The Friendly Tavern
Hamburger restaurant · San Diego ·

The Friendly Tavern

Hamburger restaurant · San Diego ·

Burgers, beer, cocktails, and outdoor seating in a chill vibe

smash burger
og dirty flat top
onion rings
friendly staff
greasy burger
shit kicker
great burgers
chill vibe
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null
The Friendly Tavern by null

Information

2632 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 Get directions

$10–20

Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Cozy

Information

Static Map

2632 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 Get directions

+1 619 294 7675

$10–20

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining

Last updated

Jan 9, 2026

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The Friendly Burger Tavern in North Park | Eater San Diego

"I watched the highly anticipated collaboration between chef Hanis Cavin and Brandon Zanavich arrive as The Friendly Tavern, a walk-up spot on University Avenue offering a straightforward menu of grilled patties topped with mushrooms, bacon, onion rings, and more. The menu is drawn from the burger specials at Zanavich’s original shop, with sides that include fries and onion rings. The small space has been refreshed with plants and shade sails and now features a renovated back patio with park benches for seating and a revamped bar pouring beers from North Park-based Fall Brewing Company and mixing select cocktails. Open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday, it serves as an extension of Zanavich’s brand while allowing Cavin to remain connected to the original spot where Carnitas’ Snack Shack made its name." - Mario A. Cortez

https://sandiego.eater.com/2019/9/23/20879431/the-friendly-tavern-burgers-north-park
The Friendly Tavern

Tushar M.

Google
Coming to the Friendly in SD has become the norm. However we don’t come to this location. Both places are equally as good when you’re going to have just the “OG Dirty Flat Top” cheese burger. This location offers a few other burger options as well as fries and onion rings. No pizza at this location. The other location offers only “OG Dirty Flat Top” cheese burger and Pizza. So if you want pizza the other location with limited seating. If you want more burger options and more space to sit, then it’s this location. Food is always great. Never miss on any trip down here.

hughtube88 O.

Google
Definitely some of the tastiest burgers I've ever had. Burgers with an S because I got a second one. Crispiest bun I've ever eaten, and the seasoning was immaculate. I walked right past this place because of no labels on the building, but the outside open area is pretty chill and the workers are very friendly (no pun intended). Get onion rings as your side, and throw one in the burger. Theyre super delicious and I'm definitely coming back here in the near future. Loved this place

T D.

Google
To start it off, I am usually a pretty good with rating places very high. However this was not the case. I’ve heard great things about the burgers from the Friendly. However, I did not enjoy the food. I ordered the Bacon Mushroom Cheese smash burger with a side of onion rings. The food was pretty much inedible to how SALTY it was. The burger had so much potential. Texture wise, it’s good until you bite into it and taste the scoops of salt. The onion rings also had great texture but was way too salty. Service and atmosphere was okay. A bit pretentious, and trying too hard to be cool. All in all, I will not be going back to this specific branch. Maybe the other ones are better. Mastiff’s in La Mesa serves a way better smash burger without the salt and attitude.

Jacob T.

Google
Can't beat them smashed burgers. The Friendly Tavern is an awesome little spot if you’re craving a solid smash burger. The OG Dirty Flat Top was crispy, juicy, and super satisfying. Onion rings and dipping sauces are on point too. cant beat the beer selection and the heavy pours of booze. Definitely a very greasy burger, but well worth the mess.

Jorge G.

Google
Very cute place, very clean and kind of hidden. We got lucky and beat a rush, gets busy so appreciate if you get there with no line. Food was quick to come out and the burgers were delicious. Onion rings were on point, just the right amount of batter. Only thing I didn’t care for was their ranch lol

Andrew R.

Google
Worth the hype. Got the OG Dirty Flattop and it was exactly the hangover cure I needed. They use a ton of butter so the buns melt perfectly with the greasy burger patties. The onion rings were also a major hit. Crispy and made to order. Check this place out!

Jeremy A.

Google
Heard it was one of the best burgers in San Diego so had to give it a try. Cool spot and good prices. You get a well cooked smashburger with a nice crisp and tons of flavor. The onion rings and fries were nice add ons with the beer on the menu. Definitely worth going to

Dawn B.

