Bob & Barbara's
Not even a global pandemic could stop the city’s longest-running drag show. When drag legend Lisa Lisa and her crew of queens couldn’t perform inside, they went outside. In winter. Literally stopping traffic on South Street to sway and sashay. Now that they’re back indoors, they’ve gone from one show every Thursday night to two. A true Philly institution, and a survivor. 1509 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, bobandbarbaras.com.
Philly Drag Mafia
Whether you prefer to attend a drag show at a Thai restaurant, a Gayborhood club, a Delco watering hole, or — one of the coolest spots in town — the rooftop bar of the Bok Building, indefatigable Brittany Lynn and the queens of her Drag Mafia have you covered. Sooooo gay, as Brittany likes to say. phillydragmafia.com.
Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar
Theres always something fun and fabulous happening at this Gayborhood staple. Downstairs, its cocktails, conversation, and whatever games are on the flat-screens. Upstairs, its cheap beers, karaoke and drag shows. How can you go wrong? 200 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, tabuphilly.com.
The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret
If your impression of a drag show is a bunch of bedazzled trannies lip-synching to Madonna, you need to see this groundbreaking show starring Pig Iron Theatre Company co-founder Dito van Reigersberg in a wig, heels and false eyelashes. It's pure theater, and a true Philly gem. 00000, facebook.com/MarthaGrahamCracker.
Bob & Barbara’s Lounge
The longest-running drag show in Philly is still fresh (thanks to a rotating cast of Philly favorites and up-and-comers), still under the direction of show founder and iconic hostess Miss Lisa Lisa – and still the best $8 you can spend on a Thursday night. 1509 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, bobandbarbaras.com.
Bob and Barbara's
Whether it's Friday night's DJ'd happy hour, Thursday's long-standing drag show, Sunday karaoke with Sara or the foot-stomping jazz on the weekends, this quintessential dive is always a party, fueled by the all-important Pabst-and-Jim Beam special, still only $3 ($3.50 after 9 p.m.) after all these years. 1509 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, bobandbarbaras.com.
Sorella
She might not channel Beyonc in her everyday life, but if she'd like to glam it up for the prom which she can actually do, if she so chooses, in Mama Beyonc's line, House of Deron then take her to the downstairs Prom Lounge of this fashionable boutique on Media's so-cute main drag. She'll find the dress, the shoes, the jewelry, and thanks to the helpful sisters who own the shop, you'll keep your sanity in the process. 23 East State Street, Media, PA 19063, sorellashop.com.
Varlo Apparel
Varlo Apparel founder Soj Jibowu. Photograph courtesy Soj Jibowu Former Division-I track star Soj Jibowu stumbled into the world of triathlon competitions without even knowing how to swim — and still managed to create multi-sport drag-resistant apparel that compresses in all the right places. You can also create your own sleek design from the more than 300 fabric choices in the custom online shop. varlosports.com.
Chestnut Hill
The past year's retail development along the main drag of Germantown Avenue has transformed it from "Oh, that's a cute place to shop" to Serious Destination. So, go. And buy us something nice. 00000, chestnuthillpa.com/shopping.
Little Fish
When you’re there in the teeny- tiny dining room, knocking back your special-occasion bubbly, popping pudgy little raw scallops dressed in pineapple and hot peppers, dragging the tines of your fork across the back of your black cod just to hear how crispy it is, you’ll understand how a small, nearly 25-year-old seafood BYOB was able to capture our hearts – and how Alex Yoon (its new chef and owner) was able to keep a good thing going. 746 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, littlefishbyob.com.
Draw to Action
Draw to Action features original drawings from 30 Philly-based artists, with 100 percent of sales donated to local charities. So when you decide to avoid some grown-up responsibilities to go grab your box of Crayolas, you’re practically a philanthropist. instagram.com/drawtoaction.
Whole Foods Market's South Street Bicycle Delivery Service
Because grocery shopping can be a total drag (where did they move the chia seeds to, anyway?), the Whole Foods gods gave us this: bike delivery from the chain's South Street location. If you live in Center City, you can call or email the store, and a personal shopper will fill your bags. A few hours later—boom. You've got your favorite WFM eats on your doorstep. 929 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, wholefoodsmarket.com/service/south-street-bike-delivery.
The Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby
We're suckers for this gala procession of "art and human-powered transit," a two-mile-long obstacle course full of drag queens, sofa kings, oversized skulls, beer tanks, balloons, sharks and superheroes, all battling to make it to-what else?-a mud pit. And how can you not love a fest that invites notorious two-wheeler-hater Stu Bykofsky to judge what is, underneath all the papier-mach and twisted metal, a bike parade? 00000, kinetickensington.org.
Brittany Lynne’s Cards Against Humanity
Photograph by The Washington Post/Getty Images This monthly group battle at Mifflin Tavern, hosted by a beloved drag queen, is never boring. And the fact that it takes place in deep South Philly at what used to be Johnny Doc’s bar makes it even more delicious. 1843 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, phillydragmafia.com.
Starry Eyed Optical
On Media's inviting main drag, you'll find eyeglasses and sunglasses, all with top-of-the-line lenses; designer brands and artsy brands; and super-helpful Christian Haiges and Amy Bullock, who'll guide you toward the perfect pair just destined to frame your peepers. 5 East State Street, Media, PA 19063, starryeyedoptical.com.