Hamburger Mary's - Chicago — Restaurant in Lake View Township

This was my first time at a Hamburger Marys. I really wanted to love this place and the experience, but was left rather disappointed.

I'd made a reservation but needed to update it the day of the show. No one answered the phone and the message at the end of the call needs updated as it still says HM will open, and not is open. I emailed about the reservation update as well and received no response.

The workers at the hostess stand did not seem to understand the reservation, or some other folks had been sat at our table that was reserved, etc. This was a 10 minute ordeal before we even got to the table. We waited 20 minutes after being seated without seeing a server to go up to the host stand and ask for our server. We probably waited another 10 minutes for a server after that, and the server came to our table and assumed we were under XYZ reservation. I told them no, we were ABC reservation. They came back with a school notebook and pen and had me write down the name on the reservation.... There were no apologies or anything for the delay.

Our server was short with us and seemed flustered overall. It was a hassle to get their attention throughout the night, as they did not check on us. We seemed to be inconveniencing them. We planned to eat dinner at HM a well as get drinks, but the whole ordeal took so long that it left us with a bad taste in our mouth and we did not end up getting food, unsure of when we could even be able to order or how long that would take to cook/make.

The table next to us had to ask their server for silverware and napkins as their food had been delivered without any. I overheard another table asking for their server at the host stand while I was up there. Just overall a messy and lackluster experience.

The drag performances were fine. The drinks were just okay. I've worked as both a host and a server so I'm roughly familiar with the industry and don't have unrealistic expectations. Next time, I'll have to pass on...

People were having so much FUN. The drag show was already in progress as we walked in. We aren't into drag shows, old married couple, so we sat by the window which did keep the entertainment at bay and we were able to enjoy our food. If you like Drag Shows this is a don't miss. If you don't appreciate a very loud environment you will need to time your visit to the non-drag show hours. No acoustical treatment on the tin ceiling and metal rafters, sound bounced everywhere. I could hear the patron's conversation at a table 4 tables away. This is an easy fix with some low cost ceiling and wall treatment so I'm sure it's coming. No seat is away from the noise in the open floor plan room.

Hamburger Mary's US business plan isn't built around a gastronomical extravaganza of exquisite dishes. It's a lower quality food options menu with a fun lively social atmosphere. In other words, you go for the view and conversation, not the food experience. This place builds on that model. It will be a great place for the community to come, meet, drink, eat and enjoy. So glad they reopened.

I think they are on track to make a successful business, they need to continue the maturing process of their business, upgrade the food a little and options (they can't right now, it's too soon) and improve the building a little. But that takes time and this place just opened. A definite must see in...

The atmosphere at Hamburger Mary’s was pleasant, with a fun and lively vibe at the start. The performances, however, were just average—not particularly memorable.

For food, I tried the cheese curds, which were just okay—nothing special and with a presentation that felt a bit underwhelming. The vegetable spring rolls tasted like something you could pick up from Panda Express, and the plating didn’t help the appeal.

On the positive side, the service was great. The servers were attentive, friendly, and kept the experience running smoothly. Drinks were decent, though not standout.

One thing I noticed—once the performers finished their acts, the majority of the crowd left, which made the place feel a little empty and flat toward the end of the night. Overall, it gave me the vibe of a “visit once” kind of spot. Fun to check off the list, but I’m not in a...