Burger fiends of Melbourne, the wait is finally over. Legendary Sydney crew Mary's has today, Monday, January 20, opened the doors to its first permanent local venture, located on Franklin Street in the CBD.
With four Sydney outposts under their belts, co-owners Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham have brought their American-style burgers, decadent fried chicken and general loose vibes down south. And, unlike their one-day kitchen takeover at Leonard's House of Love and two-month kitchen residency at cocktail bar Fancy Free, this time, it's a permanent fixture.
The CBD venue is Mary's biggest yet, boasting space for 140 punters, a cosy mezzanine level and — perched dramatically from the roof — a supersized, custom wrought-iron chandelier, hung with over 24,000 dead rose stems. You'll find the cavernous space tucked down a laneway, marked simply by a glowing red light.
RC Stills
The brand's grungy, rock 'n' roll attitude is alive and well here, as is that penchant for unapologetically big-flavoured fare and top-notch vino. The menu showcases familiar favourites like the signature Mary's burger, the fried chook and the much-loved mash and gravy, alongside a handful of site-specific creations solely for the Melbourne crowd. In especially happy news for herbivores, a full vegan offering is also being dished up, mirroring the smash-hit plant-based lineup that debuted at Mary's Circular Quay outpost last May.
True to form, there's plenty of love here for excellent wine, with a 100-strong list by much-lauded Mary's wine director Caitlyn Rees. Expect a lineup that's a little bit left-of-centre and very fun, shining a spotlight on the industry's young guns and emerging winemakers.
RC Stills
And, as is custom with a Mary's venue, there's a high-octane soundtrack to help bring it all to life.
Find Mary's Melbourne at 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne. It's open from 4pm–1am Monday–Thursday and 12pm–1am Friday–Sunday.
Images: RC Stills