Finding a good Irish bar in Sydney is like searching for a four-leaf clover; hard to find but you’re lucky if you do. Frank Mac’s gin and cocktail bar tops our list, with its heritage charm, extensive gin list and one of the largest botanical collections in Sydney.
More than 100 juniper blends have been sourced from all corners of the globe, with the list including international award-winning favourites through to smaller boutique distillers and collaboration releases (think Fords London Dry Gin, Whitley Neill Handcrafted Gin and Blackwater Wexford Strawberry Irish Gin). As expected, the cocktail list is predominantly gin-based and any ingredients that can be produced by the bar team will be.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocks, this charming heritage-listed bar pays homage to owner Ciara Doran’s great uncle, Frank Mac, who was always captivating people with colourful stories at his local village bar.
The building’s original 1840’s sandstone envelops the 120-seat venue, which flows from its inviting outdoor seating on George Street, across two levels and into a back courtyard.
Downstairs, it’s cosy and intimate with vintage leather banquettes, velvet armchairs, and a fireplace to warm up an Irish coffee. The ground floor is also another snug space and we suggest trying for a seat at the almost five-metre-long oak bar. It’s the perfect vantage point to take in Frank Mac’s cocktail mixology, including the Liberties with Slane Irish whiskey, Guinness reduction, banana and brandy foam; Bernie’s tonic with milk-washed Ford’s, housemade lemon sherbet, orange and elderflower; and the Mac Martini with gin, vodka, Blanco and Rouge vermouth, Mac’s botanicals and caperberry.
It wouldn’t be an Irish bar if there weren’t pints of Guinness, which you’ll also find in a piping hot beef pie with stout gravy.
More of Mac’s bites and share plates can be enjoyed at their new mid-week bottomless drinks and supper, with free-flowing booze alongside a collection of snacks, your choice of main and a decadent triple chocolate brownie for dessert.
You can also drink in Irish style with Frank Mac’s weekend bottomless brunch from 12-4pm, including a share platter of charcuterie, cheese, dips and sourdough, along with free-flowing lager, pale ale and Guinness.
If you know someone with a penchant for the juniper spirit, definitely put a visit to Frank Mac's on your must-gos list.
