
Past the old-time washing machines housed in a 1940s-era commercial laundry building, you’ll find a hidden bar. Part speakeasy, part magic theater, this gem of a find is in plain sight but easy to miss if you don’t know how to look.
The unique entertainment venue, appropriately called the Chicago Magic Lounge, is located in Andersonville and is open 7 days a week!
Opening at 5:00 PM, The Performance Bar, an Art-Deco inspired bar, does not require a ticket to the show and is a great place to hang out. It features a full menu is littered with delicious craft cocktails and small plates to choose from.
The kitchen opens officially at 6 PM and for those with tickets to a show at the 110 seater Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater, the full service menu is available throughout the night. There’s also the 654 Club, a smaller 43 seater venue, which hosts smaller magic shows, but food is prohibited in this particular area.
If you’re already a member of the Chicago Magic Round Table, head over to the Chicago Round Table Library, which is filed to the brim with magical knowledge. Most of the collection comes from the Library of Walter Gibson. Gibson was known as an American author and magician, and even wrote over 100 books on magic. As for how once can become a member of the Chicago Magic Round Table, I guess you’ll have to ask a magician first.
A rotating list of house magicians or special guest performers delight and amaze from the front stage.
The venue has been around since 2018, and is co-founded by Joseph Cranford. The original bar named David’s Bar, initially got its name from David Burns, a famed architect who died that year. He was known for designing iconic theaters in Chicago, including the Steppenwolf and Looking Glass.
The venue is 21+ or 16+ with a legal guardian. Check out the performance calendar here. Get your tickets to the magic show here. Guidelines also indicate ticket holders must be fully vaccinated to attend a show. The performers and staff are also fully vaccinated.
Address: Chicago Magic Lounge at 5050 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640