Perry's Drag Brunch

If you're looking for something unique for Sunday brunch, look no further than Perry's in Adams Morgan.  Every Sunday people line up for Perry's $23.95 all-you-can-eat buffet featuring performances by about a half dozen drag queens. Seriously.

Our awesome friends M and A live down the street from Perry's so they got in line just before 9 a.m. and were second in line.  The doors opened promptly at 10 a.m. and we were ushered upstairs to our table.   

A line immediately formed for the buffet as waiters dashed around taking drink orders (they do pitchers of alcoholic beverages that are not included in the brunch price). 

The buffet featured an interesting selection of items from chicken to waffles....

...to sushi and pasta.

While none of the food was super amazing, it was all decently tasty and made even better when washed down with a bellini with 8,734 cherries in it. 

At 11 a.m. the music started. One by one, the queens strutted out.  Some were into the lip synching and dancing while others focused on embarrassing the audience members.

Make sure you come with dollar bills in hand to tip the queens.  Quick tip: if you don't want to be the focus of the queens' shtick (or breasts), don't sit on the aisle. Instead, choose a seat at your table that's up against a wall or smashed in by another table and not accessible.  Or else, you'll be this guy:

In the midst of the strutting and semi-dancing, one queen took the mic and interviewed birthday boys and girls.  Not a good idea to volunteer if you don't want to be completely embarassed (or if you're not completely drunk). 

Overall, the drag brunch was a fun experience that we're glad we can check off our DC Bucket List. We were a little disappointed in the lack of "performance" by a lot of the queens.  Some seemed to be going through the motions and totally uninterested.  The fact that it was 11 a.m. in a brightly lit room probably took away from the mystique of it all.  Bottom line: a fun thing to do once, but not a place we need to return.

Second Thoughts from B

Well, that was interesting.  And to be honest, I don't know what more I can say.  But I guess I can share some lessons learned (in no particular order):

1. Do not anger the older, testy drag queen that resembles Muhammad Ali after the Thrilla in Manila.
2. The bowl of gravy by the biscuits is safe to eat by the spoonful as it is actually broccoli and cauliflower soup.
3. In case you're asked -- which you will be -- BBC stands for Big Black... uh, Chicken... just like OPP stands for Other People's Property.  Unlike Perry's Drag Brunch, this blog is safe for children.
4. Any of the meat on a stick and pastry options are your best bets.  The orzo pasta was pretty good too.
5. However you react to the queens, probably good not to go with "lusty glare."  It isn't a good look when there is that much light and sobriety in the room.
6. Despite all stereotypes to the contrary, Mr. Bass Pro Shops and family seemed to have a good time.  Still, the camouflaged fishing hat complete with hook on the bill was a surprising choice... as was bringing the 13 year old granddaughter.
7. Nothing good comes from raising your hand when they ask, "Do we have any straight guys in the audience today?"
8. Man or woman, I'm always impressed when someone in high heels drops down into the splits.
9. Whether your Sunday mornings involve drag queens or not, you have to love that we live in a city where it is an integral part of the culture.  Thank you Perry's for adding some color to DC!