Hamburger Mary's Denver — Restaurant in Denver

Crucial Warning for Queer Muslims & Marginalized Patrons

As a trans Muslim woman who attended Mary's weekly for months, I must document severe safety concerns after my experience wearing religious attire (burqa and niqab). This space markets itself as inclusive but demonstrated alarming Islamophobic discrimination:

Deliberate Service Denial: Prompt service ceased immediately after I began wearing Muslim attire. Multiple visits required 45+ minute waits for basic attention (e.g., water/orders), while non-covered patrons received immediate assistance. Staff ignored polite waves and beckoning gestures while I made direct eye contact, one instance a wave and a loud verbal 'hey!' was ignored.

Targeted Harassment: On Thursday May 29th, while visibly distressed: Staff performed repeated "wellness checks" (5+ intrusions in 2 hours) after I declined conversation. This felt like surveillance, not care. Owner publicly accused me of "suspicious behavior, sneaking around and rutting through things" for stoping to pick up a dropped item. No other patron was scrutinized for mundane actions.

Community Complicity: Overheard attendees dismiss my isolation/distress as "social awkwardness" and imply I was only alone because 'I have no friends'. And, I was sexually harrassed there for several weeks, community and staff witnessed this, taking no action. In fact, speaking up resulted in victim blaming me and supporting said harraser.

In other, more banal words. Burger Mary’s is as close to a safe space for queer folks as a queer bar can be.. unless your a queer Muslim, if you are, you will be treated like a ghost, and a threat here.

Your so called safe space proved to be just as bigoted as the society you claim to offer refuge from.

I could care less if the staff and owner, or community read this and actually reflect, learn or don't, what I care about is making sure other queer Muslims have a review warning them not to come here... To My mukhannathun sisters, stay away, here you will find only the same snakes you find in every American bar, do not let the rainbow lights or the hummus on the menu deceive you. You will find no understanding, no dignity, and...

So easy way to say it was that I hadn’t had such a great night in such a long time. I’m going to talk about the staff, food and show because all this is so important.

First, I must say that generally when I travel alone I don’t eat at restaurants. I typically order my food and take it to go. It’s so awkward having people stare but I didn’t have this issue at Hamburger Mary’s. I just pulled up to the bar and felt no eyes on me.

Staff: They were so attentive and on point. A sip of beer left in my glass and I immediately was asked if I wanted another drink. No waving down servers or anything of the sort. The bartender and manager were all about making sure you felt welcomed.

Food: Yes, please I could eat here every day…. I got the Proud Mary with a side salad. The burger was huge! I ended up eating it semi-deconstructed by having the caramelized onions and the top patty and then the second patty with the bun and all the other toppings (and flavor from the caramelized onions soaked into the top bun) as a second entree. It was the right way to go and deconstructing it didn’t take anything from the taste or experience. The side salad was partly because of my quilt to balance out the burger. It was still a good salad thought.

Entertainment: The show was so high energy and so much fun that I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. I honestly felt a level of glee that I hadn’t felt in a long time. The performers had such a mix of songs that there was no doubt anyone who showed would know at least some of the music.

In the end I had taken in the whole experience and left feeling like I was welcomed into someone’s home. If you’ve ever seen the movie A Cinderella Story with Hailey Duff then you’ll pick up on the two things that gave a bit of nostalgia. First, the sign over the bar that read, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Second, was the performer doing Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be”. I realize it’s a bit out there but it made me realize with all the bad things happening right now we can hopefully overcome them in the end. When I’m back in Denver I’m definitely going to be hitting up Hamburger...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hamburger Mary's and I must say, it was an absolutely amazing experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a lively and welcoming atmosphere that made me feel right at home.

One of the highlights of my visit were the daily specials. Not only were they incredibly delicious, but they were also a great way to have fun without breaking the bank. The variety of options ensured that there was something for everyone, and each dish was bursting with flavor.

The staff at Hamburger Mary's were incredibly friendly and attentive. They went above and beyond to make sure I had a fantastic experience. It felt like stepping into my favorite neighborhood bar, even though it was my first time there. Their warm smiles and helpful suggestions made me feel like a valued guest.

Now, let's talk about the drinks. Oh my goodness, the drinks at Hamburger Mary's are absolutely fantastic. The cocktails are expertly crafted and the drinks are strong. They also have a decent wine selection, which was a pleasant surprise. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cocktail or a glass of wine or beer, they have it all.

And of course, I can't forget to mention the food. The food at Hamburger Mary's was simply delicious. From their mouthwatering burgers to their flavorful appetizers, each dish was a culinary delight.

But obviously the most memorable part of my visit were the drag performers. They were an absolute blast to have hosting the bingo show and their performances were truly epic. Their energy and talent added an extra layer of excitement to the evening, and I couldn't help but be thoroughly entertained.

Overall, I cannot recommend Hamburger Mary's enough. The daily specials, friendly staff, strong drinks, and delicious food all contribute to an exceptional dining experience. Whether you're looking for a fun night out or a delicious meal, this place has it all. And with the incredible drag performers, you're guaranteed to have a memorable and entertaining evening. Trust me, you won't be...