Ghost Pepper drag
Photograph: Courtesy Ghost Pepper Taco and Tequila Bar

The best drag brunch and shows in Boston

These spots serve with a side of glam

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With dazzling makeup, enviable contouring and all of the glamor you could ever desire, Boston’s drag queens and kings are always ready to put on a performance. They’ll strut their stuff, lipsync and add comic relief to any outing—whether it’s during a casual brunch with the girls or an evening out on the town. These drag shows and drag brunches around Boston hit the spot for fabulous entertainment to accompany some sips and snacks. For other shows without heels or feather boas, check out the best comedy clubs in Boston—and be sure to scope out the best brunch in Boston and the best breakfast in Boston the morning after.

RECOMMENDED: Guide to the best restaurants in Boston

Top drag brunches in Boston

  • Bay Village
  • price 3 of 4

Say “drag” in Boston, and Jacque’s Cabaret is usually the first place that will come to mind. What’s your pleasure—Drag Karaoke, Drag on Broadway, RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties, Drag Comedy open mic? This longtime institution has it all (that is, except for brunch), and beauties like Destiny, Dee Dee de Ray, Crystal Crawford and Amanda Playwith will all have your attention.

  • Seafood
  • Back Bay

This local seafood institution may be most known for its celebrated lobster roll and crispy fish and chipsbut come the weekend, its drag show programming steals the spotlight. At both its Back Bay and Cambridge locations, Summer Shack has a calendar crammed with Saturday and Sunday drag brunches. This place goes all out with themes (there's everything from Disney villains to Grease to Beyoncé) and many of its dates offer two separate seatings to choose from (11am for the early-risers and 2pm for the sleepyheads). Purchase tickets online.

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  • Back Bay
  • price 2 of 4

One of Boston’s most beloved LGBTQ+ clubs, Club Café is a gay-friendly cabaret/piano bar/dance club/classy New American bistro. So it’s no shock that this hot spot, located on the edge of the South End, is popular for its drag performances. Every Monday at 7-10pm, the club hosts Drag Bingo with Mizery and special guests (think cocktails, prizes and amazing performances with no cover charge). A couple of Sundays every month, this spot also holds an epic drag brunch—to find more information about the exact dates and to purchase tickets, consult Club Café events calendar.

  • Cocktail bars
  • Beacon Hill
  • price 2 of 4

This pseudo-speakeasy may try to recreate the ambiance of Prohibition's underground drinking history, there's nothing secret about its stellar drag brunch. Carrie Nation's weekly Drag Me to Brunch series is held every Sunday at this 1920s-inspired Beacon Hill cocktail lounge. Hosted by Destiny Boston and Dee Dee de Ray, and featuring a rotation of additional performers, this is one of the OGs of Boston’s drag brunch scene. Brunch is served buffet style, and there are photo ops aprés-show with the performers.

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This quirky spot in Salem transforms into fabulousness on Sundays for its Diamond’s Dine-In Drag Brunch. More of a super late lunch (it runs from 2pm to 5pm), this weekly event is hosted by local lovely Miz Diamond Wigfall and frequently features special guests (hello, local drag king Dick Kayin and Buster Pants). Sip some mimosas and get ready for an afternoon of performances and games!!

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Nestled right in the action of historic downtown Salem, this hip, industrial-style bistro not only serves up snacks, mains and creative cocktails, but also a generous portion of glam during their occasional Sunday drag shows. Mizery hits the stage with her crew by her side, while you and your friends throw back some drinks and order fun brunch items from the kitchen (get the Fruity Pebbles French Toast). Keep an eye on The Derby's Insta to see when the next event is going downand be sure to land a reservation fast because it does sell out almost immediately!

  • Italian

At first glance, this intimate restaurant in Reading Center is simply a suburban go-to for enjoying Italian fare. But a couple of times each month, Venetian Moon amps up the big city vibe and turns into a raucous show of gorgeous queens winding their way table-side. STRUT! is hosted by Dee Dee de Ray and Destiny, with doors opening at 6pm and the two-hour show starting at 8pm. This recurring event is strictly 21+, and you must purchase tickets online ahead of time.

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