The best drag brunches in Chicago

You never know who chameleon celebrity impersonator and Brunch of Drag host Jasmine Phoenix will be this time—her energetic repertoire includes Britney Spears, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez. Brunch of Drag takes place on the first Sunday of every month, and each show at this Pilsen restaurant and bar features three performers and one group number. Choose from a $38 package featuring an entree, a ready-to-drink boozy beverage and show admission, or the $28 “liquid brunch” option which gets you admission and a mimosa bundle.

Simone’s Bar, 960 W 18th St. Reserve tickets here.

Did you know that the West Loop location of BBQ spot PorkChop has a vintage-style cabaret speakeasy attached to it? And that that speakeasy hosts a regular BBQ drag brunch with “the Glittering Goddess” Ms. B LaRose, Darrington Chilton and other local performers? You do now. $35 gets you brunch, featuring hearty southern classics like fried chicken and shrimp and grits, or add an additional $15 to your ticket for bottomless mimosas.

Grand Cabaret, 1132 W Grand Ave. Reserve tickets here.

Come to Furama in Uptown on the last Saturday of every month and be treated to some delicious dumplings with your drag divas. Abhijeet hosts this celebration of Chicago’s best Asian drag performers like Aunty Chan, Angelíca Grace and Masala Sapphire, and occasional guest stars. A $35 ticket gets you an exciting show and a variety of dim sum appetizers (vegetarian options available), and two seatings are available at 11:30am and 2:30pm, respectively.

Furama, 4936 N Broadway. Reserve tickets here.

Note: Proof of vaccination and masks required for entry.

Kit Kat’s long-running Divalicious Brunch delivers a classic drag brunch experience, where you can cozy up in this Northalsted lounge’s zebra-print chairs and watch the divas do their thing. Enjoy decadent dishes like the “Big Hot Mess” chicken and biscuits or the strawberry waffle breakfast, and on-theme martinis like the “Britney Bitch” and the “My Neck, My Back...” (you know the rest). Guests have the option of a $34.95 build-your-own Bloody Marys, mimosas or bellinis package with the purchase of a food item, and the restaurant offers two show seatings at 11:15am and 1pm.

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted. Reserve online.

The incomparable Lucy Stoole hosts the legendary Chicago ladies-who-lunch spot’s drag brunch, which regularly features performances from local and national drag stars  (including veterans of the sequined gauntlet that is RuPaul’s Drag Race). In addition to the caliber of talent in the room, what sets the Walnut Room’s brunches apart is the commitment to an elaborate, pop-culture-oriented theme—recent editions have included Lizzo, Schitt’s Creek and Taylor Swift.

The Walnut Room at Macy’s, 111 N State St. Reserve tickets here.

The Sunday brunch at this “modern sports bar” features Veronica Pop and Kimberly Summer and performers dancing and bantering for a big, boisterous crowd. The $59.99 package includes food and unlimited Bloody Marys, mimosas, domestic drafts and mixed drinks—and with seatings at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, you can still enjoy brunch if you want to sleep in. 

The River Kitchen + Bar, 2909 N. Sheffield. Reserve tickets here.

Veteran queen Ruff N’ Stuff has been entertaining in Chicago for more than 20 years, working alongside icons like Jennifer Hudson and Crystal Waters. Now, every Sunday, she takes you to church with the Sisters of Sequin at this lively drag gospel brunch. $34.95 gets you a brunch classic like shrimp and grits or eggs benedict, along with bottomless champagne, mimosas or Bloody Marys, with seatings at 11:30am and 2pm.

Lips, 2229 S. Michigan. Reserve tickets here.

The drag show at this Northalsted lounge features local favorite hosts Miss Toto, Robyn Banks and a fabulous rotating cast. Both the $45 and $60 brunch packages get you delectable family-style bites from Cheesie’s, with the former including well drinks and domestic beer and the latter including premium cocktails and all beers and seltzers. Add-ons include coffee ($3) and a mimosa kit ($15), and shows are at noon and 2pm.

Splash, 3339 N. Halsted. Reserve tickets here.

Rachel Slurrz Stoole hosts the energetic brunch at this vibrant, Miami-inspired Wicker Park spot. The $55 package gets you a decadent brunch item like the shredded beef hash skillet or jumbo chicken and waffles, along with unlimited mimosas, champagne and Bud Light drafts.

Wynwood Chicago, 1560 N. Milwaukee. Reserve tickets here.