The menu remains true to Marilyn's original commitment to quality and great tasting food. Featuring a wide selection of hamburgers, fresh fish and steaks as well as the famed Lobster Bisque and, of course, refreshing cocktails from the lounge.

We've expanded to meet current tastes with a great turkey burger, delicious Asian pot-stickers, our award winning meat loaf, low calorie and health foods and taste-tempting desserts.

But perhaps the most important thing about Hamburger Hamlet is the thing that has changed the least. Our great customers. An always interesting and eclectic mix of customers from celebrities to politicians, young, old, couples, families and friends. Anyone looking for a relaxed yet elegant getaway, with good food, good service and reasonable prices will love Hamburger Hamlet.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Hamlet soon...and making you part of our next 50 years of success.

Then
In 1948 a young woman named Marilyn left her home in Cleveland, Ohio, and headed to Los Angeles to be a dress designer. This being LA, she soon met a young contract actor in Hollywood. On their first date, Harry Lewis shared his two main goals in life-to become a famous actor and play Hamlet and to operate his own restaurant.

Four months later (they were still dating, showing that Hollywood relationships lasted much longer in those days), she spotted a small building for lease on the Sunset strip and knew it was the perfect place for a restaurant. Before Harry had a chance to say "To lease or not to lease" Marilyn had done the deal and in October 1950 the first Hamburger Hamlet opened.

The restaurant was an immediate success with a packed dining room every night of the week and a city-wide reputation for offering "marvelous food and drink". It quickly became a hang-out for the stars when they wanted great food and a refreshing cocktail in a relaxed setting, and was frequently mentioned in the celebrity gossip columns (some things about Hollywood never change).

Based on success and a loyal customer base, the Hamlet began to expand. Seems that offering delicious food made of quality ingredients, and serving it in stylish yet relaxed restaurants was popular all around LA...and beyond. After opening several Hamlets in Southern California, Marilyn Lewis opened the first Hamburger Hamlet in the Washington, D.C. area.