Root City, Kava, Mushrooms + All of Our Botanicals
ABOUT
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Is Root City a bar?Yes, but instead of alcohol, we serve kava and other plant-based beverages in a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
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Do I need to be 21 to visit Root City?No, Root City is an 18+ establishment for kava consumption. However, children are welcome with a parent or guardian and may enjoy our food, juice options, and gaming lounge.
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How does kava make you feel?Kava is known for promoting relaxation and social ease without impairment. Many people describe it as a calming, grounding experience.
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Is kava safe?Kava has been traditionally consumed for centuries and is generally considered safe when sourced from high-quality noble kava varieties and consumed responsibly. However, those with liver conditions or taking certain medications should consult a doctor before drinking kava.
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Does kava taste good?Kava has an earthy, peppery taste that may be an acquired preference. At Root City, we prepare our kava in ways that make it smooth and enjoyable while maintaining its traditional essence.
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How do I drink kava?Kava is traditionally consumed in a coconut shell or small cup. It’s common to say Bula! (a Fijian toast meaning “to life”) before drinking it in one or two large sips.
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What are functional mushrooms?Functional mushrooms are a group of mushrooms known for their wellness-supporting properties. Unlike psychedelic mushrooms, they do not have hallucinogenic effects.
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What types of mushrooms do you serve?We offer drinks infused with Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, and Shiitake, each known for unique properties that support relaxation, focus, or overall balance.
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Do functional mushrooms make you feel different?They don’t cause intoxication, but many people report feeling more balanced, focused, or relaxed after consuming them regularly.
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Do you serve food?Yes! We have a small, curated food menu featuring fresh, house-made options designed to complement our drinks.
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Are your drinks non-alcoholic?Yes, everything we serve is completely alcohol-free.
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Do you offer to-go drinks?Yes, we offer both cupped and canned to-go options for select beverages.
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What is the Gaming Lounge?Our third floor is a retro gaming lounge featuring classic arcade machines and multiple gaming consoles. It’s a fun, relaxed space where guests can enjoy games with friends.
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Can children play in the Gaming Lounge?Yes! Children are allowed in the Gaming Lounge with a parent or guardian. However, they cannot purchase kava and may only order food or juices.
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What is the vibe like at Root City?Root City is a relaxed, welcoming space designed for connection and community. With three unique floors—a cozy café, a vibrant lounge, and a retro gaming arcade—there’s something for everyone.
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Do you have events?Yes! We host a variety of events, including trivia, open mic nights, live music, and community gatherings. Follow us on social media or check our website for event updates.
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Can I work or study at Root City?Absolutely! Our café-style atmosphere makes Root City a great place to read, study, or work while enjoying a botanical beverage.
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Do you have a loyalty program?We are working on a rewards program to give back to our regular customers. Stay tuned for details!
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Can I rent space for private events?Yes! We offer private event rentals for birthdays, gatherings, and special occasions. Contact us for more details.
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How can I stay updated on new drinks and events?Follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates on what’s happening at Root City! Hours: Sun-Thurs - 11am - 12am Fri-Sat: - 11am - 2am Email: RootCityKava@gmail.com Phone: 443-759-9505
Meet Our Founders
Root City Kava Bar & Lounge was founded by a group of friends with a shared passion for kava, plant-based wellness, and creating a space where people can connect without alcohol. Nicholas and Megan Patrick bring years of experience in the health and wellness space, while their business partners, Kyle and Jennifer Fox, share a deep appreciation for holistic living.
Together, they set out to create a welcoming community where people can unwind, socialize, and enjoy the benefits of botanical alternatives.
Root City is more than just a business—it’s a labor of love,
built on friendship and a commitment to a healthier way to gather.
About Root City
About ROOT CITY
Root City Kava Bar & Lounge is Baltimore’s first kava bar, created as a welcoming space for those looking to socialize without alcohol. Located in the heart of Mount Vernon, Root City offers a unique alternative—serving kava, kratom, functional mushrooms, and other botanical beverages in a laid-back, community-driven atmosphere.
More than just a bar, Root City is a movement. We believe in the power of plant-based wellness, mindful connection, and embracing our roots. Our menu features handcrafted drinks made with all-natural ingredients, alongside artisan coffee, espresso, and a thoughtfully curated small food menu. With three floors of experiences—including a cozy café, a vibrant lounge, and a retro gaming arcade—Root City is a place where culture, community, and creativity come together.Whether you’re here to unwind, explore new flavors, or connect with like-minded people, we invite you to raise a shell, say “Bula!,” and be part of the Root City experience.
