Many-a-queen has gotten her start at the iconic Lips restaurant/drag revue in NYC, including RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Violet Chachki, the illustrious Jesse Volt (above), Gusty Winds, Frankie Cocktail, Chandilier., Ruby Roo, Blacqueline O’Nasty, and Evangeline Lawrence…and there’s been lots of cheater brands that have tried to cash-in on their success. But there’s nothing like the original drag show palace, restaurant and dining extravaganza (and hen party haven). It all started as one small restaurant in the West Village (currently located on E. 56th St) that looked like the inside of a drag queen’s jewelry box…now you can lick your lips as well in Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego and Chicago. Next month is their 20th anniversary, and all the girls (including many of the originals) will be coming out to show love for the legendary venue that launched their careers, and party to the groovy tunes of DJ Lady Bunny. Stay tuned for more deets!

“We’re not surprised by the enormous success of Lips,” explains Yvonne Lame,  the visionary who co-founded NYC’s only true LaCage Drag Show along with investors Michael Pacca, Paul Galluccio and Robert DeBenedictis.  “Fans love the uniqueness of the Lips experience.  We are more than a stage show because our performers are the waitresses too.  The interaction is unparalleled, the access unequaled, and that’s what makes Lips special.”