Illusions Magic Bar & Lounge

Elite '08

67

179

Jim B.

Washington, DC

Illusions was recently voted "Best New Bar" and "Best Date Bar" by some local publication, and it's easy to see why. If you happen to take a date here and the conversation is dying... here comes a magic show to the rescue! There was definitely a first date I saw last night that needed the distraction. Hey buddy, stop looking at me looking at your bad date - look at the girl!!

The owner's son, Spencer, who's been doing magic since the age of 4, will entertain the crowd at 10pm. Through audience volunteers, he runs through a gambit of impressive and funny card tricks before ending with the piece de resistance - the upside-down suspended straight jacket escape. The whole show is hilarious and entertaining to watch. It will be a couple more years before Spencer builds himself a spectacular stage presence, but he's still quite good and works off the audience well.

But I thought to myself, is this bar a one trick pony? (pun intended) If the magic act wasn't here, or if I got tired of seeing the same bits, would I have reason to come back? Sure I would. First, the waitstaff is incredibly friendly, as is the owner and his son. Both of them take an active role in the bar and you can find them serving drinks, clearing drinks, shaking hands, and making sincere conversation all night. I greatly appreciate the effort and the heart involved.

Next, the attention to detail with the decor is great. The owner didn't skimp, he's got comfortable, leather-backed chairs at the tables, and incredibly comfy leather sofas and loungers upstairs away from the main bar. There's also a pool table up there that has plenty of elbow room to actually make shots and play. Wrap up the whole atmosphere with cool drink tables and giant magician posters on the walls.

Put this all together and we have a bar for which I'd actually like to dress up a bit before I come. Not out of expectation or pretention, but out of simple respect.

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0

20

Mike M.

Baltimore, MD

The only magic I've seen in a bar before came in a bottle labeled "Magic Hat".  Well, now you can go have both!  I was skeptical upon first hearing of this place, but I must admit it ended up being a lot of fun!  It's currently a one man show, but volunteers from the audience and a few staff few cameos make for a fun segment.  It's definitely a change of pace from your normal night out in Baltimore.

A reservation is a good idea.  We got there on the early side and it was a bit empty, but as we enjoyed our drinks it filled up fast and was standing room only by show time.  There's a small cover charge (at least on Friday).  The show takes place in the main bar room, that has a custom set up for a small stage integrated into the bar.  After the show you can just chill at the bar, or back in the large lounge/pool table room in the back.

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Elite '08

85

125

Kori K.

Alexandria, VA

Feeling like more than just drinking on a Saturday night? How about a rabbit out of your hat with a side of cocktail?

Come for the alcohol, stay for the magic. This is no ordinary 1920s style bar. Here you can come with your friends, grab a drink (lots of alcohol, but a bit pricey) while watching a free magic show that includes an upside down straight jacket escape.

Miss the show? No big deal, Ken Horsman, owner, and his son Spencer keep patrons entertained with at-your-table card tricks and the super friendly wait staff will practically sit down with you, get to know everyone's names, and have some great conversation.

The only downside is that there's no food menu yet, but they say one is coming, and during the show it could be hard to find seats, so call ahead and reserve a table.

It's still no Palace of Wonders, because I can't staple a $20 to someone's forehead, but it's pretty damn close.

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