The best gay bars to keep watching ‘Drag Race’
These gay bars are keeping the party going with Brasil and 'Slaysian Royale' nights
Mark
Just as RuPaul’s Drag Race evolved past a lone television show airing once a week on Logo, so has the tradition of Drag Race viewing parties.
And while the hit drag queen reality series has changed channels, judges, budgets, and spawned off more spinoffs than we can keep track of, the best place to watch has always been the same: with a big group of gay people.
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Although this summer’s All Stars 10 concluded a few weeks ago with the momentous crowning of Ginger Minj, that doesn’t mean your weekly fix of drag queen drama (or your local dive’s happy hour deals) has to end.
Thanks to World of Wonder’s near-endless output, there’s a handful of new Drag Race shows to watch every week — including Drag Race Brasil Season 2 and Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale — and dozens of new gay friends to meet at screenings near you.
Here are some of the best viewing parties at our favorite gay bars across the world…
1. Ritz Bar and Lounge – New York City
(@cometobrazilnyc)In the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, the Ritz Bar and Lounge is home to one of the only Drag Race Brasil viewing parties in the States. On Thursdays at 8 pm sharp, New York City‘s Brazilian bombshell hosts Season 2 screenings, with commentary, no cover, and happy hour specials until 9 pm.
Bonus: The culture is thriving throughout the week, with the bar’s Come to Brazil pop parties every Monday night.
2. Pink Flamingo – Rio de Janeiro
The best spot to catch Drag Race Brasil in Rio de Janeiro is Pink Flamingo, which hosts viewing parties on Thursdays at 8 pm. Of course, their mistresses of ceremony are Bhelchi and Victoria Shakespears, alongside a rotating cast of other herstoric queens.
Snag tickets, including general entry and meet and greet options, on their website.
3. Augusta Hi-Fi – São Paulo
The Brazilian passion for the franchise is well and alive in Sāo Paulo, where Grag Queen hosts screenings at Watch Party Lindas, every Thursday night at Augusta Hi-Fi. With weekly guests like Ruby Nox and Mellody Queen, you’ll want to buy your tickets, including meet-and-greet add-ons, ahead of time online.
4. Hardware – New York City
Slaysian Royale‘s very own Yuhua, who’s in the drag competition representing the United States, is hosting weekly viewings on Wednesdays at 8 pm at Hardware in Manhattan.
Get there early and take advantage of their half-priced drinks until 8 pm, and stay for performances, Q&As, beats by DJ OhRicky, and some insider tea.
5. Akbar – Los Angeles
Brandon Lim is celebrating the first-ever season of Slaysian Royale with weekly viewing parties at Akbar, in Los Angeles‘ uber-trendy Silverlake neighborhood. Kicking off with the premiere on August 13 at 6:30 pm, the historic queer oasis is known for its good vibes, including free sodas for your party’s DD.
6. RAKKAN Ramen – Chicago
The best spot to watch Slaysian Royale in Chicago is Rakkan Ramen’s uptown location, every Wednesday at 7 pm. Hosted by local queens Aunty Chan, Luv Ami-Stoole, and Abhijeet, these dim sum and drag nights will feature rotating special guests, fabulous performances, gag-worthy commentary, and even chances to win free ramen.
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