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6 Great Spots for Brunch with a Show in NYC

There’s no wrong way to do brunch in a city full of great restaurants. But you can take your mimosa up a notch with a theatrical flair—luckily, New York has plenty of that too. Find six NYC brunches below with performative elements like theater, drag performance, film, and live music.

Brunch & A Show in NYC: The Imbible Presents Day Drinking

The Imbible

Learn about alcohol while you drink it! The hit Off-Broadway show The Imbible is a musical comedy that serves you drinks while you watch the show. For weekend brunch, see the Imbible’s Day Drinking: The Brunch Musical. The show follows four friends trying to find time for brunch together. Along the way, they learn about the history of brunch and, more importantly, brunch cocktails. All guests get three cocktails during the show (be sure to snag something from the Bloody Mary bar). Selected baked goods from Amy’s Bread will also be available. Shows at 2pm Saturdays and 3pm Sundays. Use City Guide's coupon and get $15 off either show! 340 W. 50th St., 800-447-7400, imbible.nyc

Brunch & A Show in NYC: Jazzy Champagne Brunch Cruise

Hornblower Sunday Jazz Cruises

A boat trip around Manhattan is pretty great, but it’s even better with live music and champagne. Hornblower Cruises invites you aboard for the Jazzy Champagne Brunch Cruise. You’ll enjoy a brunch buffet, coffee, and unlimited mimosas as the boat glides past the Statue of Liberty and underneath Brooklyn Bridge. A live jazz band will play during the two-hour trip around the island. January through March, this cruise runs every Sunday; April through December, cruises occur Saturday and Sunday. Pier 40, 353 West St., 646-403-3955, hornblowernewyork.com

Brunch & A Show in NYC: Drag Brunch at La Pulperia

La Pulperia Drag Brunch

With locations in Hell’s Kitchen and the Upper East Side, Mexican restaurant La Pulperia is a drag brunch destination. You might see Ritzy Bitz, who calls herself “The Khaleesi of Drag Brunch,” or Misty Mountains, who won Miss Cherry Grove 2018. In addition to the raucous entertainment, you can also enjoy bottomless cocktails for two hours at $30. Latin-inspired eggs benedict and tostadas are also on offer. At both locations, seatings occur at 12pm and 2:15pm. Hell's Kitchen: 371 W. 46th St., 212-960-3176; Upper East Side: 1626 Second Ave., 212-933-0757, pulperianyc.com

Brunch & A Show in NYC: Gospel Brunch at Red Rooster

Red Rooster

Red Rooster is the star of Harlem’s lauded restaurant scene. This new soul food classic attracts crowds week in and week out for the perfect fried chicken and cornbread—and the live music never disappoints. Underneath the main dining room is Ginny’s Supper Club, where Gospel Brunch is held every Sunday. You’ll select from a buffet of Red Rooster favorites like Mac-and-Greens while Vy Higgensen’s Gospel for Teens Choir brings some Sunday gladness from the stage. 310 Lenox Ave., 212-421-3821, redroosterharlem.com, ginnyssupperclub.com

Brunch & A Show in NYC: Movie Brunch at Nitehawk Cinema

Nitehawk Cinema

Morning movies are kind of the best, a fact Nitehawk regularly exploits at its Williamsburg location. This dine-in theater, which recently opened a second location in Park Slope, screens new hits, cult favorites, and classics with full food and drink available for purchase while you watch. Upcoming brunch flicks include Paddington 2, Groundhog Day (screened on the holiday itself), and Love & Basketball. Williamsburg: 136 Metropolitan Ave.; Park Slope: 188 Prospect Park West, nitehawkcinema.com

Brunch & A Show in NYC: Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Ellen's Stardust Diner

Ellen’s Stardust is a trip no matter when you go. At this famed Times Square destination, the servers sling a plate of eggs onto your table then break into a chorus of “All That Jazz.” The performers are incredible talents who know a wide range of famous Broadway showtunes, hence the popularity of this bi-level diner. Ellen’s serves breakfast all day, New York classics like the Reuben, and lots and lots of burgers. 1650 Broadway, 212-956-5151, ellensstardustdiner.com

About the Author

Merrill Lee Girardeau lives and writes in Brooklyn.

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