Google
Had the oxtail burger special today and a fall hazy IPA. FREAKING PHENOMENALLY COOKED AND DELICIOUS! the outside is so nicely done up even though it was stormy weather we found a spot under a tree.
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Ray G.

Yelp
The Friendly Tavern is one of those places that looks completely unassuming from the outside. You have to walk past an odd, almost nondescript entrance before making your way to the real heart of the place--an open-air back patio with plenty of picnic tables. Inside, the setup is minimal, with only about five or six bar seats, but the real draw here isn't the seating--it's the food. Let's talk about the Smashburger, which, no exaggeration, ranks in my top three in San Diego. The crispy, golden-brown edges of the patty contrast beautifully with the juicy, flavor-packed center, creating that perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. The bun is just the right amount of soft and toasty, hugging the patty and melted cheese in a way that makes every bite ridiculously satisfying. The price? Shockingly affordable for the quality, making it easy to justify ordering two if you're feeling extra hungry. The bar itself is straightforward--no frills, no extensive spirit selection. They stick to their well liquors, so if you're planning on having a few cocktails, just be aware that some of those mixed drinks might leave you with a next-day headache. They do batch their cocktails, which is convenient, but they can run out at times. Your best bet? Stick with the beers. They've got old-school classics like Hamm's, keeping things simple and nostalgic. Just a heads-up--nothing on draft here. One of the best things about this spot is the laid-back, friendly vibe. The bartenders are super chill, the kind of guys who remember your face after a couple of visits and make you feel like a regular. It's the kind of place where you settle in, grab a beer, and just enjoy the atmosphere without any pretension. Bonus points for being dog-friendly! They even offer a pup patty, so your four-legged friend won't feel left out while you're indulging in one of the best burgers in town. One downside? Parking. But that's just North Park life--expect to circle the block a few times before finding a spot. All in all, The Friendly Tavern is exactly what the name suggests: welcoming, unpretentious, and serving up some of the best Smashburgers in San Diego. Definitely worth checking out.
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Bernadette T.

Yelp
The name of this place is so accurate! It definitely felt like a modern day tavern for those traversing North Park. Nestled in University Avenue, you can't miss the mint green sticker bombed building with a pig on the roof, lol! Walking around the building, you will see a pickup window, bar to order, and picnic tables in the outdoor seating area. Love the open casual vibe. Food 5/5! I will say the smashburger is scrumptiousss. Perfectly crispy on the edges. Really hits the spot for a good, greasy burger! I ordered the Hamburguesa and it is perfect. It has 2 patties, jalapeños, butter braised onions, and soyrizo aioli. The jalapeños are the perfect acidic bite to cut through the richness. And also got fries on the side! Yum yum yum. Wait Times 3/5. On a Saturday, the line can get quite long. And after ordering, the wait times for food is actually longer than you expect. Prices are more expensive than a fast food joint, ($7-9 for a burger, $4 for fries), but I think it's worth the price.
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Cholmeida A.

Yelp
AC‍: a must go when we're in SD. 5/5 across the board. AM‍: SD STAPLE, consistently smacks. To get the full experience, shotgun a hamm's to save $$$, proceed to order the sh*tkicker with fries. 2 sides of ranch. profit
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Allison C.

Yelp
Street parking, outdoor seating on picnic tables. We ordered the OG dirty flat top burger, fries, and onion rings. We got lucky as we got here around 1p on a Sunday. We did one circle around the block and found parking at the corner. I docked off one star for the rude customer service. The guy taking our order was not friendly at all and made me feel rushed trying to figure out what I wanted to order. The crazy thing is that there wasn't even a long line behind me. The food came out shortly after we ordered. They call your number and you get it yourself at the window. Sauces are extra fee. Water is self serve but they have the cone paper cups. Love the burgers here but maybe I'll try their other location next time as I think they have a bigger menu including pizza (and it's located closer to An's dry cleaning).
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Taura G.

