Basically a city-wide pastime on weekend afternoons, New York City brunch is almost a competitive sport when it comes to which places are serving what food and at what prices.
And then the real, kicker: where can you get that coveted unlimited cocktail brunch deal?
But beyond the food, many venues have begun to add an element to their brunches that's not just fun, it's becoming a NYC sensation: live drag queen entertainment.
In addition to your mimosa, these queens will have you staring, singing and sashaying all throughout the afternoon.
Here are some of the best of what NYC has to offer when it comes to drag brunches.
1. Señor Frog's (11 Times Square)
Now, we wouldn't tell you to venture into Times Square unless it was for a REALLY good reason. And in this case, we can make an exception. Voss Events throws their massive Froggy Style Brunch every Sunday, with two seatings and shows at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by a court of drag queen royalty, Shequida, Bootsie LeFaris, Ebonee Excell, Jada Valenciaga and Sugga Pie Koko, Señor Frogs is the epitome of what drag brunch in NYC has come to be. The $40 all-inclusive brunch serves up colorful cocktails that any size queen would simply, well, gag over.
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With a revolving roster of guests, this brunch attracts some of the biggest and best known queens from around the country, including a number of stars from Logo's RuPaul's Drag Race. Past performers have included Season 7 winner Violet Chachki, Derrick Barry, Detox, Shangela and Kim Chi.
2. Rosé BBQ Brunch at OUT Hotel (510 West 42nd Street)
Okay, so this isn't a drag brunch, but it's absolutely wonderful because of the host, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's Tituss Burgess!
On June 18th, from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., you can enjoy an incredible outdoor bottomless Rosé brunch and BBQ on the Great Lawn of the OUT Hotel. Everything's coming up Rosé with Tituss and DJ Scotty Rox on the Great Lawn.
Tituss just launched his own wine brand, Pinot By T. Burgess, and the bottomless Rosé brunch is going to be absolutely delicious. Tickets are $49 and include wine pairings and access to the indoor solarium and hot tubs. Get your tickets here!
3. La Pulperia (371 West 46th Street)
Hell's Kitchen has become the mecca of the NYC gay scene over the last decade, so it's no surprise that some of the city's best performers, and food, are found right in that West Side sect. And when it comes to a full package for a drag brunch, there are few places who serve up more than La Pulperia.
Drag Me To Brunch, hosted by the fabulous and hysterical Brita Filter, gives you everything you want for a live drag brunch: amazing talent, unlimited drinks and really, really good food. What the venue lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its innovative and lip-smacking Latin fusion brunch plates.
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There are two seatings at 12 noon and 2 p.m., and at each one Brita delivers a show like only she can, from voguing down through the table aisles to pulling people up for games to try and nab them some free liquor. Vamos a La Pulperia!
4. The West End (955 West End Avenue)
Taking you uptown and out the midtown madness comes the debut of the Upper West Side's only drag brunch, Unbalanced Breakfast hosted by the drag duo of Bella Noche and Mimi Carey.
The venue's back cabaret room is the perfect setting to come and cozy up with friends, and some unlimited cocktails.
The brunch's Red Carpet debut premiered last Sunday to scores of applause for the queens and their vibrant guest, Chaka Khanvict. Offering $20 unlimited Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Bellinis and house beer, the food also won't disappoint with options like a Breakfast Flatbread Pizza or a warm Belgian Waffle.
The uptown brunch will be switching up its themes each week, giving you a brand new show each Sunday you show up, not to mention a new special guest at each one. With games and a few surprises along the way, there's no telling what to expect at this new and notable way to spend your Sunday.
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5. Lips (227 East 56th Street)
Hands down one of the most show-stopping drag brunch experiences to be found in NYC, Lips is a legendary Vegas-style drag cabaret that has been around for more than two decades. But the queens here don't only do the shows on stage; they double as your servers too. Talk about a working girl!
Although mostly known for their dazzling dinner shows, Lips proudly serves up a Sunday Broadway Brunch, hosted by the marvelous theater queen Ginger Snapt, along with a slew of Broadway performances that will have you on your feet cheering for an encore.
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The Moulin Rogue-esque venue holds a considerable amount of people, and can play host to up to 250 guests at a time. Whether you want to go have a fun brunch for two or want to celebrate an occasion with the whole troupe, Lips is definitely a brunch spot that is anything but run-of-the-mill.
6. KTCHN (508 West 42nd Street)
Although it's on 42nd Street, KTCHN is a safe distance away from the insanity Times Square can bring, nestled on a quiet block between 9th and 10th Avenues. But their weekly brunch, Haus of Mimosa, still carries the same caliber as if it were stuck right in the middle of it all.
Hosted by the incomparable Gina Marie Rittale and Anita Buffen, this brunch will have you busting your sides open, and not just from all the delicious food the masterful chefs at KTCHN whip up, such as their Thick Cut French Toast or their extra rich Cheddar Bacon omelette. And, of course, the Mimosas.
Haus of Mimosa has picked up several accolades, such as Best Drag Brunch Performers from Odyssey Magazine and was listed as one of the Top 5 Things to Experience in NYC by The NY Daily News. If you want to go see these girls go all out, we definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
7. La Carbonara (202 West 14th Street)
One of the longest standing drag brunches in NYC, the Electro Brunch at La Carbonara has had a number of queens host it over time, all to rave reviews on both the entertainment and the food. Held Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., it's a beloved neighborhood staple that's extra popular during Pride month.
Most recently taking the helm is drag darling Lola Michele-Kiki, whose high energy and infectious charm are the perfect pairing to a Chelsea brunch. In addition to Lola's expertly executed numbers, the venue serves up brunch classics like Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict or sweet Blueberry Pancakes.
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And we haven't forgotten about the drinks! $25 a person will get you 90 minutes of unlimited champagne, Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers or Mimosas. So whether you're looking to fill your stomach with some Italian comfort food or want more than just an average brunch, Electro gives you that zap.
8. Interface (140 West 30th Street)
A special annual drag brunch held just for NYC Gay Pride, the gorgeous and witty CoCo De'Ball is back to start your Pride weekend off right with her Serving Face brunch, packed with lots of alcohol, great food and tons of funny but loving (and sometimes not-so-loving) shade.
Held in the heart of Chelsea, this all-inclusive brunch became so popular that tickets now need to be purchased beforehand to get in. After that, the only cash you'll need to have on you is what to tip the drag queen. Trust me, you don't want her reading you to filth.
This riotous brunch will also feature the spinnings of DJ Mikey Mo, a heavy hitter in the NYC gay bar and club scene. The vibe is very neighborhood-oriented, bringing out many of the Chelsea locals and community friends alike. It's sure to be a Pride weekend kick off like none other.
Check Out Where & When to Catch All of the Pride Parades & Festivals This Month in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy TheSingleGourmet.net]