When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The Magician
Why The Magician is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Magician is an enchanting magic show located in New York City, renowned for delivering a captivating combination of illusion, laughter, and interactive entertainment. With a cozy venue that accommodates about 50 people, the setting offers an intimate and vintage ambiance that enhances the magical experience. The show is performed by Dan, whose talent for creating moments of disbelief and wonder keeps audiences engaged and thrilled throughout the performance. The show is designed in two 45-minute sets with a 15-minute intermission, striking a perfect balance so the audience feels neither rushed nor bored. Viewers have the option to participate actively, though there is no pressure, making it welcoming to all types of guests. Dan’s genuine passion and connection with the audience elevate the experience further, as he warmly interacts and takes photos after the show. This unique blend of mystique, community energy, and engaging performance makes The Magician a memorable and exciting place to meet friends, celebrate special occasions, or simply enjoy a night filled with astonishment and fun.
Here's what people think of The Magician
As of recent, The Magician holds a 4.3-star rating based on 298 reviews.
Reviewers overwhelmingly praise The Magician for its captivating and mind-blowing magic tricks, interactive nature, and intimate venue. Many highlight the venue's cozy size as a feature that creates a close, community-like vibe, enhancing audience engagement and making the experience more personal and thrilling. Dan, the magician, receives frequent commendation for his ability to wow the audience without making them feel uncomfortable, encouraging participation without pressure. Attendees appreciate the perfectly timed show format—two 45-minute acts with a short break—which keeps the energy lively and the content fresh. Positive reviews emphasize the fun atmosphere, the magician’s approachable personality, and the memorable moments of wonder. On the negative side, some reviewers mention that the seating can feel slightly tight due to the venue’s small size, which might not suit everyone’s comfort preference. Additionally, a few wished for a bit more room or less crowding during popular showtimes. However, these minor issues do little to detract from the overall high rating and overwhelmingly positive feedback. In conclusion, The Magician stands out as a must-visit for those seeking an intimate, clever, and joyful magic show experience in New York, with strong recommendations for gifts and group outings alike.[1]
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Justin Rogers-Cooper
Lovely bartenders here, and welcoming diverse crowd. Summer Breeze cocktail was splendid and light. Beers on tap as you’d want, plus wine. Fun spot.
Des KF
My girlfriend and I went for drinks one evening! They have a great everyday happy hr from 6 to 8! I ordered Old fashioned Mascal Mule Red wine Lemon drop These drinks were perfect! And Adele the bartender was amazing!
Rebex
$6 HAPPY HOUR!!!! every day from 5-8pm $6 well liquor | $6 beer | $6 wine | $8 select liquors Normally, cocktails here at $12! @themagician_nyc has one of the best happy hour deals as well as great prices at their normal drinks. I had such a fun time with my friends. They even have a free photo machine. Loved it here! ft: -The greg may: absolut mandarin, malibu rum, pineapple juice -linda's summer breeze: smirnoff vodka, grape juice, ginger beer -the atkins and breskin: makers mark, cointreu, lemon juice, ginger beer floater -Guiness Beer -and other beers
Stephanie K. Fleenor
The bartender with the pixie cut is absolutely flawless. She made my experience wonderful. I will be back! Excellent hospitality for a dive. Nice to meet a bartender who gets it and is speedy as well. I believe she said her name was Dilly. She made us have the best night. I stumbled upon this place. Can’t wait to come back!
Mikaela Reed
Amazing happy hour on the lower east side!! The bartenders are friendly and they have a good selection of beer/cocktails. They’ve got a big back room to accommodate larger groups and plenty of tables. I miss the outdoor space but c’est la vie!
How to reach The Magician
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Why The Magician may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Magician with your friends?
