Nestled in the heart of South Tampa at the corner of West Shore and Gandy lies the unique Dignitary Kava Bar and Smoke Shop. This eclectic establishment, spearheaded by former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ian Beckles and his competent team, has quickly become a core component of the local social scene. As it approaches its two-year anniversary this October, Dignitary continues to broaden its horizons, ensuring its status as an all-inclusive hub for entertainment, relaxation, and community connection.
The cornerstone of Dignitary is the Kava and tea bar, a tranquil, sober sanctuary where patrons can start their day on a serene note or unwind after a long day. For those who do not know, Kava is a ceremonial drink hailing from the Pacific Islands, and it offers a unique sensory experience, pairing distinctive earthy flavors with a natural, soothing effect. Dignitary’s botanical tea is carefully brewed and crafted, offering a myriad of experiences from invigorating to relaxing.
“We pride ourselves in having the best Kava and teas in the area,” Beckles said.
But the relaxation doesn't stop at the bar. Dignitary offers a well-curated smoke shop, which caters to the eclectic tastes of smoking enthusiasts. Here you can explore a diverse and unique selection of high-quality glass water pipes and hand pipes along with an assortment of smoking accessories that caters to both novice and experienced users at every price range.
Dignitary goes a step further by embracing the holistic benefits of cannabis. Every Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dignitary, along with CannabisDoc, hosts medical cannabis consultations. These sessions provide patrons with the opportunity to discuss and explore their options in a safe and welcoming environment.
Following the consultation, patrons are invited to unwind in our outdoor consumption lounge. This thoughtfully designed space fosters community and open conversation, further pushing the boundaries of a conventional lounge and bar experience.
If you’re looking for a little more activity, Dignitary’s private lounge is complete with a professional (9-foot) pool table, a large projector screen, and a game room. From watching a game to pool and gaming tournaments, the private lounge offers a host of options.
This unique space has also played host to podcast recordings, with Beckles' Plant Power, In The Trenches and Mental Intimacy Podcasts among them. On special occasions, the podcasts take an exciting turn; in April, the legendary Fab Five Freddy stopped by the lounge to hang out and talk with Ian about his career and efforts to release prisoners whose only crime was to possess marijuana. The podcast room at Dignitary amplifies the feeling of community, fostering engaging dialogues and sharing diverse perspectives.
To complete the experience, Dignitary presents its guests with the Dignitary Smokehouse. Led by renowned BBQ Hall-of-Fame Pitmaster Lee Ann Whippen, the smokehouse offers a tantalizing selection of BBQ dishes. With a longstanding history in the BBQ world, Whippen's culinary prowess turns each meal into an unforgettable experience.
Dignitary has its fingerprints on many Bay-area events and activities, including acting as a founding co-sponsor of the upcoming Cannadelic Summer convention on July 15 at the Factory and Fairgrounds in St. Petersburg, and their distinctive lion’s head logo is present at many local festivals.
In essence, the Dignitary Kava Bar and Smoke Shop is more than just a venue—it's an all-encompassing social destination.
“Dignitary has evolved into a haven for many of the creative minds in Tampa,” Beckles added.
If you’re looking for that comfortable, sober oasis in Tampa Bay, look no further. Come and see for yourself why the Dignitary Kava and Smoke Shop is the coolest kava bar on the planet.
