Franky's Diner in Sea Point has a bit of a Janus-faced nature, both equally endearing. One side is the rowdy, colourful and untamed side for children. The other is a slightly darker, introverted, midnight mood; a surreal frame of mind where you feel you just might be an extra on the set of Twin Peaksor painted into an Edward Hopper canvas of his famous Nighthawks (moody portraits of New Yorkers in a downtown diner late at night).Franky's, a shrine to those dazzling red-and-white 1950s diners that you see in movies, is one of the only venues in town where your kids can go as crazy as they want to. During certain times of the day that is, because jeez, grown-ups need to rest.One Sunday during lunch it was hijacked by a wild crowd of children. They came in all shapes and sizes, and they were very cute . I sat there astounded that little people have so much energy.Franky's also offers a party venue for kids. There's a whole section full of things to slide on, climb on, jump off (all cushioned, safe).It's like an inner-city jungle gym. You also get free balloons, face paint, a special menu and your own dedicated waiter. It's clever, because the adults can keep an eye on their offspring while sipping an alcoholic milkshake to calm their nerves. It is jolly, I can recommend it.The other face of this place is when it's more serene, and it becomes a midnight joint. It's a24-hour spot for insomniacs, people coming off the graveyard shift, loners, paramours, and chasers of nostalgia and melancholia.This is the other side of midnight, slightly sad, never bad.There are TV screens on the wall next to most tables. Also a jukebox, which plays golden oldies. Elvis Presley, if you like, or Neil Diamond, even that heartbreaking man, Bob Marley, who sang that he shot the sheriff, but not his deputy. Oh no!Oh yes! Yin and yang, that's Franky's for you.Save the dateWhat to eatHamburgers, foot-long hot dogs (yes, 12 inches) and breakfast. There's also the Chubby Burger, with six beef patties, bacon, cheese and a myriad other ingredients. If you can eat it in under 10 minutes, it's free.When to goDay and night. Open 24 hours.Who to takeYour kids, just yourself or your secret lover. Friends too.What not to doDon't ask for frogs' legs, they're not on the menu. Neither is the parson's nose.What to drinkMilkshakes, alcoholic or not.Whatever you doListen to music on the jukebox. Flirt with strangers at the next table.How muchAnything from R9 to R165.Where to find it303 Main Road, Sea Point.021-433-0445, frankysdiner.co.za..