Vermont's first kava bar creates an alcohol-free third space for Burlington residents

A traditional drink from the South Pacific creates community on Maple Street.

By: Indi Rose

Outlets: UVM's Community News Service

Published: August 14, 2026

Words: 1,063

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship

BURLINGTON – On the evening of Tuesday, August 11, about 30 people filtered in and out of Mesmer Kava on Maple Street. Some settled into comfortable chairs with laptops, others sketched in notebooks, and groups gathered around the bar to talk over bowls of muddy, bitter kava, a traditional drink native to the South Pacific.

Since it opened in May of 2025, Mesmer Kava has …

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