Rise is a Hell's Kitchen neighborhood bar rather than a tourist showroom, which means the queens are local, the room is small enough that performers work the tables, and the crowd is largely people who live within ten blocks. Two seatings across both weekend days makes it the easiest drag brunch in the city to actually get into. If the big impersonation shows feel too staged, this is the corrective.
What to expect
A compact bar room set with tables for brunch service and performers working between them rather than from a distant stage. Two seatings run each weekend day, so the room clears and resets in between. Expect close-range performance, tipping, and a crowd that treats it as a regular fixture.
Good to know
- Rise Bar is on Ninth Avenue in Hell's Kitchen; the A/C/E to 50th Street is closest
- The venue is 21 and over
- Reserve through OpenTable — walk-ins are difficult at the popular seating
- Bring small bills; tipping the performers is the norm here
- The later seating tends to be the livelier of the two
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Common questions
How many seatings are there?
Two on each weekend day, at 12:15pm and 2:30pm, with the room reset in between.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, effectively. Book through OpenTable, or call the bar if the slot you want is not showing online.
Is there an age limit?
Rise Bar is a 21-and-over venue, so bring identification.
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