Illusions Magic Bar & Lounge

Best show EVER! Spencer is an amazing magician/​comedian. I completely understand why they have a two drink minimum because people need to be willing to participate and be loose to help the show. I literally laughed all night. I hope April see’s this hey girl!!! Lol I highly recommend going to his show. Just MAKE SURE you call ahead for a reservation and show up early so you can get a good seat. I was seated with the B’s so I was very close to the stage and yet I still wasn’t able to see how he did his tricks! Lol he’s that good with slid of hand!

Absolutely LOVED it!!! I loved how Spencer welcomed everyone, and was even behind the bar serving everyone. Show was amazing! ESPECIALLY THE END!!! I also enjoyed him hanging around afterwards to meet and greet and share more tricks!!! Definitely a MUST SEE!!!

First and foremost, I think my group had an unusually bad experience here and most ppl will just have a blast here. But for the management, I’m writing this review.
Came here Saturday night with a group of 10 or so ppl. Never been before and we’re all excited for the show. We had gotten tickets early and were in the first seating group. Our group being large and particularly jovial, it’s not always easy to corral a group that big. Given that, the host seating us wasn’t very pleasant about it. I think this is something that just comes with the business of doing shows where often large groups come and drink. Some ppl are chatting and not paying as much attention as they could, but the host should’ve been a lot more graceful about handling the seating keeping us happy. At one point, he asked «Anyone in this group speak English I can talk to? That guy (in your group) isn’t doing what I asked him to do.» Now, intentional or not, this could’ve easily been interpreted as a racist comment given that almost everyone in my group was Asian. He may have not meant it that way, but he should tread more carefully in my opinion. This upset several ppl in my group. We eventually get seated in the front corner.
Several minutes later, the minute before the show starts he rudely comes up to me and my wife, and asks one of us to move our chairs from the aisle facing front to the side, which was a less optimal viewing position. He said it in a way that made it seem like we moved the chairs, and I tried to explain to him that the chairs were already in these positions when we sat down. He didn’t like that at all, and got an attitude with me, which really left a bad taste in my mouth. We moved our chairs, shuffled around a bit so I can still sit next to my wife.
We watched the show, which was amazing and hilarious. But it’s amazing how those first few minutes of just being seated was unpleasant enough, giving a bad first impression, to where I felt the need to write this essay of a review. I hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else’s group in the future. It’s a fantastic show otherwise.

My boyfriend and I had so much fun at Illusions on Sat. 2÷13÷16. We got there at around 8:10 for the 9pm show and had a few drinks in the bar while waiting. Bartenders were nice and the décor was themed with illusionist/​magic stuff… it was cool.
After being called by group (it goes by check in so we were group D by the time we checked in) we were seated pretty far back but in the middle and could see everything fine. The place isn’t huge so any seat is good really.
As for the show, Spencer was awesome! Funny jokes, cool tricks, audience participation, and an escape routine at the end. I even got called on stage to help with a trick and it was so fun. He’s really talented. I got to keep the paper and ticket used in the trick as a souvenir to remember the night.
After the show, Spencer walks around to do little card tricks and take pictures. He seemed like a really nice guy and his dad is very friendly too. We ended up talking to his dad who I assume is the owner for like 10 minutes after the show. Nice guy.
I totally recommend coming here if you’re looking for something different during your stay in Baltimore!

Finally got to come for a show after hearing so many good things. We weren’t able to get the Groupon unfortunately, but worth the $ 18 for tickets. I emailed mid-​week to make reservations for a Saturday show, which was good because apparently they sell out frequently. We arrived around 8 and were some of the first people there– but it filled up quickly.
We were in the first seating group and able to sit at the bar to enjoy our drinks. Prices are reasonable– beers run $ 4 – 6, wines for $ 6 – 9, and the bartenders did a good job of making sure everyone was taken care of.
They started seating around 8:45 or so, and tell you where to sit as you line up. We were a tad apprehensive as we were seated in the very front row (didn’t want to be brought onstage against our will) but it worked out– anyone who helped onstage volunteered themselves, and the only other audience participation was shouting out names of movies, bands, etc– pretty low key.
The show was really entertaining– Spencer has a great self deprecating sense of humor, and was able to keep everyone engaged. There was a 15 min intermission about an hour in, and the best stuff definitely came in the second half. The show ended around 11 and we stuck around after as Spencer hung out in the bar to do some more card tricks.
Overall I think this is a must-​see if you’re in the Baltimore area, and perfect for a date night or night out with friends!

