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    The Friendly

    4.2 (1.4k reviews)
    InexpensivePizza, Burgers
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    The Friendly Photos

    Business Info

    THE FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Loud
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - The Friendly

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    Reviews With Photos

    Gabriel M.

    Great smash burgers and beer selection. It's all outdoors and pretty chill. Will definitely be going back

    Frank S.

    This place is perfect. Just your everyday casual solid people and vibe place. Urban... it's dope!! Loud music and good food! Show up in sweats kinda place... The food!!!!! So good.. it's simple. The burger is a must don't change it, how it comes is perfect and they ain't kidding it needs nothing! The pizza by the slice is good too. Not sure what a whole pie is like but the other stuff is good.. I can't rate it 5star only cause it's simply not the best pizza I've ever had... but it's still up there in quality don't hesitate on it. The service is fast and the people are friendly..

    GOAT?
    Ari J.

    Walking into The Friendly for the first time feels like stepping into a clubhouse where everyone already knows the rules except you. I made the rookie mistake of asking for ketchup with my burger and the entire staff reacted like I had just asked for a fork at a sushi bar. Heads turned. Fingers pointed. Laughter broke out. It was like I had revealed myself as an outsider in a single syllable. Apparently ketchup is contraband here. Who knew. But once you get past the inside baseball energy, the burger itself is a revelation. Monumental. A sandwich that does not need ketchup because the garlic aioli they use is doing the heavy lifting of an entire condiment department. It transforms the whole thing into something beyond a standard burger. This is not your backyard grill moment. This is its own category. A sandwich with swagger. The weirdest part is that they do not offer sides and they do not allow modifications. You get what they make and that is the end of the conversation. Normally that kind of rigidity would annoy me but here it almost works. It is like they are saying trust us we know exactly what this is supposed to be. And annoyingly they are right. The Friendly is chaotic, loud, a little smug, and absolutely worth it. Even if they roast you for asking for ketchup, you will walk out thinking about that burger long after the embarrassment fades.

    Flat burger
    athena z.

    I came here around 6 pm and they only have street parking so I parked for free two blocks down. I walked over and there was a short line. I think they only sell one burger and that is the flat burger? So that is what I ordered. It was $8 and really delicious. Very greasy, beefy, and cheesy, so I enjoyed it a lot. It was not very big though, especially compared to the other pictures I saw online. I sat outside because the weather is nice and the music was too loud inside.

    Dirty flat top cheeseburger
    meron R.

    Here for the one and only Dirty Flat Top Burger before leaving San Diego, and thankfully it didn't just meet expectations--it exceeded them. The vibe at The Friendly is as laid-back as it gets: chill atmosphere, staff blasting great music, and everyone clearly having fun while turning out killer food. Sometimes simple is the hardest thing to get right, but they absolutely nail it here. The $8 cheeseburger is an insane value--juicy, perfectly seasoned, and cooked exactly how a flat-top burger should be. Nothing fancy, no gimmicks, just flawless execution that somehow tastes totally unique. Huge kudos to the crew for doing something so simple so well. If you're in San Diego and don't stop here, you're doing it wrong.

    Woooo!
    Leland S.

    My friend told me about this spot--she called it a pizza place with good burgers. Funny enough, it's actually more of a burger joint, but this is the only location that also serves pizzas. AMBIANCE: Parking: It's in the North Park/University Heights area, so parking can be tricky. Best bets are metered spots, 2-hour parking, or nearby street parking. Seating: Indoor booths and counter space, enough for 20-30 people. Vibes: On the quieter, southern strip of North Park--close to houses and plenty of other eateries. Inside, it's casual and no-frills: simple signage, a few photos on the wall, and a laid-back diner feel. Great for chilling or grabbing food to go. FOOD/DRINKS: Dirty Flattop Burger (Recommend): Ooooii! Classic double smashburger done right--melty cheese, grilled onions, and buttered buns. Flavor bomb. Mushroom Ricotta Pizza (Recommend): Crisp crust, generous cheese, and a savory umami kick from mushrooms + ricotta. Hits the spot. Drinks are straightforward--think sodas, beer, and a few basics. CUSTOMER SERVICE: John was awesome! He even mentioned he's the only one who can whip up a heart-shaped pizza. TL; DR OVERALL: 4.5 Stars. Good prices, simple menu, delicious bites, and a chill experience. Nothing too flashy, which makes it easy to decide and enjoy. I'll definitely be back. TIPS: *OG spot! *This spot also is the only one that serves pizza.

