This burlesque themed brunch delivered beyond anticipation. I’d been to The Menagerie many times prior but never before 10 p.m. unless it was to trace back my steps from the night before. It was inviting as always, but quite the change of ambiance as opposed to the nighttime scene.

Peggy Roa, the owner, checked in guests at the entrance who were then shown to their seats. I opted for a seat at the bar as to stay out of the way, but if you’re more extroverted I highly recommend sitting closer to the stage. Before the show started the DJ did make several announcements for guests to take their plates over to the buffet set up on the stage. I was expecting the show to start shortly after arriving at the 11:30 a.m. start time but it was nice that they set aside time for guests to enjoy their food prior to showtime.

I did indulge in bottomless mimosas which weren’t too pricey for what I’m used to paying downtown, usually upwards of twenty two dollars. I paid nineteen dollars at The Menagerie and they definitely kept them coming throughout until I tapped out and handed back the champagne flute.

The buffet was set up on the dance floor where you could choose from several different brunch items. I definitely enjoyed seeing Bryan, my usual nighttime bartender, behind the buffet line helping guests who were ordering omelets. I didn’t have room for one this time around but the rest of the food was pretty good. I had bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy. I had some fruit too, but my favorite were the cheesy potatoes. Intentional or not, there were crispy potatoes and some not so crispy to choose from. I prefer crispy so I definitely picked from the darker almost burnt pieces, same with the bacon. The country gravy and potatoes were a little salty but if I had room I would’ve gone back for more.

Once it was time for the show to begin the DJ asked that everyone find their way back to their seats and we were welcomed by the host, Miss Rusty Waters was lively and kept the room laughing. If I learned anything at brunch its that “Reba was a whore,” and that I’ve been missing out on never attending a drag brunch before.

Miss Waters opened the show with a performance of “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” by Cher from the Burlesque movie soundtrack. Songs from the soundtrack were performed throughout but the queens also performed other well known songs like “Lovefool” by The Cardigans and “Naughty Girl” by Beyoncé. I was excited going into it knowing it was Burlesque themed but also happy to be able to sing along to other songs as well and enjoy seeing how each queen just made the song their own.

Joining Miss Rusty Waters were Eddie d’lite, Victoria Hart, and Abigail Beverly Hillz. Each queen performed three songs with outfit changes between each. Eddie d'lite served up dominatrix realness and then hit us Vegas Showgirl vibes. Victoria Hart was providing pinup girl looks and Abigail Beverly Hillz was slaying the house with her sexy and sultry performances.

All the queens worked the room, and gave the crowd laughs and sexy fun that kept the dollar bills high in the air for the queens to snatch.

Midway through the show, Miss Rusty Waters brought up the one person with a birthday, there is always at least one, onto the stage and they engaged in some dirty dancing, and shot taking to celebrate the day.

I will definitely be looking into attending their next brunch, which they say will feature songs from some of the most iconic moments in movies. The Menagerie hosts Drag Brunch every second Sunday of the month. This month was pushed later into the week for the Super Bowl, but the next amazing brunch occurs in just a couple of weeks, so be sure to get your tickets ASAP, it's sure to sell out.