Getting to the Best Drag Shows and Brunches in Philadelphia

By A. Melissa Martens1Melissa Martens ·

Bob and Barbra's hosts the best drag show in town every Thursday night. Taken by A. Designed by Ricketts for Philadelphia Tourism

It's no surprise that Philadelphia's drag scene is so thriving, given the city's former advertising slogan, "Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay." There is an abundance of drag shows, bingo halls, and cabarets throughout the city where you can see and mingle with your favorite royalty. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of some of the best shows and most well-known theaters in the area.

The Gals With Beards

Several Different Places

Bearded Ladies are revolutionizing cabaret by fusing different art forms. Despite the pandemic, the band persevered, and in the fall of 2021 they embarked on a tour in which they performed at various truck stops while driving around in their Beardmobile. This musical variety show takes on the sensitive topic of gender and identity politics through the mediums of drag, props, and theater. See if they have any upcoming events on their calendar.

House of Bob and Barbara

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19146, 1509 South Street

Bob and Barbara's hosts two shows each Thursday, maintaining the tradition of Philadelphia's longest running drag show and the 2021 winner of Best Drag Show in the city. You'll want to return week after week to see Miss Lisa Lisa and her vivacious troupe of performers, who always get the crowd up and moving with dancing and singing. You can call ahead and reserve a few tables, or just show up and take advantage of the many open seats and standing room at the bar.

Queen of the Stage

In Philadelphia, at 312 Market Street

The five queens and one king of Diva Royale put on a show you won't want to miss on Friday and Saturday nights at the Drag Queen Dinner Show and on Sundays at the Diva Brunch. The guest hosts who impersonate famous people like Dolly Parton, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, and many more will delight fans of nostalgia and great impersonation. Your tickets are available here, and we hope you'll join us for this exciting event, which is ideal for both planned and unplanned get-togethers.

Fabrika

Eleven Hundred Eight Frankford Avenue, Fishtown

Fabrika, the winner of our 2020 Best of Philly award for best spot for dinner and a show, is where you should go if you want to enjoy yourself while you eat and be entertained. Entertainment in the form of burlesque dancers, musicians, and more can be found in a building that was once used to produce ice cream machines. In addition to the dinner show, Eric Jaffe puts on a fabulous drag brunch every Sunday. View our menu online.

Frankie Bradley's

We are located at 1320 Chancellor St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Franky Bradley's, which has been around since the 1930s, features a wide variety of entertainment, from burlesque to live music to drag shows. You'll have a great time at this restaurant and bar because of the unique decor and menus, which include items like Franky's Punch and Short Rib Fries. To see a schedule of upcoming performances and reserve seats, please visit this page.

Cracker Cabaret with Martha Graham

The Use of Several Different Places

As a staple of our must-see acts, Martha Graham Cracker needs no introduction. We first wrote about her in 2014, and we're featuring her again in 2018 because she's still putting on a show that we know you'll enjoy. Everything from original songs to cover versions to stand-up comedy to dance routines to, of course, a headline band will keep you laughing and tapping your feet. Visit the Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret's Facebook page to learn about upcoming performances.

The Philly Drag Mafia1

Several Different Places

The Drag Mafia, led by Philadelphia's very own Brittany Lynn and performing all over the city and its suburbs, has been around for over 20 years. There are a variety of venues, from casinos to breweries, where you can catch the performance. Drag queen bingo, cabaret, and Quizzo are also on the schedule. View the upcoming shows here.

Philadelphia's Laugh-In

Fishtown address: 33 E. Laurel St.

Normally a comedy club, restaurant, and bar with 300 seats, every Saturday the Drag Divas cast takes over the space for their weekly drag brunch. Every episode is focused on a new and exciting topic, guaranteeing that you'll never see the same show twice. The availability of private party booths makes this a fantastic venue for birthday, bachelor/bachelorette, and other celebrations. Your ticket purchase not only gets you into the amazing show, but also an appetizer and a free mimosa or Bloody Mary to get the party started.

Tabu, The Sports Bar and Lounge

Located at 254 South Twelve Street, Philadelphia, PA

Tabu has three levels of nonstop entertainment thanks to their weekly lineup of drag shows and other events. The Ladies of Tabu host a weekly drag brunch every Saturday and Sunday, where you can see some of your favorite queens. Brunch burritos and burgers sit alongside your favorite classic cocktails as you watch world-class acts. Get your tickets now so you don't miss out on the action!

Camac Street Inn

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 243 South Camac Street

Every Wednesday night, the spectacular Broadway cabaret Gaybill features the live singing drag queen Cleo Phatra and other special guests. Make plans to stay for a full night of dancing with a rotating cast of DJs after the show. Keep an eye on the Tavern on Camac's Instagram, one of Philadelphia's oldest gay bars, for a plethora of additional shows and performances.

The Fringe of the Water

In Bensalem, at 1067 Totem Road

Water's Edge, in Bucks County, is home to a wide variety of drag shows. Drag bingo is hosted every Wednesday night by Sapphira Cristal, and is immediately followed by karaoke. There is a highly entertaining and skilled drag brunch every Saturday, complete with drink specials, delicious food, and karaoke. On Wednesdays, there is no need to purchase tickets, but in advance purchase is recommended for the Drag Brunch.