Came here to try out the $1 wings. They are offered Tuesday-Sun until 9pm. We made it just in time. A cantankerous, but affable young man placed our order at the bar in the lower level. They have a bunch of flavors available: we settled on the buffalo and dry lemon pepper wings. We supplemented that with a vodka soda (we're walking). The ambiance was electric with music playing in the background and folks arriving and descending upstairs, where the real action is. The wings arrived and they were cooked perfectly: hot, crispy, fresh, with the right amount of seasonings. So glad we decided to drop in. Note: This is an LGBTQ friendly environment. After enjoying the wings, we decided to take a peek upstairs as the constant traffic going up there intrigued us. As we made our way in this space, there was a large dance floor with bar table and chairs around the perimeter and a bar at the front. There was also an outdoor area where you could overlook the street and enjoy your drink or food. The music was full blast and enjoyable to listen to. All in all, go for the wings you won't be disappointed, but stay for the vibes if that's your thing. I will be back for those wings AND that vibe! read more

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I visited DC for the first time this weekend and made it to pretty much every gay bar/club in the city, and Nellie's was by far my favorite. The music was great, the staff were incredibly friendly, there was no cover, the upstairs dance floor was bumping, and the drinks were reasonably priced. And I have to shout out Victor the bartender. He was super friendly, attentive, and had such a welcoming energy from the second I walked in. He always made a point to greet everyone who came by and made you feel welcome. I loved Nellie's so much I even bought a hat before I left. I will definitely be back next time I'm in DC! If you end up at Nellie's and Victor is working make sure you stop by his bar and tip him well. He definitely made my night read more

After Thurst, I made my way to Nellie's and the energy shifted in the best way. The rainbow mural outside already sets the tone; it feels iconic before you even step in. Inside? High energy, packed, and pure joy. This is the kind of space where strangers turn into friends in minutes. The music was upbeat, the crowd was diverse and expressive, and everyone just seemed genuinely happy to be there. I met some amazing people and had those spontaneous conversations that make a trip unforgettable. It's lively without feeling overwhelming; just celebration, laughter, and good vibes flowing through the room. If you're in DC and want a space that feels inclusive, energetic, and unapologetically fun, Nellie's delivers. Two different vibes in one night; both beautiful in their own way. read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

9/14/25 11AM drag brunch: celebrated my friend's bday at Nellie's with a drag brunch. we had the best time! i got the res tix online, theyll scan the QR code when youre seated. the brunch set up is really generous. my faves were the crispy bacon, waffles, and the cheesecake. the res comes with a mimosa and our tablemates got us jello shots. by the end of the brunch, the whole room is like a weird happy family! we were hugging people gbye, it was so :) dramatic! the hosts are fab, welcoming, and they really take care of the bday celebrants. there was also a bachelorette party there and they gave her tons of spotlight. our show included 4 drag queens, 1drag king, and 2 queens had 2 dances with 2 new fun outfits. i def rec nellie's. it's casual, fun, good music, good dancing, very welcoming, strong drinks, and good food! read more

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This is an amazing place -- for everyone. It's billed as a gay-friendly sports and gaming bar, but it is really a great place for all progressive people without hate -- all are welcome. Great food -- not just bar food. Lots of game nights, trivia nights, sassy drag bingo nights, free board games to borrow, etc., and special dance nights usually on weekends. Really great bartenders and servers -- lots of fun. The rooftop bar overlooking U Street is amazing. Just a 1-minute walk to the U Street-Afr Amer War Memorial metro station (Green/Yellow Lines). read more

A good time is always had!! I not only go for the music and camaraderie, I also go for the drag brunches!! Entertainment 10/10...food 9/10...cocktails 10/10 and the fun 100000000/10! Just go and get the full experience for yourself! I've never left disappointed! read more

Happy Pride Month Great place to hang on the balcony and chill and also a great place to be at for great club vibes. Oh and let's not forget the drag show...the queens are amazing! Good bar food and nice drinks! read more

