- by croatiaweek
- June 20, 2026
-
in
News
Owners Karlo, Ivan and Branimir (Photo: Private album)
By Paulina Mlinarić
While most hospitality venues try to keep up with trends, three friends in Zagreb have chosen to create something entirely their own.
The result is GEEK Caffe, a newly opened themed café at the Zagreb Velesajam that, at first glance, makes it clear this is a space built outside the usual template.
Behind the project are friends Ivan, Branimir and Karlo, united by a long-standing passion for comic books, fantasy, art, and everything now commonly referred to as geek culture.
The idea of opening their own dedicated space had been developing for years, finally finding a home just a month ago.
From the moment visitors step inside, they are greeted by a story told through comic art. The walls are not merely decorative but part of a carefully designed concept in which every detail has meaning and purpose.
(Photo: Private album)
The owners say the interior was intended to evoke the atmosphere of a secret hideout belonging to one of the most iconic comic book heroes – Batman.
Much of the work was carried out by Karlo, a woodworking and art enthusiast who personally crafted many of the interior elements, turning the space into something of an exhibition of creativity and personal passion.
(Photo: Private album)
Particular attention is drawn to figures inspired by The Lord of the Rings, created using 3D printing, alongside numerous items from the owners’ private collections and those of their friends. Many exhibits were donated by people who recognised the idea and wanted to become part of the story.
(Photo: Private album)
(Photo: Private album)
However, GEEK Caffe is not designed as a place for passive observation. Guests can play pinball for free, borrow a comic book or novel from a small library, and simply spend time in an environment that encourages conversation and social connection.
(Photo: Private album)
“We like to say this is a place for children and grown-up children from six to 99 years old,” the owners explain with a laugh.
(Photo: Private album)
(Photo: Private album)
A standout offering is the GEEK beer, with 4.9 per cent alcohol, which has quickly become one of the most popular products.
Interestingly, visitors are not only from Zagreb; the café is increasingly attracting guests from Slovenia who have heard about the concept through word of mouth.
(Photo: Private album)
The owners are clear that they want GEEK Caffe to be more than just a place for coffee or beer. Plans are already in place for woodworking workshops, themed quizzes dedicated to popular film and comic franchises, and a variety of events aimed at creatives and young artists.
(Photo: Private album)
“This is a space for people who may be invisible elsewhere, but here they can simply be who they are,” they say.
(Photo: Private album)
Perhaps that is why every object, figure and detail inside feels personal. GEEK Caffe was not born from a business plan on paper, but from a space shaped by hobby, friendship, and a long-standing passion for worlds that have defined generations.
(Photo: Private album)
(Photo: Private album)
(Photo: Private album)
Although the owners joke that they may have “done something good at the wrong time,” the first month of operation suggests that Zagreb certainly has an audience for this kind of venue.
(Photo: Private album)
Sometimes, all it takes is opening the door to a place where it is perfectly normal to talk about Batman, The Lord of the Rings, or Star Wars to find a community that understands you.
