A New Burger Spot Opening for the Open Minded

Grand Rapids will be the home to a brand new burger joint later this month offering dinner...and a show?

Hamburger Mary's is opening their very first location in Michigan. According to MiBiz, there originally were plans to open in two locations. Ypsilanti and Grand Rapids. But, due to complications with Covid the Ypsilanti location is on hold indefinitely. Replacing Blue Moose Sports Club in Cascade Township, Hamburger Mary's plans to open on October 28th.

And what sets Hamburger Mary's apart from every other burger spot? Drag shows. Hamburger Mary's started in 1972 as a “open-air bar and grille for open-minded people,” and has since become a staple in the LGBTQ community. They've become famous not just for their welcoming attitude and drag shows but for karaoke and drag queen bingo too.

Local owners Doug Hanchett and Tom Zarkowski have big plans for their Grand Rapids location but first are focusing on what we all need a little more of...a place to have fun. Hanchett was quoted saying,

You can’t do the typical stuff for Halloween this year, so we want to figure out how we can have fun drag events and do different shows safely. We’ve chosen to open during a pandemic because everybody needs to have a little fun and get out and we’re offering that in a safe environment.

While I've never experienced Hamburger Mary's in particular I did enjoy a drag queen brunch in Chicago before the world exploded. And it was the most fun I had had in years. After the madness that this year has been good food and great entertainment sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

If you'd like to stay up to date on their opening you can find more info on their Facebook page.