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“a Tuscon classic since 1963”
Kon Tiki opened it’s doors and began welcoming patrons to Paradise in 1963. The original owner, Dean Short, moved his family from Ohio in the 1940’s and used the experience he had gained working in his family’s bar back east to open several restaurants in Tucson.The family friendly atmosphere and success of his first restaurants, The Panda Steakhouse and Ye Olde Lantern, inspired Dean to branch out and fulfill his desire to bring a taste of something new and different to Tucson.On one of his frequent trips to California, Mr Short noticed an increasing fascination with exotic cultures that evoked the enticing fantasy of a carefree lifestyle, tropical islands and beautiful women. This was the seed that blossomed into a tropical oasis in the middle of the desert, otherwise known as Kon Tiki. Kon Tiki today looks almost exactly the same as it did when it first opened. The area behind the bar has hosted several exotic inhabitants, from birds to young scantily-clad women painting ‘beatnik’ style art to it’s last inhabitant Thor, a Monitor Lizard. The large aquarium once held Piranah fish.When movies were being shot in and around Tucson the Kon Tiki played host to the stars, including Clint Eastwood, Robert Michum, Lee Marvin and Robert Wagner. During the 1980's Kon Tiki was owned by Mr. Kim, a former chef at the restaurant, and he ordered new barware stamped with 'Kim's Kon Tiki', although the bar itself never legally changed name.The current owner of Kon Tiki, Paul Christopher, started working here as a dishwasher & busboy when he was 15 years old. He worked his way up to server, then bartender and eventual owner. In 2010 the gas-powered tiki torches that sit atop the Kon Tiki sign were restored and re-lit during a big celebration created by local artists (and regulars) Velvel Glass. Featuring local favorites Shrimp Chaperone and Flam Chen, Vegas band Thee Swank Bastards and The Tikiyaki Orchestra from L.A. And a darn fine time was had by all! Over the years, most people that have lived in Tucson have, at some point, marked a special moment or turning point in their life at the Kon Tiki. We would like to thank you for celebrating those occasions with us and allowing us to be a part of those wonderful memories.
We love finding new Tiki bars and found a nice one in Tucson! While in Tucson, we kept seeing the Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge as we drove by it on our errands. We mentioned to each other that we... Read more
The decor is amazing - as if you're either at The Golden Tiki in Vegas or the line for Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. The only thing that pulls you out are the styles of table and chairs. No... Read more
Really really love this place. The ambience is so fun and warm. The food and drinks are great. Their scorpion bowls are perfect for groups. The mixed drinks are straight forward and delicious.... Read more
Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge
Hours
- Sun: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
- Mon - Thu: 11:00 am - 12:00 am
- Fri, Sat: 11:00 am - 1:00 am
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Reservations
- Takes
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Bar
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Breakfast
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Brunch
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Dinner
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Drinks
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Drive Through
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Lunch
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Waitstaff
Parking, Dining
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