Whimsy Meets Culinary Genius: The sandwich board at The Funny Farm Restaurant proudly showcases a rum cake so indulgent, it requires a designated driver. Amidst the whimsical decor—rubber chickens, a dangling stuffed unicorn, and Slinkies galore—co-owner Monica Levi describes it as a homey haven. The misfit cast of staff, much like Monica herself, creates an atmosphere where jokes abound, and everyone is family.
Originating as the kitchen for San Jose’s Sideline Sports Bar & Grill in 2017, The Funny Farm journeyed from Stevens Creek Boulevard to its current spot on San Felipe Road, opening its doors in March 2022. Beyond its playful facade, this eatery, headed by co-owner and chef Ron Levi, surprises with a menu that transcends expectations.
Chef Ron, with a culinary journey starting at a Wendy’s in Canada at age 13, brings a personal touch to each dish. From designer burgers to gourmet mac and cheese and inventive burritos, every item reflects his flair for remarkably tasty creations. His stint at Psycho Donuts sparked his love for crazy good food, featuring grasshoppers on doughnuts and the famed Donnoli—a long doughnut filled with cannoli cream.
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The menu pays homage to Ron’s Canadian roots with poutine offered in five tempting variations. The original, featuring steak-cut fries, white cheddar curds, and gravy, can be upgraded with buffalo wings, pulled pork, or a cheeseburger. The beef short rib version, featured on “Man vs. Food,” boasts chopped braised short ribs, crispy onion strings, and an optional sunny side up egg.
The food steals the spotlight, with each dish putting a spin on classic themes. A colossal one-foot-wide pancake, Pigs in the Hole on brioche toast, and a breakfast poutine with sunny side up eggs, bacon, and sausage are just a glimpse of the inventive offerings. The Angus beef hamburgers, with toppings like shaved Philly steak and black truffle sautéed mushrooms, showcase creativity.
Beyond the tantalizing menu, The Funny Farm prioritizes the overall experience. Prospective employees undergo auditions to reveal their personalities. Fun interactions and excellent service are incentivized, with employees earning bonuses for every five-star Yelp review mentioning them.
The UFO burger, featured on “Man vs. Food,” boasts two quarter-pound patties, bacon, pepper jack cheese, jalapeño poppers, and Levi’s spicy Monkey Sauce. Rick Martinez, a delighted customer, attests to its excellence, describing it as the best burger outside his home kitchen.
The Cheezy Noodz, a colossal macaroni platter sauced with six cheeses, and the Yardbird, topped with crispy fried chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and scallions, are standout favorites. The Funny Farm caters to diverse tastes with hot sandwiches, salads, and a fully stocked bar featuring wine, beer, whiskies, bourbons, and tequilas.
For Chef Ron, cooking is a passion—a soothing art of playing with flavors. His creations aim to evoke a “Wow, I’ve never had that before” reaction, making every dining experience at The Funny Farm a journey of delightful surprises.