ALIPATE LEONE  

There’s a new kind of nightlife brewing at 180 Harding Street in Worcester’s Canal District—and it’s all about slowing down, sipping something calming, and skipping the hangover. Root Awakening, Massachusetts’ first dedicated kava bar, has officially opened, offering a mellow, meaningful twist to the city’s social scene.

“When I opened the first kava bar in New England back in June 2022, I had no idea what kind of impact it would have,” says owner Gregory Gately. “Root Awakening quickly became more than just a bar—it evolved into a real community hub. Kava is called the ‘peace root’ for a reason, and it absolutely lives up to its name. I never imagined how many people it would bring together.”

Originating from the South Pacific islands, kava is a sacred root traditionally used in ceremonies, healing rituals, and social gatherings. “The root is ground, steeped like tea, and traditionally shared in a circle—like passing around peace in a cup,” Gately explains. “At Root Awakening, we’ve taken that tradition and added our own twist. We’ve created a whole menu of fun, alcohol-free mocktails like our signature Kavarita, the Kava Kolada, the Polynesian Mule, and more. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the calming, grounding effects of kava.”

Kava is renowned for helping people unwind, easing anxiety, and offering a grounding sense of calm without the unwanted aftereffects of alcohol. “The best part?” Gately adds. “You don’t have to be worried about drunk driving or drunk text messaging”

While Root Awakening first opened its doors in New Hampshire, Worcester was always part of the vision. “I was born and raised in California, but my siblings all grew up here,” Gately shares. “After high school, I ended up moving here to go to Becker College, and it just kind of felt like coming home. My grandfather went to Holy Cross and was a principal in Holden for 25 years, so Worcester’s definitely in my blood. When the chance came up to expand here, it was an easy yes.” 

Gately’s personal journey with kava began through friendship and took on deeper significance after tragedy struck. “In 2016, I kind of accidentally discovered kava—thanks to my best friend, who happened to open the first kava bar in California. It was a total game changer,” he says. “Not long before Covid, I lost my brother to alcoholism, which gave me a much deeper appreciation for what kava could offer. I knew how powerful kava could be, especially for people struggling with addiction, and I felt this strong pull to do something meaningful—to support my community in a real way.”

The idea of sipping tea in a bar until 2 a.m. might seem unusual at first, but Root Awakening quickly became a social staple. “It’s become a go-to spot for people who want to socialize and connect without alcohol, and it’s evolved into this amazing safe space for folks from all over New England. ” Gately says. “So now, bringing that same energy to Worcester  is huge moment for Root Awakening, and I couldn’t be more excited. Root Awakening is kind of like the chill friend in the group. It’s a laid-back space where people can come hang out, sip some kava and just relax.”

Root Awakening offers something for everyone, transitioning seamlessly from a relaxed daytime workspace to a cozy nighttime retreat. During the day, it’s a perfect hangout for remote work—laid-back, welcoming, and just the right kind of energy to get things done,” Gately describes, “At night, the lights go down and it turns into this cozy, comfortable spot where you can kick back with friends or just unwind solo after a long day. It’s that in-between place that feels like home, but with a bar full of uniquely crafted mocktails.

Exciting new offerings and events keep Root Awakening vibrant. “Right now, we’ve got a special called the Polynesian Mule: it’s a mix of kava, ginger beer, lime, and mint, and people are loving it,” Gately says. “As for events, our last Healing Night was such a vibe. We had sound healing bowls, a live cello performance, massage therapists, and even a reiki practitioner. Everyone had a great time, so we’re bringing it back on June 27th.”

If you’re new to kava, Gately recommends starting authentically. “IAs someone who drinks kava the traditional way, I usually go for a straight shell—it’s definitely not winning any taste awards, but it’s the real deal in its purest form,” he admits. “As someone who drinks kava the traditional way, I usually go for a straight shell—it’s definitely not winning any taste awards, but it’s the real deal in its purest form.”

Root Awakening is now open in Worcester’s Canal District. Drop by, sip a mocktail, and discover a relaxing buzz—without the booze.