Chicago Magic Lounge

Chicago Magic Lounge Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Chicago Historical Sites

Date: 07/03/2025

Introduction

Chicago is celebrated for its deep-dish pizza, jazz, and improvisational theater, but it is also home to a captivating legacy of magic. The Chicago Magic Lounge stands at the heart of this tradition, preserving and revitalizing the art of Chicago-style magic—a unique, interactive form of close-up illusion that originated in the city’s neighborhood bars during the early 20th century. With its immersive speakeasy ambiance, Art Deco décor, and world-class performers, the Lounge offers both magic enthusiasts and newcomers an unforgettable cultural experience (Chicago Magic Lounge: The Story).

This guide provides comprehensive information on the Chicago Magic Lounge’s history, visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, and tips, as well as nearby historical sites and attractions, ensuring you have everything you need to plan an extraordinary night out in the Windy City (Travel Noire).

History of Chicago-Style Magic
The Chicago Magic Lounge: Revival and Venue Overview
Visiting the Chicago Magic Lounge
Insider Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites
Summary & Call to Action
References

History of Chicago-Style Magic

Origins and Evolution

Magic as entertainment has ancient roots, but Chicago’s distinct brand—known as “Chicago-style magic”—emerged in the early 20th century. Unlike grand-scale illusions, this style focused on close-up sleight-of-hand, performed tableside in neighborhood bars. Magicians like Matt Schulien and Don Alan became local legends, wowing patrons with quick wit and humor just inches away from their audience (Chicago Magic Lounge: The Story, Thrillist).

Throughout the 1920s to the 1990s, Chicago was home to at least 16 magic bars, including Schulien’s and Houdini’s Pub and Pizza. These venues became social landmarks, establishing Chicago as a global center for interactive, improvisational magic (Thrillist).

Decline and Revival

By the late 1990s, magic bars had nearly disappeared from Chicago’s nightlife scene due to changing entertainment trends and the rise of large-scale magic elsewhere. However, the underlying passion for close-up magic persisted among local performers and audiences (Travel Noire).

The Chicago Magic Lounge: Revival and Venue Overview

Founding and Vision

In 2015, Joseph Cranford launched the Chicago Magic Lounge to revive the city’s storied magic tradition. What began as a weekly show soon blossomed into a permanent venue, opening in 2017 in a transformed 1940s laundromat in the Edgewater/Andersonville neighborhood (Theatre in Chicago). The hidden entrance through a vintage laundromat pays homage to the city’s love for speakeasies and secret clubs.

Venue Features

Main Theater: The Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater™ seats 120 guests in an intimate Art Deco setting, ideal for both stage and close-up magic (Chicago Magic Lounge Official Website).
654 Club: A 43-seat gallery for exclusive and post-show performances, perfect for witnessing sleight-of-hand up close.
Bar & Lounge: Bartender-magicians serve cocktails and perform tricks, creating a lively pre-show atmosphere.
Magic Memorabilia: The Lounge houses vintage posters, props, and the Chicago Round Table Library, celebrating the city’s magical past (Travel Noire).

Visiting the Chicago Magic Lounge

Location & Hours

Address: 5050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL (Andersonville/Edgewater)
Showtimes: Typically Wednesday to Sunday evenings, with shows starting between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Matinees and special events occur periodically (Chicago Magic Lounge Official Website).
Bar Hours: Open before and after main performances for cocktails and magic.
Public Transit: Accessible via CTA buses and trains; street parking and paid lots nearby.

Tickets & Booking

Pricing: Tickets range from $25 to $60, depending on the day, performance, and seating choice.
How to Book: Reserve tickets online via the official Chicago Magic Lounge website, Goldstar, or TodayTix. Advance booking is advised—shows frequently sell out.
Group Bookings: Private events, group packages, and workshops are also available on request (Travel Noire).

Accessibility

The venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility needs or specific accommodations should contact the Lounge in advance to ensure a smooth visit (Travel Noire).
Dress code is smart casual, in keeping with the Lounge’s retro-chic ambiance.

What to Expect

Arrival & Atmosphere

Visitors enter through a secret door disguised as a laundromat, immediately immersing them in a world of intrigue. The Art Deco interiors, vintage magic posters, and plush seating set the scene for an extraordinary evening.

Pre-Show Tableside Magic

Arrive early to enjoy close-up performances by resident magicians at your table or the bar. This interactive magic is a hallmark of the Chicago Magic Lounge experience and a nod to traditional Chicago magic bars (Chicago Magic Lounge: Diary of a Black Illusionist).

Main Stage Performances

The main shows feature a blend of classic illusions, mentalism, comedy, and audience participation, performed by both local talents and international stars. Performances last 60 to 90 minutes, typically with no intermission.

After-Show Magic

Following the main event, guests can linger in the performance bar for additional close-up magic in a relaxed, social setting.

Insider Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for a Magical Visit

Arrive Early: Maximize your experience with pre-show tableside magic and cocktails.
Best Seating: Choose table seats near the stage for optimal views and interaction.
Stay Late: Post-show magic at the bar is a unique way to extend your evening.
Special Events: Watch for themed nights and guest headliners on the Lounge’s calendar.

FAQs

What are the Chicago Magic Lounge opening hours?
Shows typically run Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Check the official website for current schedules.

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available online, by phone, or at the venue. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Is the venue accessible?
Yes, the Lounge is wheelchair accessible; contact staff for specific needs.

Are children allowed?
The Lounge is primarily 21+. Guests age 16–20 may attend the Harry Blackstone Cabaret with a guardian; the bar is strictly 21+.

Can I take photos or video?
Photography without flash is generally permitted, but video recording is prohibited during performances.

Are food and drinks available?
Yes, a full bar and light snack menu are offered.

Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites

Enhance your visit by exploring Andersonville’s vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and arts scene. Notable nearby attractions include:

Magic Inc.: North America’s oldest family-run magic shop (Magic Inc.)
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge: Historic jazz club
Edgewater Historical Society: Local history museum
Lake Michigan Shoreline: Scenic walking and biking paths

Summary & Call to Action

The Chicago Magic Lounge is a living tribute to the city’s magical heritage, blending nostalgia with contemporary artistry. Its commitment to immersive entertainment, accessibility, and community makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly unique Chicago experience (WBEZ, Chicago Magic Lounge Press). Book your tickets in advance, arrive early for the full tableside magic experience, and explore Andersonville’s rich culture to make the most of your magical night out.