Six Cape Town diners where you can grab a burger and fries, complete with checkered floors, vinyl seating, jukebox tunes and posters of Marilyn Monroe. Oh – and an all-American milkshake of course!
Research and photos by Rachel Robinson.
Franky’s Diner.
The classic American diner dates back to at least 1872, when a guy called Walter began selling food from a horse-drawn wagon on Rhode Island, Massachusetts. Think ‘horse-drawn wagon’ American style: paneled sides, full-length roof and glass serving windows lining both sides. The wagon was a winner, and the mobile diner / ‘lunch wagon’ proliferated throughout Massachusetts until the end of the century, morphed into pre-fabricated, look-a-like, sedentary structures (with inside seating), and eventually spread across America in the post-WWII decades.
An idea just waiting for a vinyl-covered counter, the modern milkshake is generally credited to one Ivar ‘Pop’ Coulson who, in 1922, threw a couple of ice-cream scoops into the already established ‘malted mixes’ of the day: dried milk, malted barley, wheat flour and flavoured syrup. Sometimes whisky. It’s not a huge surprise that the added ice-cream was a hit. When the first mass-produced electric blenders came along in the 1930s, they found a welcome home in the rapidly-spreading diner and by the 50s and 60s, frothy, blended shakes were as synonymous with American pop culture as the diners that served them.
You might be craving a classic shake in a booth, or maybe just a taste of American nostalgia: either way, these six Cape Town diners will hit the spot.
1. Franky’s Diner, Sea Point
One of the city’s most authentic and popular diners, and it’s also child-friendly. Franky’s has the typical checkered floors, red vinyl seats and walls covered in Marilyn, Elvis, James (Dean) and retro Coca-Cola posters. Each booth has its own small flat screen so you can watch the game, and there’s a jukebox with a selection of 50s, 60s and 70s hits. Their burgers are served with chips or curly fries (recommended), onion rings and coleslaw served in separate little red baskets. You’ll also find foot-long hot dogs, corn dogs, southern-fried chicken wings and toasted sandwiches. The milkshakes are a meal by themselves, with a wide selection available (including alcoholic options), and they have lattes, iced teas, sodas and cocktails too. Kids can play on the indoor jungle gym and from Mondays to Thursdays kids eat free (one free kids’ meal with each regular meal ordered). In true diner style, Franky’s is open every day, 24 hours a day. They also deliver for free to Sea Point and the CBD from 11am to 2am.
Contact: Tel 0214330445, frankysdiner.co.za
2. On a Roll, Mowbray
Whilst On a Roll doesn’t include the word ‘diner,’ this restaurant embodies retro-diner culture with red checked tablecloths, red chairs, neon signs, and walls covered in vinyls and icons from the 50s. There’s also a jukebox and, just so you know exactly what you’re dealing with, a life-size Elvis Presley. The main focus is on their gourmet hotdogs, but they also serve a small selection of burgers, corn dogs, waffles, ribs, chicken wings and nuggets. The portions are huge, so go hungry! There are shakes, sodas, beers and wine, and smoking is allowed at the bar. Good to know: On a Roll hosts a pub quiz (with free popcorn) on Wednesday nights. Open Mondays to Saturdays.
Contact: Tel 0825789029, dogkitchen.co.za
3. Rock Star Diner, Tableview
This place is known for having some of the best chilli poppers in town. Their menu includes burgers, standard or sweet potato fries, nachos, pizza, crumbed mushrooms, and some pretty impressive buy-one-get-one-free deals from Monday to Thursday. In the refreshment stakes, there are soda floats and shakes – with or without booze – as well as craft beers, ciders and wine.
Contact: Tel 0829767668, or find them on Facebook.
4. Starlite Diner, Bellville
Starlite is one of the original diners in Cape Town, and like its traditional American counterparts, stays open 24 hours. The interior is a bit dark for visiting during the daytime, but it has a reputation for being the best place to hang out after a concert at the Bellville Velodrome – when you’ll probably be ordering something stronger than a milkshake. They are known for their large portions at reasonable prices and have various specials during the week. You’ll find all the usual suspects on their menu: toasted sandwiches, grills, pastas, pizzas, wraps, platters and burgers. You’ll also find a small selection of shakes, sodas, juices and alcoholic beverages. There’s a kids’ menu available and they can eat free on Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00 (maximum two children per adult).
Contact: Tel 0219496864, or find them on Facebook.
5. Three Feathers Diner, Woodstock
This ‘ultimate man-cave experience’ puts a lot of emphasis on decoration. Comic-style illustrations cover the walls, and the burgers are all named after classic cars. Apart from the traditional milkshakes and burgers, they also serve sides and salads – although in true diner style, the health fare is along the lines of ‘chicken schnitzel salad.’ Open Mondays to Saturdays.
Contact: Tel 0214486606, or find them on Facebook.
6. Joe’s Easy Diner, CBD and Blue Route
Joe’s Easy Diner is a franchise so you can expect the same menu offering and pretty much the same decor at each. The Blue Route outlet has a great movie special that includes a choice of their Original Burger or Classic Dog (served with fries and fried onions) with a Ster Kinekor movie ticket for R99. Otherwise you can expect the classic diner fare of burgers, hot dogs, fries, milkshakes, malts and sodas, along with seafood, steaks, salads, starters and desserts. They also serve breakfasts and have an extensive kids menu. The various specials include Burger Mondays (buy-one-get-one-free), Sunday Milkshake Mania (two-for-the-price-of-one) and during your birthday month you get R50 off your meal (ID required). Find them on Shortmarket Street in Cape Town, or in the Blue Route Mall.
Contact: joeseasydiner.co.za
