Visited because of the recent article saying Yelp Elites voted this the third best burger in the U S. The burger was fine ($8), but nothing special. The pizza ($3.50 per slice) was pretty good. Total dive where you order at the counter. The music was so loud we couldn't have a conversation. Check it out for yourself but I'd rather get the burger special at Chili's for $11 that comes with a drink, appetizer and fries. No fries here. Weird. read more

I don't even remember how I came across the friendly's instagram account but I've been following them for over a year now and FINALLLLLY got to try one of their dirty flat top burgers. They literally only sell the dirty flat top burger (no customizations) and pizzas. They have a small variety of soft drinks and canned beers. Parking: street parking only. We made a few rounds around the block before settling on a parking spot half a block away. There's also a brewery near by so I could see it being extremely difficult to find a spot on a busy day. The flat top dirty burger DID NOT disappoint one bit imo. It tasted just as good as they made their burgers look on instagram, if not even better! (My picture doesn't do it justice hahahaha) Be warned though, this is a no frills or bells and whistles kind of place - a true hole in the wall, diamond in the rough. The burger itself looks like it got stepped on but tastes like the remedy you need for a terrible hang over. The Pattie's were perfectly cooked - crispy, and slightly salty. When I was holding it to take a picture, it was dripping but didn't taste overly oily or heavy. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. *insert homer drooool here* We didn't try any of their pizzas but we did see a bunch of people ordering it as we sat inside eating our burgers. I'd be down to try it next time. Seating: there's seating along the counter, maybe 4 seats? And about 3 tables inside with two chairs to each table. No dedicated outdoor seating. Side note: It got really hot and stuffy inside. I've already started recommending this spot to friends I know who love smash burgers. I think they just opened up a new location in PB too. Go give them a try if you're in the area & you're a fan of smash burgers!! read more

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Came to Friendly's for dinner since I wanted to get ice cream for dessert around the corner. Their menu is pretty simple, you can either have a Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger or slices of various pizzas. I opted for the cheeseburger since it has more protein than the pizza slices. This is a solid, no-frills cheeseburger. It's literally grilled onions sandwiched between two smashed beef patties, cheese, and toasted buns. It's pretty oily, but delicious. They cook it fresh right in front of you since the open kitchen takes about half of the restaurant space. Supposedly their other locations have a bigger menu but I haven't been yet. read more

The Friendly - Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger (literally buns, smashed beef patties, grilled onions, cheese) - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

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What can I saw except this little gem is delicious. Pizza and a soda for $7 and it's delicious and let's not forget the flat top cheeseburger is to die for best in the county. Nothing fancy about the ambience wise.... couple of seats available but people pack in here to listen to the loud music and eat a good burger or pizza if you haven't been, you must grab a pie or a burger soon read more

The burgers were good at one point but now they are greasy and salty. The place has always been loud and like a hang out spot. I don't like the fact that they raised the price of the burgers $7!!! Not worth the price tbh. Pizza is still 3.50 a slice. Service is ok. Standard. read more

The Friendly - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

Yum!!! Super chill, casual, grunge vibe little place. We came to try the "dirty flat top burger" and decided to try their pizza as well. The burger had a soft white flour bun (reminiscent of McDonald's), mayo, a slice of processed cheese, patty with seasoning salt, caramelized onions. The way all the ingredients/elements are prepared and put together works well. It really does taste extremely delicious. We got a slice of mushroom ricotta & pepperoni pineapple. First bite of the mushroom ricotta - suuuuper good. The bottom was incredibly crisp and satisfying. As I ate more though the bottom wasn't so crisp and it was kind of floppy. The pepperoni pineapple was also delicious. We both really enjoyed everything. However there are no modifications allowed which I get. It kind of goes with the vibe. And just keeping it simple. But it kinda sucked not being able to have the processed cheese removed. read more

