Uncharted, a new tiki bar, has opened in the basement of The Phoenix Saloon, offering locals and visitors a retro escape into Polynesian-inspired decor, cocktails and culture.

The details

The bar, a passion project by Jason Straughn, opened its doors last week. Straughn, who has been a New Braunfels resident for 15 years, said the idea stemmed from his love of tiki culture and his personal home tiki bar.

“I’ve been into this tiki thing for a long time,” Straughn said. “I love the history, the cocktails, the decor, the retro vibe. ... It’s escapism ... when you’re in a tiki bar, you’re supposed to feel like you’ve been transported to a different place.”

The opportunity to create Uncharted came during the pandemic when the owners of The Phoenix Saloon visited Straughn’s home tiki bar and suggested he design something similar in the saloon’s basement, Straughn said.


Straughn partnered with Russell Theode of Lei Low Bar in Houston to design the cocktail menu. Drinks like the Honolulu Zombie and the Mutiny—a recipe inspired by a 1956 tiki bar called Mai-Kai—are drinks that are offered at Uncharted.

What's next

While Straughn initially felt nervous about opening a tiki bar in New Braunfels, he saw the gap in the market as an opportunity.

“There isn’t a tiki bar in town,” Straughn said. “If you don’t take chances, you’ll never know.”


The bar is open Thursday through Sunday until midnight. Straughn said the limited hours allow the bartenders to get accustomed to the flow while ensuring consistent service.

“My goal is to keep the cocktails consistent and focus on great customer service,” Straughn said. “A tiki bar is never done. I’m always looking for ways to improve the space.”