By Vanessa Lantos Daly (Spicy Melon)
May 11, 2025 – In the early days of January, something new was popping up if you happened to be strolling down Bull Street toward 37th Street. Kava House had just opened in late December at 1915 Bull Street.
To anyone unfamiliar with kava root (like me), this new place looked like a charming little tea house. Then, a small sign outside offered some enlightenment, explaining what kava root is and what it does to you.
Kava is a plant-based drink that promises to be a “mood enhancer”—boosting your vibe, relieving anxiety, and helping with focus.
If you ask anyone, late December was a great time to open a kava bar. Everyone was in that hyper-determined resolution mode, swearing off junk food, alcohol, gambling, strippers—you name it.
I had a very boring January, can you tell?
I found this place not just because the owners came to serve kava and other unique bites in a stylish, minimalist space—but because they also support local artists to dress their walls.
I sat down for a short conversation with owner Ivan Lee and one of the artists currently exhibiting his pieces at Kava House, Calvin Woodum. Calvin actually recommended I check the place out—not just to see his new work, but to get the full, enhanced experience.
Calvin shared a bit about one of the pieces he’s displaying:
“This current piece is from my Uprising series. It’s about creating that stirring within yourself—to get up and do something to put yourself in a better position in life.”
The painting, full of bright colors, sits right in the middle of the room, adding life and light to the space.
Ivan and his wife Hind have been Savannah residents for less than a year, but their experience so far has been nothing but warm. Ivan is originally from Orange County, California, and Hind is originally from Morocco.
Calvin recalled with a smile,
“I walked into Kava House and saw this beautifully designed, modern contemporary space. When I encounter a space like that, I always ask if they might be interested in displaying artwork. But this one in particular—it’s such a lovely and quaint space to hang out. That’s what I love. I love how Savannah always has a mix of modern and historic spaces, because this is a beautiful Victorian home with clean lines. I walked in, said hello to Ivan, and we became friends.”
Calvin has now exhibited his work at Kava for a couple of months. He adds:
“I appreciate Ivan adding to the spaces in Savannah for local artists to display their artwork. He loves local art. He’s not interested in taking a big commission from the sales—he just appreciates local artists decorating the walls of Kava House. While enjoying kava, relaxing, and enjoying the space—it’s aesthetically beautiful and intimate. After spending a lot of time here, I haven’t found my favorite spot to sit yet, because each seat is comfortable. But those couches, though!”
Ivan shared that he had visited Savannah many times before moving here, and it was love at first visit—like it is for many. He was drawn to the calm, relaxing aura of the city: the moss swinging quietly from the trees, the slower pace, the lack of crowded, chaotic streets.
(He obviously hasn’t experienced the bachelorette crowds and party pedal tours downtown. Lucky him.)
After Hind moved to the States, they visited and explored many cities, but Savannah kept calling them back.
The first thing Ivan noticed? No kava shops in sight. And just like that, he saw an opportunity to bring something unique to the city. He mentioned that in Florida, you can find kava shops everywhere.
He appreciates the diversity of his visitors. Being so close to a college building means many of them are students—but there are also plenty of locals and neighbors. And many visitors who stop by once make a point to return.
“My clientele… it’s a good mix, with very different age groups. It’s difficult to name a specific demographic, but I can say it’s usually people who are stressed out,” he says with a laugh and a look of understanding at Calvin.
I still don’t understand it. I’ve never tried kava in my life.
I dig deeper.
So—what is it, exactly?
Ivan continues, “It’s an all-natural, root-based tea that comes from the Pacific Islands. It helps you clear your mind, relax your body, and puts you in a state of zen. If you’re stressed after work or after school, it allows you to focus without being overwhelmed by all the other things stressing you out.”
A bold claim.
When I asked about choosing this spot in the city for Kava House, he said the location was a blessing. It was simply available at the right time. “This beautiful house was available when I was looking, with the location being equally beautiful. For this one, all the stars aligned. I’m so grateful.”
