12 Postcards
Nellie’s Sports Bar on U Street is a vibrant gathering spot for spirited drag brunches, thrilling karaoke, and lively poker nights—all under one welcoming roof.
"The Brunch: Nellie’s Drag Brunch When you think of drag brunch in DC, Nellie’s Sports bar is probably one of the first places that comes to mind. The show happens four times every weekend, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am and 1pm. The $55 brunch is buffet style and the food isn’t great, but the show is phenomenal. The queens are serving from start to finish (they’re literally waiting on you) and the cramped quarters at Nellie’s makes for one of the most intimate shows. You’ll likely be sitting with someone you don’t know, since most of the bar tables seat six people, so be ready to make friends. But if your tablemates are cool, it can make the show that much more fun to experience." - tristiana hinton
"The U Street NW sports bar does drag brunch every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for $58.91 per person. The weekend meal features Sapphire Blue and her team of drag performers from all over the DMV, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet full of pork ribs, cheesy grits, scrambled eggs, bacon, mini empanadas, pastas, steamed vegetables, homemade soups, desserts and more. The first mimosa or “Zing Zang” bloody mary is included with each ticket. Customers are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before show time." - Tierney Plumb
"When you think of drag brunch in DC, Nellie’s Sports bar is probably one of the first places that comes to mind, which makes sense because it’s steady and reliable. The show happens four times every weekend, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am and 1pm. The $55 brunch is buffet style and the food isn’t great, but the show is phenomenal. The queens are serving from start to finish (they’re literally waiting on you) and the cramped quarters at Nellie’s makes for one of the most intimate shows. You’ll likely be sitting with someone you don’t know, since most of the bar tables seat six people, so be ready to make friends. But if your tablemates are cool, it can make the show that much more fun to experience." - Tristiaña Hinton
"A Welcoming Sports Bar D.C.'s first gay sports bar attracts a lively mixed crowd, all mingling easily while tuning into their favorite teams. But there's plenty of friendly competition going on at Nellie's itself during poker, karaoke, and "smart ass trivia" nights. The U Street hangout is also a popular destination for happy hour specials, Sunday Drag brunch buffets, and its seasonal rooftop."
"Nellie’s Sports Bar faced protests and a seven-day liquor license suspension after a security guard dragged a Black woman down the stairs by her hair, sparking the #boycottNellie’s movement." - Stephanie Carter