Ladies, gentlemen, and esteemed guests in-between, welcome to the ritziest drag restaurant in Chicago!
Chicago’s drag culture is one of the largest in the nation with some of the best performers and venues. One of our favorite spots for drag shows is Lips Chicago, a ritzy, Vegas-esque restaurant and bar that puts on several weekly shows.
Former drag performer Yvonne Lamé is the owner of several Lips drag restaurant locations in New York, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and San Diego, but Lips Chicago is the biggest of them all. The restaurant features four eight-foot crystal chandeliers, dazzling neon lights, and Stiletto-wearing mannequin legs protruding from the balcony, making it one of Chicago’s fanciest drag experiences.
The menu at Lips Chicago really sets it apart from other drag venues. All their menu options are named after popular drag queens, which adds a personal touch. Some popular options are “Batty Davis” Elote Corn Fritters, “Harlet Wench” Calamari Di Diablo, “Vivian Dejour” Lobster Ravioli, and the “Saffire Blue” Catch of the Day Almondine. Specialty cocktails include “Jerfay Martinis,” a “Lola Madison” Ruby Mule, and hilariously named shots such as “Buttery Titty Twister,” the classic “Blow Job,” and a “Hot Chata.”
What really makes Lips Chicago magnificent is its weekly, themed shows, several of which have pre-fixed menu options included in the price of tickets! We’re all about a good meal so here are our favorite drag dining experiences Lips Chicago has to offer:
Twisted Broadway, Weds
Host Delilah J. Brooks brings the audience on a demented tour of Broadway hits in this hilarious show. Drag queens give perform their campy take on popular shows like Wicked, The Lion King, and Annie. This show makes for an outrageous evening for any musical theatre fan. Buy tickets here and receive a three-course prix fixe dinner and one frozen cosmo!
Dates: Every Wed
Seating time between 7:30 pm and 8 pm.
Tickets: $33
Dinner with the Divas, Thurs
If you love celebrity impression, this is a must-see drag show. Dine gorgeously while host Angel LaBare and her cast of pop sensation impersonators sing, dance, and werk. Past performers have impersonated Cher, Lady GaGa, Madonna, P!nk, and Rihanna, but with this show you never know whose coming to dinner! This show also comes with a free frozen cosmo, starter, a selection of entrees to choose from, and the chef’s dessert platter.
Date: Every Thurs
Seating time between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets: $33
Showstopper Sunday Dinner Show
Another fantastic dinner show is Showstopper Sunday. Hosted by MiMi Marks, this show is filled with over-the-top glamour and glitz. Drag queens perform a number of mega-hit songs in the highest heals and biggest hair for the ultimate drag dining experience. This show also comes with starter, entree, and dessert options as well as a free frozen cosmo.
Date: Every Sun
Seating time between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets: $33
Other Lips Chicago shows include “Dragalicious Gospel Brunch” and “Glitz & Glam.” These shows have a $5 cover charge and a $15 food and drink minimum.
Lips Chicago is a great place to host your bachelorette (or bachelor) party, celebrate Pride month, or just enjoy an incredible dinner and show. No matter your celebration, Lips Chicago promises a memorable night of camp, glam, and spectacle.
Location: 2229 S Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL (Near South Side)
Hours: Wed & Thurs 6 p.m. – 11 p.m., Fri – Sun 7 p.m. – 12 p.m.
Tickets: $5 – $33 with a food and drink minimum of $15