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What an experience from beginning to end! A small dive bar in DC with the best drag brunch! Prosecco was flowing, food was surprisingly good but basic, but the show OMG the show was the cake topper for sure. A must whether you live or just visiting DC. But make sure you book in advance. We even had a guest appearance outside of the event read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Gina G. DREADFUL from beginning to end. BE AWARE that drinks before the "show", upstairs, where you are specifically directed, are highway robbery. Worst margarita I have ever had (couldn't even finish after 4 attempts) was $34! But the same drink at the bar downstairs was a fraction of the price. Shoulda waited until we were ushered back down there. Deja Diamond was a bitch from the time we walked in the door, literally. Then turns out she's our server. Ignored us the entire time, but fully engaged with those on the other side of the table. Show didn't even start for 1.5 hours. When it did, it was awful. Definitely demographic driven. And of all things, one of the performers was a man--performing as a man--and with no talent. Not what we paid for. And he was blatantly solicitous, staring you down, waiting for a tip. Nope. And, for some reason, the performers kept going out into the street where most patrons couldn't even see them and took up too much of their performance time. And we're supposed to tip that? Nope. Don't spend your time or money here. Go to Godfrey's in Richmond if you want to see and hear real talent, hear a cross-section of music, and enjoy drinks that are delicious! https://godfreysva.com/ read more

The good: - Food is good The bad: - Overcrowded - Queens barely had room to perform - No AC - Ran out of some food - Drag Queens with attitudes My friend and I came to DC for a girl's weekend and part of "must do" list was a Drag Brunch and what better place than DC? We did a little research and all signs pointed to Nellie's Drag Brunch. Reviews were great so we decided let's do it! It's about $55 per person which includes buffet brunch, the drag show, and 1 mimosa. We bought tickets for the 1PM show on July 16. We arrive right at 1, but the previous show was still going on so we were directed to the bar upstairs to wait for our show to start. Firstly, there was no AC. No AC in the middle of July in DC. Not sure if the AC was broken or what, but that made the start pretty bad for me. We ordered a drink and found a place to sit. We waiting and drank our drink which was good (just got tequila and a mixer). One of the Queens came up a little before 1:30 to start checking tickets to prepare us to go to the show. Then we were led downstairs by group. Since it was only me and my friend we were one of the last groups to go downstairs which I completely understand the logic, but my problem was our table was in the very back literally in the window. We weren't on the floor at all. The space for the show wasn't necessarily, but it was too small for all of the people in attendance. We were given our mimosa on the way to the table and it was just a basic mimosa which was fine. The food is buffet-style so we were called table-by-table to the back near the bar to make our plates. My table was the very last table to be sent to the buffet and some of the food was gone by then. Huge disappointment. If you're going to have a buffet that's not problem, but make sure there's enough food for the large amount of people in attendance. The food was actually really good so that's definitely where they get good reviews because I can't see how this would be the best Drag Brunch in town for any other reason. One of the Queens came around to give out 1's for us to tip the performers and then the show began. Let me remind you, there's still no AC so it is hot and miserable. The show began and we couldn't see much from our seats. In addition there was little to no room for the Queens to actually perform. It wasn't much of a show to me. The Queens weren't very nice or charismatic. Listen, you're working for tips so you should probably be hospitable, especially for the fact that there's no AC, it's far too overcrowded, and you're not even really putting on a show because there is no proper room to do so. It's not their fault that there's no room, but still be entertaining. I would not recommend and will not return. read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ok love this place. First time there during Pride. Such a community, good happy hour...OMG the pours are heavy but the staff is friendly. Need to come back for brunch. read more

What an incredible experience! They let us know that their show was top-five in the country and I certainly believe it. The entire energy of the event was wonderful from start to finish. We also were extremely impressed by the all you can eat brunch options which we thought may not be good but after eating it we were very eager to go back for a second. The amount of choices they have as well as how good the food was definitely worth the price. Options for food were anything from ribs, eggs, fruit and a lot of side dish options. Cannot wait to go back for another drag brunch. read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - All you can eat - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Here's the deal (in my opinion). You don't go to drag show brunch for food. You go to be entertained. And these queens are fabulous. The food was perfectly mediocre. Protein was generally over cooked (I had pork chop and meatballs), veg was over cooked and stringy (asparagus). Carbs were pretty good (pasta salad, mashers, Mac and cheese). Dessert was good (banana pudding). Service wasn't bad. Had to ask for water 4 times and had to wait a bit for drinks. But all of that said, I am 100% coming back. The show was great!! I LOVED the music. And some of the shenanigans were hysterical. And the drinks were STRONG (just the way I like them)! I had the Octopussy (because how could you pass that up) and it was tasty!!!!. Nellie's is also very easy to get to from the metro station. read more

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The best popcorn I've ever had in my life, better popcorn than the movies. Julie is the best bartender and very hospitable and on top of getting us drinks and POPCORN. read more

