Spank was Bovisa's beloved gastropub that punched well above its weight — a place where craft beer culture met serious kitchen ambition. Formerly known as Spank Osteria della Birra, it built a loyal following over five years for its juicy burgers, rotating taps of world-class craft beer, and cocktails made with genuine care. Tragically, gentrification forced the doors shut in early 2025, but the legend lives on among Milan's beer-and-burger faithful.
Bovisa's craft-beer gastropub that paired world-class brews with serious burgers — a five-year love affair ended by gentrification in 2025.
Note: Spank closed permanently in February 2025 due to gentrification — check social media for any pop-up or revival events before making the trip.
Bovisa's craft beer temple, gone too soon
Spank was the kind of place that made Bovisa worth the trip. Tucked away on Viale Luigi Bodio, this gastropub (formerly Spank Osteria della Birra) earned its 4.2-star reputation by doing two things exceptionally well: serving up seriously good burgers and pouring one of the most ambitious craft beer selections in the neighborhood. The Instagram bio said it best — "uno schiaffo alla solita birreria" — a slap to the usual beer hall. They meant it, stocking brews from some of the most important craft producers in the world alongside a kitchen that went far beyond pub grub.
The food menu leaned American-Italian: think thick, juicy hamburgers, decent pizza, and even coda di rospo (monkfish) for those looking beyond the obvious. Reviewers consistently praised the quality-to-price ratio, and the cocktail program — described as "drinks and twists made with care" — was a pleasant surprise for a spot you might mistake for just a beer bar. The vibe was young, loud, and unpretentious, with regular events and DJ nights that kept the Bovisa crowd coming back.
The sad news: after five years of beers, good music, and what the owners described as "amori sbocciati" (blossomed loves), Spank was forced to close in February 2025, victims of the same gentrification that's reshaping neighborhoods across Milan. It's a bittersweet reminder that the places we love don't always stick around — so when you find a spot this genuine, appreciate it while you can.