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First time visit to the The Friendly based on a recommendation by a friend who says everyone from the beer community was talking about this place. He just kept mentioning this cheeseburger so of course I said let's go. I love places that has a simple no fuss menu and The Friendly certainly did possess that. It's either a Cheeseburger or Pizza and that's about it. There are beverages of course but this simple menu makes it a breeze without having the paradox of choice. The Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger was the star of the show. For $6 you get a tasty, double cheesy, mayo laced, double-meat, toasted bun flattened burger. It was everything I imagined, salty, greasy, over-indulging and I was even thinking about ordering another one but refrained. The service and staff was great. Highly recommend The Friendly due to its simplistic approach of having two delicious items of either a cheeseburger or a pizza. read more

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It was my 1st time here after a Wind Down Sunday at Park and Rec. This establishment is super lowkey and can easily be missed. They don't have a parking lot, just street parking. We arrived around 7:30-8pm and it was pretty packed. The inside is small with some counter seats and probably 4 two tops against the wall. Other than that you could sit along their window sill/ front entrance too. They didn't seem to mind. I know they're known for their only burger option at this location and their various pizza options. We ordered 2 burgers and shared 4 slices of 'ZA. They did NOT disappoint. read more

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Literally everyone I know raves about how amazing The Friendly is and I finally made the trek down to try it out! I came by here with a friend since we were both craving burgers and we both have never been here before. The Friendly sells burgers and pizzas by the slice (and full pizzas too). We got two burgers and were lucky enough to snag a seat inside. The burgers came out pretty quickly especially since there was a bunch of people waiting for their food before us. The burger comes with two patties, cheese, mayo, and grilled onions. It's a pretty solid burger and definitely would go well with a soda or drink. I love how melty the cheese is on the burger and the patty is well seasoned! Definitely will be back here again if I'm in the area and will definitely try out a slice or two of the pizza next time! read more

The Friendly - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

What you see is what you get. What you get is VERY GOOD food. What more do you want? Yelp requires 85 characters so here we are.

Probably the best $7 burger I've had in my life. Super simple concept as there was only one option but I know they have multiple locations that have more choices. Basic smash burger with caramelized onions, American cheese, and a garlic aioli spread. Greasy and delicious. Will definitely grab this again next time I'm in the area. read more

Originally was late to the Friendly game after hearing about it from so many friends and seeing it on social media, but it's now been a few years since my first bite and I still catch myself coming here from time to time. The Friendly is where you go when you want promising, delicious, affordable burgers and pizza, which is all you can order anyway besides soda and beer. No frills flat top burger, with a lot of melty cheese, served between soft buns. Always made on the spot, so it's always piping hot when it gets to us. They offer many different pizzas which are pre made but heated on the spot for you. I always opt for the spinach pizza because it's guaranteed goodness. Had a bite of my boyfriend's pizza and the tomato sauce was surprisingly so good and flavorful. Food comes out in 5 min or less. Only complaint is how greasy the burgers can get, but it's not always like that. It's easy to forgive them for a greasy burger because I keep coming back anyway. Celebrated a perfect simply Valentine's Day recently here and everything was cooked to perfection. read more

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I give this place 3 stars bc they don't serve ketchup here. I neeeeeed ketchup when I eat burgers. I don't like how they make you eat the burger without ketchup bc they view it as the burger is so good you don't need any ketchup. I like ketchup because it cuts the grease and heaviness of burgers. This burger was veryyy juicy with lots of fat dripping. Don't get me wrong it is good, but it was missing that punch from acidity of ketchup. read more

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So bomb!!! I love pizza by the slice and I've been having a hard time finding a great place in SD, but this is it! The pizza is flavorful and I like the options. Not only is the pizza good but their burgers are too! Not gonna lie...I thought about how good this meal was for the rest of the day. The shop is small and the music is loud, but I personally liked that. read more

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I've had quite a few people tell me to check out the burgers from here, so I finally went a couple of months ago. I didn't know that they also offer pizza by the slice as well! My husband and I both got the dirty flat cheeseburger. I also had a slice of the Hawaiian pizza, while my hubby opted for the pepperoni and jalapeno one. They don't want you to modify the burger at all, which was fine with us, since I liked it as is. Our food did take a while to make, but I wasn't in a rush. The pizza slices came out first and was very cheesy, thin, and tasty. When our burgers arrived, it doesn't look like much, but was packed with flavor and the cheese was nicely melted. It was a simple, but delicious meal and I can see whey many patrons have been raving about this unassuming eatery. read more