Yelp
Enjoyed the great customer service here and the outdoor community vibe too. We saw this place on an Instagram Reel for the #1 top 5 burgers places in San Diego. Parking was a challenge on a Sunday afternoon. It was a 20min parking trip and a good block walk to the Friendly. This was a well needed and enjoyable walk. There were 4 parties seated in the courtyard dining area. When we arrived, a party of 6 was leaving. We ordered and it was a smooth process: 1 OG Flat Top Burger, 1 Shit Kicker Burger, 1 order of fries to share, 2 drinks. The food was ready in about 10mins and it was perfect temperature. The presentation of the food was good. We enjoyed our burgers and fries. We will come back as this was a nice place to sit, eat, and enjoy a good burger. Parking again is challenging but a nice walk is needed as the burger is a good one.
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Arthur T.

Yelp
Introduced to Friendly Tavern from a friend! Good smash burger, definitely heavy and very buttery. I decided to pig out my first time: -DIRTY FLAT TOP $8.00 -BMS $9.00 -Fries $4.00 -Ranch $0.50 -Garlic Aioli $0.50 -Fall beer $8.00 If I remember correctly, I think ranch was the better sauce over the garlic aioli. Burgers itself were tasty, but definitely heavy. I don't think I could eat 3 burgers because of how buttery they were. Fries were a huge miss. I would not order again. Cold and not a whole lot given. Street parking is super difficult in the area...so you might need to park a few blocks away.
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Anna E.

Yelp
I've been to the smaller location on 30th, but this location is way better! I love the patio seating and casual vibe. I had the OG Dirty Flat top and my hubby had the Shit Kicker. They were both really good - the buns, the crispy patties and aioli make it pretty much perfect. The fries were also nice and crispy. My hubby said he read something about them not offering ketchup, but there was ketchup and no side eyes from anyone when we got some. Service was fine, with only the faintest hint of "hipster/I don't care if you're here" kind of vibe. Even if it was more in your face, I'd still go back because the burgers are that good!
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Leo C.

Yelp
Parking always sucks around here but once you find a good spot, it's worth it. I had the Sh*t Kicker with fries and beer on the side and the cost was decent. Not the best but also not the worst priced. This burger was amazing- great flavor and overall excellent quality. I was disappointed in the fries- very thin shoe string type of fries, nothing special here. I wish they had other options like tots or curly fries. My buddy had ordered the onion rings and I tried them- definitely a lot tastier and better than the fries. My kicker burger had a couple of rings in it and also tasty. I didn't appreciate no signage outside the building so I struggled to find the place. I did like the seating arrangements- back patio area was nice and spacey. Oh and the service was quick- didnt wait long at all for our burger. Definitely worth checking out. Enjoy!
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Angie B.

Yelp
Best smashburger in town. No doubt in my mind. No substitutions keeps things straightforward and I love it. All outdoor seating at picnic tables. This location has fries and more burger and beverage options than the 30th st location. Parking is street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
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Jasmine F.

Yelp
One of my favorite places in San Diego to get a smash burger. This location only has outdoor seating but there's plenty of tables available for dining in. This spot has a very chill vibe with a bar and tv available for customers. Luckily this location is not located in a super populated area so you should be able to find street parking in the nearby neighborhood. Staff is very friendly as they live up to their name! They are also very helpful when choosing a burger or even a beer! My go-to is the OG Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger with a side of fries and garlic aioli! Fries and the aioli sauce is extra but worth it. If I'm really hungry I'll order two burgers since they're not as big but usually one is enough for me. The OG burger is simple in ingredients but packed with flavor! This is definite my favorite place to bring my friends when they're in town.
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David F.

Yelp
I came in because I have heard the hype about the smash burgers here. I have been looking for a good smash burger place for a while so I thought that the struggle of finding parking would make the burger worth it. At first glance, when you come in, it looks like a pretty nice place to have a hang out with friends which I really liked. I came in with company and we got the OG dirty flat top and the Shit Kicker. It was pretty ironic that it is called the friendly tavern but the guy taking our order was not so friendly. He had an attitude towards us for no reason and I almost didn't want to order but I did want to see the hype. I had the OG burger and knew I regretted paying $8 for that burger. It did not live up to the hype in my opinion. But then I had a bite of the Shit Kicker and it kind of changed my opinion. Would I come back? I'm not sure I would for those prices and small burgers but that is my opinion.
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Danielle M.

