Calling itself an “open-air bar and grille for open minded people,” Hamburger Mary’s delivers good food and a fun atmosphere.
Part of a 14-store national franchise, Hamburger Mary’s opened in San Francisco in 1972.  It opened as a family oriented, affordably priced, restaurant and bar that target the gay and lesbian community and their families, along with those friendly to that population.  As the chain has expanded it has refined its concept with a focus on fresh food, home-style meals, that are prepared and presented in a fun atmosphere.
At the Palm Springs Hamburger Mary’s location, you’ll be greeted outside the …read more

There’s nothing like combining a little shopping with traveling, and today’s Matchbook Monday comes from Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe where you can do just that.
Tommy Bahama is known for its casual and comfortable leisure wear – pretty much all things tropical.  It’s island fabrics and styles for those of us who may only envy or visit the island lifestyle.
Many of the shops have added cafes where they feature island flavors and selections.  It’s a perfect spot to leave the non-shopper to sip a tropical drink and nosh on some appetizers, while the shoppers in the group take care of …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from Matt at The Chicago Traveler.
It’s from The Rooftop Bar at the Standard Hotel in downtown Los Angeles (550 South Flower at Sixth Street).
In addition to its sweeping views of the city, the Rooftop has a heated swimming pool, a dance floor, outdoor fireplace, vibrating waterbed pods, and a grassy knoll with sculptured topiary.  DJ’s play music nightly, and there are lots of special events.  Sounds like a great place a drink with friends.
Lunch, dinner, and a bar menu are offered noon – midnight, and bar service extends to 1:30 am.
Matt claims that this is …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from best pal Anita who, while visiting extended family members in Anchorage, Alaska, picked up a few matchbooks for me.
This one is from The Birdhouse Bar located at Chilkoot Charlie’s.
The Birdhouse has a rather colorful history, some of which should probably be taken with a large grain of salt.
Originally located on the Seward Highway, it had an esteemed reputation with the “working women” of the area.  The girls would autograph their undergarments, and tack them up on the wall.  Those walls could tell some tales!
The Birdhouse was destroyed in a fire, but rose from the …read more

Today’s Matchbook comes from Nathan’s in Georgetown (3150 M Street, Washington DC).
Occupying prime real estate at the corner of Wisconsin & M Streets, Nathan’s fashions itself as a neighborhood saloon.  The bar has dark walls with lots of wood and brass, and when I’ve been there, there has always been a sporting event on the television.
The restaurant has wood paneled walls, red leather banquettes, and black and white photographs on the wall.  It’s rumored as a favorite haunt of several recognizable DC figures, although I’ve never seen any — or haven’t recognized anyone.
The menu covers typical American fare, with …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from La Tomate, a family owned Italian bistro in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington DC.
A friend sent me this matchbook and reminded me of many an evening we had spent there with a bottle of wine and a lively conversation.  I’m not sure that we ever had a meal there; we’d mostly stop in for a little music, conversation, and the people watching that the neighborhood is known for.
The restaurant and bar was always busy, whether from it’s location, reputation, or food, I’m not certain, and at times it could be a bit on …read more

Most of the time we go inside to get out of the cold, but at the Absolut Icebar London you step indoors to find a room at a balmy -5 degrees.  Yes, you heard that right, the temp at this bar is well below zero.
The Icebar is located in the heart of Mayfair in London (31-33 Heddon Street), a 5 minutes walk from either the Piccadilly Circus or Oxford tube station. The bar is a permanent business, made out of crystal clear ice from the Torne River in Sweden, and has walls, bar, tables, and even personal beverage glasses …read more