The Magician is an ideal venue to gather with friends for a memorable and engaging experience because it combines the intimate atmosphere of live magic with an inviting social setting. With a solid rating of 4.3 based on nearly 300 reviews, this place has proven itself as a favorite spot where groups can enjoy wonder, laughter, and connection. The venue’s intimacy means every guest feels close to the action, making the impossible happen right before your eyes and creating shared moments of astonishment and delight. This shared sense of amazement naturally sparks conversation, laughter, and bonding among friends, making it perfect for celebrations or casual meetups. The Magician also offers a welcoming and eclectic vibe, blending vintage charm with lively energy that encourages guests to relax and participate without pressure. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, catching up after a long time, or looking for something unique to do with family or coworkers, The Magician creates an experience that’s more than just entertainment — it’s a communal event that leaves everyone talking long after the final trick.
What activities can groups enjoy at The Magician?
The core attraction at The Magician is the live magic show, designed to captivate and involve the audience in a way that feels personal and interactive. The show typically consists of two sets of about 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute intermission in between, striking a perfect balance between being entertaining without overstaying its welcome. The performer, often named Dan in reviews, is known for blending humor, mind-blowing illusions, and audience participation elements to keep everyone engaged. Those who want to be involved can volunteer, but there’s no pressure, enabling all guests to enjoy the show in their comfort zone. Beyond the magic show, the venue doubles as a vibrant bar, offering a good range of drinks, including generous pours and happy hour specials, making it ideal for socializing before or after the performance. The music selection, leaning toward rock genres, helps maintain an upbeat and relaxed environment that appeals to a broad demographic. In addition to the staged performance and drinks, guests can also interact with the magician after the show, taking photos and meeting the artist, which adds a personal touch to the visit and makes it feel like more than a typical night out.
Why is The Magician perfect for a group meetup?
The Magician stands out as a prime location for group meetups because it effortlessly marries a shared interactive experience with a social atmosphere conducive to conversation and connection. Groups of friends or family can bond over moments of shared disbelief and laughter sparked by the show’s illusions. The small, intimate venue ensures everyone can see and enjoy the performances equally, which is often a challenge in larger theaters or bars. Additionally, the venue’s vibe is eclectic and vintage, giving it character and charm that create a cozy yet lively environment for groups. The space encourages mingling and interaction, both during the show and in the bar area. Since the bar offers a wide range of drinks and friendly pricing during happy hours, it supports the social side of meetups without being too exclusive or pretentious. Moreover, the venue’s location in New York City makes it accessible for residents and visitors alike. The flexibility of the place — suitable for birthdays, casual hangouts, or even corporate gatherings — adds to its appeal as a versatile meetup spot for groups with diverse interests.
What makes the experience at The Magician unique compared to other entertainment venues?
The Magician delivers a unique experience primarily through its focus on intimate, mind-bending magic performed live in a close setting, rather than typical passive entertainment. Unlike large-scale shows where audience members sit far away, here, the magic happens just a few feet from your seat, making it more immersive and thrilling. The show is designed to be interactive without being intrusive, inviting participation in ways that enhance enjoyment while respecting personal boundaries. This brings a communal energy that transforms the audience from mere spectators to active participants in creating moments of magic. The eclectic and vintage ambiance of the venue also sets it apart, creating a charming backdrop that complements the mystery and theatricality of the magic. The blend of quality drinks, live music, and a vibrant crowd adds layers to the overall atmosphere, connecting entertainment with socializing. This multidimensional approach — show, bar, vibe — contrasts with venues that focus on just one aspect, providing a more holistic and memorable outing for guests.
How accessible and welcoming is The Magician for diverse groups?
The Magician is highly accessible and welcoming to diverse groups due to its intimate size, relaxed environment, and inclusive show format. The venue’s limited capacity of around 40-50 people ensures a less overwhelming setting, ideal for guests who might find larger crowds intimidating. Its eclectic vibe avoids pretentiousness, welcoming a wide variety of guests from different backgrounds, ages, and interests. The show’s interactive nature allows guests to engage at their own comfort level, with no pressure to participate, making it friendly to both extroverts and introverts. Furthermore, the bar serves a broad range of drinks at reasonable prices, accommodating different tastes and budgets. While it is cash only for drinks, the hospitality and atmosphere more than make up for this minor inconvenience. Reviewers note the friendly staff and overall warm ambiance, contributing to a sense of community where all guests feel valued. This makes The Magician an especially good choice for families (during certain shows), friend groups, and even corporate or private gatherings that want to foster camaraderie and enjoyment in a unique setting.
