Visiting New York City means seeing attractions, eating great food and taking in some of the local culture. Drag shows can be a music performance, comedy show or the best places to grab brunch.
August 19, 2023
According to a recent episode from RuPual’s Drag Race, New York City is the best city for drag shows. Some will even consider New York the birthplace for drag and given all the options available in the city, it’s clear to see why. There are drag show performances all around the city and if you know where to go, you can see a top performance that rival a Broadway show. The best thing about drag shows is they're available in the evenings & select mornings for brunch.
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Visiting New York City means seeing attractions, eating great food and taking in some of the local culture. Drag shows can be a music performance, comedy show or the best places to grab brunch. Finding the right show to fit you takes some knowledge of the city and the show itself. Tell us your must-see attractions, favorite foods, and the number of days you’re in New York City, and our team will build a hand-crafted plan that matches your profile.
Ok ... on to the list. It's organized by drag bars & drag brunches.
Barracuda Lounge, a pioneering venue in New York City's drag scene, has been instrumental in keeping the art of drag alive. As one of the first queer establishments to offer nightly drag shows, it has become a legendary hub for both established icons and rising stars. Renowned drag performers like Jackie Beat, Sherry Vine, and Candice Cayne have graced its stage, while the current sensation Tina Burner continues to captivate audiences. Barracuda also hosts the longest running drag competition in NYC, “Star Search” hosted by Kizha Carr every Thursday. Located in Chelsea, Barracuda Lounge holds a special place in the hearts of many, having provided a platform for incredible drag talent that has made it a true gem of the city's nightlife.
Located in the lively Morningside Heights neighborhood, Suite Bar has become a cherished haven for patrons seeking an intimate and unforgettable experience. This cozy neighborhood gem is frequented by the talented queens from Hell's Kitchen after their demanding downtown gigs, creating an atmosphere brimming with joy and camaraderie. With strong drinks, sensational drag performances, and a diverse clientele that spans all walks of life, Suite Bar captivates its revelers. Don't miss the captivating shows by Pattaya Hart and Brenda Dharling on Fridays. As one of the few remaining uptown gay bars, Suite Bar's show bar ambiance, complete with a small stage at the back, exudes a delightful dive bar charm. To top it off, its connection to a restaurant allows you to satisfy those late-night cravings on your way home.
Industry, situated in the popular neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, is a renowned lounge that always delivers an extraordinary drag experience. Every Thursday, "Queen" takes the stage, featuring the wildest and most talented queens in the industry, captivating a posh crowd of LGBTQ+ patrons. With a diverse lineup of fabulous queens performing nightly, each showcasing their own unique style, Industry guarantees an unforgettable night of entertainment. The venue's grand scale and energetic atmosphere create an immersive experience that blurs the line between a bar and a club.
Located in Hell's Kitchen, Pieces is a vibrant drag hotspot that has become a staple in the LGBTQ+ scene. With its glittering performances and electric atmosphere, this iconic venue, owned by Eric Einstein and Justin Buchanan, has solidified Hell's Kitchen as a thriving post-Chelsea gay mecca. Experience the legendary "Shequida Show" on Thursdays and the lively "Skinny Brunch" on Sundays, featuring Jasmine Rice Labeija and Brita Filter. With a rotating lineup of drag events hosted by renowned performers like Shuga Cain (Thursdays) and Tina Burner (Saturdays), Pieces offers an unforgettable drag experience in the heart of Hell's Kitchen.
3 Dollar Bill, Brooklyn's largest LGBTQ+ venue in East Williamsburg, is a vibrant hub for drag-centric events. From open stages showcasing up-and-coming talent to thrilling Drag Race watch parties and dynamic lip sync battles, there's always something exciting happening. Enjoy performances by visiting Drag Race royalty, indulge in movie spoofs and diva-centric tributes. With its lively atmosphere and diverse lineup of shows, 3 Dollar Bill offers an unforgettable experience at the heart of Brooklyn.
Located on Christopher Street, Pieces is a vibrant drag haven that has been celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. Owned by drag bar legends Eric Einstein and Justin Buchanan, who are also associated with Hardware and Playhouse, Pieces offers daily shows and parties that showcase the power of drag. With the occasional double bill on the same night, this colorful venue attracts notable guests like Jennifer Laurence and Adele, who even participated in a drinking game. The lineup of hosts and cast members is equally impressive, featuring NYC drag icon Shequida, known for hosting the Monday night "Drag Wars" competition, and Drag Race's own Yuhua Hamasaki, who hosts the Friday night "Trading Spaces" event.
Lucky Cheng's is a legendary establishment in the New York drag and dine scene, renowned for its dazzling divas and immersive experiences. At this iconic palace of drag, guests can indulge in a bottomless brunch throughout the weekend. On Saturdays at 2pm, "The Shady Bunch" presents a delightfully NSFW show inspired by weekend cartoons, while Sundays feature the lively "Crazy Boozy Brunch" at noon and 3pm. For a ticket price of $45, patrons can enjoy unlimited mimosas and a delectable brunch entree. Join Lucky Cheng's for an unforgettable drag brunch experience filled with fabulous performances, great food and strong drinks to wash it down with.
The Standard Grill, located beneath The High Line and at the bottom of The Standard Hotel, sets the stage for an unforgettable drag brunch experience that lasts all weekend. Saturdays come alive with the Snatched Weekend Brunch, featuring the dynamic performances of Nicky Ottav & Co. as they dance their way through the Meatpacking bistro. On Sundays, Essa Noche & Co. take the stage for the Body Beautiful Brunch. Guests can reserve their spot via Resy and indulge in a delectable selection of American brunch classics such as The Standard Burger and the Million Dollar Chicken, accompanied by a variety of cocktails.
LIPS, the beloved drag dining destination, invites you to indulge in their unforgettable Broadway Brunch experience. Celebrating over 25 years of dazzling performances, this iconic drag brunch is a must for those obsessed with all things diva and show tunes. Immerse yourself in the magic of Broadway as you enjoy a delightful array of brunch delicacies and endless cocktails. Sing along to your favorite show tunes, join in the infectious energy, and let the talented queens take you on a captivating journey through the world of Broadway. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot.
Fresco's Cantina is the place to be on Sundays for an exhilarating drag brunch experience known as "Menage a brunch." This vibrant Mexican restaurant in Astoria, Queens serves up a delightful combination of delicious cuisine and captivating performances. Indulge in guacamole, flavorful tacos, and refreshing mocktails if you prefer a non-alcoholic option. For just $34, guests can enjoy a carafe of sangria or mimosas, savor a delectable entree, and be entertained by an incredible drag show. Fresco’s is also one of the only venues on this list to host Drag King and sapphic focused brunches, these Saturday shows sell-out quickly so keep an eye out for announcements.
Stella 34 Trattoria, located at Macy's Herald Square, offers a unique and family-friendly drag brunch experience. Gather the whole family and immerse yourselves in the captivating world of drag with their elaborate themed brunches. From Taylor Swift to Selena, Madonna to Dolly Parton, each week brings a new and exciting show to enjoy. Indulge in the flavors of Italy as you savor the delicious Italian menu, with dishes like baked ziti perfectly complementing the entertaining performances.
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