A Beloved Buenos Aires Bar Is Making a Comeback

Buenos Aires, a city known for its vibrant social life and iconic neighborhood bars, is eagerly anticipating the reopening of Bar Tokio. Located at the corner of Álvarez Jonte and Pasaje Tokio in Villa Santa Rita, this cherished café, which closed its doors in 2023 after nearly a century of history, is preparing to welcome patrons once again. Miguel Ángel Feas, the son of the original owner, is at the helm of this exciting revival.

More than just a place to grab a drink, Bar Tokio holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Founded in the 1930s, its story is deeply intertwined with that of Jesús Feas, a Galician immigrant who began his journey at the bar as a dishwasher in 1950. Through hard work and dedication, Jesús eventually became the owner, transforming the space into a beloved meeting point for neighbors and workers in the area.

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After Jesús's retirement in 2002 and his subsequent passing in 2005, the bar was taken over by loyal customers. However, in 2023, Bar Tokio closed its doors, leaving a void in the community. Now, Miguel Feas, in partnership with Martín Conte, is breathing new life into this historical landmark.

A Gathering Place for Icons

Over the years, Bar Tokio has welcomed a constellation of notable figures from the worlds of sports and music. Diego Maradona, “Checho” Batista, Pappo, and El Polaco Goyeneche are just a few of the famous faces who have graced its tables. The bar's cultural significance even extends to literature, with a mention in a story by Julio Cortázar. In 2009, Bar Tokio's importance was officially recognized when it was added to the list of “Bares Notables” in Buenos Aires, as stated by Clarín (n.d.).

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A Legacy of Family and Tradition

For Miguel Feas, Bar Tokio represents more than just a business venture; it embodies his family's history, his childhood memories, and the enduring legacy of his father. Jesús Feas arrived from Galicia in 1950, a mere 16 years old, and found his first job at Bar Tokio as a dishwasher.

«With the passing of years and his fame as a very hardworking and good service, despite his young age, he was doing different tasks in the bar. He was a dishwasher, waiter, cook and then had the possibility of partnering with the original owners. Little by little, he was buying their parts until, in the early 60s, he was already the owner of the bar», Miguel told Sofía Zappia (n.d.) from Clarín.

Jesús dedicated his entire life to Bar Tokio, working tirelessly for 52 years without a single vacation, often putting in more than 15 hours a day. «A working man, all his life. His life was the bar», his son fondly remembers. In 2002, Jesús decided to retire and lease the premises. «He said 'I'm going to take a break because I'm tired' and two years later he got sick and died».

Miguel and his three sisters grew up in the heart of this neighborhood café. «The first two, that is, my sister who follows me and I, were born there. We lived with my old man and my old woman, who helped him in the kitchen. Then we moved nearby, but I used to go to the bar regularly, I loved being there and playing».

Gastronomic memories are also deeply ingrained in his identity. «Seeing my old man cook was one of the most beautiful things. Those milanesas with an incredible taste that I never tasted again, the lentil stews, the buseca, the mondongo, the meatballs with puree or noodles. Flavors that I have engraved in my memory and that we will try to recover, although the bar is very high».

Preserving the Essence of Bar Tokio

Martín Conte, Miguel's partner in this venture, shared details about the reopening with Clarín. He emphasized the commitment to preserving the bar's original charm. The 1930s mosaic floor and the bar itself have been meticulously restored, honoring their original designs. The original carpentry has also been carefully preserved, maintaining the bar's authentic character.

Iconic paintings have been restored, including one of Jesús Feas and another that is a copy of Diego Velázquez's "The Triumph of Bacchus," painted by an artist who lived at the bar in the 1960s in exchange for food and lodging.

Another notable feature is the aluminum awning, one of the few remaining in Buenos Aires. Restoring it «was a challenge due to the difficulty of finding the original gears». Its functionality has been maintained, allowing light to stream in as it did in its heyday. Traditional *fileteado* (a type of artistic drawing and lettering) has been applied to the windows and awning, respecting the bar's traditional aesthetic.

A Menu Rooted in Tradition

The menu, according to Conte, will be «100% *porteño*. A classic proposal, but well executed. Ours, well done». Bar Tokio will continue to serve traditional *bodegón* dishes, such as *milanesas*, meatballs with puree, and Spanish omelet, along with small portions perfect for accompanying a *vermouth*.

The goal is to retain the loyal clientele while also attracting new visitors drawn to the history of the place. «We seek to turn Tokio into a destination place, beyond the borders of the neighborhood, adding people attracted by the recovery and enhancement of this *porteño* heritage», he assured.

The reopening is scheduled for this week, with hours from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

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