Friendly’s

«You can never go home» — Somebody Famous
You can however go back in time every once in a while. You can see families with tables full of smiling kids and old couples out for a week night date at «their place». Where do you find this golden memory of yesteryear reenacted nightly?
Friendly’s!
The prices are OK and the service is, well, friendly. I have a soft spot for casual dining family places. Places like Shoney’s, Frisch’s Big Boy, and Perkins are all part of this genre of family dining kitsch. Friendly’s falls in there, too. With one basic difference, huge amounts of ice cream are readily available.
Tonight I had a very basic Tomato Basil soup with oyster crackers. I think it was in step with Campbell’s best efforts.
My server «Wil» was super friendly (har har, but he really was). He suggested the «Jersey Burger». This is an American cheese cheeseburger with «ham roll» on top. «WTF is ham roll?» you ask. It is sort of like SPAM or Bologna luncheon loaf. It is pretty tasty. It adds a little zip to your burger, not unlike Hardee’s excellent Baloney and Velveeta biscuit. The waffle fries were hot and crisp. I washed it all down with a strawberry Fripple (milk shake).
It is a place that can bring back a memory or two from days gone by, can satisfy kids and parents alike and can fit your budget. I call that a winner.

Too many fruit flies. When I brought it up to the manager he said it’s been happening for a while now. I told him it’s because it’s a cleanliness issue. He said yes that’s why. This place is grimy. Would not come back here again.

Basically glorified diner food, but with tons of ice cream sundae options. We took the kids here for the first time & of course they loved it! There are 2 different «levels» of kids meals, which is the only reason I could see someone going here. The prices are either $ 5.99 or $ 6.99 I think? They get a drink, «entrée» and choice of sundae. Plus a free balloon on the way out.
It’s totally worth it for a once in while treat. They very frequently have coupons in the Sunday paper. We ended up paying $ 27 before tip for 2 adults & 2 wee ones. Can’t really beat that price considering we got 3 desserts with our 4 meals. And it’s nice to sometimes go out & not have to worry if the kids are being rambunctious.