Xavier is great. Best time ever. Not from here but he took care us on our visit. Omg come to nellies

What a DRAG...brunch, that is! Prepare to be dazzled, entertained, and fed well. Nellie's is always a funky good time inside and out - because there is always something happening on U Street. If you're looking for a place to celebrate with your gal pals/boy joys, THIS is it. Good times. Great booze. A real party! __ IG: @f.hux I #yelp and I know things. Keep reading... https://linktr.ee/f.hux #foodieHUX #yelpelite #yelpeatsdc #yelpdc read more

i had great experience thanks to First Lady London for amazing time The DJ was good drinks were nice mix crowd of people

Was excited to go to a gay sports bar. Was not excited about paying $50 for two drinks. Won't make that excessively overpriced mistake again. read more

I went to the drag brunch and was not impressed. My tickets were for 1 PM. We weren't seated until 1:45. The dining area was cramped and there was no AC. Food was good but could barely eat without bumping into those sitting by you. No one came by to see if we wanted water or anything. I will not be going back. If I hadn't paid for the tickets ahead of time, I would have walked out. read more

NO DO NOT DRAG BRUNCH HERE. The"buffet" was out of food before they served the whole room and they let people go back for seconds before they served the room. What little cold food you get is terrible. tAnd, the service and performance are equally unprepared and bad. Absolutely avoid this place. Back of house has no clue on how to prepare for a group this size and the service staff doesn't actually care. Total rip off. read more

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*Drag brunch review* I've only ever been here for their infamous drag brunch. My first time was several years ago and back then I remembered the brunch way cheaper and included bottomless mimosas. I had the pleasure of seeing "Epiphany." During my most recent visit, this past Sunday, we were celebrating a birthday. It was a bit more expensive and now guests only get one complimentary bloody mary (no thanks) or mimosa. I opted for the mimosa which to me wasn't super strong, but fyi - my tolerance is pretty high so don't listen to me. You're welcome to buy additional mimosas at $4 or a carafe for $22. Our group of 13 had tickets for the 1:30 show, but we weren't seated until after 2. When you arrive there is a sign directing you to go upstairs to wait. There's a full bar. We definitely got drinks while we waited. Frozen slushies all around. This event is very popular and sells out! Don't be late. Take into consideration that parking around here is pretty tight. I ended up finding a spot two blocks up. This brunch is really all about the entertainment. Those queens come out to slay and to play! How do they change so fast?! Amazing!! This isn't your typical buffet where you want to come hungry. You wait to be called by table number for food that's pretty basic (no shade). There's also no going back multiple times. Well at least I didn't notice or see why most would want to. Let"s see if I can remember what they had. There's pancakes, fruit, salad, grits, hummus, pita, empanadas, ribs, pasta, and some other stuff. To my recollection, there's not much options for vegans, if at all. A guest in our show was ill and the way the staff handled it was beyond professional. They immediately paused everything, remained calm and an ambulance arrived on the scene within minutes. I hope that person was ok. Then the show continued. The staff was wonderful! Everyone is super friendly. The servers, the bartenders and of course, the hostess with the mostest, Chanel Devreaux. Again, this experience is all about the show! That in itself is totally worth the price. Bring your cash for tipping. read more

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Meh.. I came to celebrate my niece's 21st birthday last weekend. And I don't know if they were short staffed the day I went or not, but I was a bit disappointed. For one, I didn't like that they called people to their tables by their group size vs. in the order they arrived. I was one of the first people to get there but since I had a smaller group, I got some of the WORST seating in the house. I could barely see the Queens unless they came right in front of me. AND i was the last table to be allowed to get in line for food. And some items from the buffet were missing by the time I got in line. Next, the drag show was supposed to start at 11:00 am, but didn't start until about 1:00pm. Finally because of where I was sitting the staff couldn't see me when I was trying to flag them down for drinks. I eventually just gave up. The saving grace was the food, because BABY it was delicious. Whoever came up with that sauce for those wings!!?? 10s across the board!! Even the vegetables were seasoned down to the core. I have absolutely no complaints there. My suggestion is again to allow people to be seated on a first come first serve basis. And possibly change it to a plated buffet so people are able to enjoy the full experience and eat within a reasonable amount of time. Although disappointed, I'm willing to give it another try. read more

