Just across the road from Woolloomooloo’s famous Harry’s Cafe, the Frisco Hotel has long been a less showy pub along the water strip. Now the old girl’s been given a makeover by Alexander & Co, the same team behind the revamped Old Clare Hotel. In a nod to the naval base just around the corner, there’s a nautical theme throughout, with dark oak panelling oak panelling offset by deep blues.
The familiar striped umbrellas still line the footpath outside, and on any given weekday you’ll find workers enjoying a knock-off beer. At the light-filled bar downstairs you’ll find locals and tourists shooting the breeze. Set anchor upstairs on the balcony and watch the Woolloomooloo world go by under a canopy of greenery. There’s also a refurbished private dining space on the second level that fits up to 10 people.
Test your grey matter with Tuesday night trivia, or get tickled once a month at the Frisco's comedy night.