Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » The Friendly – San Diego
The Friendly - San Diego
Photo from The Friendly
The Friendly at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#441 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#3 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 6 in San Diego
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
391
Reviews
65.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant The Friendly in San Diego’s vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood is your go-to spot for a classic hamburger experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner.
This popular Hamburger Restaurant offers a relaxed setting where you can enjoy delicious food and a selection of beer and other alcoholic beverages. It’s a convenient choice for a satisfying meal in the area.
Overview: Introducting The Friendly
Good
7.1
out of 10
391
Reviews
65.7%
Satisfaction
109
negative
25
neutral
257
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Friendly
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, you're in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 71%, the general consensus is quite positive. Based on 157 positive sentiments out of 221 total, many rave about the delicious smash burgers, especially the OG Dirty Flattop, and the amazing onion rings, highlighting the overall quality.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied. There are 48 negative opinions, with some finding the food, particularly the burgers, to be too salty or overly greasy. A common point of frustration is the strict no-modifications policy and occasional issues with the bun, which can be a dealbreaker for picky eaters.
Food
221
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
48
negative
16
neutral
157
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious smash burgers
- Amazing onion rings
- High quality food
What people don't like
- Food too salty
- No modifications allowed
- Overly greasy burgers
Often praised
- foodI ordered the Shit Kicker, which featured two smashed patties, American cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, onion rings, and garlic aioli. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5. Service was excellent, with no wait time.
- burgersMy experience with the customer service was good. The place was clean, the service was good, and for the second location I have tried, the burgers were on point. I also tried the fish sandwich and I'm so glad I went out on a limb and got it; I enjoyed it so much.
- onion ringsThe other location only has hamburgers. I like the onion rings, though the fries could use a little flavor. The burgers were too good; I forgot to take a picture!
- burgerGood burger but not as good as the nort park location
- friesI got the OG Flattop with onion rings and fries.
- FoodI tried the special fish sando, which came with smoked tuna dip and spicy remoulade. Honestly, there's not a bad thing on the menu, and the food is always better than it looks. Beyond the delicious food, the great folks, great tunes, and great vibes made for an excellent evening.
- smash burgerI came here after hearing it was San Diego's #1 Yelp-recommended burger. The experience was a very tasty smash burger style that was freshly made in record timing! The onion rings were amazing, the fries were very good, and the burger was succulent.
- French onion dipHusband really enjoys the OG and the French onion dip. Both are fantastic.
- OGI had the OG and the French dip. I thoroughly enjoyed them both.
- OG Dirty FlattopHusband really enjoys the OG and the French onion dip. Both are fantastic.
Frequently criticized
- burgersMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the burgers were super salty and the fries tasted like McDonald’s fries, the staff was kind. The stickers littered around the store were funny and creative, adding a unique touch to the atmosphere.
- burgerThe burger was good, but not as good as the one at the North Park location. It was extra greasy. The parking lot is one of the worst.
- bunToo mushy bun
- foodthe food was so salty
- friesMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the burgers were super salty and the fries tasted like McDonald’s fries, the staff was kind. The stickers littered around the store were funny and creative, adding a unique touch to the atmosphere.
- Filet-o-fishthe food was so salty. I ordered the McDee’s wannabe Filet-o-fish
- FoodFood:1
- Hammsmissing was an ice cold Hamms
- Pizza burgerI ordered Pizza burger
- attempthorrible attempt to be something special
If youre looking for a straightforward, delicious smash burger experience and dont mind a bit of grease or salt, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for a no-modifications menu and focus on their signature items for the best experience.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers found the experience to be quite positive, with a 6.6 score indicating its generally average. About 63% of customers were satisfied, showing a mixed but leaning positive sentiment. Based on 46 positive comments, folks often praised the friendly staff and fast service, highlighting great customer service and amazing personalities.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience. With 26 negative comments, some encountered issues like unfriendly staff attitude and a strict no modifications policy. There were also mentions of being understaffed and experiencing waiting time', suggesting areas where the service could definitely improve.
Service
73
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
26
negative
1
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, cool staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- No modifications allowed
- Unfriendly staff attitude
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience with the customer service was good. The place was clean, the service was good, and for the second location I have tried, the burgers were on point. I also tried the fish sandwich and I'm so glad I went out on a limb and got it; I enjoyed it so much.
