Hamburger Hamlet has its roots in the original Hamburger Hamlet, an upscale burger joint opened in 1950 by actor Harry Lewis and his wife, Marilyn. Much like the studio system and rampant anti-Communist paranoia of that time, however, that Hamburger Hamlet is no more. In its place is a chain of restaurants that have retained the original's commitment to quality food, A-list service, and morose Act III soliloquies. The new Hamburger Hamlet's menu, overseen by executive chef Tony Zidar, updates much of the original Ham Ham fare while expanding upon the available eats. Still on the roster are burgers with beef, turkey, or veggie patties, such as the all-American classic cheeseburger ($9.95–$10.95) or the avocado-topped Marilyn Burger ($10.50–$10.95), all served with regular, mesquite, or garlic fries. On the new menu, however, are entrees such as a pan-roasted chicken served with spinach and garlic-parmesan fries ($16.95–$17.95), a barbecue meatloaf sandwich with garlic mashed potatoes on its arm ($10.95–$11.95), and a California market salad loaded with nuts, vegetables, chicken, cranberries, and goat cheese ($13.50–$13.95). Chocolateers and fudgeistadors will hit pay dirt with Hamburger Hamlet's ultimate hot-fudge cake ($8.95–$9.95), just one of the several rich desserts offered.