Tony’s now open, honoring legacy

A downtown San Antonio bar designated by the city as a historic site is back to serving drinks after major renovations.

Tony’s Bar is now Tony’s Siesta, with new ownership taking over the property from Tony Lopez, who ran the business for 20 years on Brooklyn Avenue. The building earned its historical designation from the San Antonio Conservation Society due to portions of the limestone block and adobe construction that date back to the 1880s.

The bar reopened in mid-October after being closed for nearly a year and serves a full lineup of beer, wine and cocktails. Latino music will continue to play a major part of the entertainment.

“This is an iconic San Antonio place, and the opportunity to take it over is a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” said co-owner Andy Palacios, who has been in the service industry for more than 10 years. “We will do everything we can to honor the legacy.”

Tony’s regulars will notice that the property has a total new look, with an outdoor patio space in the backyard and more light, and the bar area has been opened up. But the mini replica of the Tower of the Americas remains in front of the property.

The opening adds to a booming new San Antonio entertainment district in the Irish Flats neighborhood that includes Roadmap Brewing Co., La Roca Cantina, Bentley’s Beer Garden and Artisan Distillery.

Tony’s Siesta, 206 Brooklyn Ave., Facebook: @TonysSiesta. Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight MondaysWednesdays, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. to midnight Sundays.

Chuck Blount / Staff Tony’s Siesta is located at 206 Brooklyn Ave. in a historic building.