Since Dec. 18, 2016, Hamburger Mary’s has been serving burgers, mimosas and bodacious Milwaukee drag at 730 S. 5th St. But all good things must come to an end.
Earlier today, the restaurant’s Facebook page announced the Walker’s Point location will close on Sunday, July 28, following the sale of the complex.
In 2023, Hamburger Mary’s closed the Beercade side of the business as well as the Arcade Bar – later known as Hunty’s Social Club – and put the building up for sale. Recently, a buyer stepped forward to purchase not only the corner unit, but the entire complex. According to owners Brandon and Ashley Wright, “It was an offer we couldn’t refuse.”
The Wrights are optimistic this is less of a “closing” and more of a “we’ll be back soon.” After nearly five years at their original Bay View address, Hamburger Mary’s closed temporarily in 2016 before reopening in Walker’s Point. (The long-running Chicago location, however, closed permanently in November 2020 after 14 years in Andersonville.)
Hamburger Mary’s has a long and colorful history, dating back to San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, where the original location opened in April 1972. After July 28, there will be 10 locations remaining in the United States, including West Hollywood, Ontario, Long Beach, Denver, Jacksonville, Orlando, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Toledo and Dallas.
While Hamburger Mary’s searches for a new home, customers are encouraged to follow the business on Instagram and Facebook for updates. Reservations through July 28 can be made at the Hamburger Mary’s website.
“Until then, remember to eat, drink, and BE MARY!”
Growing up in a time of great Downtown reinvention, Michail Takach became fascinated with Milwaukee’s urban culture, landmarks and neighborhoods at a young age. He’s been chasing ghosts ever since. Michail, a lifelong Milwaukeean, dreaGrowing up in a time of great Downtown reinvention, Michail Takach became fascinated with Milwaukee’s urban culture, landmarks and neighborhoods at a young age. He’s been chasing ghosts ever since. Michail, a lifelong Milwaukeean, dreams of the day when time travel will be possible as he’s always felt born too late. Fearlessly exploring forbidden spaces and obsessively recording shameless stories, Michail brings local color to the often colorless topic of local history. As an author, archivist and communications professional, Michail works with community organizations (including Milwaukee Pride and Historic Milwaukee) to broaden the scope of historical appreciation beyond the “same old, same old.”
