The Friendly
Pizza restaurant · San Diego ·
OG location for Dirty Flat Top burgers and NY slices
OG location for Dirty Flat Top burgers and NY slices
"In San Diego, most residents know that “smash burger” is synonymous with the Friendly. With four outposts spread out across the county (Convoy, North Park, University Heights, and Pacific Beach), this no-frills dining destination is the perfect place for a quick and affordable smash burger. The Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger, the restaurant’s classic fix, features two patties with crispy edges, butter-braised grilled onions, American cheese, and garlic aioli for $8. The laidback burger destination also offers different burger selections like the $10 Lambo Boiga with lamb and beef smashed patties, Grand Cru Alpine cheese, pickled red onions, pink peppercorn aioli and Madeira sauce on the side for dipping. Hot tip: Look out for riff-y specials on fast-food favorites like the “McRib Kinda,” with deboned ribs, smoked sweet onions, and pickles for $10." - Roxana Becerril
"The OG location in University Heights is actually a pizza shop, but don’t let that deter you — The Friendly has long been an industry favorite for its good vibes and Dirty Flat Top burger. Order a slice to munch on while you watch your burgers get squashed into two thin patties with crispy edges and juicy pink middles, layered melted American cheese, softly caramelized onions, and a swipe of garlic aioli in a buttered, griddled, squishy white bun. It may not be Instagram-pretty, but combined with an ice cold beer it hits just right. By the way, don’t bother asking for fries, ketchup, pickles, or other accouterments —you can find those at one of their other three spots." - Mary Beth Abate
"The Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger features two patties smashed so hard on the grill that the seared edges turn remarkably crispy. Then a slice of good ol’ American cheese is applied, melted so that it practically merges with the patty. Both of two locations have the Dirty Flat Top, along with burger varieties created by each chef." - Candice Woo, Helen I. Hwang
"At first glance, The Friendly looks like an unassuming pizza place. However, walk inside and check out the chalkboard for San Diego’s best burger bargains. The Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger features two patties smashed so hard on the grill that the seared edges turn remarkably crispy. Then a slice of good ol’ American cheese is applied and is so well-melted that it practically merges with the patty. The buns get equal time on the on the flattop so the overall result is a heavenly contrast in textures. ." - Darlene Horn, Candice Woo
"I note that the menu at The Friendly Tavern is based on the burger specials offered at The Friendly’s original shop on 30th Street, which first broke out with a flat-top cheeseburger." - Mario A. Cortez