Best Spots for Drag Brunch in NOLA
Food is such an important aspect of New Orleans' culture, especially when going out for jazz brunches or even a drag brunch. New Orleans is a diverse and welcoming city, which is why there are so many bars, restaurants, parades, and events that celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community.
Since food culture is so prominent in New Orleans, drag brunches have become a very popular activity here. Enjoy a delicious meal and watch drag queens and kings do their thing. This curated list of nine drag brunch spots in New Orleans is here to tell you all about what to expect and look forward to.
1. Virgin Hotels: New Orleans
550 Baronne St., (504) 603-8000, virginhotels.com/new-orleans
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is a four-star hotel located in the Warehouse District. The hotel has many special offers, including receiving a night free, complimentary valet parking, opportunities to save up to 20% on your stays, and fine dining.
The Commons Club, a perfect spot for brunch and dinner, and The Pool Club, their rooftop bar, are two great places to hangout at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans. There is also always great entertainment happening, including their drag brunches. They host special drag and burlesque brunches, so make sure to check out when these events are happening.
2. Marigny Brasserie
640 Frenchmen St., (504) 945-4473, marignybrasserie.com
A French Quarter hotspot, the Marigny Brasserie is known for its traditional New Orleans Cajun and Creole cuisine, live music, speciality cocktails, and drag brunches. Their menu includes many quintessential Louisiana foods like po-boys, red beans and rice, and jambalaya.
Check out some of the upcoming drag brunch events that are happening there. Reservations are recommended to ensure a spot at these shows.
3. Artisan Bar & Cafe
2514 St. Claude Ave., (504) 510-4340, artisanbarneworleans.com
Another fantastic spot if you are looking for traditional Louisiana cuisine, the Artisan Bar & Cafe has a large menu filled with Creole favorites, including crawfish eggrolls, fried pickles, meat pies, and, of course, fried catfish and shrimp. They also have a large cocktail menu, featuring fresh-squeezed margaritas.
Not only do they serve delicious food, they also have many events, including their drag brunches. Check out their Mama Honey's Drag Brunch with Vanessa Carr, which takes place on the first and third Saturday of the month.
4. Barrilleaux's Restaurant & Wine Bar
2000 Burgundy St., (504) 608-6390, barrilleauxs.com
Barrilleaux's Restaurant & Wine Bar does it all. From hosting private parties to catering events to drag brunches, the possibilities at Barrilleaux's are endless.
Their drag brunches are hosted on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the doors opening at 10:30 a.m. Drag queens from all over New Orleans and the Southeast come together to give you a show at these popular drag brunches. Sip on bottomless mimosas for $25 while enjoying the show. Make reservations to guarantee a spot.
5. The Country Club
634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com
The Country Club in the Bywater is the perfect brunch stop if you are looking to eat good food, sip on handcrafted cocktails, check out the pool and outdoor cabana, and, of course, watch their drag shows. The Country Club hosts drag brunches every Saturday and Sunday.
Because their drag events are so popular, recommendations are highly recommend. Don't be surprised if you have to book a drag brunch months in advance. Reservations can be made on OpenTable for 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. showtimes.
6. The Tasting Room
1906 Magazine St., (504) 766-6390, ttrneworleans.com
Located in the Lower Garden District, this wine and cocktail bar has so much to offer. The Tasting Room offers a variety of cheese boards, small plates, and desserts, with many weekly specials and happy hour options.
They host brunches on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3 p.m., but they also host drag and burlesque brunches. Indulge in their bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys while watching the show. Make reservations for some of the upcoming drag brunches.
7. Saint John
1117 Decatur St., (504) 581-8120, saintjohnnola.com
Saint John is known for its "Haute Creole cuisine," which dates back to 18th century New Orleans. Eric Cook, executive chef and owner, is a New Orleans native who knows the importance of Creole cuisine. The menu combines flavors from the many cultures that we have here in New Orleans, including Italian, French, African, Caribbean, German, and Spanish.
Some items from the brunch menu include a breakfast po-boy, catfish Amandine, oysters Saint John, and many other Southern favorites. Saint John hosts Sunday drag brunches, the perfect way to chow down on Louisiana's Creole cuisine and watch drag queens perform.
8. Mag's 940
940 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 948-1888, facebook.com/Mags940BarNOLA
Mag's 940, a gay bar in the Marigny, is known for its live performances, including drag shows and male revues. This is an interesting bar because it is also a bed and breakfast location.
Although they host many drag shows, they also have some upcoming drag brunches, including a drag brunch experience by Diva Royale every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Diva Royale is a group of five queens and one king that dress up as celebrities, including Madonna, Dolly Parton, Celine Dion, Nicki Minaj, and many more. This special group's show is just around the corner, so buy your tickets now.
9. Meril
424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, bemeril.com
Meril is owned and operated by Chef Emeril Lagasse. Named after his daughter, this restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with a global influential touch.
This year, Meril will be doing a three-course drag brunch on April 20, June 15, and August 17. Drag queens Lexis Redd D'Ville and Ivy will be the hosting the event. Bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary's will be included in the ticket, as well as the food. Tickets can be purchased on the restaurant's website.
