Hamburger Mary's

I have been to a few gay bars in my day. When I was in college, I use to look forward to the Thursday nights that I got the chance to go to the drag show with, Mother Pearl, at University Club better known as UC to all the Gators. I can probably count the amount of times I have been there on one hand. It is hard to convince an entire group of straight people to go and hangout at a gay club, no matter what the drink specials are or how good the entertainment is. I can also understand the other side of the spectrum, that although, we were welcome there, it was more a hangout for the people of society that either bat for the other team or by chance bat for both teams.

My college boyfriend liked going there, he finally enjoyed the fact that when he went to the bar, and he got served appropriately. His drinks were always cheaper and had a heavier pour. We quickly found that out, and he quickly became the "drink bitch." It normally was my job, go flirt with the bartender, smile big and get a couple free drinks. I was always happy to send Buster off to do his job, and he agreed that every once in a blue moon he could be the one that would flirt with the bartender. He was actually pretty good at flashing the big smile, making small talk and doing his little handshake...he was a good support and a good flirt with the same sex.

Since the move out west. I have been trying to treat this town like a tourist. Go new places, meet new friends, live outside my comfort zone. Well, on this mission, I ended up meeting a friend of mine for happy hour at Hamburger Mary's. She had mentioned that they have an absolutely great happy hour menu and it is right downtown. Perfect, I can take the light rail and have cheap drinks. Seems like a perfectly good way to spend a few hours with a friend. On my way to Hamburger Mary's, I was on the phone with Werd, I asked her to look up the address. She immediately responded with "why are you headed to a gay bar? do you have something to tell me?" I laughed but didn't really understand what was going on. I responded with something like "Werd, it isn't a gay bar, I am just meeting a friend for a drink." Little did I know, I was actually headed to the district (as they call it out here) of gay bars. I preceded to hit an entire strip of gay bars. Although, I wasn't expecting it, I had an absolute blast!

My friend, knew most of the regulars having been in the bar industry for a few years. So, I got the pleasure of meeting a few new people that I seem to keep bumping into. I got hit on by one of the more attractive females I have ever seen in my life. I am use to moving on from the random cheesy lines from crazy guys, but it is a little different when you get picked up from someone of the same sex. Especially when you aren't expecting it. Call me crazy, but every time I have ever been in a gay bar, it was very clear I wasn't alone, this time I was alone and was free game for everyone and anyone. I got a chuckle out of it, as did my friend, watching me try to get out of the situation. At the end of the day it was a boost to the self-esteem and a pleasure to be in mixed company. All in all, I had a great night and would definitely go back to Hamburger Mary's.

Hamburger Mary's has the same type of drag show as UC's Mother Pearl does, however, it is only on the first Friday of every month. I'll have to make sure that I am around for the next Dream Girls show. I love living outside my comfort zone.