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 door by a larger than life Mary welcoming you and tempting you with a larger than life burger.  Once inside, that saucy attitude continues.  It’s a little like being at your best and most irreverent friend’s home, where you expect nothing but the best, and are always ready for a few little surprises.

The menu includes lots of burger selections that are piled 6 inches high.  But that’s not all there is – you’ll find sandwiches, salads, steaks, fish, and a variety of other traditional bar food.  A very kid-friendly menu is also available.  If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, try the Mary Tyler S’mores.  It’s just like being back at summer camp again.  Or get a little more daring with the Deep Fried Twinkies.

A bar favorite is the super spicy Blood Mary.  I also heard raves about the margaritas.

Indoor and outdoor dining is available, and the restaurant is family friendly.

Hamburger Mary’s is located at 415 North Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs.  (You can check the map to see if there’s a Hamburger Mary’s near you.)  It is open daily for lunch and dinner, serving dinner until 9:30 on weekdays and 10 pm on weekends.  The bar is open until midnight.

As they say – Eat, Drink and be Mary!

Photo credit:  personal collection

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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 business.  And we know how hungry and thirsty shopping can make you!

Thanks to Anita for providing this matchbook.  If you’d like to share a matchbook for a future Matchbook Monday, please take a photo and email it to me along with any notes or comments you wish to make.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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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 one of the most chic bars that he’s been to, and after checking it out, I can see why.  And the hotel doesn’t look too shabby either!

Image credit:  Matt Bartosik

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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 ashes and was rebuilt — only to be destroyed by an earthquake a year later.  Still, the bar wouldn’t die, and it was resurrected a third time, only to have it burn to the ground again in 1996.

But a place like this is destined for immortality, and the current Birdhouse at Chilkoot Charlie’s (2435 Spenard Road, Anchorage) is a replica of the original.  There are still bras and panties on the walls, proudly (or drunkenly) autographed by their owners.  The floors are sawdust, the decor is strictly bar kitsch, and the place packs them in like there’s no tomorrow.

There’s beer — and lots of it — both local brews and micro lagers.  You’ll also find pickles that are hotter than hot, and boneless chicken dinners.  Be careful when you ask for that last item — it’s a hard boiled eggs.

If you’re in Anchorage, the Birdcage is a hoot and worth a stop off. 

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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 steaks and seafood, and pasta is made fresh daily.

Nathan’s is open Monday – Friday 11:30 am-11 pm, serving lunch until 3 pm, with dinner service starting at 5:30 pm.  Weekend brunch is served 10 am – mid-afternoon.  A bar menu is also available.

Dress code is business casual, although I think a little more heavily weighted toward business attire rather than casual.  I figure it’s the tourist who are there in shorts and flip flops.

Nathan’s is not my favorite stop in Georgetown.  It seems more of a boys’ club, guy-oriented place.  While I wouldn’t make it a regular hang out, it’s a fun stop for a drink, a quick bite at the bar, and some good conversation.

Do you have a matchbook to share?  I’d love to feature your contribution on a future Matchbook Monday!  Take a photo of your matchbook, and email it to me (along with any details that you might wish to add).

Photo credit: personal collection

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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 the raucous side.  I haven’t been back for quite some time, so the matchbook was a nice reminder.

La Tomate is located at 1701 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington DC (map it), at the triangular intersection of Connecticut, “R” and 20th NW.

It is open Monday – Wednesday, 11:30 am – 10:30 pm; Thursday, 11:30 am – 11 pm; Friday & Saturday, 11:30 am – 11:30 pm, and Sunday, 11:30 am – 10 pm.  Reservations are recommended.

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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 made out of ice. 

The bar must be completely reconstructed every six month, and each re-building brings with it a new theme and design.

Currently, the bar has a Disco theme, complete with a DJ corner with turntable.  (Remember what those are?)  The lighting, music and entire vibe is designed to recreate a disco nightclub.

The Icebar is open Monday – Wednesday, 3:30 pm – 11:00 pm; Thursday, 3:30 – 11.45 pm; Friday, 3:30 pm – 12:30am; Sat 12:30 pm -        12:30 am; and Sunday, 3:30 – 10:15 pm.

Reservations are not required, but strongly recommendation, especially on weekends.  Booking slots are in 40 minute increments.  You can book your reservation time slot online.

Admission is about $24 weekdays, $30 weekends, and includes the use of a thermal cape to keep your warm, a personal ice glass, and your choice of a vodka cocktail or a non-alcoholic beverage in your ice glass.  Cocktail refills are about $12, and non-alcoholic refills are about $6.

After your cocktail at the Icebar, you can warm up next door at Below Zero.  Despite it’s name, it’s a “warm” restaurant and bar, were you can have lunch, dinner, or additional cocktails.

Despite being a warm weather person, I’m strangely intrigued and drawn to these ice businesses, including Quebec’s Ice Hotel.

Photo credit:  flickr

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