Drag performances and brunches in North Jersey during Pride Month
New York City is a hub for the art of drag. Iconic shows at places like Lips and Lucky Cheng's and performance groups such as Illusion's and Diva Royale brought drag to the mainstream.
But now there's no need to cross the Hudson to enjoy top-notch drag performances. More drag shows are being held this June in North Jersey than perhaps ever before. The art form has exploded, and drag has become more accessible than ever, especially outside of big cities.
Taco Bell even launched its own drag brunch tour, hosted by queen Kay Sedia. (The closest performance to North Jersey will be at the New York Times Square Taco Bell Cantina on June 12.)
While some North Jersey bars and restaurants offer drag brunches and events regularly, many others spots have scheduled performances in celebration of Pride Month.
If you've never been to drag performance, just know you'll see some killer dancing, lip-syncing and maybe (if you're lucky) a death drop or two (Google it). And be sure to bring plenty of dollar bills to tip the queens.
Here are the drag events you should know about throughout June.
Six26, Jersey City
Six26 is a rooftop LGBTQ+ bar named after the date the Marriage Equality Act was passed: June 25. On Fridays a drag show kicks off at 10 p.m. Also on Fridays, queen Kimmy Sumony hosts a viewing party of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars at 8 p.m. On Saturdays, stop by for a drag brunch from 2 to 4 p.m. Drink specials include $3 mimosas, $5 bellinis and $5 green tea shots.
Go: 128 Christopher Columbus Dr., Jersey City; 201-706-2273, six26.co.
The Vanguard, Harrison & Cowan’s Public, Nutley
The Vanguard sports a gorgeous 1940s war-time factory aesthetic, complete with leather banquettes, exposed brick walls and a jazz cocktail lounge. Queen Harmonica Sunbeam hosts a free drag bingo (complete with prizes, spontaneous dance parties and irreverent call-outs) every Wednesday at The Vanguard from 7 to 9 p.m. Dine on classic American dishes and sip tiki-inspired cocktails from the bar as you play. This ain’t your grandmother’s bingo. The Vanguard will also have a drag brunch at 1 p.m. on June 25. There is a $10 cover.
Cowan’s Public, a speakeasy-esque bar in Nutley, will also host drag bingo at 7 p.m. on June 16. There is a $10 cover.
For Pride Month, Skopos Hospitality, which includes The Vanguard and Cowan’s Public, is collaborating with Hudson Pride Center. A portion of the cocktail sales throughout the month will go to support the organization.
Go: The Vanguard, 705 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. S, Harrison; 201-292-3633, thevanguardharrison.com. Cowan's Public, 229 Centre St., Nutley; 973-542-8151, cowanspublic.com.
Rabble Rise Doughnuts, Montclair
Drag Queens and doughnuts — what more could you want out of an evening? Rabble Rise's event (literally called Drag Queens & Doughnuts) runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 8 in partnership with Out Montclair. Each guest will get two "naked" doughnuts to dress with the icing and toppings of their choice from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Drag queens will be there to help provide inspiration and then perform a mini show on the patio. Tickets are $20 and include the two doughnuts
For the full schedule of Montclair Pride week, which includes a parade and a viewing of "Rocky Horror Picture Show," go to outmontclair.org/pride.
Go: 16 Label St., Montclair; 973-509-2525, rabblerise.com.
Prohibition, Westwood
This lively bar will celebrate pride with a party from 1 to 7 p.m. on June 25. The event, sponsored by North Jersey Pride Night Out, will feature performances from Elliott with 2Ts, Champagne Bubbles, Andora Tetee and Anida Tension. While the queens perform, dine on pub classics like fish and chips, herb-roasted chicken and steak frites.
Tickets are $20 before June 11 and $25 after. Admission includes complimentary Jell-O shots.
Go: 170 Center Ave., Westwood; 201-347-6411, prohibitionnj.com.
Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen, Montclair
Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen will continue its guest bartender series with a visit from cocktail-making aficionado Cody Banks at 6 p.m. on June 7. The event's name — “Well, Somebody’s Got to Break the Ice!” — is a callback to a line in the cult classic “Clue.” Expect drinks inspired by the film. While Banks is behind the bar, drag queen Roxy St. James will host a 3-hour drag and burlesque show. This event is in partnership with Out Montclair and Skyy Vodka.
Go: 398 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair; 973-968-5303, pharmaciebar.com.
South and Pine, Morristown
Head to Leia Gaccione's stellar restaurant South and Pine on June 25 for its first-ever drag brunch. Champagne Bubbles and Anida Tension will perform, while DJ Lady Star will provides the beats. The profits will go to EDGE New Jersey, a local nonprofit that supports the LGBTQ+ community.
Tickets are sold per-table; call ahead to reserve your spot. This event is BYOB, though bottomless mimosa mixers will be provided. There's a $25 cash cover charge at the door per person, and the two-course prix-fixe meal is $50. Seatings are at 11, 11:15 and 11:30 a.m.
Go: 90 South St., Morristown; 862-260-9700, southandpine.com.
Birch Hoboken, Hoboken
Nightlife event space Birch will host Drag Me to Brunch from 1 to 5 p.m. on June 18. Headliners Scarlet Envy, Octavia Anyae and Crystal Envy are slated to perform. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and include entry and an unlimited brunch buffet. To secure seating, you must reserve a table and meet the minimum $50 spend on drinks. To help you meet that minimum, Birch will have $6 mimosas and other drink specials.
Go: 92 River St., Hoboken; 201-546-9944, birchhoboken.com.
Porta, Jersey City and Montclair
Porta, which has locations in Asbury Park, Jersey City and Montclair, is beloved for its thin pizza with deliciously charred crust. But it's equally well known for its nightlife and lively brunches. Porta often has drag performances at its locations.
In Montclair, Porta is hosting the official Montclair Pride: After Dark Dance Party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on June 11. Drag queens Stella Luna, Kimmy Sumony and Adi Owenn will perform. That day, they'll also have an outdoor bar set up for a Pride event from noon to 6 p.m.
Later in the month, Porta will host a drag brunch from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 25.
Go: 499 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair; 973-358-9989. 135 Newark Ave., Jersey City; 201-544-5199, pizzaporta.com.
Illusions the Drag Queen Show, Hoboken
Illusions is a big production full of burlesque, comedy and celebrity impersonations. The performers rotate, but expect tributes to the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Liza Minelli, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Adele, Amy Winehouse and more.
The show takes place at 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $30 (admission only), $55 (guaranteed seating, first come, first serve), and $549.99 to $799 (a table for your group with varying add-ons). Brunch is sold separately.
Go: 41 Sixth St., Hoboken; 833-783-3648, illusionsthedragqueenshow.com.
Gringo’s Tacos, Hoboken
Gringo’s is spacious, rustic and relaxed — in other words, the perfect place to indulge in tacos piled with sizzling protein, fresh greens, creamy guacamole and spicy salsa. Oh, and drinks: mimosas, margaritas, Bloody Marys and more.
Gringo’s has been known to host the occasional drag brunch. Though there is no set schedule right now, check its website for upcoming drag events.
Go: 12 Coles St., Jersey City; 201-389-4110, gringostaco.com.
Barbès, Hoboken
Barbès is a sleek French-Moroccan bistro where you can dine on zaalouk and escargot, crevettes au pistou and steak au poivre, couscous with chicken or lamb and poulet Provencal. The bistro is inspired by a Paris neighborhood near Sacre-Coeur where Parisian and North African food, music and décor blend. Barbès hosts regular drag performances; its next is scheduled for June 5. Go to the website for more information.
Go: 1300 Park Ave., Hoboken; 201-610-1000, barbesrestaurant.com.
Rebecca King is a food writer for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, please subscribe today and sign up for our North Jersey Eats newsletter.
Email: kingr@northjersey.com
Twitter: @rebeccakingnj
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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: LGBT Pride Month drag performances and brunches in North Jersey