What special occasions can The Magician cater to for group gatherings?
The Magician is well-suited for a wide range of special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries, casual get-togethers, and corporate events. Its intimate and engaging setting makes it ideal for celebrating milestones with friends or family, as the magic show offers a distinctive form of entertainment that stands out from standard party venues. The performer’s ability to customize aspects of the show to fit the mood or theme of the gathering adds a personalized touch. After the show, the venue’s bar allows guests to continue the celebration in a lively but intimate space with good drinks. For corporate gatherings or team-building events, The Magician’s format encourages social interaction and shared experiences that can enhance group cohesion. Some reviewers have noted that the venue has hosted VIP events and private parties, signaling that it can accommodate specialized group needs. This versatility means that whether you want a memorable birthday night with friends, a family-friendly magic afternoon, or a corporate mixer with a twist, The Magician can deliver an entertaining and social environment successfully tailored to the occasion.
What do reviews say about the atmosphere and service at The Magician?
Customer reviews consistently highlight the friendly and personal service at The Magician, contributing heavily to the positive 4.3-star rating. Patrons praise the magician’s genuine enthusiasm and connection with the audience, noting that the performer engages warmly and is happy to chat and take photos after the show. This personal touch makes guests feel appreciated beyond just ticket holders. The atmosphere is often described as both eclectic and vintage, creating a cozy yet lively environment that many find welcoming and refreshing compared to more sterile venues. The bar area is noted for its good drink selection and generous pours, especially during happy hour, which enhances the overall social experience. While some mention the venue is cash only, this has not deterred most visitors who appreciate the authentic vibe and quality of service. The music, often classic rock, supports a vibrant but not overwhelming backdrop, helping maintain energy without distracting from the magic. Overall, reviews emphasize that the combination of engaging entertainment, good service, and inviting ambiance makes The Magician a memorable place to enjoy with friends.
How does The Magician accommodate different schedules and group sizes?
The Magician offers flexible scheduling that caters to different group needs, featuring shows in two 45-minute segments with a 15-minute intermission, providing a manageable timeframe for evenings out. This format allows groups to step out for fresh air or refreshments during the break without missing the experience. The venue’s smaller capacity means that groups typically need to plan ahead for seating but enjoy a more personalized and less crowded evening. Its setting works well for intimate groups from small to moderate sizes — large groups may require coordination with management for private bookings or special arrangements. The close proximity to iconic New York locations makes it accessible for guests coming from different parts of the city or tourists fitting it into their sightseeing schedules. Because the venue also functions as a bar, groups can arrive early to meet and mingle or linger after the show to extend their time together. The Magician’s combination of intimate show length, friendly atmosphere, and drink availability maximizes convenience for diverse gatherings.
What makes The Magician stand out in New York City’s entertainment scene?
New York City is renowned for its diverse entertainment options, yet The Magician carves out a distinct niche through its intimate magic experience blended seamlessly with a social bar environment. Unlike traditional theaters or generic bars, it offers a unique blend of up-close magic performances paired with a lively but comfortable atmosphere designed for sharing with friends. The quirky and eclectic vintage style lends it a personality not often found in larger venues, transforming a night out into a theatrical and memorable event. Its interactive show format and welcoming vibe encourage audience participation, creating an engaging, communal experience rather than passive viewing. The high consistency of positive reviews and the strong sense of community around the venue speaks to its success in creating a space where guests don’t just watch a show — they experience a shared wonder together. This dynamic makes The Magician a standout destination for those seeking entertainment that captivates the imagination while fostering genuine social connection in the heart of the city.