Since its opening in 1930, Tokio Bar has witnessed countless anecdotes and reflected the vibrant local culture. We invite you to travel back in time and experience the genuine essence of Buenos Aires , immersing yourself in the history of this nearly century-old bar located in the heart of Villa Santa Rita and one of the City’s notable bars.
El Tokio: a century of stories on one corner of the neighbourhood
In Buenos Aires ’ s landscape, notable bars are true sanctuaries of local memory. These bars, often discreet at first glance, hold within their tables and counters the most fascinating stories a traveller can discover. In Villa Santa Rita, this emblematic spot is called El Tokio, located on the corner of Álvarez Jonte St and the evocative Pasaje Tokio, to which it owes its name.
Its history is deeply rooted in the neighbourhood’s soul. In the 1950s, Jesús Feas, a Galician immigrant with an entrepreneurial spirit, arrived in Buenos Aires and started working at the bar as a dishwasher. Over time, his dedication and vision led him to become the owner of the bar.
Although Mr. Feas attempted to leave his own mark by renaming the bar "Santiago de Compostela", the strength of tradition and the voice of the neighbourhood prevailed, and the original name, El Tokio, remained alive in the collective memory. Such was the insistence that Mr. Feas finally agreed and immortalised on the façade the name chosen by his patrons.
For decades, El Tokio was a meeting point for billiards players, local residents and even iconic figures from Argentine culture. Names such as Diego Maradona, "Polaco" Goyeneche and the rock musician Norberto “Pappo" Napolitano left their mark on this bar. In spite of the transformations the bar underwent over the years, this notable bar has preserved key elements of its identity: its elegant limestone floor, original woodwork and, above all, an unparalleled atmosphere.
The year 2002 marked a turning point when El Tokio’s original owner decided to sell the business and the bar closed its doors. Years later, Miguel Ángel, one of his sons, decided to reopen the bar, restoring its rightful place in the living history of Buenos Aires .
In this new stage, a meticulous refurbishment of the space was undertaken. The reopening also saw the return to the bar of two historic pieces of great sentimental value: a cherished portrait of Jesús Feas and a replica of "The Triumph of Bacchus" by the Spanish master Diego Velázquez, whose original work is in the Prado Museum in Spain. These works not only decorate the space, but also tell part of the identity and cultural influences that have shaped El Tokio.
What to eat at this bar?
While the menu initially offered quick meals and recipes with Galician roots, this new phase broadened the culinary horizon while maintaining a 100% Buenos Aires DNA.
Visitors can savour undeniable classics such as breaded veal, Spanish omelette, croquettes, steaks, a comforting shepherd’s pie and ever-popular meat balls. Its owners’ premise is clear: to offer traditional, unfussy food, guaranteeing a good meal, evoking the flavours and warmth of home.
El Tokio opens its doors from 8 am to midnight, inviting guests to enjoy different moments of the day. You can start the day with breakfast, enjoy a delicious lunch, indulge in the ritual of vermouth at sunset or end the night with a carefully prepared cocktail.
This notable bar stands as a versatile meeting point, ready to welcome those wishing to experience the authentic atmosphere of a historic Buenos Aires bar and a gastronomic offering that celebrates classics with quality.
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