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The Magic Castle

The Magic Castle

Performing Arts Venue and Speakeasy
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9.1/10
714
ratings
  • Stars
  • Tips
    Gene C.
    "Good food, and fun magicians"(12 Tips)
    Asher Monroe
    "This is hands down the best magic show in LA."(4 Tips)
    David J.
    "Beware the dress code, it's strictly enforced."(5 Tips)
    Daniel H.
    "Answer the phone in the phone booth for another surprise."(4 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon159 Tips and reviews
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  • Boaz S.heart icon on user image
    Boaz SachsFebruary 12, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    One of the few places in LA where a dress code is truly enforced. Totally worth dressing for just for the vibes. If you are a fan of magic (and who isn't?!) then this is a sort of Mecca
  • Curbed
    CurbedMarch 24, 2014
    Here's a tip for getting into the wonderful, members-only Magic Castle: stay at the Magic Castle Hotel next door. It's cute, moderately-priced,& convenient to the madness on Hollywood Boulevard. Read more
  • Dine.Savor.Repeat. ™️ a.heart icon on user image
    My 2nd time here & ordered the Truffle Fries & Rack of Lamb, Delish! They have different acts every 2 weeks. Very friendly staff. Take a tour w/a "Knight" to get a history of the place. Members Only.
  • Lisa G.heart icon on user image
    Lisa GoreOctober 6, 2015
    Most friendly staff, Alex the Bartender at the first bar makes the best Blood Orange Margarita!! The tour Ben gave us as first time visitors was mind blowing with historical magic performance facts!
  • SENSE Magazineheart icon on user image
    SENSE MagazineOctober 20, 2012
    The Magic Castle has a long and colorful history, but only invited guests may enter. It is one of the last great hold outs for style, class, and grace in an otherwise dance club filled Hollywood.
  • Rachel Y.
    Rachel YouensSeptember 25, 2013
    On my first visit, I almost went the whole night without making it to the basement level. It's where some of the most intimate magic happens.
  • Dine.Savor.Repeat. ™️ a.heart icon on user image
    This is great place, very fun. The restaurant is nice & smells wonderful. The food is decent but not 5 star. Flavorful but not mouth watering. The Rib Eye & Filet were tasty & the portions are large.
  • Danny N.
    Danny NortonNovember 1, 2013
    Wow, find a friend with membership an reserve the Houdini dining room full of his personal effects and site of seances. The big stage is a treat, close magic rooms are mainly cards, apprentice acts
  • Edlin C.
    Edlin ChoiSeptember 26, 2012
    So cool!! Totally had no idea what to expect. Really really cool and food was pretty great as well. Definitely go if you have the chance. (4 of 4 petals via Fondu) Read more
  • Daniel H.heart icon on user image
    Daniel H.February 26, 2014
    Be sure to get there early and explore the mansion. Spend some time with Invisible Irma at the piano. She can play almost any song requested. Answer the phone in the phone booth for another surprise.
  • Emma C.
    Emma CampbellDecember 21, 2010
    The staff here are amazing - best customer service I've seen in a long time. Also the best smelling lobby, with free hot apple cider 24/7 during the holiday season!
  • Elyse E.heart icon on user image
    Elyse EstradaApril 30, 2015
    Have some drinks to relax your mind. Don't try to figure it out, just be entertained. Do not miss the close up magic rooms. That's where your mind will kick into overdrive but don't let it.
  • LINDA S.
    LINDA STRAWBERRYNovember 8, 2010
    You have to be invited by a member or magician but it is worth trying to wrangle Dress up, eat steak, say hi to Irma the invisible piano player, enjoy the amazing ambiance, see the close up show!
  • Veronica C.heart icon on user image
    Veronica ChaviraJuly 26, 2018
    This magical place exudes elegance and mystery! Great night out on the town to dress up in formal attire, have a lovely dinner and see magic shows. No pictures allowed inside. Very exclusive!
  • Caroline O.
    Caroline On CrackFebruary 28, 2013
    The new specialty cocktail menu was created by magician bartenders Joshua Lucas and Jordan Gold. Try the Open Sesame or Lovely Assistant cocktails.
  • Crystal W.
    Crystal WarnerJanuary 20, 2014
    Application for Associate Membership... It's cheaper to be a non-resident (outside of a 60 mile radius of the Magic Castle)
  • Sonny B.
    Sonny BrownMay 13, 2013
    This place is awesome...free sodas water chips etc. I checked in and had 3 cold beers in the fridge complements of the hotel. Quite rooms and comfortable beds
  • FunnyEddie M.heart icon on user image
    FunnyEddie MedranoSeptember 12, 2012
    Been here 100+ times
    Please refrain from texting or checking your phone during a performance. Respect The Magic Castle. You are a guest at our Home. Tip the front desk. They do an amazing job every night.
  • Bob B.heart icon on user image
    Bob BretallApril 14, 2017
    Awesome private club for people who love magic! While it's private it's not that terribly hard to get in, members hand out passes to help keep the place packed.
  • Allan M.heart icon on user image
    Allan M88January 20, 2017
    The Magic is second to none - though it's a very old school style of magic. Drink prices are high but expected I suppose considering they're selling it as an "exclusive" experience.
  • Laurent J.
    Laurent JudkiewiczAugust 17, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    The most friendly hotel in LA. Free snacks and sodas. Free wifi. DVDs to borrow. Cool small pool. Huge comfy suites. Not to be missed.
