Each party, however, came with the same challenge: finding a new venue every time. Logistics were complicated, and the idea of having their own space kept returning to their conversations. With a permanent base, they knew they could take their events to an entirely different level.

Searching, renovating, building

They were looking for a space that would suit them, be able to host Capo di tutti Party events, and be located in the city centre.

“We talked about it for three years, actively searched for the right place for two years, and then spent another year renovating it,” says Martin Kružlík.

At the end of 2015, they finally took over a space known to Bratislava locals as Malí Františkáni.

According to historical records, the first wine bar opened there as early as 1948. During socialism, it was a dark, hidden place people went to disappear. In the 1990s, various owners came and went, running everything from a pizzeria to a strip club.

The founders describe the space as being in a deplorable condition when they took it over. To date, they have invested approximately €130,000 into the renovation. About half of that came from a loan, while the other half was financed gradually from revenue after opening.

No gastro background, but no shortcuts either

Before Bukowski, none of the three had worked in the hospitality industry. Michal came from IT, Milan was a journalist. But they didn’t want to open a bar without any hands-on experience.

They agreed that Martin would first gain experience inside the industry, working part-time in several different venues to learn how things really function behind the bar.

Finding the right name

Choosing the name of the bar was crucial. According to the founders, it helped define both the style and the concept of the place.

“We spent about two months searching,” explains Milan Čupka. “At first, Kubrick was a strong candidate. But when I looked deeper into his life, I realized that at a certain point he stopped drinking alcohol — which didn’t quite fit a bar.”

“So we asked ourselves: Who drank? And very quickly, Bukowski came up. That was it.”

“It perfectly captured what we wanted and what we like,” adds Michal Kružlík. “A place for locals, full of movement, with an intangible atmosphere and the smell of cigarettes. A bohemian space full of contrasts.”

Writers behind the bar — and in the glass

The literary inspiration didn’t stop with the name of the bar. Their signature mixed shots, which have since become one of Bukowski Bar’s biggest hits, are also named after famous writers known not only for their talent but also for their passion for drinking.

Each shot connects a story, nationality, and alcohol to fit the writer’s identity.
Baudelaire is based on absinthe, Joyce on Irish whiskey, and London on bourbon.