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Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge

4625 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona 85711 USA

388 Reviews
$$
Reasonable
Closed Now
Opens Fri 11a
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • No Wifi
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Learn more about this business on Yelp.

“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.

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Photo of Susan C.

Reviewed by
Susan C.

This place has been here probably thirty-forty years and hasn't changed one bit. A friend told me about it being a tradition for her & her golfing friends, and on her recommendation, we first... Read more

Photo of Maria E.

Reviewed by
Maria E.

The decor is awesome. It reminded me of restaurants I went to,when I grew up in Los Angeles- low lighting, tropical decor, with "huts" and colorful light fixtures. There was a substantial line... Read more

Photo of Taric W.

Reviewed by
Taric W.

I can see why this has been around for so long! This is not your ordinary restaurant. Kon Tiki specializes in Polynesian-inspired small bites, with a series of rum-based cocktails boasting an... Read more

Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge

4625 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, Arizona
85711 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • 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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  • Check
    Parking
  • Unavailable
    Pets Allowed
  • Unknown
    Restrooms
  • Unavailable
    Wifi
  • Check
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Check
    Credit Cards Accepted
Reservations
Takes
  • Check
    Bar
  • Check
    Lunch
  • Unavailable
    Brunch
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    Dinner
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    Drinks
  • Unavailable
    Breakfast
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    Waitstaff
  • Unavailable
    Drive Through
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Parking, Dining

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