Photos courtesy of Kava Works
Bar hopping in downtown Colorado Springs has taken on a whole new meaning.
In the mix of traditional brew pubs and cocktail lounges, there’s a new player in town. Instead of serving IPAs and Aperol spritz, this house pours its own top-shelf kava.
Kava. Not coffee, not lava. The South Pacific ceremonial drink derived from the root of the common kava plant has found its way into mainstream America. Noted for its calming, sedating, and euphoric effects, it is considered a functional alternative to alcoholic beverages. Not the best tasting drink—think of chewing on a piece of bark—it has gained popularity among the sober-curious who are re-examining their personal spirit consumption.
Jason Benjamin, owner of Kava Works in Colorado Springs, was introduced to kava by a family friend in Florida who was familiar with the drink and its anti-anxiety elements. Intrigued by this discovery, Benjamin made a point of visiting over 80 kava bars throughout the country while traveling on business.
His initial foray into the business began in 2020 with a food truck lovingly named Bertha. He then opened the first Kava Bar on N. Academy in Colorado Springs and a second downtown location on Pikes Peak Ave. in May 2025. Overall, Benjamin has witnessed an overwhelmingly favorable and curious response from its customers.
“Many people don’t know what it is,” he says. “They find out when a friend brings them in, or they have researched kava when looking for non-alcoholic alternatives.”
Both newcomers and regular patrons are greeted by an industrial, nightclub vibe complete with comfy couches and a pool table. The daily menu, mounted above the expansive bar, includes a variety of kava drinks: traditional Fiji blend, extract shots, Nitro tea, and soda. Kombucha and herbal teas are also available, as are small bites. According to Benjamin, the most popular drink is the signature Bertha Bomb, a nod to his original food truck. Served in 2 oz. or 12 oz. sizes, it packs a potent punch of high-quality kava, producing a calm, relaxing, somewhat mind-numbing experience.
Come see and drink for yourself.
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Colorado Springs North
- 6820 N. Academy
- Colorado Springs
- (719) 259-0692
Colorado Springs Downtown
- 111 E Pikes Peak Ave.
- Colorado Springs
- (719) 694-2192
Hours
- Sunday through Thursday • 11am – midnight
- Friday and Saturday • 11am – 1am
- Guests must be at least 18.
