Roots Kava Bar FAQ: Hours, Parking, Parties and What to Order

We get the same questions every week, on the phone, in DMs and across the bar. So here they are in one place, with short answers first and a little more detail where it helps. If something isn't covered, call us at (934) 259-8902.

Hours, location and parking

What are Roots Kava Bar's hours?

12pm to 11pm Sunday through Thursday, and 12pm to 1am Friday and Saturday.

That makes us one of the few places in Port Jefferson where you can get a coffee, a matcha or a kava late at night. Most cafes in the village close in the afternoon.

When is happy hour?

4pm to 7pm, every day.

It's the cheapest time to try a few things, and it's a good time for groups to show up before dinner.

Where is Roots Kava Bar?

250 East Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777.

We're up the hill from the harbor, a short walk from the Port Jefferson ferry and the Main Street shops. Full directions are on our visit page.

Where do I park?

Use the village's public parking downtown or street parking nearby.

The Village of Port Jefferson runs paid public lots and pay stations around downtown, and you can pay at the machine, by text or by QR code. Rates and paid hours are posted at each lot, so check the sign when you park.

Can I get there without a car?

Yes. The ferry dock and the Port Jefferson train station are both within reach, and Suffolk County Transit's route 51 serves the village and Stony Brook University.

What to order

What is kava?

A traditional drink made from the root of a Pacific island plant, mixed with water.

It tastes earthy and a little peppery, like strong muddy tea, and it can make your mouth tingle for a minute. In the Pacific it has been a social drink for a long time. At Roots we serve it as a relaxing ritual and an alternative to a night of drinking.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with one shell of kava, or a kava mocktail if you want the flavor softened.

Tell whoever is behind the bar it's your first time. They will pick a starting point and walk you through it. If kava isn't your thing, order a matcha latte or a mocktail and hang out anyway.

How do you drink kava?

In one or two gulps, not sips.

Kava comes in a shell. Drink it down, then chase it with a piece of fruit or a sip of something sweet. That's the traditional way and it's also the easiest way to handle the taste.

What else is on the menu?

Coffee, espresso drinks, ceremonial-grade matcha, herbal tea, house mocktails and vegan snacks.

We have oat, almond and dairy milk. The whole list with prices is on our menu, and we wrote longer posts on late-night coffee and our matcha.

Do you serve alcohol?

No. Nothing in the building has alcohol, which is the whole point.

Events and things to do

What's happening on Fridays?

Friday Night Comedy Night and Open Mic, every Friday.

Sign-ups are at 7:30pm, the open mic starts at 8pm and pro Long Island comedians go on at 9pm. There's a suggested donation at the door. Details are on the comedy night page.

Can I perform at the open mic?

Yes. Get there by 7:30pm to sign up.

Music, poetry, creative writing and stand-up are all welcome, and first timers are too. Our open mic guide explains how sets usually work.

Is there anything to do besides drink?

Yes. We have board games and video games on the shelf, live music, and couches in the lounge.

People come to play cards, study, hear a friend play a set or just talk without shouting.

Can I study or work there?

Yes. There's seating, outlets and room to stay a while.

On quieter weeknights plenty of people bring a laptop, order a matcha or a coffee and settle into the lounge for a few hours. Nobody rushes you out.

How many people does Roots seat?

About 40.

Private parties

Can I book Roots for a private party?

Yes. We host private parties for groups up to about 40.

Birthdays, showers, team nights, sober celebrations and club nights are all common. Details are on our private parties page.

Is there a minimum spend or deposit?

No. There's no minimum, no deposit and no booking window.

Tell us your date and rough headcount and we hold the space.

How do I book?

Call (934) 259-8902 or reach out through the private parties page.

A few days' notice on headcount helps us set up the lounge for your group.

Before you come

Roots Kava Bar, 250 East Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, up the hill from the harbor and a short walk from the ferry. Open 12pm to 11pm Sunday through Thursday and 12pm to 1am Friday and Saturday, happy hour 4pm to 7pm daily. Call (934) 259-8902 or see the visit page for directions.