About. Damn. Time.
Illusions Magic Bar was on my Unilocal bookmark list since 5÷24÷2010. It took me over five years to finally make my first appearance. I made e-​mail reservations for the Alain Nu show, the definite way to go in order secure seats. I remember the show started at 9 PM, so we arrived a little after 8. My recommendation: if you are trying to get seats that you really want, most likely in the front, get here around 7:45 PM, that is when the doors open for seating. You are placed within «seating groups» that are called in alphabetical order.
There is a $ 16 cash cover per person for the show. When you make e-​mail reservations, you will be reminded of such, so don’t worry. If you are getting drinks at the bar, I would do so during the show, because my experience proved that it’s much less hectic than getting drinks before the show, since everyone is getting them at the same damn time. One more thing, don’t bring your AMEX card, as it is not accepted at Illusions.
With that out of the way, the show with Alain Nu was great. Was I apart of one of the acts? Yes, I was (even if it was by irresistible force). It was fun, memorable times throughout the night though. There were two bachelorette parties, and I think both parties had more than a couple drinks, nahmean? My only gripe that I have with Illusions was closing out my tab; this took too long to happen. Two reasons: a. everyone is waiting until the end of the show to close their check; b. the bartender was not taking patrons in the order they came to the bar. I told the bartender how I felt about it, and that was the end of that.
I would come back for another show at Illusions, but hopefully a time sooner than five years.

Show is amazing! Not going to give away any of his secrets, but audience involvement was maximal and there were more than a few times when I was shocked that the magician had «lost» someone’s $ 20 only to have it reappear in various fruits 20 minutes later!

Awesome little place. The only reason I don’t give it a five is because even though I made reservations I still had to wait outside for 25 min before they’d let me in. Everyone inside has to be seated first. Consequently, we had to sit way in the back in front of the restroom. Nonetheless we could hear and see fine. The show was great and I would come back again… only I’d arrive 2 hours earlier!

Really impressed with this place, especially since we got in half price thanks to a Groupon. Decent drink menu and a really good time watching Spencer and crew.
The Good: The show is great. Spencer really was entertaining! The drink menu is diverse and a good mix of classical and modern cocktails. The interior and décor were clean and very nice, if a bit cramped.
The Bad: Two drink minimum (I don’t care but I think it’s a bit strange). Not really much to say that was really negative.
I will be back at some point. I’m not normally into this kind of show, but I had a really good time and enjoyed some great drinks. Recommended, especially for a date night.

This was a nice date for me and my girlfriend. It was different and entertaining. The owner greeted us at the door and was very interactive and nice (even though he hit on my girl ALL night lol — but to his credit she was looking really nice lol). The drinks were also really good and not inexpensive but not expensive either.
It was my first magic show and I didn’t have the regular magician so I can’t say if the tricks were top notch or not seeing as how I don’t have any thing to compare it to but I was entertained and amazed at times and definitely plan on going back some time soon.

We came on a visit to Baltimore from Jersey, and decided to check out this show. Wow! Spencer Horsman is definetely worth seeing, he is a world class illusionist and has great showmanship! The show is in a small intimate setting, which is great, so you get to see the tricks up close and personal. The show was nicely paced, he was actually funny AND great at doing the tricks. My hubby participated in one of the «prediction» games, and I know he did not know or speak to Spencer before the show (I was with him the whole time!) incredible! Of course the last escape trick blew our minds, and was a great ending to the show. After the show, Spencer hangs around and chats/​takes pictures with guests, we chatted with him, and he insisted we take a selfie with him, (while still wet from his last trick, lol!) Which we gladly did. We Highly recommend this show, you will definetely be entertained!

So glad we stumbled into Illusions after dinner while visiting Baltimore on a Saturday night. This is just something you won’t find in cities like New York.
At around 11pm we popped into Illusions to find out about their magic show.
The hostess/​waitress informed us that the show was already at intermission. However, we didn’t need tickets or to pay she just said buy two drinks and you can watch the second half. We grabbed a table in the back and ordered. The back room which fits about 50 people was more than half filled.
I can’t speak of the first half of the show but everything after was awesome. Spencer is more of a comedian and entertainer than he is a magician. And that’s not a knock on his tricks. The final act was so suspenseful I literally was standing up with my phone out ready to call 911.
After the show you go into the main room for more drinks and can chat with Spence. He is extremely friendly and will even do card tricks and show you how they work. All around awesome time! Go check him out!

I live in Baltimore, and had heard about Illusions from my roommate. I went there on a date last night, and while the guy didn’t make the cut, this place certainly did!
I had a general mistrust of magic and magicians because some d-​bag had ruined magic for me by being a weirdo and always trying to pick up chicks with his magic tricks. That being said, Illusions and Spencer Horsman rekindled my love for magic, and completely changed the way I viewed it.
The venue is really nice and does a good job of building the anticipation by having everyone hang out and have a drink before the show in the main bar area. Then, they take you to the room where the magic happens (haha, gross) group by group so that you don’t feel like a herd of cattle being prodded to your seats. The room felt cozy and intimate to me, and helps build camaraderie between the guests.
Spencer Horsman was the featured performer the night I went, but you should check the schedule before you go, because there will be other magicians performing instead of him if he’s touring elsewhere. I’m sure that they do a fantastic job too, but since I haven’t experienced it yet, I won’t say anything more about that. Spencer was freaking hilarious and so skilled, I had such a great time watching him perform. He’s very charismatic and will have you completely charmed by his manner.
Go check it out!

Such an amazing show! Spencer Horsman is an incredible magician and will blow your mind with his close up magic and extreme escapes! He’s also quite the comedian! Don’t miss out on this incredible show, speak easy atmosphere and great people!

