Having a Good Ole Time at Franky’s Diner [Review]
If time machines existed I would most definitely use it to transport myself back in time to the 1950s. Because, who wouldn’t want to spend the day wearing an adorable poodle skirt and sneakers while sipping on milkshakes at your local diner? The answer is no-one … because the 1950s were the best ever. Alas, since time travel isn’t a reality, yet I have been forced to find other alternatives to get my retro fix. I have filled my kitchen with 50s paraphernalia, plastered my walls with fabulous pinup girls and added splashes of 50s-inspired pieces to my wardrobe, all just to feel like a 50s lass for a moment or two a day. With all that done, all that was left to do was find a local dinner to hang out in and my life would be complete. Which is where Franky’s Diner comes in – a real-life 50s style diner smack-bang in the middle of Sea Point, Cape Town! The diner opened its doors last year and I have been positively obsessed with it ever since.
The thing I love most about Franky’s is that they’ve taken the 50s theme very, very seriously. With the obligatory jukebox in the corner, black & white checked floors, red & white vinyl booth-style seating wrapped around classic diner-style tables and comfy red vinyl stools in front of the diner counter, the decor is spot on. The fact is, this spot couldn’t be more retro if it tried! But this diner offers more than just great decor; the service is also spot on. The staff are friendly and you’re always greeted by a smile when you walk in the door. The best bit is, they’re so friendly they will welcome you any time of day – yes, Franky’s is open 24 hours a day (eep!)
But what about the food. Luckily for you I have the full four-one-one on the food as I’ve sampled quite a few things from the menu. The Franky’s menu offers authentic 50s diner eats and treats including a range of delicious hamburgers, footlongs, sloppy Joes, curly fries, shakes, sundaes, waffles and so much more. So far I have tried the Franky’s Footlong Hotdog (hotdog with fried onions, dill pickles, BBQ sauce, and mayo served with chips, onion rings & coleslaw – R59) and the Franky’s Burger (a beef, chicken or veggie patty with lettuce, tomato, fried onions, dill pickles, and mayo – R63 for a single patty). The curly fries are also not to be missed! You can have them straight or spice them up with cheese and bacon bits for an extra R14!
And to wash it all down there’s a wide selection of hot drinks, milkshakes, soda floats and some unusual soft drinks such as homemade lemonade, Dr Pepper, and Cherry Coke. I tried the Strawberry milkshake and the Peanut Butter and Jam milkshake (R40) and loved them both. Next on my list of things to try is the Bubblegum Fun, Caramel & Banana, and Watermelon milkshakes as well the waffles and Choc 99 sundae. I did some rubber-necking at other people’s food while I was there and had some serious food envy when I saw waffles and sundaes arrive at our fellow diners’ tables so based on that I would highly recommend trying their range of waffles and sweet treats.
You can find Franky’s Diner at 303 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town. For more information on Franky’s visit the Franky’s Diner website.
