“Check, Please!” is WTTW11′s hit show on the Chicago restaurant scene where amateur foodies select, review, and discuss their favorite local restaurants. Thanks Danny Alba for selecting Hamburger Mary’s for the show. And thanks everyone, for rating Hamburger Mary’s 4 out of 5 forks!

Watch the full episode. See more Check Please!.

Since 2006, Hamburger Mary’s has been a popular destination in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago; serving-up great burgers, along with a fair side of camp and sass. Now Hamburger Mary’s is growing and expanding to include two Andersonville firsts: a high-definition sports bar and microbrewery… Introducing Mary’s Rec Room!

Hamburger Mary’s Owner and Head Brewer Brandon Wright has been home-brewing since 1999. As a former chemical engineer, he was sent to work in Saudi Arabia for two years. Alcohol being illegal there, Brandon started making fruit wines using fruit juice, baker’s yeast and granulated sugar – not necessarily the best ingredients, but the only ones available at the time. Eventually moving into brewing beer, Brandon found what had started out as a hobby from necessity had became a passion.

After returning to the U.S., Brandon continued to brew at home and has developed some tasty recipes. When presented with the opportunity to expand into the former TomBoy restaurant space next door, he and his twin brother and co-owner, Ashley, saw a chance to put Brandon’s passion for brewing to good work. Hamburger Mary’s will be offering different style ales like Amber and Pale Ales, along with seasonal varieties.

A central ideology to Ashley and Brandon’s business model has always been to be as environmentally responsible as a restaurant can be, and the brothers have been conscientious in choosing eco-friendly materials for the build out.  The “greenovation” features drywall made from 96% recycled content, low VOC paints, reclaimed furniture and fixtures, bamboo flooring and eco-friendly lighting.

Having a “green attitude” is nothing new to Hamburger Mary’s Chicago, which was one of the first businesses awarded a three-star certification (the highest awarded) from Eco-Andersonville.  This certification process was designed to recognize businesses striving to be as “green” and sustainable as possible.  Hamburger Mary’s has its own recycling dumpsters, uses eco-friendly to-go containers, has dual flush handles outfitted in the rest rooms, uses efficient lighting and reduced gas consumption, and emphasizes locally produced spirits and beers (and now you can’t get more local than home-brewed!).

The expansion adds a new element to the already varied events and goings-on at Hamburger Mary’s Chicago and Mary’s Attic (the upstairs bar).  In addition to providing great burgers downstairs and the nightly events upstairs in the Attic (Mary-Oke, cabaret, DJs, etc), Hamburger Mary’s wants to be the first to provide Andersonville residents and visitors an environment where one can enjoy a micro-brew, watch the game on one of the many high-definition flat-screen TVs (each with its own receiver) and chat with fellow sports lovers.  Now, the game’s on, so come on in and let’s have a beer!

Read a review at Time Out Chicago.

Hamburger Mary’s has the distinction of being the first business to be recognized with 3 stars by Eco-Andersonville!

Eco-Andersonville is “an environmental initiative that promotes and encourages sustainability– environmental, economic, and social– that enhances the unique urban character and local commercial vitality of Andersonville.”  Created by the Andersonville Development Corporation, Eco-Andersonville’s business certification program gives recognition to businesses that are making a positive environmental, economic, and social impact, and highlights those businesses to a growing number of eco-conscious consumers.

Hamburger Mary’s is proud to have been the first restaurant recognized with 3 stars (the highest rating) for our efforts to make a positive environmental impact.  Our all-natural meats are certified humane, with no growth hormones or antibiotics.  All carryout packaging is made from renewable sources, such as bagasse containers (sugar cane pulp), corn resin souffle cups and veggie starch forks. Hamburger Mary’s purchases only non-bleached, high recycled-content paper for napkins and tissue; has converted nearly all lighting to CFL and LED bulbs; recycles all glass, plastic, cardboard, paper and metal; and has developed extensive energy management procedures and policies to reduce consumption. Together with Mary’s charitable contributions (weekly charity Bingo nights, as well as partnerships with various charities), Hamburger Mary’s is committed to operating as sustainably as possible.

ABC7′s “Hungry Hound” Steve Dolinski knows good food when he sees it, and on the first Friday of every month he pays homage to Burgers and Fries. Well, what better place to go than Hamburger Mary’s in Andersonville? Check out the video and see for yourself. Then come in and sink your teeth into one of Mary’s juicy burgers!

One thing’s for sure… This ain’t your church basement bingo, Honey! With the ever-fabulous Velicity Metropolis as your host, HamBingo Mary’s is a good time for a good cause. There’s a different local charity every week. Check out the video as seen on Chicago’s popular “190 North” program.