Euphorbia Kava & Coffee Bar has never been easy to define, and that’s exactly the point. What started more than a decade ago as a small, alternative social space has evolved into something far more layered: part kava bar, part late-night coffee house, part community hub. Since taking ownership in August 2025, the new direction hasn’t been about replacing what made Euphorbia special. Rather, it’s been about protecting it, while expanding it in ways that keep it alive in a changing landscape.
At the center of that identity is kava itself. For many outside the space, kava is still unfamiliar. Traditionally prepared from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, native to the South Pacific, kava has been used for centuries in ceremonial and social settings across places like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga. It’s known for producing a calming, anti-anxiety effect without impairing mental clarity in the way alcohol often does. The experience is subtle but real, offering a sense of relaxation, social ease, and grounding that has made it an increasingly popular alternative for people looking to step away from alcohol or other substances.
Kava’s role, though, goes far beyond relaxation. For instance, in the South Pacific, the root has long been used as a tool for diplomacy and conflict resolution. In places like Fiji and Tonga, leaders would gather in kava ceremonies to settle disputes, negotiate disagreements, and restore peace between communities. The act of sitting together, sharing the same bowl, and slowing the pace of conversation was intentional, creating a space where people could speak openly, listen more carefully, and approach conflict without escalation. Thus, it was a mechanism for unity.
At Euphorbia, that tradition is taken seriously. The pure noble kava root, served in its most traditional form, remains the bar’s best-selling product. For those who want the full experience, it’s still the standard. However, the menu doesn’t stop there. The bar now offers a broad range of kava-based options, including kava seltzers like Leilo and Vanua Bliss, alongside a growing lineup of THC and CBD products. That includes Hiatus beverages, which stand apart from options like Crescent 9 or Cheech and Chong (which we do serve) by combining 5 mg of THC with 125 mg of CBD. This provides a noticeably different and more balanced effect. THC/CBD gummies are also available for those looking for another alternative.
Considering the Louisiana kratom ban that took effect on August 1, 2025, that expansion wasn’t optional, as the ban removed a major pillar of the business overnight. Kratom, which was once a significant driver of revenue, is now gone. Survival meant adapting quickly and deliberately. The shift toward a broader menu was about staying open; but it was also about preserving a space that, for many, had already become essential.
That’s where Euphorbia’s newest addition, coffee, comes in. Partnering with Hey! Café, widely regarded as one of the best coffee roasters in the city, Euphorbia has leaned fully into something New Orleans doesn’t have much of– a true late-night coffee house. While most cafés close by mid-afternoon, Euphorbia stays open until midnight. It’s one of the only places in the city where you can sit down with a quality cup of coffee late at night, whether you’re working, socializing, or just looking for somewhere to exist without pressure.
But even that doesn’t fully capture what’s happening behind the bar. The menu has evolved into something more experimental, and more reflective of the space itself. Euphorbia now offers kava/coffee mocktails you won’t find anywhere else in the city. One standout is the “Supermoon,” a blend of espresso shots and kava that creates a unique balance of energy from the coffee, and calm from the kava.
“It helps with the taste for those such as myself who find kava in its natural form more tolerable, while also giving me a unique mix of energy and calmness,” one regular explained. These products essentially remain a reflection of Euphorbia, which has always been a place where different worlds overlap. That same philosophy extends to the food offerings as well, with pastries sourced from La Louisianne, adding another layer to the café experience.
Still, what keeps people coming back isn’t just the menu. “This place literally saved my life,” one regular said. “I’m a former alcoholic and kava helped me get off dangerous substances. To me, it’s not just a late-night coffee bar. The space is about community and support. You can socialize, or you can sit quietly at a table and just exist. That’s rare.” Another echoed the same sentiment, commenting, “as someone in recovery, I greatly appreciate having a sober space where I can still be part of a community.”
Euphorbia is also taking a stand about the values that we espouse. “We are taking an explicit stance against bigotry, making it clear that hateful rhetoric won’t be tolerated. At the same time, it hasn’t shied away from broader issues, speaking out against policies and actions that dehumanize vulnerable populations, including the treatment of immigrants. The ownership sees that not as a risk, but as a responsibility,” the owner added.
That perspective is shaped in part by the owner’s background as the publisher of Big Easy Magazine, a progressive New Orleans publication known for its unapologetic voice on local and national issues. The same values of community, accountability, and a willingness to speak plainly, carry over into the space itself.
The name “Euphorbia” reflects a different kind of legacy. Originally chosen by the previous owner more than 11 years ago, it comes from a genus of plants known for their resilience and diversity. While the bar now features a variety of plants that extend beyond that specific genus, the name stuck; and, in many ways, it fits even better now than it did at the beginning. The owner’s wife has taken up the responsibility of continuing the plant gallery, curating a selection of indoor and outdoor potted plants for sale.
One regular put it simply: “It’s an oasis.” That might sound like an exaggeration until you spend time there. The crowd is eclectic, including artists, musicians, professionals, people in recovery, and people just looking for something different. Monthly art markets give local creatives a space to showcase their work at an accessible cost, reinforcing the bar’s role as more than just a place to drink something.
Operationally, the space continues to evolve. Hours have shifted slightly, now opening at 10 a.m. (one hour earlier than before — 11:00am) and running until midnight. Some have asked why it doesn’t open earlier, but practically, extending hours further on either end comes with real logistical challenges. Staying open late is already what sets Euphorbia apart. And, for now, that remains the priority.
There are plans for what comes next. New furniture is on the way. An outdoor awning with fans is in development to expand seating comfortably. There’s even talk of adding a small recreational space (something as simple as a ping pong table) to continue building out the social side of the environment.
The core of the story hasn’t changed though. “When I first found this place nearly 11 years ago, I was at a low point,” the owner said. “I had just lost my grandfather, who was like a father to me, and I was struggling with addiction. This place saved my life. I became a regular. I built relationships. When the opportunity came to take it over, I knew I had to do it, not just for myself, but for everyone who depends on this space.”
For the new owner, the transition was more than just a business decision. It was personal, and the previous owner understood that and trusted that the environment would be preserved. “She knew how important this place was to me and to the community. I’m carrying on her legacy.”
That continuity has been supported by a small but committed team. Operations manager and minority owner Michael Donahoe has played a critical role in keeping things steady through the transition. “Michael has been there every step of the way,” the owner said. “I couldn’t have done this without him.”
Even as the business adapts, it hasn’t lost sight of the basics. Euphorbia still offers a generous rewards program. Customers who spend $100 earn enough points for $11.50 off a future purchase. It’s a small detail, but one that reflects the broader philosophy of taking care of the people who show up because, in the end, that’s what this place is about.
This unique space is not just about the cool and unique products. It’s also a space for people who are looking for something different, something calmer, more intentional, and something that doesn’t revolve around alcohol or noise or pressure.
Many of the regulars who are artists, see this as a place to sit, talk, create, or to simply be. And then we have our traditional coffee drinker who prefers to work while drinking coffee products. There’s a space for that as well, including tables and a back room for more privacy. In a city that never really stops moving, that might be the most valuable thing of all.
