Crazy Aunt Helen's
Restaurant · Capitol Hill
713 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
"The color-soaked Capitol Hill diner has an upstairs Peacock Room that seats up to 55 for a private dinner or 75 people for a standing reception, plus a full bar and stage for performances or karaoke or presentations. Book one of its frequent entertainers like Drag Queen Tara Hoot and DJ Phil Reese to liven up the event." - Tierney Plumb, Missy Frederick, Vinciane Ngomsi
"Capitol Hill’s maximalist diner does a Groove drag brunch every fourth Saturday showcasing disco funk and Broadway show tunes (the next one is October 28). And twice a month on Saturdays, Hoot entertains the kids—or kids at heart—with songs and story time. A portion of proceeds goes towards Open Book Foundation. Go here to view the upcoming lineup." - Tierney Plumb
"Anyone who loves vintage diving at Miss Pixie’s — a D.C. institution that sells all sorts of eccentric household curiosities behind a hot pink facade — might have daydreamed about what it would be like to go to a kooky dinner party at owner Pixie Windsor’s house. Snagging a seat at Crazy Aunt Helen’s, Capitol Hill’s all-day spot for American comfort food since 2021, may be the next best thing. For Windsor’s first restaurant-decorating job, the space — once a dark Irish pub — got a bright blast of glitzy grandma, starting with a purple staircase flanked by Mona Lisa replicas that greets you upon entry. Other wacky accents include a men’s room adorned with headstones, a glowing neon-pink sign that simply says “crazy,” and colorful touches like lime-green booths, a big peacock mural upstairs, and sunflowers sitting at tables. The fun continues onstage during the popular gospel drag brunch shows, which are the ideal backdrop for enjoying crispy catfish, jackfruit tostadas, and Wake Me Up Before You Gogo cold-brew cocktails. — Tierney Plumb" - Eater Staff
"Cozy, eclectic Crazy Aunt Helen’s will host almost nightly events to celebrate Pride. Utilizing the upstairs Peacock Room, events include everything from jazz performances to cabaret singers to comedians. For example, a Disco Funk Brunch goes down every Sunday with drag queen Tara Hoot. And its beloved Story Time Drag Brunch with Tara Hoot will take place on Saturday, June 24. “This year for Pride month, I really wanted to celebrate the abundance of LGBTQIA+ artists that D.C. has to offer,” says owner Shane Mayson." - Evan Caplan
"Who’s ready for storytime? Pack up the kiddos (or just bring your inner child) and get ready to have a blast at Tara Hoot’s Storytime Drag Brunch at Crazy Aunt Helen’s in Capitol Hill. This 45-minute show is all songs and book readings (and when the Reading Rainbow theme song hits while the bubble machine is going, we’re pretty much all kids again, anyway). The menu has all the American breakfast staples like bacon, eggs, and pancakes, and while none of the food will blow your mind, it’s good enough to pack up the leftovers. Try to get there when the doors open at 10am because the food takes a long time—so long that the show might be ending before your plate comes. Tickets are $5 and a portion of proceeds goes to An Open Book Foundation, which provides books to DC kids in need." - Tristiaña Hinton