Yelp
I love the Friendly, best smash burger in town! The tavern has more burger (and fries!) options than the traditional 30th st branch. I've never had a bad burger here. Lots of outdoor seating. Try a shit kicker and a tecate!
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Mikey H.

Yelp
Our first time here. It's a great spot! Lots of outdoor seating and I could bring Cako. Love the menu! And they have fries and onion rings!!! I love the og spot, and I'd get a pizza too...LOL! Great flavor of the shit kicker! I want to try each one now! Best time to go is between the meal times since it's not as crowded. Cako even got her own puppy patty! Cako Approves!!!
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Lucy M.

Yelp
Best burgers and onion rings in town! This is our favorite friendly location because of the outdoor patio seating/atmosphere and music.
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Nette B.

Yelp
Man oh Man, I love The Friendly and glad I was able to stop by here on my way back to Las Vegas. I used to frequent the old location on 30th and enjoyed it all the time and so happy this location has a bigger menu. (I was not aware of other locations opening up since I've moved out of SD.) I had the OG Dirty Flat Top that had 2 patties, cheese, aioli and grilled onions along with some French fries. It did not disappoint. I loved the outside patio area but too bad there's no shade other than 1 table by the TV. Luckily, we sat on that table. It'd be great spot for night time gathering which I know is a hot spot.
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B. Bea R.

Yelp
Great burgers. Fries & onion rings are tasty too. Quick service. Love the outdoor seating. Bonus: dog friendly. Introduced a friend to it over lunch and she's proclaimed it to have the best burgers and will be retuning soon with her family.
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Rae A.

Yelp
Oh yeah - love a good smash burger and this was my first time at this location. I'll keep it short and sweet. Parking was tough - good luck and be careful when crossing the streets - north park is poorly lit. Sides - I ordered the onion rings and fries - ofc it was delicious. Burgers - classic smash burgers are so good. I actually ordered the mushroom one but they might've missed the order. It definitely is a local spot and lots of friends hanging out and good music playing. Never a bad time.
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Eva C.

Yelp
If I could I would give this place 3.5, but since it's not hire a 4 star place for me, 3 stars it is! I have been here a couple times and I always leave wishing it was... better? Service is very minimal, they take your order, and then call out your name when it's ready, that's about it. Prices are reasonable, though I wish Burgers automatically came with fries. The burgers themselves are underwhelmingly unseasoned. They could use a good amount of salt & pepper. The eating area is a nice patio, with pretty chill vibes. It's definitely nice especially in the evening, around sunset.
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Leslie G.

Yelp
Finally made it here on my burger tour. I started with the OG flat top. Those crispy edges had me in love. Seasoned well. The bun held up and lots of napkins were used! I went back the following week and brought a friend. This time tried the Bacon mushroom Swiss....and this might be my favorite. We also tried the shit kicker which is a bbq style with onion ring. I wanted to like it and I did, but probably wouldn't get it again. The bbq sauce overwhelmed the burger. It's all you could taste. Atmosphere is great. Outside seating at picnic tables. Service is good. They will walk through questions. Absolutely no changes / substitutions on the burgers. Don't even ask. it's their thing. Both times they were out of most beers. But not there for beer anyway!
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Summer S.

Yelp
We love coming to The Friendly Tavern. The burgers are super good and we always have a great time. The menu is simple and to the point and I appreciate that. They know what they do well, and that's what they serve. Great smash burgers! My favorite is the OG Dirty Flat top burger with a side of onion rings. The burger patties are thin and crispy and the cheese is super melty. Onion rights were crispy but not oily. Bomb food. The prices are super fair and the food never takes too long. Love that the seating is all outdoor and with the string lighting it's super cute at night. I definitely recommend coming here for a burger, fries, and a beer. And then walk down the street for some ice cream!
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Matthew C.

Yelp
Holy smash all in my mouth Smashburgers were solid. Cheese melty, pattys actually smashed and well toasted , and meat not dry. Fries were ok and the onion rings felt a little bland. Ranch was EXCELLENT. Wish patties were crispier. SUPER DUPER OILY honestly feels like some super SCHMACK drunk food. Overall cool like outdoor bar vibe, really nails the tavern feel. Workers were chill. Felt like I was getting judged but I think that's supposed to be the vibe.