And it is beautiful. A visit promises a Zen space with the perfect setting for reading or remote work. The interior is decorated by Hind and Ivan with minimalist elegance.
Ivan shares the challenge of introducing a kava shop to Savannah. “This type of business is new here, so for many of the clients, it’s their first time. A lot of education is needed. It’s important for me to tell them what it is and what will happen when they drink it.”
If you’re in the mood for a bite, they carry Auspicious baked goods, like many other local cafés and businesses. Since Ivan is new to the city, he shares, “I tried them, and how could you not sell them? Best baked goods in the city.”
I’m extremely curious about the experience of kava. Ivan explains, “The first drink I suggest guests try is a classic kava. Most people carry some form of stress—school, work, home. So they get a cup and sit in the café, and I follow up to see how they’re feeling, if they notice any of the relaxing effects. They’re usually smiling and very happy. Students especially, during midterms and finals, really appreciate it.”
One instance he remembers fondly: “There was one young lady who came in and tried kava for the first time. She ended up sitting here for about three and a half hours and marveled at being able to write 15 pages. She said she hadn’t been able to do that for three days.”
Ivan talks about the most popular flavor: “A house favorite is the Vanilla Chai—it’s delicious, and a personal favorite, too. We also have a couple of coffee options for those not into kava.”
Super perked up, I decided to try a kava for the first time. And let’s just say—none of that Rainbows and Unicorns relaxing on the sofa talk I had with Calvin and Ivan prepared me for this.
I ordered the Vanilla Chai. And yes—it tasted like a super tasty chai latte. Then, suddenly, my tongue went numb. A tingling sensation started all over my mouth and a little in my throat.
Ummm… what in the…
Ivan walked over with his dashing smile and said, “Do you like the flavor?” And meanwhile, I was in a mild panic thinking I might be allergic to something.
So yes—there is a reaction in your mouth. Be prepared.
Calvin smiled and reassured me: “Yes! That happened the first time I had it. But it hasn’t happened since. It’s like an initial introduction to your system,” he said, sipping a cool and refreshing Watermelon Dragonfruit Kratom tea, which is another item they offer. Calvin claims he just loves the flavor and doesn’t pay much attention to the effects.
Ivan explains, “Kratom is a tea from Indonesia and Malaysia. It’s not root-based like kava—it comes from plants. We offer three types: red for pain relief and sleep, green for euphoria (just a mood boost), and white for energy and focus.”
He continues, “I always remind people they’ll get a tingling sensation. The kavalactones—the active ingredients that help you relax—react with your gums and esophagus. It happens to everyone. A sign of good-quality kava is how much and how fast it tingles. We always advise people to take a sip and test it out, to get comfortable with it. Many keep coming back to enjoy this as a great weekend drink to de-stress.”
After a few minutes in… I was giggling like a schoolgirl skipping class. I felt mildly drunk, like that sweet spot of tipsy. Ivan assured me that’s as high as it goes.
There’s a pleasant bitterness to it, but I sat there for a hot minute with a numb tongue.
As previously mentioned, if you visit Kava House and get hungry, they carry a fully stocked display of Auspicious baked goods. But upon closer inspection of the menu, I noticed something curious: ramen options.
Kava and ramen and pastries… Maybe I was riding my kava high, but I had questions.
Why offer instant ramen on your menu?
Ivan explains, “Yes, it’s a very eclectic menu. They’re like snacks and fast things. This is the ramen I personally enjoy. And these aren’t ramens you can find in stores around Savannah. They’re fast, cheap, and tasty bites that students or anyone can afford.”
I can’t say I’ve had instant ramen since I was a 20-year-old student… okay, and maybe a broke 25-year-old at some point, if we’re being real. But I’m intrigued.
I recommend visiting Kava House to enjoy some local art, sip on a kava drink, and maybe even try some unique instant ramen. Ivan and Hind are incredibly lovely and kind hosts—and that’s not just the kava talking.
Love always,
Vanessa
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