Franks Bar
Frank's Bar hides behind an unmarked door in Palermo Hollywood, channeling prohibition-era speakeasy culture with genuine skill. You'll need a reservation or the password to get in, which they post on social media each week. Once inside, the space opens up into a dimly lit room with vintage decor, leather seating, and bartenders who take their craft seriously. The cocktail menu mixes classics like Negronis and Old Fashioneds with house originals that use Argentine ingredients. A Malbec reduction in a whiskey cocktail? They'll make it work. The small plates menu is designed to pair with drinks, not fill you up. Weekends get packed by 11 PM, so that reservation matters.
What to Expect
A dark, intimate space where the focus is on well-made drinks and low-key conversation. The speakeasy concept isn't just decoration here; they actually maintain the vibe. No loud music, no dance floor. Just good cocktails in a space that rewards you for finding it.
Intimate, candlelit, and slightly exclusive without being pretentious.
Low background jazz and soul. You're here for conversation, not music.
Smart casual. You don't need a jacket, but leave the flip-flops at the hostel.
Couples on a date night, or small groups who appreciate craft cocktails over clubbing.
Cards and cash accepted
Price Range
Cocktails ARS 6,000-10,000, small plates ARS 4,000-8,000
≈ €3-9 / $4-9
Hours
Wed-Sat 8 PM to 2 AM
Insider Tip
Book ahead for weekend nights. Follow their Instagram for the weekly password. Sit at the bar if you want to watch the bartenders work. Their recommendations are usually better than anything you'd pick off the menu.
Full Review
Finding Frank's is part of the experience. The unmarked entrance leads through a phone booth or similar concealed doorway into a dimly lit room that commits fully to the prohibition aesthetic. The bar is small, seating maybe 60 people across booths and a handful of bar stools. Exposed brick, candlelight, and vintage details set the tone without overdoing the theme.
Bartenders here know their craft. The cocktail menu rotates seasonally and the execution is consistent. Classic recipes get subtle twists that work more often than not. Wait times for drinks can stretch during peak hours on Friday and Saturday, but the quality justifies the patience. Reservations help on weekends; walk-ins risk a wait at the door.
Frank's competes with Floreria Atlantico and other high-end Buenos Aires cocktail bars. It's smaller and more intimate than most competitors, which is its main draw. Prices sit at the upper end of the Palermo range, but they're not unreasonable for the level of mixology on display. The food menu is limited but the small plates pair well with drinks.
Go early on a weekday for the best experience. The atmosphere shifts from relaxed conversation to something louder and more crowded as the night progresses. The speakeasy format means the space fills quickly and doesn't empty until closing.
The Neighborhood
Frank's is embedded in Palermo Hollywood's cocktail bar scene, within walking distance of several other high-end drinking spots along Arévalo and Thames streets. The surrounding blocks have plenty of restaurant options for dinner before or late-night food after.
Getting There
A short walk from the Ministro Carranza D line metro station. Taxis from Centro or San Telmo take about 15 minutes. The bar's exact location isn't advertised, so look for the address on Arévalo and watch for the subtle entrance.
Address
Arévalo 1445
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
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