May 31, 2022
San Diego's popular NYC-style pizza & flat-top burger destination The Friendly has unveiled its third area location in Pacific Beach.
In early 2018, longtime San Diego restaurant general manager, pizza maker and cook Brandon Zanavich opened The Friendly on a quiet stretch of 30th Street on the outskirts of North Park. The pizzeria quickly gained a cult following due to its no-nonsense environment, frequent chef & industry pop-ups, and the popularity of its Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger. In September 2019, the team behind The Friendly opened The Friendly Tavern, an al-fresco restaurant devoted to the brand's iconic smashed patty burgers, sited in the former Carnitas' Snack Shack space in North Park. Last year, the Friendly crew took over the space that last housed Chung's Hair Barber Shop in the small Convoy Street plaza that also houses Tajima Ramen and Steamy Piggy for the opening of what then would have been the third area location, dubbed Friendly 3, which has been much delayed but is anticipated to open by year's end.
The newest The Friendly location soft opened on Memorial Day in the 1,900 square-foot unit previously occupied by Spot Brazil on Garnet Avenue in central Pacific Beach. This new branch may be the most ambitious yet, offering a tavern menu devoted to flat top smashed patty burgers, fries, onion rings, and other special dishes, as well as a glass case stocked with thin crust pizza and whole pies for onsite dining or take out. Food is served from a fast-casual communal counter and open kitchen where cooks can interact with patrons. Long time manager Bruce Heelan will oversee operations at the new location. There is also a 1,000 square foot outdoor patio on Garnet. Like what has become a point of contention at the original The Friendly, there will be no modifications to the menu offerings (#NoMods).
The Friendly is now operating soft opening hours at 1344 Garnet Avenue in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, follow The Friendly on Instagram.