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Is there anything more fun than hanging out at a tiki bar? Kon Tiki, in Tucson, Arizona, is the best Polynesian bar and restaurant in the Southwest United States. Keep reading to find out why you must visit. And see just how much fun your family can have here!
Why Your Family Will Love Kon Tiki
Let’s start with the important part: why your family will love eating at Kon Tiki in Tucson. This place is so much fun! Your kids will have a blast here checking out all the tikis, fish, and seashells scattered throughout.
We have eaten here a couple times. And each time we visit, I love it more and more. We lived in the South Pacific for a few years and this place always takes us back there the moment we walk in the door.
While it’s not huge, it’s also never super crowded. So, you can enjoy yourself in the cozy, laid back environment without fighting for space. And the dark, cool interior is a nice break from the hot desert sun.
One of the best reasons to check out Kon Tiki is that it is a unique restaurant that will transport you to a place far away from the rest of your vacation. It’s like a vacation within a vacation!
The Food
Like everything about Kon Tiki, the menu is full of favorite Polynesian dishes from Hawaii, Samoa, and other Polynesian cultures. You will find poke, chicken katsu, Samoan pulled pork, and other yummy dishes.
The food is fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The portions are the perfect size to fill you up without leaving you feeling stuffed and miserable.
The food at Kon Tiki is very authentic. If I didn’t know better, I would swear that the food was prepared at one of our favorite island restaurants.
While they do not have a dedicated kids’ menu, Kon Tiki does has several dishes on their menu that are very kid friendly. My son loves the chicken and steak skewers and the chicken tenders. You won’t have a problem finding things for your kids to eat here.
Check out the menu for more details.
The Drinks
Of course, you can’t have a tiki bar without some awesome cocktails! And Kon Tiki delivers here as well. They have a wide variety of cocktails.
You will find traditional tropical drinks, such as the mai tai, pina colada, hurricane, and a couple different varieties of daiquiris. They also offer several different flavors of margaritas. Additionally, they feature some fun island twists and original concoctions, such as the Kon Tiki Coconut, Koko Pino, and the King Tonga.
They also have a decent selection of beers and wine.
The Decor
The decor inside Kon Tiki Tucson is my favorite part of visiting this place. When you first approach the restaurant, you will get hints at what awaits you on the inside. The entrance is tucked behind lush plant life with tikis, turtles, and a fun little bridge highlighting your approach.
Once inside, you are immediately welcomed by an aquarium with tropical fish. The bar is topped with a thatch roof. There are several large tikis throughout the restaurant. The centerpiece of the dining area is a large fountain made out of rock and seashells. Almost every surface is covered in bamboo and woven Samoan mats. Glass bottles, glass globes and seashells finish off the look.
The whole look is representative of what you would see on Samoa, Hawaii, and other South Pacific islands. And it all works together to give you a cozy, laid back feel.
Location, Prices, & Operating Hours
You will find Kon Tiki at 4625 E. Broadway in Tucson. It is just down the street from Reid Park Zoo and the University of Arizona baseball stadium.
They are open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am until midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, they are open from 11:00 am until 1:00 am. And on Sundays, their operating hours are 4:00 pm until midnight
Prices are pretty reasonable at Kon TIki Tucson. Appetizers range from $7-14. Entrees range from $7-23 dollars, depending on whether you choose a small plate, burger, sandwich, or something more substantial.
Conclusion
Kon Tiki is one of the most fun restaurants you will find in Tucson, Arizona. Its fun decor and delicious food will instantly transport you to the South Pacific. This Polynesian bar and restaurant is authentic to the core. If you want a taste of the tropics without leaving the desert, you must check out Kon Tiki Tucson!
For more help with your trip to Tucson, see our weekend itinerary, Prep & Pastry, Pima Air & Space Museum, The Hub, and Reid Park Zoo.
Happy travels!
P.S. Need help finding the best places to go on your family vacations? My Ultimate USA Bucket List for Families will instantly give you 60 of the best vacation destinations for families in the United States! Get it for FREE in the box below and start planning your next trip today! Plus, as a bonus, you will receive my weekly email newsletter full of family trip tips and inspiration!
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