Aloha, Tucson! It’s the middle of summer, its 110 degrees out, and somehow we’re all still getting up and going about our business as if we weren’t all existing inside of a giant air-fryer. It’s safe to say we’ve all earned ourselves a little vacation, even those of us who aren’t making it to the beach this summer. Luckily, we’ve found a few local bars for a tiki experience without the plane ticket.
Hacienda del Sol is well-known for its elegant Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge and award‑winning wine list. They also know how to put on a seriously fun event.
During their summer long Tiki Tuesdays, you can sip handcrafted, island-inspired cocktails, enjoy vibrant flavors, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere, all set against the stunning backdrop of their historic resort. It’s the perfect midweek escape with a splash of paradise. Favorites include fresh takes on rum-forward classics such as the “Three Dots and a Dash” as well as their original creations like the “Oaxacan on Sunshine” paired with Polynesian-inspired fare like their Chicken Satay.
Keep up with Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort on Instagram.
The Royal Room blends mid-century charm with a laid-back neighborhood vibe. This 6th Ave. bar is known for creative cocktails, weekly events, and a rotating menu of tropical drinks.
On Aloha Royale Wednesdays, the Royal Room transforms with island energy and playful bevvies. Their Angocolada made with Appleton Estate Rum and Amaro di Angostura blended with coconut, pineapple, and lime is a personal favorite. They have a rotating menu every week so keep an eye on their specials so you don’t miss out on your next favorite drink like the the bold and smooth Coup D’État, a fun blend of brown butter rum with citrus and spice.
Keep up with the Royal Room on Instagram.
This Eastside staple is best known for its fresh Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, large portions, and friendly service.
Casa del Rio matches its Mexican fare with a bold tiki cocktail menu led by classics such as Painkiller, Mai Tai, and Jungle Bird. The Pancho Villa, Admiral Vernon and Blue Hawaii cocktails offer hidden-gem depth with house-made syrups and top-shelf rums. Kevin Templin’s tiki creations round out a cocktail lineup that feels as festive as the food. On Thursdays, they’ve been known to have luau dancers, killer food specials, and a weekly rotating list of Tiki drinks that’ll make you feel like you’re on Island time. They’re also open until 10 p.m. these days.
Keep up with Casa Del Rio on Instagram.
Cabali greets guests through a hidden ivy‑lined entrance that leads into a dim, submarine‑style speakeasy filled with tiki art and over 1,000 collectible mugs. Owner Doug “Fini” Finical built the space as an immersive homage to tiki culture and mug‑collecting lore.
Their flagship tiki cocktails start with a classic Painkiller: Jamaican dark rum blended with pineapple, coconut liqueur and all‑spice coconut cream. The Jungle Bird mixes Barbados black barrel rum, Campari, fresh pineapple, lime, and demerara syrup for a perfectly balanced bittersweet sip.
And check out their upcoming event with Whiskey Del Bac:
Keep up with Cabali on Instagram.
Entering Kon Tiki can feel like you’ve taken a step back in time with its dim, Polynesian-themed space filled with velvet paintings, blowfish lamps and grass-roof huts. Murals, a bubbling fish tank and tiki art create a nostalgic desert oasis rooted in 1960s tiki culture.
Kon Tiki pours traditional tropically inspired drinks, including Mai Tai, Scorpion and Painkiller, served in festive glassware. The revamped menu adds crowd-pleasers like Jet Pilot, Jungle Bird and Ancient Mariner that balance potent rum with classic spice and citrus notes.
They currently have a Cocktail Expedition where you can purchase a cocktail, get your map stamped by the bartender, and redeem for a free Souvenir Art Print!
Keep up with Kon Tiki on Instagram.
The Hut, best known its live music, energetic crowd, and giant tiki head from the Magic Carpet Golf course on East Speedway, is a 4th Ave. staple.
Though it’s primarily a beer bar, The Hut has earned a reputation for over-the-top tropical cocktails served in fishbowls. The signature “Fat Man” rum bowl blends fruit punch with bold tropical flavors. Other fan favorites include “The Pineapple Express” and “The Grateful Dead”. Find a couple of friends and share these with them.
Keep up with the Hut on Instagram.
There’s no doubt that Penelope is a go-to for pizza lovers looking for quality wood fired and locally sourced goodness.
Though Penelope hasn’t hosted a Tiki night before, award-winning bar team Stephen Kozlowski (my husband who you’ll also happen to see at Tiki Tuesdays at Hacienda del Sol) and Toby Chivers (not my husband, but just as beloved) are launching a new after-hours series: Tiki Night TBD. The pop-up will spotlight classic tiki cocktails with fresh ingredients and unpretentious skill. The pop-up will be announced later on this summer though likely to be scheduled for a week day in late July.
Keep up with Penelope Pizza on Instagram.
Sidecar strikes a stylish balance between mid-century cocktail bar and modern neighborhood hangout.
While not a dedicated tiki bar, Sidecar occasionally surprises guests with one-off tiki specials and themed cocktails. Their spin on tropical drinks combines expert technique with a minimalist twist. When those specials hit the menu, they’re always worth seeking out.
Keep up with Sidecar on Instagram.
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