iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%56+35.6Reliability 28%1+0.3Replies to reviews 8%100+8.2Momentum penalty21−7.9Experts Score= 36Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade D: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.36SCORE
DGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#12 of 12 nightclubsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 0%
4.7★★★★★337 Google reviews · 24 photos
88%five-star reviews
4.14★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
24.1%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Reviewers highlight the relaxing atmosphere, strong kava drinks, and friendly staff who make guests feel welcome. Common praises include the knowledgeable service and the bar's late-night availability. Criticisms focus on inconsistent customer service, with some guests reporting rude interactions, slow attention, and staff appearing disengaged. A few reviews also mention high pricing and occasional issues with live music quality on Sundays.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 337 reviews (88% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 337 Google reviews (284 with written comments, 24 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 24, 2026.
Service: Nightclub serving Royal Palm Beach, Florida.
Data from Google, last updated October 31, 2026.
Score profile vs other nightclubs
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: replies to reviews and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
This companyNightclubs median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Island Root Kava Bar Royal Palm: 56/100 on this factor. Category median: 65.C
56
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Island Root Kava Bar Royal Palm: 1/100 on this factor. Category median: 73.F
1
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Island Root Kava Bar Royal Palm: 21/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.D
21
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Island Root Kava Bar Royal Palm: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 45.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
337 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars29788%
4 stars134%
3 stars41%
2 stars31%
1 star206%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 284 written reviews
92%praise
Praise19592%
Complaints168%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude11153%
Would recommend3718%
Quality & results2612%
Speed & response136%
Price & value105%
Honesty & trust84%
Communication63%
What customers talk about
We read 284 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Will was really good cool guy and and made nice drinks very recomendable”
“Staff isn’t inviting at all if you are not a regular and is very rude.”
“Definitely recommend here at nine very laid-back Will is definitely a great asset to this company amazing personality if you want someone to joke aro…”
“1/5 stars.”
“Matt is an awesome kavatender—friendly, knowledgeable, and always provides great service.”
“Bartender gave a terrible attitude an demanded a tip after paying.”
“Jasmine was amazing and really nice and the service was fast”
“Very diverse clientele, everybody gets along a little expensive but worth the money”
“This was my third time going to Island Root, and it honestly gets better every time.”
“Lex was very helpful at explaining what all of their products were.”
People customers mention
Narin28 reviews
Kratom9 reviews
Maynor8 reviews
Rob8 reviews
Alexis7 reviews
Kavatender4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
JJLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★
This is by far the best kava bar in West Palm beach. Sebastian is a saint. He walks in and greets and helps others. The whole staff is wonderful. 5 stars this is wonderful! Strongest kava in west palm beach
KKenneth6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
It’s been a bit since I have come back but I’m falling for it again. The kava is good and the vibes are great. However, Jack the Kava Tender, really made the night. One of my favorite tenders of the bat and I have seen mannnny(plus he made my drink in the exact way I wanted!!) . I can’t wait to come back and hope I…
DDry2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Jack is a superb kavatender always making others laugh and celebrating the root of kava
JJazspur2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Drinks are flavorful, strong, and people are great!! Chill atmosphere, chill people. Favorite kava bar in west palm beach
SSamanthaLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Sebastian the manager is super kind and friendly. We makes you feel right at home. Stephanie is very awesome. I love coming to island root.
