Upgraded review -- our last one was 14 years ago! It is a bit of happy new news and a bit of same old, same old to report. So whatever happened with the Friendly's that weren't shut down, under private equity management post-bankruptcy, is mostly working. The quality of the food at our last few locations has been really good. The service here was quite good, although the servers were still just a wee bit overworked, it could not have been nicer or more solicitous. What struck us coming back to this particular location was two things: first, the food is much, much better. Fish sandwiches with real fish filets! French fries that tasted like real potatoes! Cole slaw with a (drum roll) unique flavor (we couldn't nail it down, the secret ingredient was vaguely mustardy). Gazing around at other diners' plates, we saw really good presentation, and nice portions. The second thing is they are definitely spiffier. A lot of the locations had a sad, threadbare look to them a few years back. This one, like the one we went to in Connecticut last year, looked fresher and less desperate, while managing to still look like every Friendly's ever. They haven't really done a re-skinning: they just put some effort into cleaning things up and replacing old fixtures. The tables and silverware were clean and the restrooms spotless. So, the not-so-wonderful aspects. First: while we had really great service being seated and taking our orders, the kitchen is s-l-o-o-o-o-w. This seems to be the MO at every Friendly's these days -- great front of the house service, backed up kitchen management. We were actually split into two parties in two different sections, and one of us had to wait a half hour between order and food and the other nearly 40 minutes. That is probably unacceptable to most people, but we were on a quite relaxed pace this particular evening so it did not rankle much. That said, with half the tables empty, this really needs to be addressed before we can say we're back to good-old-friendly's. Second: no big surprise, the prices are up from the last time we were here. Basically they are 50% higher -- two people ordering less expensive plates and no beverages other than table water was more than $30, tip not included. The other table in our party was closer to $20 a person. I may just be getting old, but that seems like a lot. However, the internet tells me the average for all food prices is up 42%, and there have been some labor law changes as well, so....technically I can't complain, because adjusted for inflation, these are the same prices we paid for the same meal 12 years ago. I will put it this way: Friendly's is safe once again for those going with nostalgia in mind, and little kids adore it (they were in most parties that were not seniors getting their senior discount). Whether it's a go-to place when you want diner style comfort food again remains to be seen. But I do want to give them kudos for improving, and if you have been turned off in recent years, take a look at this location and check it out. Just be prepared for a long wait from the kitchen. read more

Lunch here with my mom was a spur-of-the-moment decision as we were driving down I-87. She had commented that she hadn't been to a Friendly's since the one in Saratoga had closed several years ago. With so few of them left in the area, I figured this was a good time to go to one. If you have mobility issues, it may be tough getting inside. There's 4 handicap parking spots in the front of the restaurant, and when they are full (which they were when we arrived), it is a lot tougher for folks who need assistance to get in. The sloping part of the sidewalk is the part farthest away from the entrance. There's also not a lot of space inside near the hostess table to wait if it actually ever fills up here. Once we were seated, it was a lot better. Our waitress did a great time getting to all the tables on which she was waiting, without missing a beat. There was a second lady there as well, but I could not tell if she was a waitress, a hostess, or maybe the manager. She was definitely helping, but it didn't seem like she had any specific tables. I have no idea how many times their menu has changed in the many years since we've dined at a Friendly's. This menu was pretty streamlined, with many familiar entrees. But gone are the senior options and the free dessert ice cream options. Then, again, seeing that ice cream cones started at $4, maybe ice cream isn't something they're comfortable giving out at reduced prices any more. Our meals were actually quite good. Mom said she really enjoyed her bacon cheeseburger. My crispy chicken sandwich had a filet which was maybe a bit thinner than expected, but it was definitely crispy, accompanied by pickles, and fresh lettuce and tomato. We were able to substitute cole slaw for fries with no issues. Even though everything on the menu is designed to be prepared fairly quickly, it's definitely not someplace to come if you're in a rush. read more

Friendly's - Crispy chicken sandwich with cole slaw instead of fries - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clifton Park, New York