Ashley S.

Yelp
A perfect smash burger. I also really enjoy how aggressively the chef screams people's names. It made me chuckle
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Kathy M.

Yelp
I love the outdoor space at The Friendly! Beautifully decorated and a great ambiance to enjoy an amazing burger! This was one of the best smash burgers I've ever had. So tasty and juicy and crispy on the edges. Great cocktails and drinks. Love the vibe. The staff was awesome, too.
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Aseel K.

Yelp
Probably one of the best smash burgers I've had!! Such a fun place to grab a burger and enjoy it. The food comes out really fast and their onion rings are a must!! I will definitely be back soon! We tried the classic O.G. Dirty Flat Top Burger, and it did not disappoint! So juicy and delicious you're going to want to order more. All outdoor seating! Parking can be tricky on the weekends but there's a bunch of street parking around the block.
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Jessica D.

Yelp
One of my favorite burger spots in SD! It's so easy to order because everything is so simple but tastes amazing. Can never go wrong with their OG Dirty Flat Top!!

Charlotte L.

Yelp
For me, this is the best burger in San Diego. If you like a buttery, greasy, smash burger, this is the best place to do it in San Diego hands down. I always order an OG Dirty Flat Top and split fries with my friend who got the Hamburguesa. I just had ketchup on the side but if you want to splurge, their in house sauces are good. I went for lunch on a Thursday and it was decently busy, but there was still plenty of seating. Since it's walking distance for me and they serve fries, this is definitely my preferred location over 30th street. I like that they don't do substitutions, they have a formula and it works. The staff is always chill in a nice neighborhood vibe way and they play good music. They also do specials which they post on their instagram so check that out!
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Olivia H.

Yelp
Skip the FRIENDLY TAVERN. Go to In-n-out or literally any other local burger spot. We have been here a few times and the food is good. Not bad but not exceptional, either. However, we went yesterday and waited for literally an hour before we got our food. We ordered at 3:17pm and did not get our food until 4:15pm. Our order was pretty simple. 2 OG burgers, plain French fries, and 2 cokes. The restaurant was busy but not exceptionally packed. I have worked in restaurants before and even on our worst days, we never made customers wait that long for their orders. If you cannot meet the demand or you are short staffed, tell your customers. Manage expectations. They are paying and deserve to know. Additionally, if you are going to make everyone wait for an hour, do not make us pay an $1 for an ounce of extra aoli or bus our own tables. Customer service here was non-existent.
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Alan T.

Yelp
Amazing smashburgers simple and cheap. Cool spot plenty of seating. Would recommend to anyone interested in smash burgers
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Gordon S.

Yelp
You must be looking for a great burger. Look no more. You won't be disappointed. Absolutely the best smash burgers we've had in a very long time.
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Jose P.

Yelp
The Friendly Tavern smash is serving up some serious flavor and attitude. Walk in, and you're immediately hit with that sizzle--like, "Oh yeah, this is where the magic happens" vibes. The menu's as minimalist as it gets, which I respect. They don't need a million toppings when they've got burgers this good. Cheese? Obviously. Extra nonsense? Nah, they're not about that life. The burgers? Smashed to crispy, juicy perfection, edges are all crunchy, and the middle is that sweet, melty spot that makes you question every non-smashed burger you've ever had. Honestly, after this, regular burgers just feel like they're trying too hard. The place itself is all cool industrial decor, with seating that screams, "You're not here to linger, you're here to feast." And that's fine by me--get in, smash a burger, get out. It's like fast food, but if fast food did yoga and had a much better wardrobe. Fries? Oh, they come in hot and salty, the perfect sidekick to your burger quest. Bottom line: This place knows exactly what it's doing. It's not fancy, it's not complicated, but it is delicious. If you're not leaving with burger juice running down your hand, you didn't do it right.
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Nicole P.