- ServiceService was friendly enough
- staffStaff has a little punk attitude that's endearing and - well - FRIENDLY!
- customer serviceThe two gentlemen working on 01/28/2024 at opening were fantastic! They provided great vibes, fantastic customer service, and showed a dedication to quality burgers coming off the flat top. This location is by far the closest to my house, a mere 5-10 minute drive.
- wait timeThe food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5. Service was excellent, with no wait time.
- FriendlySo just be patient and you will get a spot. Friendly wins again. Easy 5 stars.
- Joe M.excellent experience thanks to Joe M.
- StaffStaff is rad, friendly
- coolest staffthe coolest staff
- expansionThis is the best little burger shop in town. I’m hyped to see them expand through San Diego, which makes it easier for me now. Sorry, lazy lol!
Frequently criticized
- staffThe restaurant itself isn’t anything special, and there were hardly any customers. The cook and the girl at the register were looking at their phones the whole time, which is a sign of the times, I guess. However, the food was so salty.
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible service. The music was super loud, creating an unpleasant atmosphere.
- modificationsno modifications per company policy
- NO ModificationsWhen they say NO Modifications they mean it
- ServiceService:1
- attitudepretty rude attitude
- compassionHave some compassion
- customizationStill no customization
- employeesemployees SHOTGUNNED 4 BEERS!
- experienceI had a VERY disappointing experience
If youre looking for quick, friendly service and dont mind a strict no modifications policy, you'll likely have a good experience. However, be prepared for potential wait times or less-than-stellar attitudes if things get busy or you need special requests.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
While the ambience here lands an average score of 6.2 with a mixed customer satisfaction of 50.6%, there's still plenty to appreciate. Based on 41 positive remarks out of 81 total, many guests really enjoy the great vibes and chill atmosphere, often highlighting the good music choices. Plus, the plenty of parking and comfortable seating are frequently mentioned as welcome perks, making it a spot where you can relax.
However, 32 negative comments point to some significant drawbacks. Parking is frequently cited as a major headache, often described as difficult or horrendous. Some find the atmosphere to be bare bones or lacking charm, while others are put off by loud music or inappropriate language, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
81
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
32
negative
8
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibes
- Good music
- Quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Loud music
- Bare bones atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereI ordered the Shit Kicker, which featured two smashed patties, American cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, onion rings, and garlic aioli. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5. Service was excellent, with no wait time.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicalways playing some good music
- great vibesGreat folks, great tunes, great vibes.
- placeMy experience with the customer service was good. The place was clean, the service was good, and for the second location I have tried, the burgers were on point. I also tried the fish sandwich and I'm so glad I went out on a limb and got it; I enjoyed it so much.
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- camaraderieThe whole vibe of the place had a nice camaraderie
- casual atmospherenice small place casual atmosphere
- chill vibea chill vibe in San Diego
- free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
Frequently criticized
- parkingHowever, the main limitation was that you can’t modify any of them, which might be an issue for picky eaters. The place itself is a no frills kind of place, and the parking is horrendous, making it difficult to find a spot. Despite these challenges, the overall experience was worth the hassle.
- atmosphereatmosphere makes me want to go elsewhere
- ParkingParking can be challenging during busy times.
- parking lotthe parking lot is one of the worst
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- bare bones restaurantBare bones restaurant with maybe 4 or 5 tiny tables
- charmThis location lacks some of the charm of the others
- customersThere were hardly any customers
- limited parkingarea with limited parking
- loud musicstaff was blasting very loud music
The ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag. If youre looking for a chill spot with good music and dont mind potentially tricky parking, you might enjoy the vibe. However, if easy parking and a consistently quiet, charming atmosphere are top priorities, you might find it a bit disappointing.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a great 81.3%, many folks are raving about the "affordable" and "reasonably priced" options. Out of 16 total opinions, a whopping 13 highlight the "value for money" and "unbeatable price point, " making it a go-to for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
However, not everyone is completely sold on the value. A few voices, 3 to be exact, mentioned that some items felt "priced a bit high" or that they received a "small side for the price. " While these are minor concerns compared to the overall positive feedback, its worth noting if you're particularly budget-conscious about every single item.
Value
16
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unbeatable price point
- Excellent value
- Affordable quality
What people don't like
- Priced a bit high
- Small side portions
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, hands down the best no-frills burger in San Diego. The OG Dirty Flat Top was just perfect, and the price is unbeatable. Adding some fries or rings (or both) made for a meal that truly satisfies without breaking the bank.
