This review is for the drag brunch only. A few days ago, my bestie (first time at a drag brunch) and I traveled here for a drag brunch. When we arrived around 1 p.m., there was a rope blocking the brunch buffet so our only option was to walk upstairs (the buffet was not ready yet). Once we got upstairs, my friend and I grabbed a table and sat down. When my friend came back after getting a drink, I asked if she got the complimentary one included in our ticket price and she was told that we would get that downstairs. Then around 2 p.m., one of the queens walked around & started scanning tickets in order of the largest party size (15 people) and the parties were seated downstairs. My friend and I saw the writing on the wall (that we would probably be one of the last tables since we were a party of 2) so thankfully we met 2 other sweet girls and formed an alliance. We were seated next. Even though all the windows were open (on both floors) and fans were blowing, it was hot! Thankfully I brought my fan which helped a little. When we got downstairs, it was cramped, crowded, & dreadful because of the humidity. Shortly after, they opened up the buffet and went table by table. Then around 2:55, it was announced that they would start shortly (this was not what I expected since I had to be at the train station by 5 p.m., but it all worked out in the end). The food was pretty good, but since it was sweltering I didn't have much appetite. Now for the best part of the brunch: the queens. They were amazingly talented and I gave them as much money as I responsibly could. It's certainly not their fault that the logistics, communication, and organization were non-existent. My friend enjoyed her first drag brunch which is all that really matters to me, but I highly doubt that I will ever come back again in the summer.
Oh, Nellies. It's THE gay bar in DC for better or for worse. I would definitely note that it is not a dance club at night like many gay bars. People can mingle and talk over the music--if that's your vibe.
Your security denied me time to chat with the manger for nellies. His name was Wayne. I noticed that 2 of the security guards had an issue with gay men touching them. They were yelling it out loud. Not in a derogatory sense but at all. They were very upset and expressed their grievances after most of us patrons left. Noticing how they felt and my knowledge of the previous media attention I tried to bring it to managements attention. When I mentioned I wanted to speak to a manager I was ushered aggressively outside and denied any opportunity to express myself. The security company that you all continue to hire is homophobic and is connected to previous events. I personally foresee another interaction if something isn’t done. The sheer fact they blocked me from so waking m and pushed me outside after I said I wanted to chat with the manager is problematic. Then he said oh he don’t wanna talk to you. lol in my experience you all should’nt continue in that exclusive mentality or it will lead to your conclusion. Thank you Antwan Beason
Amazing place to hang out and vibe, great drinks, fun bartenders, lots of seating. Especially enjoyed the rooftop area, very nice!
This was my first drag show and I attended with my best friend. The brunch food was substandard but the queens were incredibly talented. I wish there had been a stage for them to perform and that it wasn’t such a hot room. Everyone was melting. If you do the drag brunch bring lots of cash- as collecting money is the main goal of each performer!
Nellies is always a good time but they r always forcefully putting some of the girls out. The happy hour drinks r strong and the music is good. We got the wings and fries which of the three flavors(Buffalo bbq n plain) we got it was tasty. There was a long line inside to get to the upstairs patio. We decided to just stay downstairs since it wasn’t a birthday or a special occasion.They have something every nite sunday is drag brunch which is great entertainment(bingo game and performances) and good food.
The servers are great, but the DJ was AWFUL the last few times we've been there and only plays slow hip-hop. As a result, there's really no dancing and it kills the vibe. When we went a few years ago, it was an awesome place to dance to upbeat pop tracks. If you're looking for a fun, upbeat club, look elsewhere.
rude staff (people working near door at the end of the night) rude , terrible manager. I used to love to come here years ago and had a great time. from what ive heard recently it's really been downgrading rapidly in the last 6 years because of staff. last night I saw it in action, I'll never be back. don't support them until they hire people with souls!
We arrived for the 1pm drag brunch on Mother's Day 2022 and were ushered upstairs to the bar where we remained until 2pm. We had reserved a table for 12 which was crammed in between the back wall and another table of 12. We were brushing up against our neighbors. We didn't eat until 3pm and the show didn't start until 4pm. It lasted one hour, and the queens were difficult to see because the tables were so close together. Clearly Nellie's drag is about making money on the people who invested $50 hoping to see a show. Instead we drank for 3 hours, ate a mediocre, picked-over buffet, and were irritated before the short show began. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT
Such a great time today!! The energy was off the chain and the girls did a great show!! Shout out to Savannah and Labella !!!