JJackson2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★
Bartender gave a terrible attitude an demanded a tip after paying. If i could give this place a zero i would AND my drink sucked. Lookin for a better experience? Hit up lake worth chill room
This is by far the best kava bar in West Palm beach. Sebastian is a saint. He walks in and greets and helps others. The whole staff is wonderful. 5 stars this is wonderful! Strongest kava in west palm beach
Price per person: $10–20
Reservation: Reservations not required
Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
Group size: Suitable for all group sizes
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for the amazing review! We truly appreciate the kind words about Sebastian and the rest of our team. We’re grateful to have you as part of the Island Root community and can’t wait to welcome you back for another shell soon! 🌿🥥
#Bula
K
Kenneth Ramos6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kenneth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
It’s been a bit since I have come back but I’m falling for it again. The kava is good and the vibes are great. However, Jack the Kava Tender, really made the night. One of my favorite tenders of the bat and I have seen mannnny(plus he made my drink in the exact way I wanted!!) . I can’t wait to come back and hope I catch him again!!!! (My gf recommends vanilla and lavender kava:}
Response from the owner · a month ago
Kenneth, we love hearing this! 🙌 So glad you made your way back and had such a great experience. Huge shoutout to Jack for taking care of you and getting your drink exactly how you like it. We’ll be sure he sees this! 🌿🥥
Hope to see you and your girlfriend again soon. Bula! 🤙
#Bula
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Dry Ice2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dry has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Quick service. Strong teas not the greatest kava but overall, a nice time.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thanks for taking the time to send some feedback! We have different types of kava so make sure you ask about what regions we offer each time. Some are better than others, especially our Vanuatu. It all depends on your pallet of course. We hope to see you again soon, and have another chance to turn these four stars into five! #Bula
J
Jazspur Ingram2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jazspur has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Drinks are flavorful, strong, and people are great!! Chill atmosphere, chill people. Favorite kava bar in west palm beach
Noise level: Moderate noise
Group size: Suitable for all group sizes
Seating type: Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Jazspur, this made our day! Flavorful, strong, and surrounded by great people is exactly how we like to do it. We’re honored to be your favorite kava bar in West Palm Beach and we can’t wait to have you back in for another shell soon.
#Bula
S
sebastian barbosa5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews sebastian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Will was really good cool guy and and made nice drinks very recomendable
Price per person: $10–20
Reservation: Reservations not required
Noise level: Moderate noise
Special events: Live music
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you so much, Sebastian! We’re happy you had a great experience with us and truly appreciate the recommendation. Hope to see you again soon. #Bula
S
Samantha CurcioLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Samantha has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Sebastian the manager is super kind and friendly. We makes you feel right at home. Stephanie is very awesome. I love coming to island root.
Price per person: $1–10
Group size: Suitable for all group sizes
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you so much, Samantha!
We're thrilled to hear that Sebastian and Stephanie helped make your experience such a great one. Creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home is exactly what we strive for, and your kind words mean a lot to our team.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you again soon at Island Root!
L
Lada Lou6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lada has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I used to come here regularly to unwind after work and always considered myself a loyal customer. Unfortunately, after a recent experience, I will not be returning.
One night, while I was simply minding my own business, I was confronted by another individual. I tried to calmly de-escalate the situation, but when staff got involved, things only got worse. Instead of helping resolve the issue, I felt like I was treated unfairly and singled out.
The entire situation left me feeling unsafe and, honestly, humiliated. What made it even more upsetting was what happened afterward—I was told I could no longer come inside and would only be served outside. As a paying member and regular customer, that was extremely degrading.
I can’t say for certain what motivated how I was treated, but the experience felt deeply wrong and has stuck with me. This used to be a place I came to relax, and now I don’t feel welcome there at all.
It’s disappointing to lose a place I genuinely enjoyed, but I can’t support a business where I felt disrespected and uncomfortable. I hope management takes a serious look at how situations like this are handled in the future.
Price per person: $100+
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Hi Lada, we’re sorry to hear you feel this way. If you have concerns about a situation at our establishment, we encourage you to reach out to management directly through Google messaging or our social media so we can properly address the matter instead of resolving it through reviews alone. We would also need more information, including the date and approximate time of the incident, so we can review our camera footage and better understand what took place. We look forward to speaking with you. #Bula
J
Jackson Pilgrim2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jackson has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Bartender gave a terrible attitude an demanded a tip after paying. If i could give this place a zero i would AND my drink sucked. Lookin for a better experience? Hit up lake worth chill room
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Jackson, nobody here is demanding tips, but bartenders do tend to appreciate them when they’re taking care of you, that’s pretty standard everywhere.
If the drink missed, we would’ve fixed it on the spot, no attitude, just a better drink.
If tipping isn’t your thing, there’s a chance that “terrible attitude” might be more of a reflection than a coincidence, and you may run into that same experience at the Chill Room too.
Wishing you better luck not tipping at another location that doesn't mind your lack of compassion and gratuity. #Bula
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Alex ArangoLocal Guide · 79 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alex has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