    Alyssa N.

    I finally tried this place after hearing all the hype!! We visited on a Tuesday night. The parking lot is TINYYYY so be careful or park elsewhere! There were 4 of us and we sat at the counter. For 2 regular cheeseburgers and 1 fry it came out to $25 so a bit pricey. They don't offer free water so be aware! The shop is small and a little dirty, tables weren't wiped. The burgers came out quickly. They were very crispy and fresh! I loved the thin fries. I wish there were vegetables in them to cut the fat, but overall good burger. Their ranch is SOOOO good though!

    Fall tropical IPA - great beer selection.
    Kyra M.

    Such a great local spot! $8 super large double patty smash burgers, $3.50 large pizza slices (over 15 options). The best deal though is all beer is sold in a can and if you get it shot gun it's $1 off making takate's ($4) normally just $3!! Year round not happy hour all the time pricing! The food was excellent though! Nice heavy greedy burger. No modifications aloud, made with beef, cheese, onions and garlic aloi. Service was super fast and friendly but more New York friendly quick and to the point to get the food as fast as possible. Awesome atmosphere they were blasting music, it's an open kitchen so you can see the chefs cooking, tall bar seating and a few small tables indoor and outdoor. A lot of Togo customers too.

    Pepperoni pizza
    Grisel S.

    The best smash burger I've had in SD! The meat is high quality, flavorful, and tender. The burger comes with two patties, garlic mayo, grilled onions, and melted cheese. It's all cooked to perfection. This burger does tend to be on the oilier side, but not a big deal for an occasional "cheat meal." There are no modifications allowed, so if you have any preferences or allergies, this may not be the spot for you. The pizza is solid, though I wouldn't necessarily come for the pizza. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because each time I've come the burger tastes slightly different, so there's a little bit of inconsistency, but it's still good every time. The service is also lacking sometimes, and it can feel like they just want to get you out of there as fast as possible, but I understand as it does get busy. Expect a wait and there's very limited seating, so we take our food to-go. All worth it for how flavorful their burgers are though!

    Pizza by the slice delivers!!
    Tyler T.

    Second time stopping in this unicorn, and yet again it exceeded all Expectations!! The staff is amazing, $1 off beers if you shotgun them, and the dirty flat top burger for $8 is a guilty pleasure that I can't wait to indulge in again!! Next time you're in, buy a cold Tecate for the chef and he may shotgun one with you! Such a Vibe!!

    Brandon M.

    Top 5 burgers all time. Very rugged place. They know they're great and don't need your business, so service kinda short and direct. No modifications allowed, but don't need em. If there's no line, GO. Even if there's a line go!

    Classic smash burger
    Tina S.

    Classic smash burger. Super greasy and hits the spot after a couple drinks. They also have pizza but and cheesy bread. A couple of seats and beers. Next door is a brewery place if seating its rough that allows yea to bring food over. Staff is pretty friendly.

    Storefront
    Victor F.

    Had the Dirty Flattop Cheeseburger, a slice of cheese pizza and a slice of pepperoni pizza. The burger? The best smash burger in town. Simple yet delicious. My surprise was the pizza. The crust was lite and thin. Sauce to cheese ratio was equal which makes this pizza almost perfect. Welcoming staff. This location (1 if 2) is located of 30th. You will need to find parking around the establishment. Only 4 tables and roughly 6 stools for inside seating. This is now one of my "go to" spots for sure. If you have not been here before, it's a must try!

    Double smash cheese burger and a Hamm's beer

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    1 month ago

    Gorgeous greasy burger, open until midnight. Perfect to end a semi drunken night. Very lively atmosphere, no nonsense.

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    Page 1 of 35

    The Friendly Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Friendly

    What all comes on the burger?