I have not been in a Friendly's for 20 years or so. There used to be two in Niskayuna, NY near my house. The one close to the high school was busy. There certainly are fewer locations today. Today (Wed.), I had lunch with a daughter and grandchildren ages from 3 to 17. We arrived at 11:00 when it opened, and by 11:15 there were many diners of all ages. One attraction is a menu that appeals to all ages. They have a nice kids menu for food and ice cream plus a menu for seniors. Ambiance: Informal, good for kids We were seated at a large table for eight. The restaurant was much larger than the locations I remember years ago. There were many booths and two large tables in a spacious room divided informally into three sections. It actually looked nostalgic, not dated. There is easy access for handicapped and a large parking lot in front. Service: good overall Food: I noticed some classic offerings and some new ones-- Old time: Tuna Melt (with tomato slice and American cheese is a fan favorite. It was taken off the menu but put back on due to customer demand. New: The Mini Mozzarella Cheese Sticks "startup" is a new item. We ordered a serving today, and they were a hit. Ordered: Tuna Salad Melt (good as I remember) American Burger Burger with mushrooms and onions Crispy Chicken Wrap Chicken Noodle Soup & garden salad (you pick 2) Two children had Chicken Fingers and Fries off the Kids Menu. No complaints about food from kids. It was what I expected. One grandson commented that the Ice Cream Menu is as large as the Food Menu. True! Friendly's is associated with ice cream and fun. Ordered: Oreo Crumb Sundae Coffee Ice Cream Chocolate Milk Shake Small dishes of Bubble Gum Ice Cream 14 yr old said, "the ice cream is good, not as good as homemade but good." I was surprised the younger ones did not order a Cone Head Sundae, a favorite of my children when they were little. Pleased to see that take home containers were eco friendly. Friendly's was established in 1935 in Springfield, MA. A few years ago, the Blake Brothers sold the northeastern chain to Hershey's Corporation. read more

Food is a two could of been a four but was served in a dirty plate and dirty cups Service is the worst I have seen in the last ten years. I can back to relive the kid memories of blue soda and a cool sundae. Never again. read more

Had my second meal here and man really really not bad. Service is good, ambiance is nice, food is regular and cooked well. Everyone odds nice, and prices are decent. ‍ read more

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Had been a really long time since I have been to Friendly's. I went there often when they had breakfast specials. Actually let me take that back, I have been to Friendly's and done take out orders when my son liked chicken fingers and Mac and cheese at one point of time. They have one of the best deals on the kids menu ever!! So what brought me to Friendly's this time was an ad on Facebook or Instagram that mention they had the warm lobster rolls. I did get the kids meal for my son, lobster roll and a sandwich for my dad. The restaurants ambiance appears good, and the restaurant looks like a classic Friendly's, that's well preserved over time. read more

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Great service - Rachel was very attentive, friendly and did a great job !! Glad there is a still a Friendly's in our area !! read more

We love going to Friendly's! The food is delicious and the signature Ice Cream Sundae is the definite cherry on top! Their staff are welcoming and attentive! Especially Rachel who provides us A+ service every time! The ambiance is fun and one that brings out the child in you when it's time to order their ice cream! read more

Food was good ..... Service was excellent. Our server was one of the best I have seen in a long time. Family friendly atmosphere. read more

Friendly's - Enjoying ice cream with dinner. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clifton Park, New York

My 11 year old grandson loves Friendly's. His favorite meal is a large strawberry Fribble with the children's menu double hamburger (plain) with either fruit (usually strawberries), broccoli or applesauce. Happiness! I am partial to their fish and chips which never fails. Fish is crunchy and comes just out of the fryer- hot and delicious. Tartar sauce(ok), coleslaw (needs a more acidic component like pineapple) and fries round out your meal. Whether you are waited on by Corrine, Rachel or Cat, all the staff are very kind and accommodating. The overall flow is what you would find in the diners of the 40 and 50's. Ah, the memories. read more

Need more cooks and waiters to make sure you don't wait a long time for food it should be all about your customers that come in to eat first and trying to fill the order to go as you know pick up order is going to be cold but what about your customers that came out to have a hot meal? read more

Delivery was great! My mom got the open hot turkey sandwich/ meal and loved it and is very difficult to please

Hadn't been to Friendlys in a long time and I wanted to see how it had changed. It was ok. Food was pricy for what we got but not bad, Waitress was very nice. read more

Great service good food friendly people good location always busy !! Also great to go there before and after movies!!