Yelp
One of my favorite smash burgers I've had thus far. They're consistently amazing. They had a special blood orange cocktail that was pretty good, just a little too much tajin imo. Bummer because I brought some friends to try it for the first time, and the only burger they can make without cheese is the slim which has nothing else on it. They really do decline all modifications, so most of the menu is off-limits for lactose intolerant folks, sadly.
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Jhenny B.

Yelp
If you've gone to the friendly, then you know these smash burgers are absolutely savory and delicious! I literally cannot get enough of them. Every single one of the burgers are so good! The onion rings were crispy and delicious. My fav are the sides of dipping sauces, garlic aioli, Chef's kiss! This location doesn't serve pizza like the other location. The outdoor seating is a lot better, there are plenty of tables. They have high chairs and they cater to bigger parties. Don't forget to start off your meal with shot gun of beer! The Tecate goes perfectly with the burgers.

Robert W.

Yelp
Best smash burgers and more burger options thanThe Friendly on 30th. I think the shit kicker is the best.

Tim B.

Yelp
Amazing burgers! I had the OG Flat Top and my daughter had the Shit Kicker. We shared multiple bites of each and enjoyed some great onion rings and fries with different aioli flavors. We will definitely be back very soon. Friendly staff, great food and a nice neighborhood vibe with happy customers.
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Cara M.

Yelp
We have come to an agreement that this is the best smashburger we have ever tasted in our entire lives! This place looks unassuming in a makeshift beer garden on the outside, tucked in a shack opening behind a building with a few tables in the backyard - but my god the burgers; would happily go out of my way each time we are in San Diego just to eat this. Friendly staff owns up to the name of friendly tavern- you walk up and order and pay, then just grab a table in the yard and wait until they call your order. We ordered the OG and the shitkicker burgers, (they have a few drinks also available) not the biggest of menus but that's okay because all you need is the OG burger- drooling thinking about it, so juicy and delicious and the burger bun fluffy and toasted lightly (perfection). Cheap pricing also, so won't break the bank if you want to order a burger or two...or three. Will definitely be back, and until then will be dreaming of these delicious smashburgers.
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Erlinda C.

Yelp
ZERO STARS!!! Came during their "business hours" on two separate occasions and the place was closed. The first time was about 9pm with a closing time of 10pm. The 2nd time was at noon with opening time of 11am. It appears to happen often as another post mentioned they stopped by at 5:20pm during "business hours" and it was, you guessed it....closed. Maybe try calling first before you visit but good luck because someone in the reviews complained that they never answer their phone.
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Josh M.

Yelp
I finally made the trip and this spot did not disappoint. It was slightly hard to find (I had to circle back twice because there isn't a sign) but it's a chill spot. They have burgers and beers and this spot. They don't do modifications to the food. Now I HATE onions but decided to risk it and left it on. The burger was FIIIIRE and couldn't even taste the onions honestly. The sauce, the burgers, the bread I got the OG Dirty Flat top. It came out way quicker than I thought. It's 2 smashed burgers onions, cheese and garlic aioli and it's only $8!!! So good, definitely one of the best burgers in SD. Staff was super chill too, definitely worth checking out
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Alana F.

Yelp
Listen... The Friendly is one of those local spots that has blown up recently and it is 100% worth the hype! Anytime I'm craving a good burger, the Dirty OG hits like no one's business. The grilled onions, mayo, cheese and patties are all a perfect combination. If you're into a good, simple, greasy burger then this is the spot for you. Their onion rings are also incredibly juicy and the ranch is to die for -- be sure to get these items! The Tavern location is much more spacious with picnic tables to sit at and enjoy your meal. It's a very lowkey establishment, exactly what you'd expect from a local spot in North Park. This location also offers cocktails whereas their smaller location only offers beer. For your first time, I recommend shotgunning a beer -- it's their special. Staff is usually very friendly and accommodating. I've only had one rough experience but it was at their other location and it was super late at night and they were slammed, so I can understand why. Don't miss this spot in North Park if you're visiting!
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Kerry W.

Yelp
I can't say enough that these were awesome burgers!!! They were juicy, flavorful and possibly one of the best burgers I've ever had. We will definitely be coming back here and bringing friends!!!!

Marisol K.