    Two patties, grilled onions, American cheese, and garlic aioli

    How's the parking?

    From what I recall, it's just street parking. I went on a Saturday around lunch and had no problem. I've been on a Saturday night and while I didn't drive, it didnt seem all that crowded.

    How much are slices or combos?

    What is the most popular pizza slice here?

    What are their hours?? Yelp isn't right.

    https://m.facebook.com/thefriendlySD/

    My friend says i have to try this burger, but everything i see has grilled onions. I believe there are no substitutes even for allergies correct? So you couldn't get a plain one or one without the onions?

    Nope, no substitutions no matter what.

    Are you still open and operating?

    Yup, ate there last night. Still burgers and pizza.

    What are their vegan options? Any vegan pizza?

    They have a soyrizo burger option on the menu

    Is there anything vegan?

    Big NO.

    Do they have the truffle pizza everyday?

    Not everyday but follow their insta @thefriendlysd to keep up on their specials (:

    Can they do lettuce wraps on the burgers? Any options for gluten free folks?

    Haha, they do it one way and one way only.. no substitutes. The pizza is great too ..

    Is this place dog friendly?

    Unfortunately it is not dog friendly inside due to the open kitchen. They do have a table outside for you and your pup!

    View All 13 Questions

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    Hodad’s

    Hodad’s

    4.1
    (6.6k reviews)
    7.1 mi
    $$

    The WINNER and STILL CHAMPION is Hodads at Ocean Beach!!! The opponent this trip was Seven Brothers…read moreon Oahu, but after finishing the last bite and wiping away a tear, Hodads keeps its title as my favorite burger and burger joint in all my travels. First off, if you're in San Diego, this should be your only must-visit. I rarely go back to places I've already reviewed, but Hodads is a MUST, non-negotiable!!! The dining room is not fancy and looks like a teenager's bedroom with stickers and license plates adorning the walls. While the burger speaks for itself, whether you get the mini, reg, or double, the patties are thick, juicy, with fresh veggies and a soft, sweet bun to soak up those juices. This goes for the onion rings too, that don't seem to come out of the dryer in a bag. At the end of the day, the service was fast and friendly and carried the ocean vibe a Cali burger joint should have. I even picked up my Hodads T-shirt to probably advertise on my travels! My only question and curiosity is in the fries. I'm not a fan of wedges, and I feel like my last visit, they were thick-seasoned traditional fries. Fries or wedges, it will never change how I feel about Hodads!!!

    Third time to Hodad's. We ordered pretty much the same as last visit: lettuce wrap cheeseburger and…read morewine for her, bluebird and beer for me we made both into baskets cuz she likes fries, I like rings. After 8 mins, we went chowing down on our dinner. No complaints, with the great food and great service. Enjoy the vibe at Hodad's.

    Photos
    Parking lot
    Parking lot
    Veggieburger with Onion Rings (protein style) and Guido Burger
    Veggieburger with Onion Rings (protein style) and Guido Burger
    Milkshake

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    Milkshake
    Rocky's Crown Pub

    Rocky's Crown Pub

    4.2
    (2.1k reviews)
    6.5 mi
    $$

    Rocky's Burgers is a casual burger spot located in Pacific Beach, known for its juicy burgers,…read moresimple menu, and convenient location in a busy beachside area with a laid-back, local vibe. Pros: I got the half-pound burger with fries and it was really good overall. The burger was super juicy, well-cooked, and had that classic hearty, satisfying taste you want from a solid burger spot. The portion size was generous, especially with the half-pound patty, and the fries were a great side to round out the meal. The location in Pacific Beach is also a big plus. It's in a great area with lots going on, so it's easy to grab food and walk around afterward or make it part of a beach day. The overall vibe of the spot feels casual and fitting for PB--nothing overly fancy, just good comfort food done right. Cons: Since it's in a busy beach area, parking and crowds can be a bit of a challenge depending on the time you go. It's more of a casual grab-and-go or quick dine-in spot, so don't expect a sit-down restaurant experience with a lot of space or quiet seating. During peak beach hours, it can also get pretty busy. Verdict: Overall, Rocky's Burgers is a great spot in Pacific Beach if you're craving a juicy, satisfying burger in a fun beachside area. The half-pound burger and fries hit the spot, and it's a solid choice for a casual meal before or after hanging out in PB.

