Miami is a mecca for all types of colorful, artistic expression. The city is known for its delicious food, always flowing cocktails and lively entertainment. Combine all that and you’ve got the recipe for the area’s most iconic outing: a drag show. Mostly taking place in the form of brunches, local drag shows blend burlesque skits, impressive choreography and gymnastics that could easily double as gold-medal-winning floor routines at the Olympics. The below-listed shows are in high demand, so most require reservations, sometimes weeks in advance. Also, keep in mind the price tag doesn’t include tips for your performers, so bring some dollar bills to show your appreciation!
R House
2727 NW Second Ave.
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 576-0201
R House Wynwood’s Drag Brunch keeps people coming back. Get ready for an extraordinary afternoon hosted by internationally known Athena Dion filled with electrifying and interactive performances by Miami’s best drag queens. The brunch takes place on Saturday and Sunday with showings each day at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.The cost is $55 per person and includes a selection of bottomless drinks and a family-style set menu for all guests. It has a delicious mix of sweet and savory dishes like cayenne fried chicken and cinnamon sweet French toast. Reservations are highly recommended as the show is in high demand.
Palace Bar
1052 Ocean Dr
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 531-7234
The Palace Bar and Restaurant has been an iconic staple in the South Beach scene for more than three decades. On any given weekend, tourists and Miami natives out for an afternoon stroll down Ocean Drive will notice the head-turning, costumed queens parading on the sidewalk as the animated brunch crowd cheers them on. The Palace Bar’s list of show-stopping talent includes queens Nicky Monet, TP Lords and Tiffany T. Fantasia. Named one of OpenTable’s “100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America,” Palace Bar’s drag brunch runs two shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday. And for those who aren’t ready for the weekend to end, Palace offers a Monday drag brunch that starts at noon. The show costs $50 per person and reservations are recommended.
Twist
1057 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-9478
Twist was founded in 1993 and is among the longest-running gay bars in Miami. For 28 years, the club has been known as a LGBTQ friendly and vibrant venue that features seven different bars and three dancefloors, all with their own unique aesthetic and vibe to keep the energy going all night. With two stories to bar hop and explore, the only thing you won’t find at Twist is a cover charge. The bar and club boasts a lovely cast of dancing drag queens and shows multiple nights a week. Check out Twist’s website before going for a calendar of upcoming shows featuring special guests and glamorous resident queens like Adora, Ebonee Excell and Karla Croqueta. Wednesday nights get fresh with TP Lords and an out of this world drag performance. Reservations are not needed.
Sweet Liberty
237 20th St
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 763-8217
A pink neon sign hangs on the wall in Sweet Liberty that reads “Pursue Happiness.” This suits the vibe perfectly. The upbeat atmosphere combines classic Miami Beach with a creative spin. Sweet Liberty’s drag show, “Fruit Cocktail,” runs on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. and is hosted by one of Miami’s favorite Cuban queens, Karla Croqueta. Admission is free and the à la carte brunch menu features always-popular picks like chicken & waffles ($17), avocado toast ($12) and bottomless rosé ($35). Reservations are required for a table.
Sins Gastrobar
9835 NE Second Ave
Miami Shores, FL 33138
(786) 801-0955
A quaint gastrobar in Miami Shores gets its sparkle and shine on. Royal Drag brunch lights up Sins every third Sunday of the month. The show starts at 1 p.m. and is hosted by Miami’s Poizon Ivy with music by DJ Adora. Sit back and enjoy the lively performance and indulge in bottomless mimosas ($25) and a la carte brunch bites, such as slow-cooked pulled pork Dirty Benedicts ($19). Reservations are suggested but walk-ins are welcome.
