Hamburger Mary's

Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille is a drag-themed burger restaurant chain that started in San Francisco, California in 1972. The eateries are often in gayborhoods and are intended to represent stereotypical gay culture through humorously named menu items, flamboyant decor, and many of their locations hosting drag shows on weekends. "Mary" in the name is a reference to the slang descriptor "Mary" used for gay men as far back as the early 1900s.

Locations

There are 14 Hamburger Mary's in the U.S. and as of 2023. Their Portland, Oregon location closed in April 2013 due to a landlord dispute. Their Denver, Colorado location has relocated to 1336 E 17th Ave. Their main offices are in Chicago and West Hollywood, as of 2013.

U.S. locations are sited in California (Long Beach, Ontario, West Hollywood, San Francisco (closed)), Colorado (Denver), Florida (Clearwater,Jacksonville, Orlando, Wilton Manors), Illinois (two locations in Chicago, Oak Park), Michigan (Grand Rapids, Ypsilanti), Missouri (Kansas City and St. Louis (closed)), Nevada (Las Vegas), Texas (Houston),(Dallas) Wisconsin (Milwaukee), and Ohio (Toledo). The Michigan location which moved from Grand rapids to Ypsilanti permanently closed their doors unexpectedly at the end of 2022.

Challenge to Florida drag ban

In 2023, Hamburger Mary's filed a lawsuit challenging a new law by Florida governor Ron DeSantis banning drag performances where children may be present, citing a "chilling effect" on First Amendment rights to free speech as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell rejected the state's request to dismiss the case and granted an injunction temporarily blocking the law.

In popular culture

Hamburger Mary's was featured in the "Grand Finale" of the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.

The Psychedelic Furs reference the term "Hamburger Mary" in their 1982 song, "Run and Run".

References

External links

• Official website
• History