Breakfast and a Show: Nellie’s Sports Bar Drag Brunch

Imagine chowing down on a large spread of brunch and mimosas as a drag queen does a split at your feet to Rihanna. At Nellie’s Sports Bar drag brunch, this scenario is exactly what you’ll get.

Every weekend at Nellie’s, patrons are welcomed with open arms to celebrate birthdays, marriages and even divorces, or maybe you’re just looking for a new Sunday brunch spot. Whatever the reason, attendees are treated to a brunch where pancakes and grits are the side dish and the queens are the main course.

As brunch-goers enter the premise, they are ushered to a high top and handed a mimosa or bloody mary to start the experience. But late-comers beware: anyone who shows up 10 or more minutes late (give or take a few) will be greeted at the front door with a chant of “b*tch you’re late!”

Once everyone has arrived, attendees are shown the buffet of unlimited eggs, bacon, pasta and all the brunch favorites. But following the rush of hungry people at the pancake station is when the real fun begins.

Chanel Devereaux, Nellie’s drag brunch host and main star, kicks off the show with a welcome and opening group performance by all the queens in cheerleader outfits. Then each queen takes turns on the floor, dancing in between tables and hanging off ceiling beams in acrobatic fashion as patrons shove dollar bills in their bras.

The occasional audience participation occurs to everyone’s delight, including queens twerking and dancing with those sitting closest to the open floor, but the favorite targets are usually the brave men who have accompanied their wives and girlfriends. And those celebrating a birthday, divorce or having a bachelorette party get a little something special as well.

From singing along to Beyoncé with the queens to sipping on Hawaiian Punch cocktails with your friends, Nellie’s offers a unique brunch experience unlike any other in the District.

Experience Nellie’s Drag Brunch every Saturday, Sunday and some Mondays with shows at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $41.91. For more information about Nellie’s Drag Brunch, visit their ticket page.

Nellie’s Sports Bar: 900 U St. NW, DC; 202-332-6355; www.nelliessportsbar.com