Albuquerque's Kava Sanctuary
Gaia's
Kava Root
Where roots run deep and community gathers
Scroll
Albuquerque's Kava Sanctuary
Where roots run deep and community gathers
Gaia's Kava Root opened its doors in October 2024 on Central Avenue — Albuquerque's most storied street — as a place where community, culture, and honest connection could take root.
We are a family-owned kava bar founded on the belief that you deserve a space to relax, be yourself, and feel something good — no alcohol required. Kava found us during a season of healing, and now we share that gift with you.
More than a bar — Gaia's is a sanctuary. A living room for the curious, the creative, the healers, and the ones who needed something different.
One draw per week — 1 in 10 wins a free shell of kava with any purchase. Show a winning screen to your bartender.
Enter your phone number to play
One draw per week · We never share your info
Kava (Piper methysticum) is a root plant native to the South Pacific, used for centuries in sacred ceremony and communal gathering. It produces calm, clarity, and connection — without alcohol, without a hangover, and without fog.
Kava's active compounds — kavalactones — interact with the nervous system to ease tension, reduce anxiety, and bring a calm sense of wellbeing. No drowsiness. No impairment.
In Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and across the Pacific, kava ceremonies have long been the center of community life — a ritual of welcome, respect, and collective stillness.
A mild numbing of the tongue. A wave of ease. Your shoulders drop. Conversation opens up. You stop performing and just… exist. That's kava.
Unlike alcohol, kava doesn't dull your thinking. Guests arrive stressed from the day and leave feeling light — with the same clarity they walked in with, just without the weight.
The best part of kava isn't the drink — it's what happens when people share a shell. Walls come down. Conversations get real. This is what we built Gaia's for.
Whether you're in recovery, sober-curious, or just not drinking tonight — you belong here. Gaia's is a haven where everyone can have a real night out. No exceptions.
We found kava during a season of healing. Now we share that gift — one shell at a time — with every soul that walks through our door.
— Jonjon, Co-Founder · Gaia's Kava Root
Every Sunday
Hosted by Tina Yara-Nieto
Every Sunday, Gaia's transforms into something more intentional. Our Traditional Kava Ceremony is a free, community-rooted experience guided by Tina Yara-Nieto — a moment to slow down, connect, and honor the roots of this ancient ritual.
We come together in a circle. Phones down, shells ready. Tina welcomes each guest and sets the tone for the ceremony.
Learn the origin and culture of kava — where it comes from, how it's made, and the Pacific traditions that gave it meaning.
We clap, we say "Bula," and we drink together. Three rotating kava varieties, each with its own character and effect.
After the ceremony, we stay. We talk. Music fills the room. This is what Gaia's was built for.
Valid student ID gets you a discount on your order every Monday through Friday from noon to 4pm. Come decompress between classes.
Mon – Fri · 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Valid Student IDWe honor those who serve. Active military and veterans receive a discount every single day — just show your valid military ID at the bar.
Every Day · Valid Military ID RequiredOur goddess transforms with every season, holiday, and celebration — a living brand that reflects the ever-changing spirit of Gaia and our community.
Original
Spring
Spring Rain
Pride
St. Patrick's
Summer
Follow us on Instagram to see Gaia in every season.
From yoga sessions and cultural nights to birthday takeovers and community gatherings — Gaia's Kava Root is Albuquerque's most unique event venue. Bring your vision and we'll make it happen.
Yoga, drag shows, cultural nights, birthday takeovers, DJ sets, open mics, community gatherings — if you can dream it, Gaia's can host it. Reach out on Instagram to discuss availability.
Inquire on InstagramOpen 7 days a week — late nights on weekends
| Monday – Thursday | 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 12:00 PM – 4:00 AM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM – 4:00 AM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Visiting Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta? Gaia's Kava Root is your perfect hangout spot. Just minutes from Balloon Fiesta Park on historic Central Ave — come wind down after the morning ascension with a kava shell, a tea flight, or one of our craft mocktails. No alcohol, no hangover, just good vibes.
