Features

Food For Thought – Mary smiles in Orlando!

May 29, 2012

Hamburger Mary’s Orlando definitely has a lock on their intended market in downtown Orlando: it’s all about loud decor, sassy servers, drag queens, red stilettos and, of course, great food. You won’t get this atmosphere at any ho-hum restaurant.

Food For Thought – Mary smiles in Orlando!

marys 1 Once you get past the colorful bachelorette parties and multiple groups celebrating birthdays you’ll find a brightly decorated and energetic space with a full bar to the left, a small stage to the right and ample outdoor seating.

I started my evening with the “Love Me Tenders” which were a deliciously breaded chicken breast strips served with honey mustard dressing. The burger I had was the “Blue Boy,” which includes blue cheese, bacon and many other delicious toppings that burst in my mouth. It’s tasty and savory and probably one of the best burgers served in Orlando. You can get any burger with a veggie or turkey patty as a substitute for beef, which is a nice option that I have done in the past when I felt a bit fat. Mary’s also has a couple of great salads: check out the “San Fran Shanghai” salad, a surprisingly light choice and the perfect choice if you are going to be in your Gay Disney Speedos this weekend.

I went there with our Associate Publisher, Scott Holland, who started his meal with the “Chicken Que Sera Quesadillas.” Even if he hadn’t expressed to me how much he loved this dish (after all he is a Quesadilla fanatic) I could tell by the fact that the conversation came to an immediate stop once he took his first bite. Scott then had the N.Y. Strip Steak, which is certified Angus beef. Scott said that the steak was marinated wonderfully and so juicy his mouth was overwhelmed with flavor. He also loved the mashed potatoes which he thought was a perfect complement to his steak.

Scott and I were both stuffed so each of us having a dessert would just be gluttonous so we shared the Fried Twinkies. As if Twinkies aren’t delicious enough (memories of childhood are flooding my brain) Mary’s deep fries them and serves them with a strawberry sauce, whipped cream and powdered sugar….YUMMY! Can you say heaven?

Where Hamburger Mary’s differs from a lot of eating establishments is their live entertainment lineup. There are fabulous events several nights a week, ranging from bingo to a Saturday cabaret, as well as occasional special events. I highly recommend Tuesday night’s HamBingo with Miss Sammy and Carol Lee. Miss Sammy only gets better with age, and she’s found the perfect home at Hamburger Mary’s.

The most convenient parking is the garage in the SunTrust building, but the Church Street lot under I4 is a very short walk away and far less expensive (currently $1 an hour and the machines take cards).

Hamburger Mary’s Orlando is located at 110 West Church Street Unit H, Orlando, FL 32801 – 321-319-0600 and the operations are Sunday – Wednesday from 11am-11pm and Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 11am-Midnight.

LEIGH SHANNON’S CABARET DINNER SHOW, Saturdays 7:30

The Leigh Shannon Cabaret Dinner Show every Saturday night! The finest in female impersonator, comedy and a whole lot more. Seating at 7:30pm for 8:30pm show; Show is FREE, however dinner or two drink minimum per person is required. Due to language and content, Mary does not recommend this show for children under the age of 18. Reservations are a must. 321-319-0600

TUESDAY BINGO with Miss Sammy & Carol Lee

This is another HOT TICKET for you. Miss Sammy and Carol Lee, our favorite local drag performers, never disappoint as they sing, joke, and play some bingo. Prizes awarded as well. Show starts at 6:30PM, but please make a reservation as it is always a full house. 321-319-0600. PLEASE NOTE: Mary does NOT recommend this show for children under the age of 18.

WEDNESDAY TRIVIA with Doug Bouser 7:30

Join us for our popular Trivia night with host Doug Bouser. This is a table vs. table competition for prizes. Also, enjoy 2-4-1 cocktails from 7-close. Come have some fun!

ILLUSIONS IN REVIEW..First Saturday Each Month

Our most popular show… Leigh Shannon’s ILLUSIONS IN REVIEW is the finest in celebrity look-a-like. Host, Bette Midler, welcomes, Cher, Madonna, Reba, Liza, Tina, Whoopie and more. TWO SHOWS!! First Seating at 7pm for 8pm show. Second seating at 9:45 for 10:30pm show. Show is FREE, however dinner or two drink minimum per person is required. Due to language and content, Mary does not recommend this show for guests under the age of 18. Reservations are a must. 321-319-0600