Mary's CQ

Overview

Sydney hospitality legends Kenny Graham and Jake Smyth (of Mary's, The Lansdowne, The Unicorn, P&V Wine and Liquor, Mary's Pizzeria) have taken over the historic jazz venue The Basement and begun transforming it into a live gig space, a wine bar and a new harbourside Mary's. And the first of those three has just opened.

Yep, you can now stroll on down to Circular Quay and dig into a juicy Mary's burger and fried cauliflower. Wait, what? Yep, this new Mary's has, for the first time ever, a vegan menu. Plant-based peeps, rejoice — you can now get your fill of the famed burgers and fried 'chicken'. The 'chicken' is fried cauliflower and the burgers are made with vegan patty, cheese, bun and a vegan take on Mary's sauce. As an added bonus, there's also no chance of contamination with the kitchen having its own vegan-only cool room, grills and fryers.

If you were lucky enough to head along to Mary's Newtown's one-off all-vegan collab with Shannon Martinez (of Melbourne's Smith & Daughters and Smith & Deli), you'll know that the boys do vegan well. Very well. As co-owner Smyth said in a statement, "it's fucking delicious plant based food, designed to make your carnivorous mates jealous."

Those carnivorous mates who do prefer their burgers and fried chicken the traditional Mary's way — made with juicy beef and poultry — fear not, you'll find all the meat-filled classic here, too. As well as Mary's classic loud tunes, natural wines, local beers and raucous service.

In a change of direction for the duo, though, you can also eat your burgers outdoors (in the sun) at the 30-seat Mary's Alfresco.