Discover over 100+ gins, crafted cocktails and old school hospitality in a charming sandstone heritage building on George Street.
The hospo geniuses behind one of Sydney’s best bars, The Doss House, have done it again with Frank Mac’s. Located on George Street in the bustling centre of The Rocks, this is a watering hole for lovers of beautifully restored heritage buildings, old school hospitality and hard-to-find gins.
Drop by for a classy gin cocktail and stay for the buzzing atmosphere in the heart of Sydney’s oldest precinct.
A gin collection fit for the best bar in Sydney
If you’re partial to a botanical spirit, you’ve come to the right place. Frank Mac’s is undoubtedly one of the best gin bars in Sydney, with a selection of over 100 botanicals to choose from.
There are drops from the big brands like Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray, as well as hard-to-find spirits out of smaller distilleries. That includes Black Robin, from coastal New Zealand, Malfy citrus gin from southern Italy and Kyoto Ki No Bi tea gin from Japan’s oldest city (Kyoto).
If botanicals aren’t striking your fancy, there’s also a generous list of whiskey, wines, vermouths and other spirits, alongside ice cold Aussie beer on tap.
The legends behind the bar at Frank Mac’s know what to do with their gins - they mix sophisticated cocktails, including twists on classics and entirely new creations. Do yourself a favour and order off the signature menu, which features the impossibly smooth Mac Martini with JJ Whitkey Gin, vodka and Dolin Dry vermouth. Or go for our favourite - the Bon Bon - a sweet, boozy creation with gin rhubarb compote, raspberry and egg whites.
If you’re feeling particularly lavish, splash out on Frank’s Last Drink. This over-the-top creation will set you back $100 and features Nolet Distillery Silver gin, vintage 1970s vermouth and 10g of caviar served in an elegant crystal glass. We reckon it’s Sydney’s most expensive martini.
Charming heritage surrounds next to the Sydney Markets
Inspired by village bars in Ireland, Frank Mac’s is brimming with old school charm and warm hospitality. It’s set in a lovingly restored sandstone building that’s full of character - right next to the Sydney Markets on George Street.
There’s a sunny courtyard perfect for sipping gin and soaking in the atmosphere, flowing out to alfresco seating on George street that’s perfect for people watching. The bar’s expansive interior is set over two levels with decor that’s a cross between a luxurious speakeasy bar and a Hogwarts common room. We’re talking encyclopedias stacked on rich mahogany shelves, plush velvet seating and wrap-around leather booths.
Private lamplit nooks and original fireplaces provide opportunities for cozy catch ups and the seats are so comfy you’ll struggle to leave once you sit down (especially if you have a cocktail or two).
Outdoor dining & a succinct but snackable menu
Frank Mac’s serves a succinct but delectable menu of small plates, pies and sharing plates that pair perfectly with their drinks list.
We especially love the pies crafted for Frank’s by Infinity Bakery, including a hearty beef and Guinness pie and a roasted veg one with warming curry sauce. The sharing plates are guaranteed to please too - especially the tomato, mozzarella and basil arancini and the ortiz sardines with pickled shallot and balsamic dressing.
For something a little more substantial, go for the 24-hour gin-cured salmon with bloody Shiraz caviar or the meat board which features a selection of cured meats, pickled chillis and preserves.
Getting to Frank Mac’s Sydney Bar, The Rocks
If you’re looking for things to do this weekend in Sydney, drinks and bites at Frank Mac’s should be on your list. It’s easy to get here whether you’re coming by foot, public transport, car or bike:
Walking: Frank Mac’s is around 15 minutes walk from the centre of town and only a minute away from the base of the Harbour Bridge.
Driving: there are Wilson Parking lots on George Street and near the clocktower.
Public transport: the nearest station is Circular Quay, less than 10 minutes walk away.
Fancy a gin cocktail and a little old world charm? Book a table at Frank Mac’s or find out more about the bar here.