Near the corner of Broadway Boulevard and Swan Road rests an indoor tropical paradise consisting of cocktails that come in big goblets, Luau Platters, a dimly lit dining room, and a vibe that sometimes makes you forget you’re in the desert.
We’re talkin’ about Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge and the fact that they’ve been serving drinks, dishes, and good times now for 60 years in Tucson. Below the iconic Polynesian Kon Tiki sign, which can easily be spotted from Broadway, is a tiled pathway that leads you into the restaurant.
Once you make your way inside, step past the bubbling fish tank filled with darting Cichlids and unwind with a Kon Tiki Mai Thai or one of their Scorpions — a beverage you can order for yourself or big enough to share with others.
“Our team works hard to create a welcoming atmosphere for our guests, and we take great pride in our cocktails and cuisine,” said Kon Tiki’s General Manager, Jeffrey Glomski. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing a memorable experience for our patrons.”
The cocktail menu at Kon Tiki has its flagship cocktails but is also everchanging and inspiring to other tiki bars around the country. For instance, according to Tasting Table, Tiki Tatsu-ya in Austin has a gin and shochu-based concoction named Strip ‘N Go Naked — something that was inspired by a drink invented at Kon-Tiki.
60th Anniversary Party
To celebrate its 60th anniversary there is a big party happening at 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 24.
There is going to be a $10 cover at the door (cash only) and they’ll have an exclusive cocktail and food menu (TBD), new Kon Tiki mugs and merchandise, music curated by DJ Han Cholo, and a vintage clothing and art sale featuring multiple vendors. The vendors include James Owens Art, Clever Vintage Clothing, The Witchdoctor’s Den, Winkwell, Bunny’s Treasure Chest, Kahuna Collective, and The Sonoran Siren.
On the day of, one of the hosts will stamp your hand, and seating will be first come, first served.
For more information on the event, follow Kon Tiki on Facebook.
Brief History of the Tiki Bar in the U.S.
Legend says that in 1947, a Norwegian explorer sailed a raft from Peru to Polynesia. That inspired a wave of tiki bars across the U.S. in the 1950s and 1960s, including here in Tucson.
Opening back in 1963, the team behind Kon Tiki can now claim the restaurant as one of the last remaining, operational tiki restaurants from America’s mid-century tiki past. In recent years, Kon Tiki was named one of the best happy hour spots in Tucson by MyBartender.com. The publication is fond of Tucson’s beloved tiki bar’s “Polynesian twist” when it comes to its food and cocktails.
So, stop by on Sunday, September 24, and give a warm aloha when you show up and as you leave. Better yet, pay a visit to the local tiki lounge multiple times throughout the year to keep its legacy flowin’ for years to come.
Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge is located at 4625 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit kontikitucson.com and follow Kon Tiki on Instagram.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