The Friendly - Dirty flat top cheeseburger - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

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I was in the area and came across this burger and pizza establishment. They have counter seating as well as booths inside that you can eat at. They also have a small table outside with three chairs. Pros: -friendly staff -quick service -juicy, flavorful cheeseburger Cons: -n/a Great, casual place to stop by and get food. read more

The Friendly - Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger ($6.00) and a Coke ($2.00) - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

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Best burger I've ever had in my life. It was so good we went back for seconds. The second burger was even better than first which I didn't think was possible. Absolutely spectacular. read more

The Friendly has Killer smash burgers and awesome New York pizza! Highly recommend. Best in town.

Best smash burgers in SD. This place is great, hole in the wall vibes, service is efficient.

I discovered The Friendly's on accident. I was in the area and I wanted pizza. I stopped in and grabbed the spinach pizza with ricotta on it. I also grabbed a regular pepperoni pizza. I've been hooked ever since. I tell all my friends and family about it. I recently showed up with a friend. I got my favorite pizzas. She tried spinach pizza with ricotta and veggie pizza. This time I decided to try their famous dirty burger. Let me tell you....the burger was freaking amazing. It doesn't taste like your typical burger joint burger. The burger gives a homie vibe kinda like a cookout burger. The onions was perfectly cooked with the patty. I will always recommend this place. You definitely need to give it a try! read more

The Friendly - Pizzas and burger - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

I heard this burger was delicious, delicious is an understatement. I was blown away by this burger and cannot wait to go back and have another. read more

The Friendly - The friendly - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is for The Friendly on Convoy Rd- Burgers were super salty and the service was trash! The lady at the register was so rude when we asked no salt for the fries- Literally rolled her eyes and hissed between her teeth to the guy on the grill. Onion rings were soft. And the fries were pale as rice- no thank you. read more

The best burger in SD!! Staff are so friendly. This place really does give dive bar vibes. Definitely coming back for this :) read more

The Friendly - Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

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Indeed not the first gem that I had been missing for a long time. Gotto advertise themselves. So from one ear to the other.. I finally was here. It seems that all all pizzas are made the same way but taste comes either from the dough or cheese or toppings or water from NY or who knows if it's oven. Long story short, they've got good pizza as well as their signature hamburger. You are around, grab either one or both. Nothing extraordinary just simple. Limited seating and anti skid floor coz of heavy foot traffic ;) read more

This place truly is "The Friendly." Every single worker in the kitchen seems to know half the people who come into the restaurant, greeting them as close friends as if they aren't even running a business at the time. It's such a friendly environment, with the "$1 off a beer if you shotgun it" sign and laughs all around, that you'd forget you were in a kitchen if it weren't for the enticing smell of grilling beef filling the room. I've only been here for the cheeseburgers, and I think I'll continue to get a cheeseburger every time I come. They are phenomenal- whenever somebody asks me about the best burger in town, I can confidently answer "The Friendly" without any questions asked. It's nothing fancy- no lettuce, tomato, or any extra stuff- just grilled onion, cheese, fresh patties, mayo, and a whole lotta love. Really, any self respecting burger fan has to give it a try. read more

Menu is very simple but the food is delicious. The service is great too. Only downside is parking. Plan to drive around a couple time before finding a spot. Still worth it. read more

