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Photos by Alyssa Coburn | TCN
St. Petersburg has a new, yet unexpected resource for the LGBTQ community.
In August, Hamburger Mary’s opened on Tyrone Boulevard. The restaurant features kitschy décor, a club-like atmosphere, tasty burgers, a full-service bar and drag queen entertainment. But it also acts as a sanctuary for the transgender community.
According to show director Alexis Mateo, the queens are frequently approached by individuals struggling with or questioning their gender identity. Mateo is the only male drag queen on staff; all of the other queens are transgender women.
The queens provide one-on-one communication and openly answer questions people may have.
The restaurant managers are also prepared to refer people to counselors and support groups.
Mateo explained that panicked mothers of transgender children frequently come into the restaurant asking for help. The queens have seen children as young as seven-years-old who identify as transgender. This hasn’t shocked any of the transgender queens; they felt the same way as children, except they didn’t have anyone to talk to about it.
Hamburger Mary’s supports the transgender community in more ways than one. According to Mateo, all of the transgender queens previously struggled with getting a job. Some turned to drugs, while others resorted to prostitution.
“I remember back in the day when I moved to Tampa, transgender living was not like this. It was not until Hamburger Mary’s opened up that I can tell you, like freely, the whole transgender community opened up,” said Mateo.
Hamburger Mary’s openly supports and hires members of the LGBTQ community.
“Now they can say, ‘I have a daytime job, and I get a check, I pay my taxes and I pay social security,’” said Mateo.
Hamburger Mary’s also provides charity work to support the community around them. The St. Petersburg location features charity bingo Monday through Wednesday at 7 p.m.
According to general manager Michael Wilson, the Tampa Bay area locations have raised around 2 million dollars for local charities since 2009.
Wilson says the St. Petersburg location has already become a no judgment zone for the LGBTQ community.
“We’re a safe haven,” said Wilson.
While this is an invaluable asset to the LGBTQ community, Hamburger Mary’s is still all about fun, food, and entertainment for all.
The restaurant is hard to miss with its bright purple exterior and inside is just as vibrant, with multi-colored walls plastered with knick-knacks and pictures.
The wait staff is friendly and engaging. Even with a full house, the customer service remains top notch.
Tasy half-pound burgers are served with an array of unique toppings. For example, “The Mac Daddy” is covered in homemade mac and cheese and Mary’s house sauce.
The burgers are made from Angus ground beef but can be swapped for a turkey breast patty for no extra cost. Chicken breasts and vegetarian black bean patties can be substituted for an additional charge.
With two exceptions, the burgers generally cost $11.25 and come with one regular side. The portions are generous and should leave customers satisfied.
Hamburger Mary’s also offers a performance every day of the week. Those looking for more adult-oriented entertainment may enjoy the dirty drag queen bingo on Mondays. Tuesdays are generally more family friendly with classic drag queen bingo, and Wednesdays are the most popular with trailer park drag queen bingo.
Thursdays through Sundays, the restaurant presents a variety of performances at various times. Specific themes and times can be found on their Facebook page and website.
Hamburger Mary’s may not be the place for those looking to catch up with old friends. Once the music starts, it’s difficult to hold a conversation. The music is played at a club-like level, and customers themselves tend to be a bit on the rowdy side. It’s not unusual to see suburban moms go wild when Britney Spears starts playing.
Hamburger Mary’s encourages the audience to enjoy themselves and participate in the Mary’s experience.
“This is not Olive Garden, you can act like that here,” said drag queen Alicia Markstone.
Before the performances begin, waiters come by and ask if guests need dollar bills to tip the queens. Don’t hesitate to stuff cash into their bras or waistbands when they approach you.
Hamburger Mary’s motto is “an open-air bar and grille for open-minded people.” The St. Petersburg Hamburger Mary’s is located at 2901 Tyrone Boulevard.
For those interested in visiting the restaurant, consider making reservations. Seating begins one hour before the show.
https://www.facebook.com/HamburgerMarysStPete/?fref=nf
http://www.hamburgermarys.com/stpete/
Ph (727) 851-9386
Address: 2901 Tyrone Boulevard
