Performers entertain at the new Hamburger Mary’s on Pine Ave. Photos by Hannah Maynard.
After the many gay establishments that have occupied the building at Broadway and Alamitos over the years, it can officially wave goodbye to its longest held tenants as Hamburger Mary’s will officially open its new Downtown doors to the public on Monday, December 9.
The Mary’s crew held a special preview of their new space on Wednesday, showing off a new location that is quite the opposite of their previous one. What was once a Mary’s strewn with bright lights, mirrors, bright red booths and a lot of purples. Downtown’s Mary’s, however, opts for granite, wood floors and elaborate railings that harkens to the essence of the space’s original conception as a jazz club.
This isn’t to say that it lacks the campy style that is the Mary’s chain: their iconic heels in which they present customers their receipts and, of course, a giant disco ball that sits at the center of the space.
“I am so thrilled to share our new home on Pine,” said Long Beach staple drag performer Jewels. “The amazing sound and lighting design provides a stellar performance space and stunning visuals… After producing shows for the last 13 years in our present location, I am ready for change. Onward, upward, and fabulous—finally a venue fit for a queen!”
The move also harkens a new era in Downtown Long Beach as it brings a gay-centric crowd to Pine Ave. for the first time.
“I believe that it’s the right time and location for Mary’s—we are now part of the heart of the city,” said owner Dale Warner. “The goal of Mary’s always remains the same: to provide a warm welcoming environment where people from all walks of life can come together. To eat drink and be ‘Mary.'”
At Monday’s official opening, the public is encouraged to do just that when Margarita Mondays takes over and the Mary’s staple drag show will be entirely dedicated to the La Diva de la Playa Larga, Jenni Rivera.
“I believe everyone Downtown is going to be happy and proud to call Mary’s their new home,” Warner said. “A new, large, upscale venue with endless available parking has been long needed in our community. And once we get the parklet built out front, I believe we will be the go-to spot on Pine.”
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