Mother's Day Brunch 2022: NYC Drag Show Edition

NEW YORK, NY — This Mother's Day, treat your mom like a Queen.

Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8, may still be a week away, but reservations are likely filling up quickly for brunch or dinner as the nation approaches the most normal celebration of moms since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

One way to beat the (more traditional) crowds is to celebrate the New York City way — with a drag show.

Patch has put together a list of drag brunches that are sure to impress whether your mom is a Broadway diva, a comedy queen, or just needs a damn drink:

Lucky Cheng's Boozy & Booming Brunches, Midtown

If your mom is headed into Grand Central or Penn Station for the big day, there are no shortage of drag brunch options in Midtown. One standby is the weekly shows at Lucky Cheng's on Eighth Avenue. Stop by a day early for the "Saturday Morning Cartoon"-themed show or enjoy a "Crazy Boozy Brunch" with bottomless mimosas on Sunday.

Drag Brunch at The Spot, Midtown

Unlimited drinks are also in full supply at The Spot on Tenth Avenue. Make sure to leave the younger siblings or grandkids at home for this show, which is only for those 21 years and older.

All You Can Drink Broadway Drag Brunch, Midtown East

For the show tune-loving moms who couldn't get tickets to a musical this Mother's Day, the next best thing is Lips' all you can drink Broadway drag brunch. Theater queens both serve and sing at this "Moulin Rogue-esque venue," which has been around for more than 25 years.

"The Illusion Show" Burlesque Brunch, Various

Looking for the best of both worlds? The New York City outposts of the nationwide Illusion Show offers both burlesque drag performances and comedy shows from celebrity impersonators. The show includes a Brooklyn and Manhattan location.

Dromedary Urban Tiki Bar or Dream Queens Drag Brunch, Bushwick

We, of course, can't forget the iconic Brooklyn drag scene. This "urban tiki bar" and mediterranean spot aptly named "Queen" both offer a taste of the outer borough's eclectic drag offerings. If your mom is sticking around for the night, be sure to stop by one of the borough's queer bars to keep the fun going.

Spring Fling Drag Brunch, Rockaway

Calling all beach moms. Should the mom in your life not mind heading deeper into the outer boroughs, Spring Fling Drag Brunch at The Rockaway Hotel offers a meal and a show steps from the beach.