsical Winter Wonderland filled with lights, Christmas trees, and an Igloo, to the vibrant and bright interior, everything about Kava Sol has been done with pure intentions. Customers are welcomed and embraced by the holiday lights wrapped around the patio fencing. Inside ornaments, lights, a tree, and tinsel complete the Winter Wonderland vibe.
The decor is just the start of the differences they chose to adopt. The Kava Sol owners opted to portion their drinks in a manner allowing customers to enjoy the mood-lifting properties of the plants, without overdoing it. Numerous bars in other states serve high-potency kava and kratom drinks in large portions. Lindsay and Mathew believed this could result in a negative reputation regarding the benefits of these plants. Moreover, they have added alternative botanical offerings to the menu, giving customers more options.
They created their “Signature Experience Intention Board;” allowing customers to try two (2) of their “Craft Offerings”, a shot of a botanical spirit (Three Spirits), and a souvenir “Intention Card”
with a matching crystal, meant as a keepsake to be taken home. The “tasting board” was created to introduce people to the feelings of Kava Sol’s offerings, while creating a fun experience. They invite everyone to “Come Catch A Plant Buzz” the Kava Sol way.
Kava Sol is thrilled to impart positivity unto the community whilst hosting events such as a weekly open mic night (Tuesdays), book club (Thursdays), breathwork shops, sound baths, reiki, tarot card readings, permanent jewelry, henna tattoos, and more. Standing out from others in the alcohol-alternative scene, Kava Sol follows the traditional method of serving triple-hand strained kava tea, low-dose kratom teas. Furthermore, a variety of house-made simple syrups are used to make fresh and dazzling beverages aimed at bringing patrons a mood-lifting experience. With both standard and seasonal menus, there is sure to be something for everyone who wanders through the door to Kava Sol.
Embracing the intention of flow and creativity, Kava Sol is excited to evolve as the alcohol-alternative bar scene does. Customers have referred to Kava Sol as their "Third Place," referring to a communal space separate from home and work. Keep an eye out for events and menu changes with the passing seasons. Be sure to follow Kava Sol online at www.kavasol.com, Instagram @kava_sol, and Facebook at Kava Sol. And if you’re in the area be sure to try something new, different, and fun by visiting Kava Sol.
