Hamburger Mary flipped her first burger in 1972 in San Francisco’s SOMA district, establishing the original location as an "open-air bar and grille for open-minded people." That's still the idea today, though the concept now refers to a dozen Hamburger Mary's bar-and-grilles scattered from Long Beach to Berlin. Diners at every location are treated to a distinctively quirky atmosphere, where tables are set with mismatched dinnerware and walls are hung with fun artwork and colorful antiques.

The burgers are what steal the show, though. Half-pound Angus patties come in unique variations like the Buffy the Burger Slayer—with a red-wine reduction and garlic aioli—that don't shrivel up if pierced with a wooden stake. Most locations are open late, so stick around after dinner for MaryOke, weekend DJs, and drag shows, all of which stay true to the brand's LGBT-friendly heart.