They were busy and found us a table! Delicious food friendly servers It was hot as blazes and a dribble saved the day. I'm read more

Only 1 server and she was very pleasant. Food was as i remembered. Delicious and hot. Can't wait for dessert! read more

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As always Excellent food / service Great atmosphere, bringing back great memories from my youth read more

Came in today at 1pm. The restaurant was not busy and there were a few waitresses. The family in front of us said they had been waiting over 20 minutes to get sat. When a waitress FINALLY showed up and sat them, she comes back and tells us there's a 15 minute wait and had a horrible attitude. The restaurant had more than 1/2 the tables empty there was no reason for a wait time AT ALL. We ended up leaving as we didn't have all this time to wait and our 3 kids were hungry. read more

Long wait time because the cook is grumpy Long wait also they seat one at a time as they had one cook One server Two fountain workers Not a manager in site 45 minutes and just a miserable visit read more

Clams, burgers, and chicken were OK. Service was friendly. Ice cream desserts were tasty but scored with sugar as much as flavor. Salad entree had decent ingredients but pieces were cut large and lettuce not cut at all. What shocked us was the price. If you're OK with the prices for the size of the portions, the meal is OK. read more

The food and ice cream is very good. They are sometimes low on staff and I wouldn't say it's worth the wait. Sometimes the wait time is 45+ minutes. Most people are kind there and it's usually a fun time. read more

Today around 1-2 pm I went out to lunch with my mom and kids, we were having a great time at first and the waitress was amazing. When it finally came time to pay we said we wanted to use Apple Pay but were told that they didn't take it. We didn't have our credit cards on us as we weren't expecting to go out to eat and we use tap to pay everywhere else we go without an issue. There was no sign in any of the windows or in the front of the establishment saying that they didn't accept it or else we would have went somewhere else. Me and my mom got into a jam and tried doing other payments. The manager was a complete and utter disrespectful bitch. Hate to say it but she has horrible hospitality, and terrible customer service. She treated me and my mother as if we were low life pieces of shit scum from the streets. We tried to explain that they should have a sign saying they didn't accept tap to pay. She said there was a sign but it was by the kitchen and we were on the opposite ends of where the sign was. We didn't see the sign walking in or out of the restaurant. I explained to her that me and my mom had good paying jobs and money, while explaining that we were weren't trying to dine and dash we just wanted to pay the bill and get the hell out of there. Instead of listening and helping work something out she decided to yell at me as if I was a child and a thief. It was so embarrassing and her attitude was disgustingly disrespectful, I was in utter disbelief. My kids had to sit in the car for over an hour while we worked everything out. A cook even offered to let my mom cash app him the money so we could pay and he would use his card. The manager proceeded to threaten him by asking if he wanted to be fired. We had so many solutions and yet all she wanted to do was yell, scream and make a scene. My mom was finally able to go to the bank and pull money out to pay the bill. She came back with the money and the manger was ignoring her and giving attitude. My mom told her that she has the cash and she wants to pay the bill and leave. The manager wouldn't take the money so another worker politely came over and assisted my mother. Over all it took almost 2 hours to figure everything out. It was a horrible and embarrassing experience and the manager is a straight up rude nasty bitch who need's to find a new profession. If I could rate this establishment -10 stars I would. read more

My favorite Friendly's since I was a kid! The BEST ice cream around I also love their tuna melts

it was fun went with the fam love the ice cream too there sundays are the best thing ever made

very fast and good food great service as well ... prices are great too! Friendlys has good servers very nice and friendly

This place has definitely gone downhill! Not only the service but the food too! Waited at least ten minutes to get sat then another ten just for the waitress to greet us! She checked in maybe once after taking our order. They messed up our ice creams and the waitress was no where to be found so we had to go to front and ask them to fix it! Just ridiculous!!! read more

Wouldn't let me 16 month old grandson in without a mask. Said he's old enough to reach up so he has to wear it. I guess they're smarter than the CDC that says masks on children less than 2 is a smothering hazard. In hindsight, looking at the health dept ratings, we are lucky to have not eaten there read more

Friendly's - health dept ratings - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clifton Park, New York

