7 Shocking Secrets And Must-See Acts At The Magic Lounge Chicago IL (Updated 2025)

Step into a world of illusion and wonder, but first, you have to find the door. The Chicago Magic Lounge in the vibrant Andersonville neighborhood is not just a theater; it is a full-sensory, time-traveling experience dedicated to the city's storied tradition as the birthplace of close-up magic. Unlike the grand stage shows of Las Vegas, this venue revives the intimate, in-your-face style of performance pioneered in Chicago's classic magic bars.

As of December 15, 2025, The Magic Lounge continues to be one of the city's most unique and highly-rated nightlife destinations, offering multiple distinct performance spaces and a rotating lineup of world-class magicians. From the moment you walk through the secret entrance, you are immersed in an Art Deco-style homage to the Vaudeville era, making it the perfect choice for a unique date night, a birthday celebration, or a spectacular girl's night out.

The Essential Guide to The Magic Lounge: History, Venues, and 2025 Acts

The Chicago Magic Lounge was founded as an homage to the city's rich history of "bar magic." This tradition, popularized by innovators like Matt Schulien at his establishment "Schulien's," involved magicians performing intimate sleight-of-hand tricks right at patrons' tables. The venue’s 6,000-square-foot space was once a 1940s-era commercial laundry, which adds to the hidden, speakeasy charm of the location.

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Biography and Profile: The Venue's Key Entities

• Venue Name: The Chicago Magic Lounge (CML)
• Location: Andersonville neighborhood, Chicago, Illinois (5050 N Clark St)
• Venue Style: Speakeasy-style bar and theater, Art Deco-inspired interior
• Historical Inspiration: Classic Chicago Magic Bars (e.g., Schulien's) and the Vaudeville era
• Key Performance Spaces: The Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater, The 654 Club (Bar/Lounge), and a third, smaller performance venue.
• Signature Show: The Signature Show (features three acts, including a main stage performance in the Cabaret).
• Key Figures in Chicago Magic Tradition: Matt Schulien, Harry Blackstone Sr., Harry Blackstone Jr.
• Notable 2024/2025 Magicians: Mike Caveney, Mac King, Ondřej Pšenička, Peter Samelson (as past Artists-In-Residence or One Night Only performers).
• Current Programming (Late 2024 / Early 2025): Rotating Artists-In-Residence series, "Magic In Session" (running late 2024), and various "One Night Only" specials.

7 Secrets and Must-See Experiences at The Magic Lounge

To truly appreciate a visit, you need to know the secrets of the venue and the different types of close-up magic you will encounter. This is a multi-layered experience, not just a single show.

1. The Secret Laundromat Entrance

The entire experience begins with a shocking secret. The Magic Lounge is deliberately hidden behind a functioning (or at least, *appearing* to function) laundromat. Guests must locate the hidden entrance to gain access to the venue. This initial trick sets the tone for the evening, immediately transporting you from the streets of Chicago into a clandestine world of illusion and prestidigitation. It’s the ultimate speakeasy entrance.

2. Free Close-Up Magic at The 654 Club

Before or after your main show, the magic is not confined to the stage. The main cocktail bar, often referred to as The 654 Club, hosts world-class magicians who perform "bar magic" for free. These intimate, impromptu acts are pure table magic and sleight-of-hand, often involving card tricks, coin vanishes, and mind-reading performed just inches from your face. The skill level of these performers is astonishing, and it’s a direct continuation of Chicago's unique close-up tradition.

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3. The Grandeur of the Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater

The main performance space is the luxurious, 120-seat Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater. Named in honor of the pioneering father-and-son magicians, Harry Blackstone Sr. and Harry Blackstone Jr., this room is the heart of the venue. It features cabaret-style seating with an unobstructed view from every section. This is where the headlining acts and the Signature Show take place, blending classic stage illusions with modern magical arts.

4. The Artist-In-Residence Program

The Magic Lounge is committed to showcasing the best in the business through its rotating Artist-In-Residence series. These residencies, which can last for several months, feature a single, celebrated magician performing their own unique, full-length show. Past residents have included international talents like Ondřej Pšenička and Peter Samelson, ensuring the content is always fresh, unique, and of the highest caliber. Checking the schedule for the current resident is essential for planning your visit.

5. The Signature Show: A Three-Part Magical Journey

The most popular ticket is for "The Signature Show," which is a multi-act experience. It typically involves three distinct parts: the initial close-up magic in The 654 Club, an intimate performance in a smaller venue, and finally, the main stage show in the Harry Blackstone Cabaret. This structure allows guests to experience the full range of magical arts, from subtle, personal tricks to larger, theatrical illusions.

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6. The Unconventional "Magic In Session" and "One Night Only" Specials

Beyond the main shows, The Magic Lounge offers highly specialized programming. "Magic In Session," for example, is a dedicated mid-week show that often focuses on a specific aspect of magic or features emerging talents. Furthermore, "One Night Only" events bring in legendary, world-famous magicians like Mike Caveney and Mac King for exclusive, limited-run performances. These special events are a must-book for dedicated fans of the magical arts and offer a chance to see masters of the craft in an intimate setting.

7. The Focus on Pure Sleight-of-Hand

What truly sets The Magic Lounge apart is its dedication to pure, unadulterated sleight-of-hand. The emphasis is on intimate table magic and subtle movements, often utilizing high-definition projection in the Cabaret to ensure even the most subtle card trick is visible to the entire 120-seat audience. This focus on skill and proximity—the essence of close-up magic—is what gives the venue its authentic, historical Chicago charm and keeps audiences gasping in amazement.

Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Insider Tips for 2025

Tickets for shows in the Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater typically range from $40 to $55, depending on the seating (Main Floor or Front Row). It is highly recommended to book your tickets well in advance, especially for weekend shows and "One Night Only" events, as the 120-seat capacity means shows frequently sell out.

The venue maintains a sophisticated, adult atmosphere, with a 21+ age restriction for the lounge areas, though minors aged 16-20 may attend shows in the Harry Blackstone Cabaret with a parent or guardian. Remember, the bar magic in The 654 Club is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is the best way to secure a prime spot and enjoy the full, three-part experience that The Chicago Magic Lounge offers.