  • Buford B.heart icon on user image
    Buford BarnesJune 12, 2012
    A black-tie, invitation-only clubhouse where magic shows and an invisible piano player accompany steak dinners. You can get the required invitation from a member through someone taking magic classes!
  • Bradd P.heart icon on user image
    Bradd PiontekFebruary 3, 2016
    Be sure to go with a knowledgeable member, get there early, and see as many unique close-up room acts as you can that night.
  • Lauren D.
    Lauren D.February 23, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    They have both a vegan and vegetarian special available! Just ask at the bar what the special is of the evening, and you can order it there or in the restaurant!
  • Sascha B.heart icon on user image
    Sascha BergerAugust 3, 2018
    Amazing experience! High quality restaurant and the shows are stunning!
  • Ketil Moland O.heart icon on user image
    Ketil Moland OlsenJune 5, 2019
    This club is the global epicenter of magic. If you are ready for an extraordinary experience, go for it — if you are able to get in.
  • Jr B.
    Jr BenditoOctober 5, 2011
    Wear PROPER attire please. The lobster was delicious!!! Don't let magicians get under your skin, LOL! The shows feel like college classes. Irma is amazing, she plays whatever song you want!
  • Fabio O.
    Fabio OkuboNovember 14, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Get in line early for the non ticket shows so you will get a good sit. In the Palace of mystery avoid sitting in the from row to the right, because you will miss some of the magic
  • Swagbucks
    SwagbucksAugust 3, 2011
    Easily one of the top 10 vintage Hollywood gothic homes preserved and converted for use as a world renown magic venue and eatery. Easily. Don't forget to dress nicely - no jeans or sneakers allowed! ~
  • Cherry T.
    Cherry TeresaAugust 25, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    I've never been to any other place like this. You'll experience magic everywhere - in places and at times you might not expect. :)
  • Tracey B.
    Tracey BrownJanuary 31, 2015
    Pro tips! Ask the own questions in the bar by the dining area and go in the phone booth and answer the phone!
  • Crystal W.
    Crystal WarnerJanuary 20, 2014
    The Magic Castle has reciprocal agreements with a variety of private clubs around the world.
  • NOWNESS
    NOWNESSApril 25, 2011
    Los Angeles: This historic magician's club is a favorite of Rodarte sibling duo Laura & Kate Mulleavy. They love to see sleight-of-hand experts and listen to Erma the ghost play the piano. Read more
  • Holly W.
    Holly W.January 8, 2013
    The Magic Castle is super fun but you have to be invited to attend. I definitely think everyone should go at least once.
  • Matt (@VeganCheesehead) C.heart icon on user image
    Didn't get to explore their hidden vegan options but had a great night of drinks and magic! ♣️♦️♥️♠️ 🎩
  • Rahwa G.
    Rahwa GhebreabSeptember 25, 2013
    You have to really be into magic. And formality. Not a place to go if you're seeking diversity. It is, however, the place to go if you're seeking a good piece of flourless chocolate cake.
  • Jenniferheart icon on user image
    JenniferOctober 30, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Just in case the magic made you ravenous, you can order from the full menu at any bar in the Castle.
  • Sydney M.heart icon on user image
    Sydney MFebruary 10, 2019
    A magical experience indeed! Be aware the formal dress code
  • Albert H.
    Albert HookAugust 9, 2013
    Ask questions because the staff love to answer them and get in line early because seats fill up fast.
  • Jamie M.heart icon on user image
    Jamie MillsApril 6, 2014
    Easy hotel although a it dated in same ways. Worth staying at. Free candy and sodas for your whole stay.
  • Kate M.
    Kate MorganMarch 25, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    So many hidden places. Get there early, have dinner and explore!! I always find something new every time I go.
  • Stuart D.
    Stuart DavisNovember 7, 2009
    Been here 5+ times
    As long as you can get in, grab a $15 martini, listen to Irma play a few requests on the piano and catch a couple shows from some excellent magicians (make sure to hit the Close-up Room). Read more
  • Jay S.
    Jay SamitNovember 19, 2009
    Book a private Seance for your favorite dozen friends/clients. Great meal and great fun in a private room. Hosted by a Medium that is well done.
  • Gary D.heart icon on user image
    Gary DeLongJanuary 13, 2016
    The magic was outstanding and the dinner was terrific as well.
  • Ben T.
    Ben TepferMarch 18, 2011
    If you can get in, don't miss out on an amazing night of unbelievable magic and top-notch food and drinks. Irma will play you (just about) anything from Sinatra to GaGa.
  • AJ L.heart icon on user image
    AJ LDecember 15, 2017
    Magical moments around every corner. Check out the phone booth. ;)
  • Alvin L.heart icon on user image
    Alvin LamSeptember 29, 2015
    Shows were awesome! But food is far from amazing. Everything over cooked or had no flavor. Great shows and drinks. Definitely not the food.
  • Nayos T.heart icon on user image
    Nayos T.January 6, 2014
    Been here 50+ times
    Burgers at the bar is delicious, remember to ask for truffle fries!
  • Vikkie R.heart icon on user image
    Vikkie RidleyFebruary 7, 2015
    Great food, amazing magic and out of this world ambience
  • Jen O.
    Jen OJune 15, 2009
    Been here 100+ times
    Definitely don't skip on the filet mignon. And be sure to catch one of the free tours on the weekends.
    Upvoted Mar 1
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