The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
Walking into Da Kine’s Kava bar just east of West Campus, you really feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical oasis. And, that’s precisely what Owners Zoey Best and Brent Waffle want you to feel.
Living in Hawaii for multiple years, the two enjoyed a culturally Vanuatuan and Hawaiian drink called Kava, which is traditionally used for relaxation and anxiety reduction. It is a small green plant that has been ground up and mixed with water for over 1,000 years. Best, a former Duke student, sensed an opportunity to create a non-alcoholic, friendly, and open community in Durham around Kava.
“We brought the aloha mentality that we learned in Hawaii…being open, welcoming, inviting, creating a community out of this business, and making it a place where you’re so jazzed to come back”
Every piece of the bar is intentionally constructed to form a positive community around the traditional drink — to mix the Aloha mentality with a “southern hospitality” charm. Immediately upon walking in, you can hear the chatter and laughter of Durham locals. Best, Waffle, and their employees make sure to join in on the fun with customers — part of the reason 95% of their customer base are regulars! Best even remarked to me that on a random Monday afternoon, she knew the name of everyone in the bar.
On top of the social community, the decorations and structure create a beautiful welcoming vibe. Best and Waffle littered the walls with elements and pieces from their personal experiences and engagement with Polynesian culture. Facing customers when they walk in is a stunning picture of the sun-sparkling ocean around the island of O’ahu, where Best used to kayak. A beautiful fish hook that Best and Waffle bought from a Hawaiian market can be seen across the blue-stained walls behind the counter. Best of all, Da Kine’s opens the garage doors on warm days to create an unmatched, sun-bathed bar experience. As the weather gets warmer, trade in a Tuesday BC plaza afternoon for a trip with your friends to this beautiful oasis!
All of this doesn’t even mention the deliciousness of their offerings. Best remarked that many people like how Kava makes them feel but don’t necessarily like the taste. So, she and Waffle sought to create an unmatched Kava experience, combining unique flavors, juices, and drinks with Kavalactone extract from Vanuatu. Whether you want something fruity, a delicious hot apple cider, or even a unique twist on coffee, there are so many unique Kava creations available to you. For example, try their sparkling Kava on tap. Every month, they bring new flavors and juices to keep customers coming back! If you’re intimidated by Kava, you can even try samples.
As a warning, Kava will initially feel like a slight buzz on the tip of your tongue. Then, as you keep drinking, it will very slightly relax you and help your words and thoughts flow more smoothly. It does not mimic the effects of alcohol, but be mindful of dosage and drink responsibly!
“If you’re looking for something that makes you feel good but isn’t going to impair you in the same way…this is an excellent place to do something fun, to socialize, to have a social lubricant in a positive, friendly way,” Best said
Best was sure to mention that a different group of 5-6 Senior Duke students finds Da Kine’s every year and become regulars and friends with other Durham locals. Ever since students from the class of ‘26 returned from study abroad in Australia, Da Kine’s Kava has caught on even earlier. Those that enjoyed Kava in Fiji or Vanuatu have been able to keep the vacation going with all of their friends!
Whether you’re in the mood for an alternative bar space or a place to unwind and enjoy the sun with your friends, consider stopping by Da Kine’s!