There’s no denying it: we all love food. Going out to eat is one of the simplest pleasures in life (in non-pandemic times) —and yes, it’s great for hangover cures or spending time + catching up with friends and family. For those looking to take their dining experience to the next level, however, try dining while enjoying a drag show. It’s the perfect blend of music, humor, entertainment, and good food, and is a fun way to spend a day with friends. The interactive aspect is a different and unique experience, which adds even more fun to the good food. Out of this world performances really elevate the experience, complete with songs, dances, comedy, and show-stopping outfits. Bonus — you don’t even have to go far to find a great one. Check out some of our favorite drag events in Hudson County.
We based this off of our own research and awareness of events. Know of another Drag Brunch that isn’t on this list? Email us at hello@hobokengirl.com and we’ll add.
Drag Brunch at Barbès | 1300 Park Avenue, Hoboken
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The drag brunch at Barbès is what you get when you mix French and Moroccan cuisine, a cool, romantic vibe, and a drag brunch. Enjoy a lively scene at Barbès, where $2 mimosas meet mussels, omelets, and brochettes to make your stomach happy. The performances take Sunday Funday to a new level with the weekly “Drag Me To Brunch” event, which starts at 11:30 and features performances by queens Olivia Lux and Aaliyah Martinez. There are drink specials all day, and the corner bar is ready to mix up whatever your heart desires. It’s like a vacation to Marrakesh or Paris, without the airfare or the jet lag. Secure a reservation on Resy, because there’s limited availability.
Drag Brunch at Brix Restaurant + Pizza Bar | 371 South Franklin Avenue, Belleville
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Twice a month on Sundays, head over to Brix Restaurant + Pizza Bar in Belleville to attend its drag brunch!
Drag Queen Bingo at Gringo’s Tacos | 12 Coles Street, Jersey City
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Hosted by New York NightTime legend and expert ball caller Linda Simpson, Gringo’s Tacos brings glamour to your weekend with a different take on drag events — enter, drag queen bingo. With free bingo boards and plenty of prizes to be had, there will surely be no shortage of fun. The party starts at 1:00PM (though unavailable during the pandemic), but make your reservations in advance — the event is likely to fill up quickly. Gringo’s Tacos serves brunch until 3:00PM, so you can grab some tacos, tostadas, and breakfast quesadillas while you play to win. Make sure to check Gringo’s Facebook page here for upcoming events.
Headroom: Various Drag Events | 150 Bay Street, Jersey City
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Check out the Headroom website to attend various drag events whether it be trivia night or bingo, Headroom in Jersey City has a variety of events for you to choose from for a fun night out with friends!
Read More: Headroom: an LGBTQ-Owned Lounge in Jersey City
Illusions: The Drag Queen Dinner Show | Multiple Locations
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Every weekend, Illusions comes to Hoboken to put on a comedy, drag, and musical impressions show, filled with covers of songs from popular musicians, including Beyonc and Adele to Tina Turner and Whitney Houston. The talent changes weekly and guests never know which divas will be at the show. There’s both classy entertainment and raunchy comedy, and sometimes things get so out of hand that guests must be 18 or older to attend a dinner show. If breakfast is more of the vibe, Illusions does both brunch and dinner across the Manhattan area, but Hoboken gets the dinner special, which begins at 7PM and includes a three-course dinner and cocktails, though Illusions also offers options without it. Tickets start at $25, and events happen on various days throughout the year.
Drag Brunch at Six 26 |128 Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City
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Every Saturday beginning at 2PM, Six26 serves up a brunch special: the drag show. And, it has got the drink deals to support it — enjoy $3 mimosas, $15 sangria pitchers, $5 bloody Marys during this special brunch. Stop by Six26 for a delicious brunch menu with options from oyster shooters to French toast to salads and wings. The best part is, the space is a rooftop and lounge, so drag brunch takes on a whole new life during patio season.
Drag Brunch at Sony Hall | 235 W 46th Street, New York City
If you’re spending time in the Big Apple, there’s a drag brunch for you, too. Every weekend {but, sadly, not during the pandemic}, Sony Hall sells tickets ($49 for general admission or $69 for VIP) for its well-known drag brunch, presented by Voss Events. It’s jam-packed with wild performances and even includes special guests from RuPaul’s Drag Race. The party starts at 1:00PM and still leaves you a full day to spend in the city.
See More: 42 Things to Do in Hoboken + Jersey City This Weekend | May 12-18
Drag Brunch at The Vanguard | 705 Frank E Rogers Boulevard S, Harrison
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Once a month, The Vanguard hosts drag queen Harmonica Sunbeam, starting at 1:00PM, and guests can watch while enjoying the brunch menu. Food options include chicken and Belgian waffles, avocado toast, and a brunch burger. The menu is very vegetarian and vegan friendly, with a lot of animal product-free options. And, the cool venue definitely helps the vibe: The Vanguard pays homage Harrison’s industrial past and is set as a 1940s factory with three rooms – the bar, the mess hall, and a jazz cocktail lounge. It’s all exposed brick and features vintage details — the perfect setting for a drag show.