My Food Review Rating System Welcome to my food reviews! I want to give you a quick breakdown of how I rate each dining experience. To be honest, you'll rarely see a perfect five-star rating from me because, in my book, a five-star experience means perfection across every single category. Here's how my rating system works: * I rate each restaurant based on Service, Ambiance, Food Quality, Presentation, and Value for Money. * I always round up if the score is at or above a .5 (e.g., a 3.56 becomes a four-star). * However, to earn a five-star rating, the place has to hit a perfect score in every single category--no exceptions! So, even a 4.8 would still be a four-star in my reviews. I hope this helps you understand my approach to rating and why I set the bar so high for that elusive five-star spot. Happy eating! Review: The Friendly, 30th St., San Diego Average Rating: 4.5/5 Here's my breakdown of my experience at The Friendly, located on 30th St. in San Diego: * Service: 4.5/5 The counter service was exceptional. Despite the place being quite busy, the staff was super friendly, answered all my questions, and made the experience smooth and enjoyable. Their efficiency and pleasant attitude really stood out, creating a welcoming vibe even during peak times. * Ambiance: 4.2/5 The Friendly has a unique vibe that's intentionally a bit grungy and down-to-earth, which works perfectly for the kind of joint it is. It's primarily a pizza place, but they do burgers too, and that's why I came. The space feels simple and unpretentious, which adds to its charm. It's straightforward, and you know exactly what you're getting when you walk in--a no-nonsense spot with great food. * Food Quality: 4.7/5 This is one of the highest ratings I've ever given, and it's all because of the Dirty Flat Top burger. This smashed-style burger was incredible, with each patty weighing about a quarter pound, totaling nearly half a pound of pure flavor. The toasted buns had a perfect crunch, the mayo was more flavorful than usual, and the grilled onions added a great depth of flavor. Combined with traditional American cheese and that beautiful smash-burger crust, it was near perfection! I also tried a slice of their pizza, which had a white sauce base, sausage, ricotta cheese, and pepperoni. The crust was thin and held up well, with a satisfyingly crunchy edge. If I were rating just the burger, it would be a solid 4.9, but the slightly too-crunchy pizza crust brought the overall food quality to a 4.7. Still, both were delicious! * Presentation: 4.2/5 The presentation was what you'd expect for a place like this--nothing fancy, but totally on point. We got our food to go, and the burgers were packed neatly in to-go containers. The pizza came on a paper plate in a sideways paper bag, and surprisingly, everything stayed intact. It's clear that they focus more on flavor than fancy plating, which fits their style perfectly. * Value for Money: 4.9/5 For three burgers and a slice of pizza, we paid just $27.50, which is unbeatable for the quality. The burgers were $8 each, and the pizza slice was only $3.50. Plus, if you shotgun a beer, you can get a dollar off that beer. This is hands down the best burger I've had for the price, and the pizza was a steal too. Overall Recommendation: Absolutely recommend stopping by The Friendly, even if you're not in the area. It's worth the trip for one of the best damn burgers I've ever had, and you just can't beat the price. This place has a vibe that's all its own, and the food backs it up with flavor! read more

The Friendly - The pizza is by the slice got the one bottom left-hand corner. - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

My favorite fatty greasy cheeseburger in San Diego. The garlic mayo, grilled buttered bread buns, and cheesy goodness always hits when you're hungry. This is the perfect spot to stop by before or after grabbing a drink at the local north park bars and breweries. Bonus points if you shot gun a beer you get $1 off. The service is great unless you wanna make any changes to your burger so make sure you know what you're getting-a cheeseburger with a grilled patty, cheddar cheese, buttered buns (white bread) and garlic mayo-if that doesn't sound good to you then maybe opt for a slice of pizza ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ read more

The Friendly - Dirty flat top, outside window - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a no frills, simple and easy, comfort food joint. No substitutions, no fries. Straight up smash burgers and pizzas. But they do it oh-so-well. Wish we would've gotten more but we were there for a "snack" before dinner. Bumping music, a bit of a wait since the burgers are made to order, 3 employees max that we could see. Def adding to our list of late night, post-debauchery hot spots in SD. Practically scarfed down the pizza on the way home, and inhaled the smash burger way too easily once we got in. Hence, no pics. They sell canned beer and offer a dollar off when you get it shotgun style. read more

Hello everyone, I'm excited to share my personal opinion of The Friendly off University Ave since it was my first smash style burger. In case you did not know, Carnitas Snack Shack used to be at this location before it became The Friendly. So, the design layout is pretty much the same with tables and a few picnic benches as you enter. This place is DOG FRIENDLY (heck yeah!) I decided to try their OG burger which is two smashed burger patties with cheese and grilled onions. I must say for my first smash style burger it was pretty good. I do like the concept of a flat patty and crispy edges which gave great texture to the overall burger since it is VERY OILY. The buns were a bit too soaked in oil to my tasting but overall had a good taste. If you want a quick bite for a burger, I would definitely recommend The Friendly if you are in the area! read more