This review is on Nellie's Sunday 11am drag brunch and Damnnnnn. SO I recommend you come a bit earlier before they open because they do sit larger parties over smaller ones. Though, they do open the doors 10 mins before 11am. So where should you shit? Most of the drag queens start their performance to the left of the entrance, as well as, those who get to go to the buffeT firstly. So try for those tables if you can. Very few tables for parties of two so recommend parties of 4 or more. These queens are so fabulous and amazing customer service. But don't come late or else the entire place will yell, "you late bitch" lmao. So how was the drinks and buffet? Not gonna lie the drinks are pRetty strong but aren't included in the $50 brunch. Jello-o shots FTW and I think $1. Buffet wasn't bad but food hella randomm and I felt like a fat bitch trying to get seconds so I didn't go. Also the drag queeNs start dancing around 12-12:30 sonpretrt hard to walk in the small spaces as they kicking, flipping and grabbing dollars. Definitely recomMend coming to Nellie's and I look forward to come back. read more

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Such a fun spot! Super aesthetic in decor and events!! Great service with good food and service! They have an upstairs area with a balcony section as well! read more

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Absolutely F!cK this place. Sell too many tickets/ seats and expect the guests to adjust . For the overflow. Absolutely no space for the girls to preform. If u want to call it a performance. It was nothing but MONEY GRABBING with NO TALENT. FOOD was greasy . Drinks weak. read more

A DC institution for the LGBTQ community...(and bridal showers, lol). My biggest personal complaint is the lack of any NA beers or other NA drinks besides soda. As the sponsor of lots of community events (trivia, darts, etc) it would be nice to have inclusive options if you want to join your friends in a night out, but don't drink alcohol. read more

I want to warn women, especially fellow lesbians, of this bar. This gay bar is not a safe space for the queer community. I was attacked by a man on Sunday February 11th. My sister was also brutally assaulted when trying to protect me. I was hit so hard my jaw popped out of place and I fell and hit my head on the floor, causing me to blackout. My sister stepped in to push him off me as he was going in to punch me in the face again. She was then punched several times in the face and had her hair ripped out. For the amount of security present, I am shocked at how long it took them to pull this man off me and my sister. Security and management let the man walk and management proceeded to scream at us for asking for an ambulance and refused to call the police. Luckily another patron called them that witnessed my sister and I get attacked. Management also refused to show me the security footage of this man so I could report him to the police. This isn't the first time women have been attacked in this bar and it probably won't be the last. read more

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This place is the worst. I had a seizure while hanging out here and was kicked out after. I guess, at least they did offer me some water.

You want DC Drag Brunch?! Nellie's is where you NEED to be. World class queens; wonderful, thoughtful service, and a good a** time! Ashley, and the whole team took great care of us. I felt particularly appreciative -we celebrated 600 days of alcohol sobriety for someone in our group, and Ashley/the team made that feel sooo special. Do not miss it. read more

Went for a Taylor Swift themed night with a ton of my friends. Some who traveled a good distance to join me. The DJ very rarely played Taylor, the crowd was clearly not there for the event (insane amount of weed). They started to play Kanye and typical trap music much more frequently than Taylor (which is fine on a normal night, but when you advertise having a Taylor themed night for literal months before, like come on). I ordered their Taylor themed drink for the night. 15$ for a random mix of shitty liquors (see the picture. That pic was taken before ANY mixers were added) and ended up being soooo bitter I didn't finish it. We were disappointed when we arrived at 11, left for another bar, then came back to give it another chance and were more disappointed. read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - Taylor themed cocktail - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I came here with my friend for a few drinks after work. On Saturdays they do have a late night happy hour from 5-9 where any drink behind the bar is BOGO (buy one get one free). After getting your first drink they give you a little ticket to redeem for the second one. Don't lose it! NB: they do not have amaretto so if you are like me and amaretto sours are you go to drink, you will not find that here. We did try drinks off of the menu that they gave us. Expect the spicy margarita to be like pepper to the throat and the one with bourbon is strong so be prepared. The Paloma is very bitter for those that like sweet drinks. I had the burger which was a decent size and it does also come with fries. My friend had the tomato sandwich which I heard no complaints from her. There is indoor and outdoor seating but it was warm outside so the back area was full. Overall a pretty good experience as the food was good and our bartender was hella funny. read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went to their drag brunch on a Saturday at 1PM. 95% of the patrons were older women just having a good time. 60% of those women were African-American. The other 5% were younger women and men. I'm not sure if this is the typical demographic that does drag brunch here. There was definitely a paucity of people in their 20's/30's. I've been to a few drag brunches in my life, mostly in San Francisco, so the best way I can describe this event at Nellie's is that it's tame. It's more a show for people who aren't really in the LGBTQIA community. That said, if you're looking for a real deal raunchy drag queen contest brunch fun time, this is not the place to be. The staff/servers are the ones who do all the announcing and dancing. I thought that there was going to be outside performers there only to perform, be 200% fabulous, and really work for some dollars. Anyway, the brunch food was pretty good and service was excellent. The jalapeño mac and cheese as on point. I'm sure this place is good on a regular non-drag weekday. Albeit, I'm not sure if I'd ever come back especially when there are so many other places that might be better in terms of a drag brunch. read more

