POLUNOCHNYKY
CONCEPT
Polunochnyky is a classic 1930s-style cocktail bar, created out of love for history, aesthetics, and bar culture.
Its mission is to develop the alcohol culture in Vinnytsia, project Ukrainian bar identity globally, and introduce cocktail classics through personal stories behind each drink.
Bar’s motto: “People with cocktails. Cocktails with stories.”
A NAME WITH MEANING
The name “Polunochnyky” is inspired by Edward Hopper’s painting Nighthawks (1942). A mural at the entrance depicts the four co-owners adapted with local Vinnytsia details. The Ukrainian word also has roots in local folklore.
ARCHITECTURE
The bar is located in a 1901 building that was formerly a stable for city carriages. During renovation, two authentic stone walls were preserved where horse feeders once stood.
A horseshoe found 1.5 meters underground was restored and mounted above the entrance as a good luck charm.
The ritual of “burying” a Negroni cocktail in one wall was performed by all co-owners in summer 2021 — symbolizing faith in the bar and a moment forever embedded in the space.
Rizdvo Bureau’s design uses natural materials: wood, marble, copper. Warm lighting emphasizes texture depth and intimacy.
A large vase with Japanese willow branches is the centerpiece — a symbol of a tree under which adults (once children) gather to share stories and enjoy drinks.
The bar positions itself as a speakeasy — no signage visible from the street, tucked away in a cozy courtyard in the city center.
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
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1
Preserving the historic space, including the walls and original courtyard.
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2
Maximizing seating on a small footprint with varied options: low seats for intimate dates at classic tables, contact seating at the bar, high seats at community tables and small tables, plus terrace and window sill seating. Summer capacity reaches about 80 guests.
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3
Visual expansion of the bar station area was achieved using mirrors to create the illusion of additional rooms.
Shelves around the large vase and mirrored “portal” above the bar store nearly 300 bottles.
BAR STATION
The contact bar welcomes guests immediately upon entry and is the highlight and focal point of the venue.
It features three combined workstations, mid- and low-temperature equipment, space for glassware, bottles, and clean lines.
The coffee station is moved to a service area to reduce visual clutter and keep focus on cocktails.
Beyond the barroom, the team fully equipped the kitchen and a bar lab, where homemade whiskey cola, carbonated RTD cocktails, and signature sangrita are produced.
COMMUNITY & MISSION
Polunochnyky has become a hub for community, education, and exchange.
It has hosted guest shifts from top Ukrainian and European bars, organized pop-ups, dinners, and lectures.
The bar has spoken at Athens Bar Show, Lisbon Bar Show, Barometer and held residencies at DR. STRAVINSKY (Barcelona) and Antique American Bar (Bratislava).
DNA of the bar:
- Historical
- Intellectual
- Atmospheric