Kava DSM - Kava Bar Experience

I loved the look and feel of this place! Right when you walk in it feels so relaxing and calming. I think it’s because of all the plants they have in there; some on the floor and some hanging from the ceiling. It feels like you’re a part of nature. Kudos to the person who decorated the place. They did an awesome job. I treated my husband and myself to a couple flights of gelatos. You get four small bowls for $8 and they were also too much for one person. Two people could almost share a flight. They had some dairy and nondairy options. There were 16 different flavors to choose from. I think the coconut milk vanilla flavor was my favorite. My husband really liked the mango sorbet. They also have smoothie bowls, waffles, coffee drinks and other beverages. There’s an outdoor patio but it’s almost too lovely inside to eat outside. I’m so glad to have found this wonderful and unique place. I think this will be our new favorite dessert spot.

Great atmosphere...plenty of seating...laid back place. The barista was friendly and the owner was super nice. The holiday menu and decor was fantastic too! Highly recommend!

Absolutely obsessed with this place. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing, with ambient lighting, comfy seating, and plants everywhere. The woman working, Trisha, was very helpful and kind. She provided education about kava and their kava drinks, which my boyfriend and I ended up loving. A mocktail with a kick! We tried the Kava Kolada and the Lemon Butterfly (similar to a lavender lemonade) and both were delicious and effective. We stayed for about 2.5 hours to chat and did not feel rushed at all. The vibe is very easygoing— there are so few places in Des Moines that double as a restaurant and a chill spot and I’m so happy I found this one!! They have board games available for use as well, which we will definitely utilize next time. The gelato and sorbet was to die for. Our favorites were the white chocolate raspberry and pistachio. (you can get a flight with 4 scoops for $8 and try multiple flavors!) The parking lot is $5/hr, but you can redeem 2 hours free with any purchase, or there is plenty of street parking within walkable distance. Highly recommended supporting a local business, especially such a unique and cozy one! (Special thanks for Trisha for such a great experience—she’s awesome!)

Their foods are healthy and delicious. Ordered a paleo waffle with a scoop of ice cream. Waffle alone was soft and very satisfying, when it’s paired with ice cream, it’s heaven and make me full all day. The amaretto with peach cobbler is one of the best ice cream I’ve ever had. The Apple crisp smoothie bowl is also really good. Nice presentation and tastes good.

This place is very relaxing, their drinks and smoothies are very healthy (I can’t even handle that healthy 😂😂). The price is high, but understandable (downtown, well ingredients). And it looks like the employees don’t really know the recipe, they have to look it up. The blender always stuck and they just keep them running (that make me feel bad). But they are nice, very nice. Will I come back? No, don’t want to spend another $5 parking to try again 🥲. But if you haven’t tried this place yet, 100% recommend!