Kon Tiki Tucson

The Kon Tiki Tucson opened in 1963 and has retained most of its original decor. As far as I could tell, the only updates were the addition of tv screens behind the bar. But the velvet paintings, blowfish lights, and dried grass huts are just a few touches I noted and appreciated greatly.

Even the bathrooms are on theme too! Kitschy roadside attractions are my kryptonite so when I discovered there was an original tiki bar from the 60s in Tucson, I made immediate plans to pay it a visit.

We tried to sample as much of the menu as we could in one visit. The extensive list of drinks calls for multiple visits unless your goal is to get blackout. Even our meager sample portion left me quite tipsy.

I had:

one Blue Hawaii
one Kon Tiki Special
shared the Scorpion Bowl (recommended by a regular)

It was a deadly combination I offset by consuming Birds-on-a-stick, nachos, and the Volcano Chicken Wings

UPDATE : I have returned to vegetarianism. If you are not a meat eater, I recommend eating beforehand because the menu is meat heavy. 

The Kon Tiki is a quintessential mid century oasis. One could almost believe they entered a time warp when crossing the threshold because the decor is mostly original. Buoy and blowfish lamps light the pathway to paradise.

At the very back of the bar is a grotto water feature illuminated by a skylight during the day. And the water feature is still functioning!

The bar is located in an unassuming strip mall so it’s easy to miss the tiki trove if you’re not paying too much attention. 

With that said, don’t let the bleak surroundings fool you because there’s a colourful wonderland behind the beige.

The giant neon sign is the only hint of the oasis aptly hiding behind a wall of palms and greenery.

4625 E. Broadway
Tucson AZ
85711

Do you love this kitschy magic? Obviously I have made it my business to stop at as many tiki outposts I can (in addition to the Kon Tiki). Despite how few and far between they have become. You may find a new spot you’d like to visit.

SIP N DIP LOUNGE
THE SHAMEFUL TIKI ROOM
STAYING IN A TIKI BUS AT THE SAHDY DELL

photographs - sandy joe karpetz