The 10 best drag bars and shows in the South

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Activist and drag queen Bella DuBalle recently spoke out over Tennessee’s anti-drag laws, and as show director at downtown Memphis’ premier entertainment spot, she won’t be keeping quiet anytime soon. Come cheer her and her pals on in a variety of drag extravaganzas every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The full-service restaurant and nightclub also hosts a drag competition called War of the Roses, where performances and runway presentations lead contestants to a cash prize.

This historic gay bar and nightclub may be in a small city, but it's a giant in the queer community. The 18,000-square-foot space and three bars bring locals together for cocktails, dancing, and of course, drag. Johnny’s Angels sees the resident host and his perfectly tucked ‘angels’ entertain guests in a variety of themed attire which guests are encouraged to sport in unison, from disco to classic fairytales.

Austin’s oldest gay bar has been a 4th Street staple since 1990, and it’s home to America’s finest queens. Oilcan Harry’s invests the most in drag in Bat City, and it’s here that the RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni come to strut their stuff. You’ll also see young local queens take to the stage, including Arinna Dior Heys and Veronica Valentine. A temporary relocation this fall means the legend will move a few doors down until the current spot gets a makeover.

If any city in the South knows how to throw a camp celebration, it’s New Orleans. Burlesque venue AllWays Lounge & Cabaret is your year-round Mardi Gras, with a festival spirit, live music, and plenty of cinched-up queens on the sultry red stage. Look out for drag bingo, drag burlesque, and drag comedy specials at this ultra-all-inclusive destination.

Alabama’s number one LGBTQ+ venue showcases the best drag in the entire state. A huge showroom and dance floor, outdoor patio, and three bars keep fans packed in and have done so for over 12 years. They come for a dose of the resident queens known as DREAMCAST, who are soon to star in a documentary called Queens of Birmingham, which premieres in June (stream on the Very Local app), as well as national pageant winners and touring Ru Paul’s Drag Race stars. Speaking of RPDR, the viewing parties are a scream.

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For over a quarter of a century, My Sister’s Room has been the top for girls. The lesbian bar welcomes all gender and sexual identities, and who can refuse their stellar lineup of drag? There’s a fresh situation every night of the week, whether that's karaoke, an R&B night, or a comedy show, you bet there’ll be a queen serving plenty of sass. The atmosphere is always friendly, inclusive, and fun. Oh, and don’t miss the chicken wings.

The South Carolina restaurant has experienced backlash from narrow-minded locals over their occasional drag shows, but the rest of us are singing their praises. Not only is it one of the state’s top restaurants for delicious and nutritious fare, but the owners are proud allies of the LGBTQ+ community. They host stellar drag brunches (as well as other entertainment including jazz and blues sessions), with the proceeds from drag shows going toward local charities.

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There’s nothing shady about this pub and nightclub, just a lot of cheeky shenanigans. Shade has been an LGBTQ+ haven for four decades, offering an all-day respite from the Mississippi heat. Kick back with happy hour and some drag-hosted trivia, and karaoke (or lip sync) to Adele, and then let the queens take over with special guests on the main stage. Local star gals include Trinity Devine and Britnee Alexander. The library is open!

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A Friday night-only destination in Little Rock, Arkansas, you’ll find the local queer community and their pals gathered here across three fluorescent rooms, packed with bars, beats, and a queen or three. Here you’ll find names that are taking a stand for Arkansas drag, including Athena Sinclair, who recently hit the front lines in the fight against Arkansas SB43. As of this year, Triniti has also resumed hosting the Mr. Gay Capital City drag queen pageant.

Widely hailed as the best gay bar in Dallas, no amount of legislation will ever take that away from Round-Up. The party zone opened way back in the eighties as a gay country western dance hall, and today you can still get your two-step on with a free dance class held multiple nights a week. Karaoke, dance parties, Ru Paul’s Drag Race viewing parties and drag comedy game shows layer the fun, and are hosted by local queens including Raquel Blake, Mayra D'Lorenzo, and Daphne Rio.