I noticed The Friendly on Yelp.
People thought the cheeseburger here was the best in town so I thought I’d give it a try. There was a short line at lunch time. When it was my turn I asked for the burger plain.
The guy manning the register said cheeseburgers only come with cheese and aoili. I was fine paying for a cheeseburger without cheese but the guy insisted no modifications are allowed on the cheeseburger.
I left and walked down the block to Chris Ono’s for lunch.
I ordered a combination with rice, sweet potato medallions, kalua pork, and kalbi. Sweet potato medallions had that unique sweet potato flavor and I liked them almost as much as sweet potato fries. Kalua pork was tender, salty, and had a hint of smoky. Good for San Diego but I miss going to luaus in Hawaii where the smoke a whole pig in a underground imu oven. Kalbi was tender and fully of flavor. I love the marinade they use. Kalbi is among the best I’ve found in town. Rice was moist with a nice mild jasmine rice flavor.
Chris Ono employees were nice and the service speedy. Next time I think I’ll try the teri steak. Kirk of mmm-yoso has visited Chris Ono too.
I was disappointed I didn’t get to try the Friendly burger but I doubt it would have been as good as the burger at my favorite burger joint Balboa Bar and Grill.
My favorite burgers all come with bacon. As the Friendly burger doesn’t have bacon chances are slim I’d love it. As far as having a complete meal which includes a burger there is no chance the Friendly would beat Hodad’s as you can’t get a shake at the Friendly while Hodad’s makes the best shakes I’ve found in town. I suppose it’s just as well I didn’t get a burger at The Friendly as it’s likely I would have been disappointed.
The Friendly
4592 30th St
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 892-7840
Chris’ Ono Grinds Island Grill 4506 30th St San Diego, CA 92116 (619) 269-9962
Great picture of the outside mural! Too bad you couldn’t get a burger, kinda weird they won’t serve it plain. My pizza slices were very tasty. I prefer my crust a bit thicker but I would eat their pizza again.
Next time you should get your pizza to go and meet me at Chris Ono!
For some reason I haven’t taken to the food here, other than the mac salad Soo…even when they used to be located in Mission Gorge. Glad you liked it though.
Hi Kirk! I usually go to Homestyle Hawaiian but Chris Ono seems as good.