Kava in Indianapolis: A Growing Scene with Real Options
Indianapolis doesn’t have the sprawling kava bar culture of Florida or the Pacific Northwest, but it’s genuinely ahead of many comparable Midwest cities. The metro area has a dedicated kava bar in the Fishers suburb, multiple locations of a kava-serving tea shop, and a handful of cocktail lounges that keep kava on their menu. Here’s what’s actually open.
Dedicated Kava Bar
The Mood Health & Wellness — Fishers
14089 Mundy Dr, Fishers, IN 46038
Phone: (317) 434-4213
The Mood is the Indianapolis metro’s dedicated kava destination. Located in Fishers (about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Indy), it was founded by Dr. Hatfield, a retired immunopharmacology researcher from Eli Lilly, alongside hemp and extraction specialists — so there’s genuine scientific literacy behind what they stock and serve.
The shop serves kava alongside a range of other botanical and wellness products including CBD, delta products, blue lotus, and herbal supplements. The kava menu includes flavored options like Pina Colada kava. They also have a free arcade and lounge area, which gives the place a relaxed, community-oriented vibe rather than a clinical supplement-shop feel. Customers consistently mention the knowledgeable, welcoming staff.
Call ahead to confirm current hours before visiting.
Kava at Tea and Café Venues
Harmony Tea Shoppe — Multiple Indianapolis Locations
1031 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203 (Fountain Square)
Phone: (317) 616-8110
Hours: Mon–Fri 11am–9pm | Sat 11am–10pm | Sun 11am–9pm
6368 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250
3435 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Harmony Tea Shoppe is primarily known for bubble tea, ramen, and house-made brown sugar boba, but they carry kava beverages across their locations. The Fountain Square location on Virginia Ave is the most central and has the neighborhood energy you’d want for a kava stop. If you’re already in the city and want kava without driving to Fishers, Harmony is your best bet.
Worth calling ahead to confirm kava is currently on the menu at whichever location you’re visiting.
Cocktail Lounges with Kava
Bougie Specialty Cocktail Lounge — Downtown
132 N East St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 426-2383
Hours: Thu 4pm–midnight | Fri–Sat 4pm–3am | Sun 4pm–midnight | Mon–Wed closed
An upscale cocktail lounge downtown that carries kava alongside specialty cocktails and hookah. The late weekend hours (until 3am Friday and Saturday) make it a good option if you want kava in a proper evening-out setting.
Morrison Lounge — Downtown
47 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 414-9379
Hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight | Fri–Sat 4pm–2am | Sun 4pm–midnight
A downtown cocktail lounge that lists kava among its offerings. Central location on Meridian Street makes it easy to combine with a night out downtown.
Red Room Indy — Broad Ripple
6335 Guilford Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: (317) 257-1344
Hours: Wed 10am–3pm & 8pm–2am | Thu 8pm–midnight | Fri–Sat 9pm–3am | Mon–Tue closed
In the Broad Ripple neighborhood, Red Room operates as a dance club and nightlife venue with kava on offer. The late hours and Broad Ripple location make it a different experience from the wellness-oriented spots — more nightlife, less nakamal. Call ahead to confirm kava availability.
What to Know About Kava and Indiana Law
Kava is fully legal in Indiana. There are no state-level restrictions on purchasing, possessing, or consuming kava for adults — unlike kratom, which Indiana banned as a Schedule I controlled substance in 2014. Some online vendors list Indiana as a state they don’t ship to (a carryover from early regulatory uncertainty), but this is vendor policy, not law. Local kava shops and the venues listed above operate without legal issue.
Preparing Kava at Home in Indianapolis
Between visits to The Mood or Harmony Tea, many Indianapolis kava drinkers prepare kava at home. Traditional preparation from root powder is simple and gives you the full experience.
What You Need
- 2–4 tablespoons medium-grind noble kava root powder (Vanuatu or Fiji varieties are a good start)
- 1.5–2 cups warm water (around 100°F)
- A muslin strainer bag
- A large bowl
The Process
- Add the kava powder to the strainer bag and submerge in warm water
- Knead and squeeze the bag firmly for 8–10 minutes until the water turns muddy brown
- Squeeze out all remaining liquid
- Drink one shell (about a cup) in one or two gulps — don’t sip slowly
- Wait 20–30 minutes before having more
Expect mild numbing in your mouth — that’s the kavalactones and it’s normal. Clear-headed relaxation typically builds over the following 15–30 minutes.
The Indianapolis Kava Community
Indianapolis has an active kava community building around The Mood and the various venues that carry it. The r/kava subreddit and Facebook groups for Indiana kava drinkers are good places to connect with locals, get vendor recommendations, and find out about informal kava gatherings. The Mood in particular functions as a community hub — more lounge than shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best kava bar in Indianapolis?
The Mood Health & Wellness in Fishers (14089 Mundy Dr, Fishers IN 46038) is the only dedicated kava bar in the Indianapolis metro. For kava within the city, Harmony Tea Shoppe has multiple locations including Fountain Square (1031 Virginia Ave).
Is kava legal in Indiana?
Yes. Kava is fully legal to purchase and consume in Indiana. Note that kratom is banned in Indiana as a Schedule I substance — kava is entirely separate and unaffected by kratom laws.
Is The Mood in Fishers a good kava bar?
Yes. The Mood was founded by a former Eli Lilly immunopharmacologist and hemp industry specialists, so the botanical knowledge behind the operation is solid. Customers consistently note the welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. It serves kava alongside other botanical products in a lounge setting with a free arcade.
Does Harmony Tea Shoppe serve kava?
Yes, Harmony Tea Shoppe carries kava beverages at their Indianapolis locations. Call ahead to confirm availability at your nearest location, as menus can vary.
What does kava feel like?
Kava produces calm, clear-headed relaxation — reduced anxiety and muscle tension without cognitive impairment, sedation, or hangover. It’s widely used as a social alcohol alternative. First-timers sometimes feel little on their first session (reverse tolerance is common); effects usually become more noticeable with regular use.
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