What’s a fun brunch with friends without a little entertainment? If you’re looking for an exciting way to spend a weekend morning and support Chicago’s queer performers, consider the following drag brunches for your next day out.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list of drag brunches in Chicago. If you know of more s to be included in future roundups, please email events@chisocialbutterflies.com with information.
The Baton Show Lounge
4713 N. Broadway
This Sunday brunch show is another great pick for those who come hungry for traditional breakfast dishes. The Baton Show Lounge hosts an all-you-can-eat buffet style meal and a bottomless mimosa option for brunch-goers starting at 11:30 a.m. Performances go from noon to 2:30 p.m. and reservations can be made by calling the lounge.
Dim Sum and Drag at Furama
4936 N. Broadway
Come for the drag, stay for the family-owned authentic Chinese cuisine. Highlighting AAPI performers with themes often related to Asian pop culture, Dim Sum and Drag emphasizes the intersection between queer and AAPI identities. Check out the group’s Instagram for upcoming events and themed brunches.
Drag Brunch at the Walnut Room
111 N. State St.
Every Saturday, local superstar Lucy Stoole takes the floor at Macy’s historic Walnut Room. Each performance is an homage to a different pop culture topic with shows taking place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.
Kit Kat Lounge
3700 N. Halsted St.
Kit Kat Lounge also puts on a drag brunch every Saturday and Sunday. The Northalsted restaurant and its Kit Kat Divas have been performing for the community since 2000. Reservations can be made online.
La Luna
1726 S. Racine Ave.
La Luna’s “Drag Me to Brunch” takes place every other Saturday in Pilsen. Each of the three show times—11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.—come with live music, delicious Mexican food and drink specials. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Lark Restaurant & Bar
3441 N. Halsted St.
Lark hosts drag brunch every weekend, often with fun themes that can be found on the restaurant’s events page. Reservations are encouraged because brunches can fill up quickly. Outside of weekend brunch, Lark also hosts other drag events, including drag bingo on Thursday nights.
Lips Chicago
2229 S. Michigan Ave.
Looking for a drag brunch on the Near South Side? Come by Lips on a weekend morning. The “Dragalicious Brunch,” hosted by Ruff ‘N Stuff and Shavonna Brooks, happens every Saturday, while the “Dragalicious Gospel Brunch” takes over on Sundays. There are also other drag events throughout the week if you want to visit during dinnertime. Reservations are required and can be made on their website.
The River Kitchen & Bar
2909 N. Sheffield Ave.
One of Chicago’s most popular drag brunches and among top 10 highest rated drag brunches nationwide on Yelp, this weekly Lakeview brunch is known for its stunty performances by some of Chicago’s top drag artists. Every Sunday The River puts on shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. at $59.99 per ticket, which can be purchased here.
Roscoe’s Tavern
3356 N. Halsted St.
EggsYZ—bringing together Generations X, Y and Z—is Roscoe’s weekly drag brunch playing the best of the 1990s and early 2000s. Every Saturday at noon, Korra Nation and DJ Mikey P host brunch featuring performances by special guests. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are highly encouraged and can be made on OpenTable.
Simone’s Bar
960 W. 18th St.
Every first Sunday of the month, Simone’s puts on “A Brunch of Drag” hosted by Jasmine Phoenix. Each brunch includes three performers who each do one solo number, followed by a finale group number. Brunch tickets include either a traditional brunch or a “liquid brunch” with a mimosa bundle and can be purchased here.
