Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge

I love this place. We were back in Tucson and had time for a couple of drinks and chose Kon Tiki. A couple of months ago we discovered this place and had fun. This place has history and is pretty cool looking both inside and out. This time it was nicely decorated for Halloween. While here we had the Ancient Mariner, Pain Killer, Kon Tiki 63 and the Devil's Triangle. Each drink was made expertly by our friendly bartender, Ryan. Next time I'm in Tucson, I'll be sure to stop by again and maybe this time order some food.

We went for Valentine's Day. We had reservations for 6 pm and it had been confirmed but they could not find it on the transposed list. It was found on the original but we were given seats at the kitchen door. Our server was very attentive and didn't hover or forget us. The drinks were delicious. I had a Lava You that was a fabulous strawberry-banana frozen daiquiri made with a cream, yum. Then the Luau platter with many of the starters on it. Very good. I got the steak meal with a side and wasn't told that the loaded potato [offered verbally] was extra, but it was very good. Others at the table got the Blackened Mahi Mahi which they liked and the Teriyaki Chicken which was also delicious. For dessert we got a Scorpion for two and chocolate covered strawberries that were loaded with chocolate. The food was good, service had it's highs and lows but all-in-all it was a fun evening.

More like 3.5 stars. The place is quaint and has a lot of history. I think it's one of the oldest tiki bars in the US? The drinks are always good and the food is good, but the service varies quite a bit. They no longer have a happy hour buffet. I think this was due to the pandemic.

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. The crab puffs were a bit different to say the least but that is the worst thing I have to say about this place. The wiki wiki steak surprised me to no end in a great way. I never would have imagined such a combination. This place has the bestts ketchup I've ever had in my life. Such an odd thing I know but people need to know the quality, ambience, and creativity here is phenomenal down to every detail. I'd like to add their tacos are delicious and they have deals every Tuesday. Additionally, I tried their Bulgogi recently. I am ruined because I lived in Korea for a year but it was an alright version of it. They need to leave the ornamental flower and random side veggies out of it though.

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 visited almost 20 years ago.It's tucked into a shopping strip but is definitely its own little world--the entrance tells you that right away!Perfect classic tiki bar. The inside is amazing--grass huts everywhere!We sat at the bar & enjoyed a rum punch and a mai tai, CHEAP. They have full on pupu -platters, really awesome. We shared some steamed dumplings & our drinks, then went on our way.This dark bar & $8 drinks (some were more, but not the $14-16 I'm seeing so many other places) will make you want to while the afternoon away, on into evening...

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 at the host station and no host. When someone finally came over to tell us that there would be a wait, she couldn't find our reservation. About five minutes later we were seated by another employee. After that, things moved pretty quickly. The tropical drinks were a little disappointing. We tried a Mai Tai and a Rum Punch. Not sure if there was rum in either drink?The Ahi Poke was a very tasty appetizer. But our entrees were not hot, and while plated beautifully, and very generous portions they were just ok. I had the Bulgogi and my husband had the Grilled Mahi. Our server was somewhat friendly and attentive, though she opted to have us hand her whatever plates or glasses she was removing from the table, instead of coming around and getting them herself. I would definitely return to Kon Tiki if I lived nearby, but it wasn't worth our drive to get there. I'd recommend for those who live or work in the area. They have a decent happy hour food selection, as well as a "Small Plate" menu.

We attempted to eat lunch here one day. Upon entering the dark dank restaurant, you are hit with an unpleasant odor which can only be described as they haven't cleaned in here in a very very long time. We were brought a menu that has seen its better days and while perusing the menu, we noticed that there were only a couple people inside when it should have been packed during the lunch hour. The bartender/server never came back. They stood behind the bar and looked completely bored and were not interested in taking our order or engaging with any of the other patrons there. After 20+ minutes of pondering the menu and getting a real good look at our surroundings, we decided that we were going to leave as we were feeling uneasy about eating in a place that if it's this unclean in the dining room, what does the kitchen look like?

I have been going to Kon Tiki for so many years and I never grow tired of it. The entrance alone is so inviting and I love the inside decor. Such a fun vibe from the second you walk in. The food is amazing. I always no matter what have to get monkeys on a stick. Basically steak tidbits with this deliciously gooey teriyaki sauce over a bed of wonton chips. Such a great appetizer. I have never had a bad drink there. Surprisingly, they have drinks for only $5 which is hard to find even in dive bars nowadays. I have also never had bad service there either. The bartenders are always upbeat and ready to serve you fun tiki cocktails. I love this place and make sure I stop in each time I go back to visit Tucson.

The food was good but not great. (They said they were updating their menu; that's probably a good idea). But the decor! It looks like it hasn't changed since it opened in 1963. It's kitschy and fun. It's not just a meal; it's an experience.

My friend and myself went for a few drinks and a light dinner, today, 02-25-25.At around 3:50pm. The ambience, great, the drinks awesome, but the help, very poor. We did not feel welcome from the minute we stepped in the door. We sat at the bar, so the female Bartender, was not very enthusiastic, my friend and I are Latino/Native, middle age, but allways dress nice and are curteous, friendly and outgoing. The bartender did not greet us, was not attentive and we waited about half and hour before she took our order. The food was amazing, we order tacos on Taco Tuesday. Our food was delivered by a male bartender which had just started his shift, again no greeting, he actually looked like he was in a bad mood. He dropped off the food, no "is there anything else" or "enjoy!", they never checked back to see if we were ok. I felt really bad and had that feeling, we feel often in Tucson of that silent descrimination, where they rather not have us there. I'm a very good tipper, if i receive good or great service. I left 15% and wrote a message on the CC receipt they would of received 20% if they would been nicer. Despite the fact a few patrons were talking to us and were a lot of fun, the service made us decide not to go back!!!! If your white you'll have a great time. Actually I could see they were indefferent to white customers as well, so they are just really lousy at their job! I do not recommend this restaurant!