- pricesthe prices are great!!
- affordableThe staff was incredibly friendly, and the burgers were truly the best in San Diego. Not only were they delicious, but they were also very affordable, offering excellent quality for the price. I highly recommend trying their recommended dish, the Og Dirty Flattop.
- price pointthe price point is unbeatable
- pricingAlthough there was a slight mix-up regarding EBT acceptance, they handled it exceptionally well. They were attentive, listened to my concerns, and adjusted the pricing to make it more affordable without any hesitation. I truly appreciated their positive attitudes throughout the entire process.
- reasonably pricedI loved the music, which was good hip hop. The menu is simple, and everything is reasonably priced. While I’d like to see a little more with regard to the atmosphere, it’s quaint, comfy, and cozy.
- value for moneyMy experience at this restaurant was centered around what I believe is possibly the best fresh burger in San Diego. The food quality is excellent, with no fuss, and offers excellent value for money. The onion rings were also great.
Frequently criticized
- pricesmall side for the price.
- veteran's day offersNo. So sorry you're so cheap
If youre looking for a great meal that offers excellent value, this place is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find the prices very fair for the quality you receive, though keep an eye on side portions if that's a big deal for you.
How are the prices at The Friendly?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hamburger Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests land squarely in that $11–$20 bracket, though there are options for both slightly cheaper and a bit pricier meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar places in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a quality hamburger spot in San Diego. It hits that sweet spot for a casual meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Friendly
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Buns Ruin Past Great Experience
I really hate leaving a low rating because I’ve had these burgers before and they were phenomenal. This time, though, something was definitely off. We ordered three different burgers and every single one had a bad bun.
There wasn’t visible mold, but they all had a strong sour, funky, chemical odor that clearly pointed to bacterial/yeast spoilage. I ended up throwing my burger away because it was obvious the buns weren’t fresh and past their best by date. I didn’t want to risk unseen bacteria or getting sick, which was really disappointing given how great this place has been in the past.
- bad bun1
- sour, funky, chemical odor1
- bacterial/yeast spoilage1
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
1
Disappointing Service and Disrespectful Staff
My experience began with being placed on hold for 7 minutes when I initially called. I could hear background chatter, indicating the staff was not immediately available. Upon calling a second time, I was again asked to hold, prompting me to hang up and call a third time.
When I finally spoke with someone, I inquired about any veteran's day offers. The response I received was, "No. So sorry you're so cheap. " This was disheartening, as it was a simple question, and the response was disrespectful, especially considering the occasion of Veteran's Day.
I am disappointed and hurt by this treatment. I believe there should be more compassion, particularly as military members are not currently being paid.
- hold time2
- staff attitude1
- veteran's day offers2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Simple Menu, Amazing Burger!
My experience at the restaurant was great! The menu is simple, which I love. I ordered the Shit Kicker, which featured two smashed patties, American cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, onion rings, and garlic aioli.
The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5. Service was excellent, with no wait time.
- simple menu8
- Shit Kicker10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Food
I had a great experience at this place, largely thanks to Kenny and Rhythm. Although there was a slight mix-up regarding EBT acceptance, they handled it exceptionally well. They were attentive, listened to my concerns, and adjusted the pricing to make it more affordable without any hesitation.
I truly appreciated their positive attitudes throughout the entire process. The atmosphere felt comfortable, and I never felt talked down to. Ultimately, I left with some truly delicious food.
The overall vibe of the place had a nice camaraderie, which enhanced the experience. I would definitely recommend checking them out!
- service10
- pricing9
- food10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best Flat Top Burger in Convoy!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best flat top burger in town. It's great that they offer plenty of seating, especially since they are one of the few order-at-the-counter places in Convoy.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5. The food quality received a 5 as well. Parking was somewhat difficult to find, but the free parking lot is a plus.
The wait time was non-existent, and it's wheelchair accessible.
- flat top burger10
- seating8
- atmosphere10
- parking4
What The Friendly offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is The Friendly in San Diego accessible for all guests?
Yes, The Friendly in Kearny Mesa is designed with accessibility in mind. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone visiting for lunch or dinner.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at The Friendly?
At The Friendly, you can enjoy a casual dining experience perfect for a quick bite. It’s a great spot for both lunch and dinner, and it’s also considered good for kids. You can choose between dine-in and takeout options.