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Came here after the Brandy Concert at Howard Theatre and was able to catch the tail end of the Rupaul's Drag Race Season 10 premiere event. (Miss Vanjie! Miss Vanjie! Miss ... Vanjie!) Haha I told the bartender to surprise me with something strong and fruity. And after two of whatever he severed me had me sitting right do you hear me!? I was DONE! I should've gotten the name of the drink but I was too tipsy to remember to. Haha Their hummus wasn't half bad either. Overall, Nellie's seems like a really cool LGBT hang out spot. read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - Hummus - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have to say that yesterday was my first time going to a drag show and brunch at this place and it was absolutely amazing. The food from the brunch buffet was very tasty and cozy - like a family gathering type of feel. The queens were attentive, hilarious, the way everything flowed was highly thought out. I am so happy to have bought tickets for this amazing show and now I must go to the other events scheduled throughout the week here. I will be returning! read more

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I have been wanting to come here for years and finally made it. We were in the waiting room waiting to be seated when Shaquita Lee told us hoes to be quiet. I was called a ho a lot...and I liked it !! Our showtime was for 1pm, however we were not sat until about 1:30pm as the show prior ran over. One could take a star away for this OR one could see that shows run over to complete the show and customer experience (are you a glass have full or glass have empty kind of person?) I'll try not be long-winded, so here goes. Food: Good; my buffet/fat girl strategy was to have two plates to reduce my need to get up. I got a waffle, Alfredo chicken, eggs, pasta, hummus and pita, green beans, rib, yellow rice, turkey sausage, grits and stuff I forgot and everything was good and I was highly satisfied with my level of greed. Forget the food and get to the show! These queens are fabulous! Talented, entertaining, funny and I also got to see a pair of fake boobs (not like Pamela Anderson fake boobs, but more like, I take my fake boobs off at the end of the day). When Shaquita Lee ran out into the middle of U street (out of the restaurant) to perform, I lost my sh*t! If you missed these ladies, then you missed out, however, Shaquita Lee and her team now have their own spot and will no longer be at Nellie's, if you have ANY sense you will go see these queens at there new location! I know I will! Until next time, "girl bye." read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - Brunch/buffet/fat girl plate #1, yummy! - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Sports Bar without any sports.... Sunday.. middle of football season ... instead of watching a game , we're looking at Brunch menus of a brunch that ended 3 hours ago.. ask the bartender.. "I'll ask someone". 3 people up front having a good time.. no one with any interest in actually checking for a game.. waited 30 minutes then left. Bartender was friendly.. read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - Screens not on football... - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The line tends to be really long, and there's a second line inside just to get up the dance floor. They could make use of converting the downstairs waiting area to an additional place to dance. Drinks are expensive by U st standards too. DJ isn't good.. cuts songs off way too early read more

The vibe here is great. We waited over an hour and a half for a table and had horrible service. The first drink barely had liquor in it, the second drink had an entire bottle of whiskey in it. I only had 2 drinks in the 3 1/2 hours I was here because the waiter kept forgetting when we reordered. We waited over 20 minutes for our final ticket and almost walked out because we thought he forgot about us AGAIN. Even when he did come by the table we had to yell our order because he would be walking away as he was talking to us. read more

Nellie's Sports Bar - Chicken Tenders - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place is amazing. Ryan did everything they could to make sure my weekend would be perfect. They fixed my tickets and was so sweet during the whole process. Can't wait to be there this weekend. read more

I had the most impractical, energy filled, and enjoyable time I have ever had! Non stop irreverent fun from beginning to end! The food was decent and the drinks were delish! The best part was the hard working entertainment that Nellie"s is best known for! If you are having a special get together or just have a desire for a good time, this is the place! These ladies truly strutted their stuff! read more

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