Few cities in the world are as famous for their drag scene as New York City. In fact, the history of drag here goes as far back as the Harlem drag balls in the 19th century. Today, the New York drag scene is booming, with numerous gay bars putting on unparalleled drag shows every night!
If you’re a local who is new to exploring the drag scene or a visitor looking to catch the best shows, the team at Drag Experiences has got you covered. We have years of experience running our iconic drag bar crawls, visiting the best queer venues, watching drag competitions, and meeting drag queens.
We’ve put together this guide to the top 5 places to see a drag show in New York City, from historic locations to some of the most up-and-coming bars. Should you have any questions for us about our drag bar crawls, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Let’s get ready for a fierce and fabulous night out!
Pieces: One of NYC’s Oldest Gay Bars
Opened in 1993, Pieces is a veritable New York City institution. This bar has been a hub for the LGBTQIA+ scene for decades, welcoming locals and visitors to find a safe space and sense of community. Today it’s a vibrant locale, with glittering decor, strong cocktails, and frequent drag performances!
Some of the highlights of their events include drag bingo, drag wars, and happy hour. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing and dancing along with the performances, as the shows here encourage plenty of audience interaction.
Pieces is located in the West Village on Christopher Street, which is also home to the historic Stonewall Inn. This venue was the site of the Stonewall Riots which spurred on the LGBTQIA+ movement and remains a popular gay bar today. Make the most of your time here and visit both for a spectacular night out in NYC!
Website: piecesbar.com
Address: 8 Christopher Street
Industry: The Heart of Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is at the center of New York’s drag scene, with countless bars, shows, and venues to choose from. That’s why we host our NY Fabulous Drag Night Out in this neighborhood! One place you cannot miss in Hell’s Kitchen is Industry, frequently named “New York’s best gay bar”.
With performances every night, Industry is always bringing the fun and energy. Drinks flow, guests dance on the spacious floor, and drag queens pull out all the stops on stage. One of their most popular events is Queen on Thursday, where performers put on a show like no other!
Website: industry-bar.com Address: 355 W 52nd St
3 Dollar Bill: Brooklyn’s Premier Queer Venue
When you’re in Brooklyn, there’s no better place to be than 3 Dollar Bill. This is the largest queer venue in the borough at 10,000 square feet, offering you plenty of space to dance, mingle, and enjoy yourself. Named after the phrase “queer as a three dollar bill”, this club is a firm favorite for its welcoming atmosphere and engaging drag shows — Idina Menzel once even performed here!
Revel in live performances dedicated to musical stars like Liza Minnelli, Chappell Roan, and Celine Dion, catch a comedy gig, or even attend the phenomenal Broadway-like shows that put a drag queen’s spin on cult classics. A night at 3 Dollar Bill is made all the better by the incredible cocktails and friendly bartenders!
Website: 3dollarbillbk.com
Address: 260 Meserole St, Brooklyn
Balcon Salon: The Latest Gay Bar in NYC
Founded by the same team behind Pieces and Hardware, the Balcon Salon is one of the newest gay clubs in New York City. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, this spacious but intimate venue puts on punchy performances every night which you can watch from their upstairs balcony.
Hosting drag shows and extravaganzas, Balcon is most well-known for its Friday night drag contests! During our Friday tours, we join in the fun and even get to vote for our favorite queens before dancing up a storm!
Website: balcon.salon
Address: 674 9th Ave
Barracuda Lounge: Home of the Longest Running Drag Competition in NYC
The New York drag scene we know today has its roots in Barracuda Lounge. Since 1995, this club in Chelsea has hosted the longest-running drag competition in New York City — some say it’s even the inspiration behind RuPaul’s Drag Race!
Some of the biggest names in drag got their start here, including Miz Cracker, Peppermint, and Bob the Drag Queen. While Barracuda’s Star Search continues to draw audiences on Thursday nights, there are also numerous other events held throughout the year, even attracting patrons such as Billy Porter.
In the early 2000s, a number of A-listers attended Barracuda, including Jennifer Coolidge, Nathan Lane, and Graham Norton. Barracuda even made an appearance as a gay bar on Sex in the City!
Instagram: @barracudaloungenyc
Address: 275 W 22nd St
See the Best Drag Shows in NYC with Drag Experiences!
If you want to catch the best drag shows and hit up the top venues in the city, then you can’t go wrong with joining our NY Fabulous Drag Night Out. Hosted on Thursday and Friday nights, our local guides will take you to the most vibrant bars in Hell’s Kitchen, including some we mentioned on this list! We’ll help you uncover the history of drag while immersing you in the lively and inclusive drag scene of New York City. Should you have any questions about our drag events, feel free to contact us.
