Hidden Bar Avenue K – Frank’s

Hidden Bar Avenue K – Frank’s Bar

Words: Jacob Weber
Photos: Rich Callahan

Ol’ Blue Eyes himself would have loved a drink at this hidden bar in Avenue K – and not just because it’s named after him.

Frank’s Bar, a homage to Frank Sinatra, is a classy joint – as the man might say – tucked away behind Natalina’s Italian Kitchen on Level 3. By the way, Natalina’s is named after Sinatra’s mother, which is no coincidence; both the bar and restaurant are under the Cinnamon Group, which explains the familial touch.

We’re here to sample the second edition of the cocktail menu, curated by the youthfully exuberant head bartender KK. The first menu featured fascinating gastronomical quirks (such as ramen noodles) in its concoctions; the second edition is more about the bar (read: boozing) experience. KK has also carefully designed the menu according to his guest’s feedback, and that care is clear to see. Very few cocktails are shaken in-house, as many ingredients are clarified and aged in advance. It’s not a shortcut, just a sensible measure – and makes the service much slicker.

Sonic-Aged Cocktails, Only At Frank’s Bar

The Rat Pack* vibes aren’t the only unique aspect of Frank’s Bar. Music doesn’t just set the tone of the place – it sets the flavour of the drinks. Frank’s uses a modern technique called sonic ageing (also see sonic seasoning – fascinating) to enhance the flavour of barrelled liquor by having the barrel ‘wear’ a set of headphones and ‘listen’ to Sinatra’s show tunes four hours per day for 14 days. The sound waves vibrate through to increase the interaction of the liquor with the barrel wall, ageing the liquid much faster. Talk about a remix…

It sounds (and looks) like a gimmick – and we quickly realise it isn’t. We try a small sample of rye bourbon, which has been sonic-aged and compare it to one that hasn’t and can immediately tell the difference. The new-age version is more vibrant, smooth and rich than its traditional counterpart. It’s easy to see why the second edition of the menu features six sonic-aged drinks, compared to a solitary number on the original. 

*The Rat Pack was a group of A-list entertainers, led by Frank, who performed together back in the day. You’ll see their pictures on the walls as you walk in.

The menu is quite literally a work of art, bound in soft, supple leather. The hand-drawn sketches for each drink could be something Sinatra drew in his dressing room. It starts light and finishes strong, so we begin with a Jack & Figs (RM45). It’s a refreshing floral drink with rose Vermouth, fig and violet wine kefir, bianco vermouth, and peach and jasmine soda. The Tennessee whisky gives a nod to the great man. The fig leather on the rim is an intriguingly tasty touch.

Coco de Vanille (RM45) follows – a sweet clarified cocktail featuring banana Campari, coconut puree, aged rum, and Madagascan vanilla, topped with coconut meringue. It’s not too sweet or cloying; very drinkable without feeling too ‘thick’.

The next drink is one of KK’s experimental concoctions, and it’s quite ingenious. Despite containing beetroot, apple sour, and green Chartreuse, Red But White (RM45) is a perfectly clear cocktail whose appearance defies its taste. (The clarity comes from a clever distillation process.) It’s quite sweet and citrusy, with a distinct aniseed base. It also contains vodka and is topped with a beetroot meringue.

Classic Italian – Hidden Bar Avenue K

With impeccable timing, some starters arrive to tear us away from the alcohol for a brief moment. All of the food at Frank’s Bar comes from Natalina’s kitchen, so you’re guaranteed good quality whether you’re eating or drinking (we recommend both).

We polish off the Prosciutto e Melone (RM45) in seconds – cecina beef wrapped around fresh rockmelon is an excellent starter after the sweet and citrusy cocktails we’ve had so far.

We savour the Eggplant Parmigiana (RM42) a little longer. It’s a textbook, hearty, satisfying plate that helps soak up the booze. The Margherita Pizza (RM40) is another great absorber of alcohol; soft dough, fresh tomato sauce, and a beautiful crust. Mamma Mia! 

Back to the cocktails. Next is a Classic O’ Laddie (RM45), an oaky and refreshing recipe. The passion fruit wine is a nice contrast and complement to the Islay whiskey, and the experimental rice paper garnish is an interesting touch.

Bayabas (RM45), the brainchild of a Bornean bartender (bayabas means ‘guava’ in the local language), is sweet and spicy at the same time. It’s inspired by childhood memories and local flavours, all talking to each other. And it’s quite a conversation: a vodka dill and cumin infusion, Secco vermouth, spice tincture, and pickle juice, topped with a small slice of pickled guava. 

Next is our first sonic-aged adventure, the Rusty Nail (RM60). Smoky, oaky and rich, Frank’s edition is a twist on the traditional version (which mixes blended whiskey with Drambuie). Here, KK adds Lagavulin 16 to the Dewar’s 12 to take off the sweeter edge, plus orange and angostura bitters. If you’re missing the sweet edge, tuck into the Maraschino cherry on top.

Decadent Drinks For A Sweet Finish

Six cocktails in, we can’t decide if we want to keep drinking or order dessert – so we compromise by ordering the sweetest cocktails left on the menu. Seems the practical choice.

The Chocolate Factory (RM60) is another sound-aged cocktail, rich and indulgent with Matuselum 15-year infused bourbon, chocolate bitters, and crème de cacao with a hint of vanilla. A square of dark chocolate perches on top of the perfectly-formed ice cube, so a rich aroma hits you just before you take a sip, adding a different dimension to this decadent drink.

Mango Tango (RM45) offers a different kind of sweetness, with the mango tea syrup lifting the signature blend of rum. There’s an interesting layer of spice here, too, thanks to the bitter bianco, habanero infusion, and dehydrated jalapeño topping.

As a final flourish, KK whips up a Whipz & String (RM45), a creamy, satisfying finish to proceedings. A Guinness Stout reduction, crème de cacao, mascarpone chestnut, Kentucky whiskey, topped with peanut butter foam: you won’t find many cocktails like this in KL (or anywhere). In fact, this cocktail is served in custom-made cups from local pottery makers, so you definitely won’t find it anywhere else. 

Frank’s Bar obviously leans very heavily into its celebrity inspiration, but there’s nothing overbearing or tacky about it. It’s all class, not crass. A lot of thought has gone into the menu, and a lot of effort goes into every cocktail – and it has paid off very nicely indeed.

One more rendition of “New York, New York!” and it’s time to leave. Heading home, I’m wondering if putting my headphones over the bottle of beer I have in the fridge will make a difference… 

Reasons to visit Frank’s hidden bar in Avenue K: highly unique sound-aged liquors; incredible cocktail craftsmanship; well-curated menu; excellent food from Natalina’s; great service and ambience in a pleasant private space in the heart of KLCC.

Frank’s – Hidden Bar
Avenue K, Unit 06 Level 03,
156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Frank’s Bar Operating Hours
Daily: 5 pm–2 am

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