Poorhouse Kava

Overview

Poorhouse Kava is a dedicated kava lounge tucked inside the Poorhouse complex at 110 SW 3rd Ave in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The space leans into a punk-influenced dive bar aesthetic – think raw, unpolished decor – but the energy behind the bar runs mellow and welcoming, making it an easy fit for both kava regulars and complete newcomers. Owner Adam is a hands-on presence who greets guests personally, walks first-timers through the menu, and clearly knows his product inside and out.

The drink menu centers on kava and kratom preparations alongside coffee, with guests consistently noting the quality of the kratom in particular. Pricing sits at the affordable end for the Broward County kava scene, which makes it approachable for people still deciding whether kava is their thing. The staff – called kavatenders here – are patient with questions and genuinely sociable, treating the bar more like a neighborhood hangout than a transactional counter. Baked goods like cookies round out the offerings if you want something to snack on between shells.

The room holds a distinct duality. The kava bar itself stays calm and conversational, while the broader Poorhouse venue around it pulses with live music and louder energy. That contrast works in its favor – you can drift between laid-back kava sipping and whatever event is happening next door without leaving the building. Hours skew evening and late night, opening at 6 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on weekends, with Thursday through Saturday service running until 2 AM. That late window makes it a solid alternative to alcohol-focused nightlife for anyone looking for a different kind of buzz after a concert or dinner downtown.

With a perfect 5.0 Google rating across 70 reviews, the early consensus is strong. Regulars who have visited kava bars across the country rank it among their favorites, and walk-ins who discovered it by accident keep coming back.

Good to know

• Rating: 5.0/5 from 70 Google reviews
• Best for: kava curious newcomers, late night no alcohol, chill pre-show hangout, solo bar conversation, kratom enthusiasts
• Features: Late Night

Hours