Why Kava?
Why Kava?
We chose kava because we wanted to create a space where people can connect, relax, and enjoy a night out—without the need for alcohol. For us, kava represents more than just a drink; it’s a way to bring people together, promote mindfulness, and offer a healthier alternative to traditional bar culture.
With years of experience in health and wellness, we saw firsthand how kava and other botanical alternatives could help people unwind naturally. Our business partners, Kyle and Jennifer, share this vision, with Kyle being more than a decade sober and both embracing plant-based wellness. Together, we built Root City as a place where everyone—whether they abstain from alcohol or just want a different experience—can feel welcome. Root City isn’t just about serving kava; it’s about fostering community, creating memorable experiences, and redefining what a night out can be.
Meet Our Founders
History
Kava has been a cornerstone of South Pacific culture for centuries, deeply woven into the traditions of islands like Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa. Made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, kava has long been used in ceremonies, social gatherings, and as a way to foster connection and relaxation.
Traditionally prepared by grinding or chewing the root and mixing it with water, kava has been valued for its calming effects, promoting a sense of well-being and community. In many Pacific Island societies, kava is consumed during important rituals, diplomatic meetings, and everyday social interactions—symbolizing peace, respect, and unity.
In recent years, kava has gained global recognition for stress relief and relaxation. Its ability to promote a calm, focused state without impairing cognition has made it popular among those seeking a more mindful way to unwind.
At Root City, we honor this rich tradition by bringing the kava experience to Baltimore, offering an authentic and welcoming space for both newcomers and longtime kava enthusiasts to enjoy this time honored drink.
Benefits & Uses
Kava has been enjoyed for centuries as a natural way to relax, unwind, and foster social connection. Known for its calming properties, kava is often used as an alternative to alcohol for those looking to de-stress without impairment.
Many people drink kava to enhance mindfulness, promote a sense of well-being, and support a balanced lifestyle. Traditionally, it has been used in ceremonies and gatherings to bring people together, encourage meaningful conversation, and create a welcoming, communal atmosphere.
At Root City, we serve kava as part of a broader approach to plant based wellness, offering a space where guests can experience its unique effects in a relaxed and social setting. Whether you're looking to take a break from the fast pace of daily life, connect with like-minded individuals, or simply explore something new, kava provides a refreshing and natural way to unwind.
All About kava
Functional
Why Functional Mushrooms?
At Root City, we chose functional mushrooms because they align with our commitment to plant-based wellness and mindful alternatives.
These mushrooms have been valued for centuries for their unique properties and ability to complement an intentional, balanced lifestyle.
Whether used to promote focus, relaxation, or overall well-being, functional mushrooms fit naturally into our vision—offering an earthy, grounding experience that enhances social connection and daily rituals without relying on alcohol or synthetic stimulants.
Mushroom History
Functional
History
Functional mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional wellness practices across various cultures:
● Ancient China & Japan: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has utilized Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane for centuries in tonics and teas. These mushrooms were often reserved for royalty and scholars due to their perceived benefits.
● Siberia & Nordic Cultures: Chaga was brewed as a warm, earthy tea by Siberian and Scandinavian communities, often consumed during harsh winters.
● Himalayas & Tibetan Medicine: Cordyceps was highly regarded in Tibetan and
Himalayan regions for its energizing qualities.
●Indigenous & Folk Traditions: Mushrooms like Turkey Tail have been used in various
cultures for their hearty, nourishing properties.
Over time, these mushrooms have become a staple in modern wellness, valued for their ability to support a natural and balanced lifestyle.
Mushroom Benefits
Functional
Benefits
Each functional mushroom offers unique properties that make it a popular choice for those
seeking plant-based wellness alternatives:
1. Reishi (“The Mushroom of Immortality”):Traditionally Chinese medicine for balance and overall well-being. Known for its grounding & calming properties, making it popular for relaxation.
2. Lion’s Mane (“The Mind Mushroom”):Used historically by Buddhist monks to support focus & mindfulness.Many enjoy it as part of a morning or mid-day routine for clarity and concentration.
3. Chaga (“The King of Mushrooms”):Brewed for centuries in Siberian and Nordic cultures as a warming, earthy tea. Known for its antioxidant-rich composition.
