Eatery by Frank’s is an ethical, family-run café established in December 2017 in Frankton, Queenstown. Built around the philosophy of keeping things bold, honest, and straightforward, Frank's focuses on serving wholesome, nutritious food made with free-range and locally sourced produce.
The bright and ambient interior features cosy cushioned corners, booth seating, and shared dining tables, along with an outdoor seating area. Whether dropping by for early morning fair trade organic coffee, a relaxed brunch, or lunch with friends, guests are welcomed into an unpretentious and community-focused space that embraces sustainable business practices.
Opening its doors in December 2017, Eatery by Frank’s set out with a straightforward mission: deliver great food and exceptional coffee in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Located at Hawthorne Drive in Frankton, this family-run café takes pride in its no-nonsense ethos—being unapologetically bold, stripped back, and honest about what goes onto every plate.
From the outset, ethical choices have underpinned the kitchen's operations. The café places a strong emphasis on sustainability and supporting nearby growers, preparing wholesome and vibrant dishes crafted with local, free-range produce. Whether you are settling in for breakfast, grabbing a midday pick-me-up, or enjoying lunch on a sunny afternoon, the menu blends nutritious cafe staples with bold comfort food flavours.
Under the direction of head chef Hoon, who brings a genuine passion to every service, the kitchen delivers crowd favourites that range from hearty breakfast classics to adventurous lunch specials. Hoon’s signature dish, The French Eatery, showcases the kitchen's creative touch, while morning diners frequently turn to the Southern Fried Chicken Benny—a dish pairing crispy chicken with poached eggs, sautéed spinach and kale, creamy avocado dressing, chipotle hollandaise, and crunchy salted pépitas.
Lunchtime sees creative international influences take centre stage. The Jackie Chan Bánh Mì pays homage to Vietnamese street food traditions with crisp French baguette, karaage fried chicken, fresh coriander, aioli, and savoury Ollie up sauce. Burger enthusiasts can dive into The Hot Bird, featuring Chipotle Max fried chicken layered with cos lettuce, melted smoked cheddar, pico de gallo, tangy tomato jam, green jalapeño aioli, and crunchy Tio Pablo corn chips. Plant-based diners are also catered to with sweet treats like the buckwheat vegan pancakes, accompanied by roast tamarillo, fresh strawberries, mango sorbet, coconut whip, and house-made granola.
Coffee at Eatery by Frank’s is treated with serious care. Serving fair trade, organic beans roasted by Underground Coffee, the baristas pull bold espresso alongside intricate latte art. The signature Beatnik blend—originating from Peru, Colombia, Ethiopia, and India—delivers a syrupy body balanced by spiced and fermented stone fruit undertones. On warmer Otago days, cold refreshments take over, ranging from chilled iced long blacks and decadent iced chocolates to seasonal speciality frappes.
The café interior offers a thoughtful mix of bright, open areas, cosy cushioned booths, and shared tables suitable for groups or remote work. An outdoor seating area provides plenty of sunshine during the warmer months, making Frank’s a reliable and friendly community hub in Frankton.