Haven't been to a Friendly's in probably 15 or 20 years. When I used to go I had friends that worked there and it was regular hangout spot for me but that was many years back. Fast forward to today, had an opportunity to go since we have a young relative in town to visit and Friendly's is a good kid friendly restaurant. Food was ok, the burger I got was over salted, probably due to too much Montreal seasoning (it was called a Montreal Steak burger, a $5.99 limited time special). Had the salt been less, it would have been an ok fast food style burger. Fries were actually sort of ok/good. Got the Jim Dandy sundae for nostalgic sake and it was much like what I remembered. Too much ice cream for me these days so if I do come back i will have to get something smaller and much less filling. For whatever it's worth, our elementary aged relative almost finished her grilled cheese sandwich and fries and that's saying something... she appears to be a picky eater. My significant other seemed to like her Buffalo Chicken wrap. Not fine dining, or even all that great, but will do in a pinch. Server was very friendly and efficient. Prices were really good for a place you get to sit down and get served. The good service brought it up to a 3 star rating for me. read more

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I had lobster tell and lobster bisque delicious! for dessert I got the suga cone nachos Colleen was the waitress and she was excellent was a pleasure to be here I've missed my friendly's. read more

What happened to this chain? Our experience at one of the few remaining Friendly's was nothing but disappointing and shocking. This was a busy local staple for ice cream for decades. Nothing except the flavor is the same. We sought it out when we returned to the area and found a filthy, poorly managed, empty hole in the wall with a smattering of workers who clearly had so much available to do but seemingly no incentive or intention of doing any of it. This includes helping customers. We entered and waited several minutes until a teen stopped her chat with another to say, "do you want ice cream" ? , from across the room which was littered with trash, multiple food spills, and visible dirt. We said yes ( why else ate we standing at the ice cream counter for all of this time) , then waited another 5 min for her to finish her conversation . She took our order from across the room as if we were disrupting her evening and got it wrong. There was an adult in the restaurant kitchen who did fill a machine while we were there. Why not tell these girls to clean up the spills and trash or. ..maybe serve the only customer ? It was eye opening. I see now why Friendly's is shutting down everywhere. They don't care. End of an era. read more

Friendly's - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clifton Park, New York

Great food (still) and great service! It's nice they are still in the area. Restaurant is clean and pleasant. Atmosphere is wonderful! read more

Friendly's - Honey BBQ Burger. Yum!! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clifton Park, New York

I've had breakfast there many times and enjoyed the food, service and atmosphere. This morning my friend and I went i and were seated. The waitress was very nice, sat us down and went to get coffee. We began catching up and I realized that the music was very loud and this made it difficult to hear. I asked the waitress to move us to another table or could they drop the volume a little. She told me that it's the same throughout the dining area and they can't turn it down. I asked to speak to the manager. The waitress left and returned telling me that I could maybe relocate to a different area. I have no idea why the manager couldn't take a moment and speak to us personally. We walked by the suggested area and it was loud there also. Rarely do I give negative feedback, this could be changed easily. As I was walking out, two customers said to me that I'm correct, the music was way too loud. read more

This franchise has gone downhill and I honestly don't know how they have managed to survive. The food quality is a joke. If I pay 20+ for a lobster pasta I expect more then 3 tiny pieces of claw meat. Do not order the lobster pasta it's like soup with noodles. I expected it to be terrible but it sounded good so gave them a chance. Disappointing you can't even come close to producing what you advertise. read more

Friendly's - Can't speculate! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clifton Park, New York

Good food, excellent ice cream and yum yums. Their food is filling, prices are fair for whatcha get and their desserts and ice creams are great. read more

The food was delicious at Friendly's in Clifton Park, the restaurant was clean and the service was excellent!!!

Food was o/k dessert always a treat, problem was the restaurant was freezing. Waitress told us they have no control over the hvac.

We love Friendly's!! It has the best ice cream and is a childhood staple. So grateful that this one is still here. We hope that it is here for many, many years. read more

Wow, I am writing this review while I sit in a booth waiting for food or any sign of human life. I have been in the restaurant for the last forty five minutes. I ordered appetizers maybe 25 minutes ago. So far they have managed to deliver one glass of water and one Diet Coke. In literally forty-five minutes. The cherry on top of the Sundae that will never make it to my table is that it's not remarkably busy in the restaurant. It's clearly busier than the amount of employees here can support, maybe somebody called out, but I have never waited this long for food to arrive. read more

my first time going to friendly was amazing everyone was so nice the service was amazing and the food was extraordinary I do recommend going to friendly at least ones a month and of u rich go every single day read more

Great service great food and great waiter definitely will be coming back again soon thank you for the great service