Frank Bar

Opened in April 2015 within the iconic Maksoud Plaza hotel, Frank Bar quickly became one of São Paulo’s most prestigious cocktail lounges. It was named in honor of Frank Sinatra—who famously performed at the hotel in 1981—and embodied that classic, glamorous spirit ever since. Under the creative guidance of head bartender Spencer Amereno Jr. (and earlier bartender Rafael Domingues), the bar emphasized artisanal craft. Approximately 80% of its cocktail ingredients were made in-house, including bespoke syrups, infusions, and bitters. The bar’s design leaned into a vintage aesthetic: plush red leather chairs, moody lighting, dark wood accents, and bartenders in suspenders and bow ties—reminding patrons of an intimate 1950s hotel lounge. Signature cocktails became local legends. The Maverick Negroni, a Negroni variant featuring white chocolate bitters, sherry, and nut oil, captured applause for its refined complexity. The Aperol Soyer au Champagne—with Aperol sorbet, Cointreau Noir, prosecco, and tangerine foam—offered theatrical balance. Even the ice was meticulously hand-cut, earning its own mentions. Patrons noted not just the flavor but the spectacle and conversation behind the bar. Frank Bar was a regular on “best bars in the world” lists—praised for its intended intimacy, design, and creativity. However, with Maksoud Plaza’s closure announced in late 2021, Frank Bar also shuttered. Staff were reportedly caught off-guard, closing a celebrated chapter in São Paulo’s coquetelaria scene. In 2024, a tender revival emerged: the brand began reactivating in new locations under a franchise model, signaling that Frank's spirit may be raised again soon.