The Friendly - OG burger, fries and onion rings - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've eaten here twice one time sober and one time 3 beers less than sober. To be honest I was whatever about the burger the sober time, not much to it. Straight burger and cheese - no ketchup sauce onions nothing. However the second time around with a couple beers that burger HIT the spot. Greasy and savory everything you hope for a few drinks in. The pizza was perfectly thin and toasty too. Probably wouldn't come here sober but after a couple drinks and the food hits all the tastebud and stomach needs! Being it north park it is the perfect spot to hit up after a few breweries! read more

Good pizza, good burgers, good people, good vibes. Stopped here many nights after some polite provisions or AC lounge. If you follow their instagram @thefriendlysd you can find out what specials they have in what locations! Always worth it to check out what they're concocting in the Friendly kitchens. read more

The Friendly - Classic slice of pizza and a brew - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

Not much parking in this area. But it's worth the effort if you're craving something greasy and yummy. I know it's not good for you, but it's just a splurge for the occasional urge! It's actually been years since I came here last. See? I don't feel so bad. It hit the spot today. And thankfully I got a great parking spot! It's a hole in the wall the locals and those in-the-know love. I haven't ever tried the pizza, yet. Maybe someday. read more

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The Friendly is simply one of the best vibes in San Diego. Very loud rap music plays while dudes are crafting food and shotgunning beers with customers. The pizza is a beautiful thin crust with a variety of flavors. Stop in a grab a slice for $3.50 and shotgun a beer to get $1 off. I've seen somebody bring in a 6-pack and all the staff did a social. Talk about a business that is woven into the fabric of the community, The Friendly is THE shining example. Bring your pets, bring your friends, and bring an appetite as the party is about to begin! read more

The Friendly - Pizzas of the day - Pizza Near Me - San Diego, California

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I truly wish I am able to get this place shut down. Super disgusting staff. One of the staff members said she was "crossed". She could barely form a proper sentence because of how intoxicated she is. I am not sure if it is even legal to be under the influence and serving food. She told me to "get the fuck out" when I complained about the service and the BURNT bun we got on three burgers. This is simply discrimination and plain racism. If you are a person of color I would really advise you not to go. As they are very aggressive and might put your life in risk and it is honestly not worth it. Based on another review I read. I am assuming their issue is not tipping them. So if you want to be spared, make sure to leave them a good tip or they might just spit in ur food or burn it. Whatever bitchy thing they feel like doing. read more

Best hamburger in San Diego. It's so fresh and indescribably good. Super casual but wonderful!

Burgers are on point! And the pizza is just as amazing. The staff is welcoming and friendly. They definitely made the experience. For a small restaurant it has some charm. read more

Great food. We carry out. You could eat in. They have a few tables. Really nice people. Great value.

A hole in the wall, no frills spot with a simple menu of pizza and smash burgers. $11 for a burger and a Mexican Coke. The burger was greasy and flavorful. Great crust and plenty of melted cheese, soft buns and grilled onions. Easy ordering process and quick service. The music is loud, but it was good, millennial hip hop so I was happy. I'll definitely be back! read more

The friendly has an illogical business concept. Showed up at this location to order a meat cheese bun and was told that they don't make that they only make the og cheeseburger and the other locations make the plain one. This makes no sense... if they make a cheeseburger with onions and aioli they can make a plain cheeseburger. So we left to the tavern location. Turns out the tavern location does not have pizza. Super confusing concept. One place has one type of burger and pizza. The other location has burgers and no pizza. No customizations and it just doesn't make any sense logically. we wanted to try their pizza and burgers but they make that not possible. At the friendly tavern we had an OG, a meat cheese bun, onion rings, fries. Honestly the place is very overhyped. Would not return. Meat cheese bun lacked flavor, super greasy. The OG was better per my hubby but also super greasy and the burgers are flat as a pancake bun greasy and flat. Don't get the hype. read more