Mary — Restaurant in Ambler

Not perfect but off to a promising start…

Atmosphere is great. Well laid out, mood and decor was subtle but also fun and had personality. Seating is fairly tight for the two-tops…. waitstaff had a hard time serving us at times, but overall it was fine.

No liquor license yet but complimentary cocktails/wine were a really nice (and generous) way to compensate.

On to the food…

Fried shrimp and smoked trout caviar - Received three shrimp, one of which had the trout roe. That shrimp was dynamite, the smoked roe paired really well with the fried shrimp. The other two shrimp were definitely needing the roe to make the flavor pop. Dish had dill on it which seemed odd as it didn’t add much.

Tostones con Onion Dip - was excited for this one but it didn’t quite deliver. The tostones were pretty tough inside and needed the salt that tostones are normally famous for. The dip was pretty standard, flavor-wise. It wasn’t discernibly sweet vs a normal onion dip. Had tons of dill in it which we weren’t a fan of.

The Salad - Quite tasty, could have been a smidge bigger on the portion size but it wasn’t tiny. Dressing was great but this also had too much dill.

Bitter Green and Pumpkin Lasagna - This dish was the star of the night. Seasonable and delicious, well portioned and cooked exquisitely. Flavors were well balanced but also popped nicely. Each bite was wonderful and the sauce…. I could talk about that pumpkin bechamel all day.

Overall experience was positive. We’ve been saying that Ambler has been needing an intimate tavern for a while now, so we were obviously excited to see Chef Rosenthal opening Mary. We’ll...

Tucked away in the heart of Ambler, Mary is the kind of restaurant that feels like a well-kept secret. Dimly lit with deep navy walls and elegant gold accents, the space is intimate yet inviting. The flickering candlelight and soft hum of jazz set the perfect mood for an evening that feels both relaxed and indulgent.

The star of the menu is undoubtedly the burger—a beautifully crafted masterpiece featuring perfectly cooked beef topped with simmered onions, tangy banana peppers, and the restaurant’s signature Mary sauce. The balance of flavors is spot-on, with just the right amount of richness and heat. Served alongside crispy, golden potato wedges, it’s comfort food elevated to something truly special.

For dessert, the warm Jewish Apple Cake with vanilla gelato is an absolute must. The cake is moist, spiced, and rich with chunks of apple, while the gelato melts into each bite, creating a perfect harmony of texture and temperature.

Owner and chef Chad Rosenthal is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. His passion for hospitality is evident—he makes rounds throughout the night, checking in on guests, sharing stories, and ensuring that everyone feels at home. It’s a rare and personal touch that makes Mary not just a great restaurant, but a memorable dining experience.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or a cozy escape for a great meal, Mary delivers on all fronts. It’s a place where time slows down, where the food warms you from the inside out, and where every detail—down to the last flickering...

I had the pleasure of hosting my wife's 40th birthday at Mary in Ambler. We rented out the place, which comfortably fit close to 50 people. After removing a few extra tables, the layout was perfect for this size event. It never felt crowded!

The atmosphere is great here- not having any TVs adds a nice charm to the place. You're not here to catch a game, you're here to catch up!

We worked with Chef Chad on a cocktail hour style menu for the evening, and two days later, texts are still flowing in about how incredible the food was.

We had:

Mushroom & Leek Spring rolls Steak Tartare bites Crab Cakes Burger Sliders Chicken & Grits w/ hot honey Tiramisu

Every text mentions a different menu item as the best of the evening. Everyone was thrilled, but none more so than my wife, who was beaming with happiness all night.

Chad made it easy to accommodate people with food allergies, and paid special attention throughout the evening as to where they were positioned to make sure the correct version of food was sent to the appropriate guest.

It was a perfect evening and one that we will be talking about for years to come.

Thank you Chad and team for a perfect evening! We know it was a ton of work, and everyone involved knocked it out of the park.

Highest recommendation possible for your next major event or next night out with...