If you’re looking for the ultimate San Diego "if you know, you know" spot, look no further than The Friendly on 30th Street. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a full-on mood. From the second you walk in, the vibe is electric—early 2000s hip hop is bumping, the cooks are locked in with that focused "cook vibe," and the energy is pure North Park cool. ​Whether you’re grabbing a seat at the bar top to watch the magic happen or snagging one of the two-person tables inside or out, the flow is seamless. Even with customers trekking in from LA and all over SoCal, we sat right down with no wait. It’s the kind of place where everyone—from the staff to the crowd—just seems genuinely happy to be there. ​The Main Events ​🍔 The "Dirty Flat Top" OG Cheeseburger ​This burger is a legend for a reason. I went with the double meat and original cheese, and it’s easily one of the best in the city. The patties are smashed thin on the flat top until the edges are crispy and caramelized, then smothered in gooey American cheese, buttery onions, and garlic aioli. It’s salty, savory, and hits that primal "perfect burger" spot. No modifications needed—it’s perfect as is. ​🍕 The Slices (Flavor of the Month & OG Favorites) ​The Friendly proves you can do burgers and pizza at an elite level simultaneously. ​The Feature (Flavor of the Month): This month was a Beef, Cheese, and Tomato slice. It arrived hot, fresh, and packed with bold, savory flavors that worked perfectly with their signature thin, New York-style crust. ​The OG Favorite: You can’t go wrong with the Pepperoni and Jalapeño. The heat from the peppers cuts right through the salty pepperoni and rich cheese. ​These aren't just "good for a quick bite" slices—the quality and freshness rank them higher than almost any other slice shop in the area. ​The Verdict ​The Friendly is a total San Diego gem. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a local the second time you visit. Between the "no-frills" attitude, the killer soundtrack, and food that actually lives up to the hype, it’s officially moving to the top of my "go-to" list. ​Pro Tip: If you see a "Chef Collaboration" special on the board, grab it. They frequently host top-tier chefs for limited-run items that are always mind-blowing. ​Would you like me to find their current "Flavor of the Month" or check if they have any upcoming chef collaborations scheduled?

I moved away from San Diego and still dream about this place. The absolute perfect smash burger. No alterations allowed because they are simply not needed. Plus, they serve Hamms tallboys and a dollar off if you shotgun. Get one to sip and one to shotgun, maybe even another for the dudes on the grill. I am extremely jealous of their recent chef collabs because I would house every single one. I always looked forward to their Thanksgiving burg with the stuffing croquet. The tastiest food with the best playlist blasting through the speakers. It's a meal, a destination and a vibe. This place is a gem and the main reason I miss Normal Heights. They simply have no business being this tasty, affordable and real. I will never not pop in when I return to San Diego for a visit.

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. 🔥