Kava Kameleon, a retro-futurist kava bar offering traditionally prepared and craft kava drinks, is preparing to open a new location in Northridge at 9545 Reseda Blvd.
The new business is targeting a Spring 2026 opening and is currently moving through the city permitting and approval process, according to owner Jose Gonzalez, who spoke with What Now Los Angeles. While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, Gonzalez said the timeline will be finalized once approvals are complete. Customers can expect an alcohol-free social setting centered on community, relaxation, and conversation.
Kava Kameleon combines a traditional kava experience with a bold visual concept inspired by retro and synthwave aesthetics. The space is designed to feel approachable and social, offering an alternative to bars and nightlife centered on alcohol. Gonzalez said there are currently very few kava bars operating in Los Angeles County, which helped motivate the decision to open one locally. The Northridge location will aim to introduce both newcomers and existing kava drinkers to the concept.
Kava is a beverage made from the crushed root of a plant in the pepper family, traditionally grown in the Pacific Islands. It has been used for hundreds of years in social and ceremonial settings and is known for its calming and mood-enhancing effects. Gonzalez emphasized that kava allows people to relax and socialize while remaining mentally present. The drink has become popular among customers looking for alcohol free options.
The menu at Kava Kameleon will feature both traditional kava preparations and mixed kava drinks designed to be more approachable for first-time customers. Gonzalez said traditional kava can have a naturally bitter taste, which is why mixed options will also be available. Fresh fruit will be offered as a chaser, along with a selection of prepackaged snacks. No cooking will take place on site.
Kava Kameleon is independently owned and operated by Gonzalez, whose interest in kava grew from personal experience. He said kava played an essential role in his social life after he stopped drinking alcohol and wanted to create a space for others seeking similar alternatives. The Northridge location is intended to serve as a welcoming neighborhood hangout. Customers can follow the business on Instagram for updates ahead of opening.
“I stopped drinking alcohol in 2014, so I’m coming up on twelve years of sobriety, and when I found kava, it changed my life,” Gonzalez tells What Now Los Angeles. “I know people don’t have to be sober to enjoy kava, but I know there will be people who will benefit from this the way I have.”
