We love a good drag show and we’re not just talking about RuPaul’s Drag Race. In New York City, the art of drag has played a major role in defining queer culture and amplifying queer voices. Here are some spaces where you can marvel at the art of drag in the city.
HOUSE OF YES
Bushwick, Brooklyn
One of the best places for drag as a viewer is the House of Yes. The House of Yes is messy, innovative, and political. It’s truly performance art. That’s why this space is so unique. Attendee participation is encouraged here, so why just watch when you can participate!
HARDWARE BAR
Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan
Hardware Bar in Hell’s Kitchen offers friendly fun in an award-winning venue. This buzzy bar in an old hardware store sees folks pack in to watch nightly drag performances which are said to be the best line-ups in NYC. Catch jaw-dropping performances from brunch to late night.
BARRACUDA LOUNGE
Chelsea, Manhattan
https://www.instagram.com/barracudaloungenyc/?hl=en
Barracuda Lounge, known as the “founding mother of drag in NYC”. It’s one of the first queer venues to feature drag shows every night of the week. The vibrant shows have given big breaks to many RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants including Bob The Drag Queen, Peppermint, and Monét X Change. This classic gay lounge offers amazing acts, generous happy hours, and friendly bartenders in Chelsea.
INDUSTRY BAR
Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan
Everyone who’s anyone must go see Queen on Thursdays at Industry Bar. Industry is a high-end club with performance standards to match expectations. Glittered with disco balls and paper lanterns, this bar features fabulous queens with their own radically different styles. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, Industry is a staple of drag art and culture.
Laurie Beechman Theatre
Midtown West, Manhattan
https://www.westbankcafe.com/laurie-beechman-theatre
Another venue that features the globe-trotting RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, The Laurie Beechman Theatre is where drag shows and dinner theater mix. It’s one of the most popular spots among the LGBTQ+ community in New York. Acts range from lip-syncing to teaching the history of drag. The Theatre provides upscale production value in an intimate dinner setting.
This list represents only a few of the hundreds of spaces where the art of drag is performed. There are spaces that can be found far and wide in New York City, each with its unique history. We encourage you to visit any of these spaces to truly understand the impact of drag culture on New York City and beyond.