Stumbled across this place while trying to find hot spots in Baltimore. We called and they were fully booked, but we called back later and were able to get in!
The atmosphere is great. Love the giant lithographs on the wall. It’s like stepping back in time, but doesn’t have that «fake kitschy» feel. Very tastefully done.
Loved the drinks. The margarita was sooo good. The other drink specials people were ordering looked good too.
The show was a great time. Spencer has a great talent. We were left scratching our heads as to how tricks were done. He is also very funny.
It is also near one of the Charm City Circuit stops, so leave the car at the hotel! No one has to be DD, take the bus back! You must go you’ll laugh and be amazed. :)

Unique experience. Something I’ve never quite witnessed. However, a bit unorganized. although it is Fed Hill — so its not surprising it was unorganized. What I did appreciate, was that the bar had an awesome «gothic”/“edgar allen poe» vibe to it and was super close and in walking distance to Mother’s and all the other Cross St bars.
As for the act itself, I would say it was thoroughly enjoyable and fun. But the seating arrangement is too cramped. My group squeezed into our seats and sat our drinks on the table. Well… the front row individuals decided they wanted more room and pushed back, knocking my pink libation all over my sister-​in-​laws white pants. Needless to say, those pants didn’t make it and the people in front of us didn’t say a word or apologize. Go figure.
Last thing I want to say is that the last act is super awesome… so if you’re lulling your way through the show and thinking of leaving at intermission — DON’T. Stay and enjoy the last bit, it’s well worth it and Spencer kills it!

The Illusions Magic Bar is so much fun. Spencer Horseman puts on one heck of a show. It’s wet, wild & magical in Federal Hill. Plus the Magic Bar serves up colorful cocktails with magic themes. I will definitely be going back.

This is one of Baltimore’s best kept secrets — Spencer Horsman is going to find himself with a Vegas show one of these days.
Illusions Magic Bar is what it says on the tin: it’s a bar with a show. The ticket price is incredibly reasonable, but it comes with the expectation that you buy two (reasonably priced for the area) drinks per person, often served by Spencer himself. After about an hour or so of drinking, all patrons are invited to the back stage, where Spencer performs his acts. At the end, everyone is invited back to the bar, where drinks are deeply discounted and Spencer works the room with more individual magic tricks. The ambiance is reminiscent of the golden days of Hollywood and, given the small venue and small number of seats, it’s quite intimate.
The drinks themselves are excellent. The Razzberry Mocha was definitely my favorite of the various I tried, as it was basically raspberry chocolate milk (I’m juvenile, I know). No food is served here (no kitchen, I suspect), but patrons are apparently welcome to bring food, and many did.
The show itself is excellent. Without spoiling anything, Spencer begins simply and amps up the gravitas and speed of the show until a wonderful finale involving an escape routine. The show is a mix of magic and comedy, meaning that it is self-​aware enough to not be corny while talented enough to be impressive. The jokes err on the corny side at times, but Spencer and his team (including his father, who apparently was in show business himself!) pull them off well. Drinks are served throughout the show, which is also nice.
The complaints on this page appear to be related to the food situation, the pacing of the show, or the owner himself — and all complaints are absolute trash. Everyone at Illusions was perfectly pleasant, and to the extent that reviewers on here had a bad time, I suspect there’s a lot more to the story (e.g. not surprised the owner got surprised at people using his place as a rest stop without buying anything). There’s a clear push here for patrons to spend money on drinks/​mementos, but there’s an obvious reason for that: it’s a small venue that only does shows half of the week. Keeping a place like this running requires constant cash, and I’m more than happy to oblige for this kind of entertainment.
All in all, I highly recommend this place highly, even if you aren’t the magic show type.

Since «Illusions’ Management» decided to write a 225 word rebuttal of my review and call it a «clarification». Here’s MY «Note to other customers reading this review…»
I stand by my original review. While Spencer did do one rather cramped escape from a straight jacket while being suspended upside down as his finale, the majority of his tricks that he performed «on stage» on the night I attended were in fact outright card tricks or tricks that involved cards as the primary prop. I’m not saying now, nor did I say in my review, that Spencer is a bad magician, IMHO, I just think he should go a little lighter on card tricks that’s all. If that offends «Illusions’ Management», then maybe «Illusions’ Management» should spend less time writing essays to try and refute honest reviews on Unilocal and spend more time in helping Spencer vary his act.

We had a wonderful time! I encourage everyone to go and see Spencer’s magic show! We actually bought a groupon right before a Saturday showing, it was $ 16 for 2 admission tickets (normally $ 30 total), but didn’t have a reservation as the venue was completely booked for that nights show. We decided to show up anyways just in case there were no shows and Spencer actually squeezed us in without any hesitation! Super nice of him.
We just drank the night away and had a blast. Spencer was daring, entertaining and super funny.
We ended racking up a pretty penny on our drink tab (~$ 90)…but we both felt it was worth it. Definitely a must see when coming to Baltimore for a Friday or Saturday night :) Cheers!