A ‘Sober-ish’ Alternative Finds a Home in Atlanta
Atlanta’s drink scene just got a little more relaxed — and a bit more adventurous. Tea’z Social, a new kava bar and restaurant in Little Five Points, is shaking up the neighborhood’s nightlife with a ‘sober-ish’ twist. Taking over the old Camelli’s Pizza spot, which closed in 2022 after 26 years, the bar aims to make kava a household name in Atlanta.
Kava, an earthy, calming drink made from the root of a pepper plant native to the Pacific Islands, isn’t exactly new. It’s been around for over 3,000 years. But in the U.S., it’s still something of an underground secret — especially in Georgia. Tea’z Social’s mission? To change that.
The Rise of Kava in the U.S.
Kava’s journey from the South Pacific to the U.S. has been slow but steady. In Florida, kava bars have popped up all along the coast, becoming a staple in cities like Miami and St. Petersburg. Georgia, though, has been slower to embrace the trend.
In Atlanta, Kava Mama paved the way as the city’s first kava bar. A few other spots have tried to carve out a niche. But Tea’z Social wants to push kava into the mainstream.
Co-owner Joe Lewis, who opened the bar in December with Casey Deyton, said they took inspiration from Florida’s thriving kava scene. After working behind traditional bars for years, they wanted something different — something that felt more like community and less like a hangover.
“It’s about getting Atlanta on board,” Lewis said. “It’s been this ongoing education of a new concept.”
Why Kava? And Why Now?
Kava’s appeal isn’t just about staying sober. It offers a mild, relaxing buzz without the crash or headache that alcohol brings. For those cutting back on booze — whether they’re fully sober or just “sober-ish” — it’s an intriguing alternative.
Lewis himself was skeptical at first. “I tried it in early college, and it didn’t do anything; I didn’t understand it,” he admitted. “I didn’t touch it again for years.”
That changed when he started drinking it regularly. Within months, he said, his blood pressure dropped, and he lost 20 pounds. It wasn’t a miracle cure, but it felt better than drinking.
Then came the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. Lewis and Deyton, both actors, found their industry at a standstill. They took it as a sign to pivot — and Tea’z Social was born.
The Tea’z Social Experience
Walking into Tea’z Social isn’t like walking into a typical bar. For one, the vibe is less about loud music and more about laid-back conversation. The decor blends Little Five Points’ quirky style with warm, welcoming tones — think cozy lounge meets island getaway.
The drink menu keeps things interesting, too. Kava comes in different forms, from traditional coconut shells to creative, cocktail-inspired mixes.
- Classic kava: Earthy, strong, and served in a shell — for the purists.
- Kava cocktails: Flavored with fruit juices, herbs, or even coffee for a more familiar taste.
- Botanical teas: Non-kava options with calming herbs like chamomile or kratom for those curious but cautious.
Lewis and Deyton want people to feel comfortable, whether they’re seasoned kava drinkers or first-timers. That means being upfront about the experience. Yes, it might make your tongue numb. Yes, it’s got an earthy, root-like taste. And yes — you’ll probably end up loving it.
A Growing Demand for ‘Sober Curious’ Spaces
Tea’z Social isn’t just about kava. It’s part of a larger movement reshaping nightlife culture. Across the country, ‘sober curious’ spaces are becoming more common. People want to socialize without the pressure to drink — or without the side effects that come with alcohol.
In a city like Atlanta, known for its nightlife, a kava bar offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a place where you can unwind, chat, and feel part of a community without waking up regretting it.
Lewis sees the shift firsthand. “More people are cutting back on alcohol, whether for their health or just to feel better. Kava gives them something different — something that still feels social, but without the crash.”
The Future of Kava in Atlanta
Tea’z Social might be one of the first to push kava into the spotlight in Little Five Points, but it likely won’t be the last. As the ‘sober-ish’ trend grows, more bars and restaurants may follow suit.
For now, Lewis and Deyton are focused on keeping things simple: good drinks, good vibes, and a space where anyone — drinker or not — can feel welcome.
“If someone walks in and leaves saying, ‘Hey, that was cool. I didn’t expect that,’” Lewis said, “then we did what we came to do.”