Yelp
The tavern location does not have pizza. One place has one type of burger and pizzas. 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. Def not one of SDs better burgers.
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Suz C.

Yelp
Soooo good! I love how they transformed this space! Been here a few times and service is always great! The guys are always cool and nice! This place is too easy. Walk up... order... enjoy your drink... delicious and simple food just the way you want comes out quickly. We always order a few burgers... mainly the OG Dirty Flat Top smash burger, on occasion we will order the Shit Kicker (bbq burger) and bacon shroom Swiss burger. Fries and onion rings are always a must. Onion rings are delicious! They also have mixed drinks and beers... so if you're thirsty... it's perfect! Great place for yummy bite of food!
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Chris C.

Yelp
One of my favorite vibey food places. Seemingly unassuming outside but beautiful, outdoor seating, feels like ur at a very nice friends' bbq. Ube cocktail drink is strong but yummy and you must get the sauces bc they're killer. I got the mushroom swiss but the kicker is also a delicious burger. So juicy and so flavorful, you prob can only have 1 bc it is going to be a deliciously greasy burger but man, this was the best smashburger I've ever had. 100% recommendation, parking on street is chiller also. Happiest find in a minute
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Nicholas O.

Yelp
One of the best burgers in San Diego! Would have given it 5 stars but they messed up putting Jalapeños into the Hamburguesa. Nonetheless, the burger was still great so can't complain. Great outside ambiance. Remember when this was the OG Carnitas Snack Shack so a great property for a Restaraunt. No inside seating so might be too cold as we head into the winter but it's a great summer night spot!
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Katherine K.

Yelp
My friend posted a picture of her tray of food from The Friendly and I thought about it nonstop for a week. So of course I had to go. I got the hamburguesa with a side of onion rings - out of this world. I'm usually not a fan of burgers, but this reminded me that life was worth living another day for LOL. This is an absolutely no-frills burger joint without an extensive menu for food or drinks. But they do what they do and they do it well.
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Daniel P.

Yelp
The burger was delicious but the bun was a little disappointing. This is a similar ambiance to the old Carnitas snack shack, very similar layout if not identical. Order from the bar and wait for the deliciousness. The ranch might've been some of the best stuff ever. Out of the 4 burgers we ate this day, the ranch and the fries stood out. If I was out in North Park, it would be a good spot to stop in and smash a burger.
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Pat N.

Yelp
amazing burger and chill environment. the shitkicker was one of the best burgers i've had. would highly recommend
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Kaye G.

Yelp
best smashburgers in sd!!! my bf and i got the og dirty flat top and bacon mushroom swiss burgers and it was such a flavor bomb. the patty is cooked to perfection with a balance of tenderness & crisp. expect to have a pretty greasy meal, their buns are also buttered. we got side of fries and onion rings as well - it is very safe to skip on fries you're not gonna be missing out much. we also got mixed drinks for only $7 each. our total came to about $42 which is pretty great considering that already accounts for the alcoholic beverages. truly enjoyed the environment, seems like a perfect place to grab a couple of drinks with friends and/or watch sports games. it's outdoor and limited bar seating. parking is also best around the residential area!!
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Christine Z.

Yelp
Very unassuming burgers, but if you can get past how plain and boring they look, they're actually very tasty. Super heavy and greasy though so I think I would only really be able to eat one of these maybe every few months. If it's your first time here, you can't go wrong with their OG dirty flat top. No pizza served here but apparently they do at other locations. Occasionally they'll have specials too which they announce on their IG. Street parking and large outdoor seating area, but we've only ever ordered to go.
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Paola V.

Yelp
I've been here plenty of times and the food is amazing each time. In part, I decided to write them a review because of the experience I had with the staff just last night. My poor pup was at the vet and my partner and I decided to get dinner and a drink there to kill time while we waited for the pup to be discharged. Well shortly after ordering, we got a call to come pick her up. I explained the situation to the cashier/bartender and asked if we could switch our order to go. He said no problem and we waited for our food. We were excited to pick up our pup and headed home to a nice surprise of extra fries. All that to say, the food hits EVERY time.. but so do the staff. They're very down to earth and very nice. Definitely recommend getting a good greasy smash burger from here!