Philly's Kava Awakening: How Old City and Deep Six Are Changing the Game

March 9, 2026
kava-bars
Philly's Kava Awakening: How Old City and Deep Six Are Changing the Game

There’s something happening in Philadelphia. While New York and LA get all the press for their zero-proof movements, Philly has been quietly building one of the most interesting kava scenes on the East Coast. And 2026 might be the year it breaks through.

Old City Kava Co.: The Newcomer With Big Energy

The newest player in town is Old City Kava Co., which opened at 40 S 2nd St in December. What makes it stand out? They’re not playing it safe with just traditional shells. Their menu reads like a proper cocktail bar—16 kava and kratom-infused mocktails ranging from a kava-lemongrass-and-guava paloma to a kratom-kombucha-ginger beer mule.

Here’s the thing: they opened directly across from a Fine Wine & Spirits store and a honky-tonk bar. That’s confidence. That’s a statement.

The space shifts throughout the day. Mornings and afternoons, it’s a light-filled café where remote workers camp out with their laptops. Come evening, the vibe changes—low lighting, good music, people actually talking to each other. The owners describe it as “a social buzz that doesn’t steal tomorrow from you.” I respect that.

Hours: Mon-Thu & Sun: 10 am - 12 am | Fri-Sat: 10 am - 2 am

Deep Six: The Suburban Takeover

While Old City works the downtown crowd, Deep Six Kava has been executing a different playbook: suburban dominance. They’ve expanded across the greater Philadelphia area with locations in King of Prussia, West Chester, Willow Grove, and Plymouth Meeting.

Deep Six goes broader than kava—they’re pushing THC and CBD drinks alongside traditional botanicals. It’s a wellness-meets-nightlife concept that appeals to the health-conscious suburban crowd who wants alternatives but maybe doesn’t want to trek into Center City.

Their expansion timing is smart. The sober-curious wave isn’t just a city phenomenon. People in the suburbs are equally interested in cutting back on alcohol—they just needed somewhere to go.

The Underground Scene: Jaya Kava

Before these spots, Jaya Kava was doing the groundwork. Founded in 2019 in a South Philly backyard, they’ve been hosting pop-ups and running the kava program at Lightbox Cafe. They’re the ones who introduced a lot of Philadelphians to kava in the first place.

Right now, Jaya is in planning mode for their own brick-and-mortar. Until then, they’re still doing events and selling their teas. If you want to catch them, keep an eye on their Instagram—their community events are worth the hunt.

Why Philly, Why Now?

Philadelphia has always had a DIY streak. It’s cheaper than New York, scrappier than DC, and has a nightlife culture that isn’t afraid to experiment. The city also skews young—Temple, Penn, Drexel, and a dozen other schools create a constant stream of people looking for alternatives to the standard bar crawl.

The numbers support what I’m seeing on the ground: fewer young people are choosing to drink. That’s not a trend, it’s a generational shift. Kava bars are positioned perfectly for it.

The Practical Stuff

If you’re planning a Philly kava crawl, here’s my suggested route:

  1. Start at Old City Kava Co. (40 S 2nd St) - Hit it around 8 PM when the lounge vibe kicks in. Try one of their mocktails.
  2. Check Jaya Kava’s event calendar - If they’re doing something that night, make the trek to South Philly.
  3. For suburban folks - Deep Six’s King of Prussia location is probably your best bet for accessibility.

The scene is small enough that staff at these places know each other. Ask for recommendations. People in the kava community are genuinely helpful—it’s part of the culture.

What’s Next?

Philadelphia’s kava scene is at that exciting tipping point. Old City Kava is testing whether a premium, cocktail-bar approach works in a city that traditionally values authenticity over polish. Deep Six is proving the suburbs want in. And Jaya’s eventual brick-and-mortar will add another option for the purists.

I’m betting we see at least two more kava spots open in Philly by year’s end. The foundation is there.

Have you hit any of these spots? What’s your take on Philly’s kava scene? Drop a comment or hit me up—I’m always looking for intel on emerging scenes.

Sources: Philadelphia Inquirer, Old City Kava Co., Deep Six Kava, Jaya Kava, MyChesCo