Da Kine's Kava is an alcohol-free and bar-like social space that provides relaxing drink options in Durham. Decorated with personal totems from the owners' travels, soothing colors, and garage doors that roll up, their brick-and-mortar space feels open and inviting.
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Hours:
Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
So I had zero clue what kava even was before walking into Da Kines, but right away I was greeted by Cameron, and he couldn’t have been more chill and welcoming. He took the time to explain everything without making me feel dumb. The drinks were great and very relaxing! The outdoor area is super cool and was what initially drew me in. Good vibes and just a solid place to hang. What I loved most was how it felt like everyone already knew each other, but still made room for someone new, I didn’t feel like a stranger at all. Overall great experience. Thanks Da Kines!
Duocide
May 24, 2025
5
We stopped by while on tour, pain in our chest, ink our skin, demons in our DMs… and I don’t usually leave reviews, but Dakines straight up cracked open my shadowy soul and poured some light in. Walked in half dead from the weight of it all… walked out feelin like maybe, just maybe, there’s hope.
First off.. the vibe? Immaculate. The moment I stepped in, the energy was different. It’s like this place hugs your trauma, hands you a handcrafted mocktail, and tells you it’s gonna be okay.
Speaking of mocktails…holy alchemy. These aren’t drinks, they’re potions brewed by low key wizards. Smooth, bold, layered with flavors I didn’t know existed. Every sip tastes like self discovery. Whoever made the menu, you got artistry in your blood.
The community here… it’s real. No judgment. Just smiles, open hearts, and conversations that make you wanna feel things again. I’ve never had so many strangers root for me. You don’t find that in clubs or dark venues. This place ain’t just a bar, it’s a lighthouse for the lost.
And the crew? Legends.
Mia- calm, collected, like a Zen monk with a shaker.
Jess — sharp, witty, makes you laugh when you didn’t even know you could.
Elijah— the eye contact? Healing. The knowledge? Knowledgable. The energy? Peaceful chaos in the best way.
Donya — from one poet to another, she got BARS. Speaks to your soul, mixes like a spiritual guide.
Phoenix — fire in human form. Big presence, good heart, very funny and endearing.
But yo, Cameron? Nah, Cameron’s different. That dude is a whole vibe. Service so on point you’d think he’s reading minds. But it’s the music taste that got me. Every track he dropped felt like it was curated for my broken past and brighter future. He painted the air with mood. Cameron, you’re the hero of my healing arc. Respect.
Dakines changed me. I came in jaded, stayed for the drinks, and left wanting to write love songs instead of sad ones. If you’re reading this and you’re in a dark place pull up. Order something beautiful. Let this community remind you who you are.
Charles Dobbins
May 17, 2025
5
Lovely community, amazing welcoming people. Cam, Jess, Elijah, and Mia are great and do their utmost to make sure you have a good experience
Cameron Ecker
Mar 8, 2025
5
If you haven’t been to Da Kine’s in Durham yet, stop what you’re doing (unless you’re operating heavy machinery, in which case, finish that first) and GET HERE. This place is an absolute vibe, and I don’t say that lightly. I’ve been to a lot of kava bars, but Da Kine’s is on another level—like, if there was a Michelin star for kava bars, this place would have three.
Let’s start with the drinks. I don’t know what kind of sorcery they’re using back there, but the kava and mocktails here are straight-up art. I’m talking beautifully crafted, deliciously balanced, and somehow both refreshing and relaxing at the same time. You ever drink something so good you get emotional? Because I did. I had a moment. And I’m not ashamed.
The staff? Absolute legends. Friendly, knowledgeable, and they somehow make you feel like you’ve been part of the family for years—even if it’s your first time. And speaking of staff, we need to talk about Cameron. This dude isn’t just a bartender; he’s a curator of vibes, a mixologist of moods, a DJ for the soul. His music taste? Impeccable. I walked in feeling kinda “meh” and walked out feeling like I’d just had a life-affirming cinematic montage. Whatever playlist he’s running, I need it in my daily life immediately.
But the real magic of Da Kine’s? The community. This place isn’t just a bar; it’s a second home. A judgment-free, welcoming-as-heck, “you belong here” kind of space. Whether you’re a kava connoisseur or just kava-curious, everyone is greeted with warmth, conversation, and probably a laugh or two. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends, and regulars become family.
And let’s not forget the ambiance—this spot is gorgeous. Perfect lighting, cozy yet spacious, and designed for peak chill mode. I could write poetry about the seating arrangement alone. It’s that good.
So if you’re looking for the best kava bar in North Carolina (or possibly the universe), Da Kine’s is THE SPOT. Five stars aren’t enough—I’d give it six if I could. Maybe even seven. But since that’s not an option, just trust me when I say: get yourself here, order something delicious, and let the magic of Da Kine’s do its thing.
Michael Harris
Dec 30, 2024
5
I was spoiled living in the kava bar capital of the country for many years (FL’s west coast). Moving to Durham it was great to see a place like Da Kine’s. I do recommend :)
Melissa De Yoe (Meli55a)
Oct 14, 2024
5
This was my first time to a kava bar but it will not be my last! I tried delta 9, kava, and kratom. In the future Id like to isolate my libations to one type per visit so that I can know which substance produces what feelings, but whatever the combo was, I loved it and felt fantastic. I had a great discussion with a random couple I met and got some goodies from the attached smoke shop. There are a ton of cool gifts there. I loved the multiple outdoor seating areas. All were very inviting. I really liked this spot and I'd be a regular if I lived in the area. Def visit!
Ruth
Oct 4, 2024
5
We always go to Krave in Carrboro (our fav kava bar in NC, coming from folks who lived in FL) but recently heard of this place. We decided to stop by & immediately were greeted by Cam & Jess. Lovely atmosphere & amazing service. LOVEDDDDDDDD the smoke shop that’s connected to them. Also amazing service & help as I wandered around. I will absolutely be coming back to this place, especially to buy more plants than I will ever need!! Stellar place, stellar people.
Castle Frame
Sep 25, 2024
5
If I could give a million star review I would. This place is wonderful. The space feels so safe to me, especially as a queer person. Sometimes I will end up working there during the day and then just hanging out at night! It's really nice to have a place to hang out that isn't centered around alcohol. Love the owners, staff, and kava!!
Ashley Gardner
Aug 12, 2024
5
My favorite spot in Durham! Everyone is always so nice and chill, good vibes all around. Easy to make friends, nobody has EVER been rude to me there, staff and patrons alike. Drinks are awesome. I rarely even drink alcohol anymore because I love what the alternatives have to offer. My day is always made when I can stop in here! 💙