4. Cordyceps (“The Energy Mushroom”):Used in Tibetan and Himalayan traditions for vitality and endurance. Historically consumed by monks and warriors.
5. Turkey Tail (“The Immunity Mushroom”):Recognized in Chinese and Japanese medicine for its colorful, fan-shaped appearance and nourishing properties. Popular in blends supporting overall well-being.
6. Shiitake (“The Culinary & Wellness Mushroom”): Used in both Eastern medicine and traditional cooking for centuries.Popular for its rich umami flavor and versatility in broths and teas.
Why Mushrooms?
MUSHROOMS
CBD
Our THC CBD and CBG drinks are a delicious and healthful way to unwind and de-stress. These drinks have a deep history of medicinal use and have been enjoyed by many cultures for their relaxation and pain relief properties. At our Kava Bar, we offer a range of flavors and potencies, so you can find the perfect drink for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a boost of energy or a restful night’s sleep, our CBD and CBG drinks have got you covered.
History
For those unfamiliar with kava, it is a drink made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Pacific islands.
Kava has a long and rich history in Pacific Island cultures, where it is often used in social and ceremonial gatherings. At Root City Kava Bar, we are proud to offer our customers a taste of this traditional beverage, while also providing a modern and stylish space for them to relax and unwind. Our knowledgeable bartenders are always on hand to answer any questions and help you find the perfect drink to suit your mood.
History
For those unfamiliar with kava, it is a drink made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Pacific islands.
Kava has a long and rich history in Pacific Island cultures, where it is often used in social and ceremonial gatherings. At Root City Kava Bar, we are proud to offer our customers a taste of this traditional beverage, while also providing a modern and stylish space for them to relax and unwind. Our knowledgeable bartenders are always on hand to answer any questions and help you find the perfect drink to suit your mood.
CBD | THC | CBG
Contact Us
Contact us with any reservation request, booking, questions, career opportunities, and to inquire about our ambassador program
Location
917 Cathedral street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Contact
Hours
M-T: 8am-10pm
Friday-Sunday:
8am-1am
Blue Lotus Flower
At Root City, we chose Blue Lotus because of its rich history, cultural significance, and its ability to complement our plant-based wellness offerings. Used for centuries in various traditions, Blue Lotus is known for its calming and meditative qualities, making it a natural fit for those seeking relaxation and mindfulness. We believe in creating a space where people can unwind, connect, and enjoy botanical alternatives in a way that aligns with their lifestyle
—Blue Lotus is an essential part of that experience.
Valerian Root
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Valerian Root
At Root City, we chose Valerian Root for its centuries-old reputation as a botanical used in traditional herbal practices. Known for its deeply grounding and soothing qualities, Valerian has been used throughout history to promote a sense of calm and relaxation. We believe in providing natural alternatives that encourage mindfulness and balance, and Valerian Root is a perfect fit for those looking to unwind in a gentle and natural way.
At Root City, we serve Valerian Root as part of our commitment to plant-based wellness. Whether enjoyed as a warm, comforting infusion or blended with other botanicals, it offers a unique way to slow down, relax, and embrace a more mindful experience.
Damiana Leaf
Damiana Leaf
At Root City, we chose Damiana Leaf because of its long history of use in herbal traditions and its role in promoting relaxation and social connection. Used for centuries in various cultures,Damiana is known for its uplifting and mood-enhancing qualities, making it a great complement to our plant-based wellness offerings. Whether enjoyed on its own or blended with other botanicals, Damiana provides a unique, natural way to unwind and enhance social experiences.
At Root City, we serve Damiana as part of our commitment to botanical alternatives that support mindful relaxation. Its smooth, earthy flavor and rich history make it a perfect addition to our menu, offering a balanced and enjoyable way to connect with the present moment.
Maca Root
Maca Root
At Root City, we chose Maca Root for its rich history in Andean traditions and its reputation as a revitalizing botanical. Used for centuries by indigenous cultures in the high-altitude regions of Peru, Maca has been valued as a natural source of energy and balance. We appreciate its ability to complement a lifestyle focused on wellness, resilience, and natural vitality, making it a great addition to our botanical offerings.
At Root City, we serve Maca Root as part of our commitment to plant-based alternatives that support a well-rounded and energized approach to life. Whether enjoyed on its own or blendedinto our beverages, Maca offers a smooth, earthy addition to any mindful wellness routine.