    HELLA good cheeseburger and fries. This is exactly what a burger is supposed to be -- no gimmicks,…read moreno extras, just done right. The meat is quality, juicy, and actually flavorful on its own (which says everything). Nothing boujee, just simple and perfect. Definitely a go-to spot now. Will be back for sure

    Photos
    Rocky's Crown Pub
    1/2 Lb. Cheeseburger aka heaven
    1/2 Lb. Cheeseburger aka heaven
    A pretty thick patty with crispy char. Seemed a bit smaller than 1/2lb burgers that I'm used to. $11 in 2024

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    A pretty thick patty with crispy char. Seemed a bit smaller than 1/2lb burgers that I'm used to. $11 in 2024
    Bonehead Burger Co

    Bonehead Burger Co

    4.3
    (279 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$
    Veteran-owned & operated
    Family-owned & operated

    My son wanted burgers for his middle school graduation celebration so we went to Bonehead Burger…read moreand it did not disappoint. All seven of us loved our burgers. Tots and fries were so good. April and Blake were so friendly and accommodating. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the mood for a burger.

    Good food and good vibes!! Food was amazing we had to take…read moreit to go. The buffalo breezy sandwich - definitely reminds me of a Nashville Hot chicken from Sun diner TN. A good size chicken breast breaded and with a good amount of buffalo sauce. Bonehead burger - you can have it single or double. However you want it!! It's a combination of smash burger and In-N-Out with boneheads signature sauce. Definitely juicy and delicious. If you're looking for a burger to fill you up. Definitely this is the burger to get. Bonehead tots - excellent choice for shareable meal. Tots with bacon and their signature sauce hits the spot. Bonehead wings - do the wing lovers. The buffalo sauce is spicy and wings full of meat. Great for 1 person or to share. One thing that we did notice is the service. They were very attentive. Being a family owned business they know how to take care of their customers. Definitely recommend them for your next lunch meal.

    Photos
    The award winning Bonehead Burger. BEST. BURGER. EVER.
    The award winning Bonehead Burger. BEST. BURGER. EVER.
    BEST. BURGER. EVER.

The Bonehead Burger
    BEST. BURGER. EVER. The Bonehead Burger
    Double Bonehead Burger

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    Double Bonehead Burger
    Del's Hideout

    Del's Hideout

    4.3
    (1.2k reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    BBQ Month @delshideout @dinecrg welcomes the flavors of the Philippines created by Chef Martin…read more@chef_ecruz featured this weekend From chicken insal, smoked lechon pork belly, tri tip bistek, shrimp & pork lumpia, pancit, fried potatoes, steamed rice, and comforting tamarind pork soup... this BBQ feast brings smoky Texas BBQ together with Filipino comfort food for the ultimate fusion plate Family-friendly vibes, ice cold drinks, sports on every screen, and that low & slow BBQ goodness make this spot a must try in San Diego.

    Ate here today with the family. To start off, parking is a problem. They have a tiny parking lot…read morebordered by 2 hotels. We parked down the road, about a 10 minute walk. We did not have a reservation, so we stood outside in the sun for about 30 minutes or so waiting for a table that could accommodate 8 people. I didn't plan the event myself, so I don't know if they even take reservations. If they do, then that's our fault. It is an open air concept, so it's very hot in the restaurant. You sit on hard chairs with a bicycle under the table that limits leg room. There is no shortage of hillbilly music to listen too as you dine on the ill seasoned subpar food. The beer menu sucks. Thankfully I didn't need to use the restroom. Who knows what I would have encountered there. The only positive thing I can think of is that the employees are friendly and accommodating. I would not recommend this place to anyone, nor would I return. If the restaurant offered to pay for a meal with drinks for our family, I still would not return.

    Photos
    Main dining area
    Main dining area
    Bar
    Bar
    The best mac & cheese

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    The best mac & cheese

    The Friendly - pizza - Updated July 2026

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