Video of the moment was shared on The Friendly's Instagram account, showing Ferrell enthusiastically joining in on the festivities outside the popular restaurant. There is no indication why Ferrell was in San Diego this week, but the actor appeared to be in full vacation mode, sporting blonde hair, a white visor, pink polo shirt, and blue shorts while mingling with patrons outside the restaurant.
The appearance marks a return visit to The Friendly for Ferrell. In December 2022, the actor stopped by the North Park hotspot, where he reportedly enjoyed a Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger, a daily special sandwich, and also shotgunned a Modelo beer with staff. During that same San Diego visit, Ferrell made additional stops at local favorites including Clem's Bottle House in Kensington and Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights, posing for photos with fans and employees along the way.
Known for starring in films including Anchorman, Step Brothers, Elf, Talladega Nights, and Old School, Ferrell has long embraced his connection to San Diego through the Anchorman franchise, which helped introduce America's Finest City to audiences around the world. The actor has made numerous appearances in San Diego over the years, including a surprise guest performance at Little Italy's Music Box in 2022, where he joined his son's band on stage to play the cowbell during their first live performance.
The appearance marks a return visit to The Friendly for Ferrell. In December 2022, the actor stopped by the North Park hotspot, where he reportedly enjoyed a Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger, a daily special sandwich, and also shotgunned a Modelo beer with staff. During that same San Diego visit, Ferrell made additional stops at local favorites including Clem's Bottle House in Kensington and Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights, posing for photos with fans and employees along the way.
Known for starring in films including Anchorman, Step Brothers, Elf, Talladega Nights, and Old School, Ferrell has long embraced his connection to San Diego through the Anchorman franchise, which helped introduce America's Finest City to audiences around the world. The actor has made numerous appearances in San Diego over the years, including a surprise guest performance at Little Italy's Music Box in 2022, where he joined his son's band on stage to play the cowbell during their first live performance.
His latest stop comes at an exciting time for The Friendly. Founded in 2018 by the late Brandon Zanavich, The Friendly has grown from a small neighborhood burger and pizza shop into one of San Diego's most celebrated restaurant brands. The restaurant's famous Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger has developed a cult following among locals, chefs, bartenders, and visiting food enthusiasts, while its New York-style pizza and unapologetically simple approach to hospitality have helped make it a fixture of San Diego's dining scene.
The company currently operates multiple locations throughout San Diego and is preparing to expand once again with the upcoming opening of B's Bodega, a New York City-inspired deli concept set to debut adjacent to the original Friendly location later this year. The new project will honor Zanavich's legacy with breakfast sandwiches, deli classics, chopped cheese sandwiches, coffee, beer, wine, and grab-and-go offerings inspired by traditional neighborhood bodegas.
Whether Ferrell was in town for business, pleasure, or simply craving another Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger remains unknown. But judging by his return visit and willingness to shotgun a beer outside the restaurant for a second time, it's safe to say the Hollywood star remains a fan of one of San Diego's favorite neighborhood hangouts.
The original Friendly is located at 4592 30th Street in San Diego's North Park neighborhood. For more information, follow @thefriendlysd on Instagram.
Originally published on January 5, 2026.
The company currently operates multiple locations throughout San Diego and is preparing to expand once again with the upcoming opening of B's Bodega, a New York City-inspired deli concept set to debut adjacent to the original Friendly location later this year. The new project will honor Zanavich's legacy with breakfast sandwiches, deli classics, chopped cheese sandwiches, coffee, beer, wine, and grab-and-go offerings inspired by traditional neighborhood bodegas.
Following Zanavich's unexpected passing in 2025, longtime collaborator Chef Rob Brouillard and The Friendly team have continued growing the brand while preserving the spirit and culture that made the restaurant a local institution.
Whether Ferrell was in town for business, pleasure, or simply craving another Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger remains unknown. But judging by his return visit and willingness to shotgun a beer outside the restaurant for a second time, it's safe to say the Hollywood star remains a fan of one of San Diego's favorite neighborhood hangouts.
The original Friendly is located at 4592 30th Street in San Diego's North Park neighborhood. For more information, follow @thefriendlysd on Instagram.
Originally published on January 5, 2026.
