What burgers should I order on my first visit?

Start with the OG Dirty Flat Top or OG Cheeseburger—these smash burgers are the reason people keep coming back. They're greasy in exactly the right way, with a melty cheese and fluffy bun. If you want to explore, the OH Flat Top is also excellent. Fair warning: the kitchen doesn't do modifications, so order it as listed.

Is there parking near The Friendly in North Park?

The spot is on University Ave in North Park, which has street parking available, though it can get tight during peak hours. Your best bet is arriving earlier in the evening or during lunch to snag a spot without circling.

Yes—they're pet-friendly and have outdoor seating where you can sit with your dog. It's a casual neighborhood vibe that welcomes animals.

What's the drink situation like?

Full bar with affordable beers; Hamms is a popular choice. There's a fun incentive: you get $1 off canned beer for shotgunning it. Perfect for a casual night out.

Is this place good for groups or solo diners?

Both. It's a neighborhood staple that works for group dinners, late-night hangs with friends, or solo bar seating. The casual weeknight vibe means no pretension no matter how you show up.

Do they accommodate dietary restrictions like vegan or gluten-free?

No—this is a beef burger joint with a fixed menu and zero modifications. If you need dietary accommodations, this isn't the spot for you.

When's the best time to visit to avoid a long wait?

Lunch or early evening before the late-night crowd hits. It's a locals' favorite, so weekend nights and post-10pm service can get busy, but the turnover is usually quick.

The Friendly Tavern — Restaurants in North Park, San Diego

“The Friendly Tavern is North Park's smash burger bar where the menu is four burgers deep and modifications are a hard no.”

While Tribute Pizza down 30th Street obsesses over wood-fired crusts and pistachio mortadella, The Friendly commits fully to one thing: flat-top smash burgers cooked greasy, served fast, and unchanged since day one. No tweaks, no subs, no asking for extra pickles. You order the OG Dirty Flat Top or one of the three other burgers on the board, and you get what everyone else gets — which is exactly why the regulars keep coming back.

The burger itself is textbook smash technique: crispy lace edges, American cheese melted into the patty, soft potato bun that soaks up just enough grease without falling apart. It's not fancy. It's not inventive. It's the burger you want at 10 p.m. on a Tuesday when you've had three Hamms tallboys and you're sitting outside with your dog. Speaking of which: $1 off canned beer if you shotgun it, full bar if you're feeling ambitious, and a patio that welcomes dogs and solo drinkers equally.

The vibe is pure North Park dive bar — nothing polished, nothing trying too hard. You're here because you live six blocks away, because the beer's cheap, because the burger tastes the same every time. The staff doesn't bend the rules, which somehow makes the whole thing more reliable. No drama, no surprises, no asking if they can leave off the onions.

Practical notes: It gets packed late-night on weekends. The outdoor seating is the move if the weather's good. Order at the bar, grab a Hamms, wait for your number. The fries are fine but nobody's writing home about them — you're here for the burger. Park on the side streets off University. Skip the modifications conversation. Just order the OG and let The Friendly do what it does.