The Magic Penthouse
The Magic Penthouse
5
About
Imagine sitting on a rooftop, in the heart of downtown Chicago, with your favorite drink in hand, listening to live music, enjoying delicious food and awesome company, all while watching the most impossible magic. Each month we handpick 4 of the best magicians around to showcase their unique approaches to magic, in a fun and lively party setting...it's one event NOT to miss!!
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Neighborhood: Downtown / The Loop
Often visitors' first stop in Chicago, The Loop is a good starting point to sample the city's energy and flavor. This central business district boasts Michelin-rated restaurants, upscale hotels, premier shopping, and enough arresting architecture to keep your camera busy for hours. You won’t find too many photo galleries of downtown Chicago without a shot of Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. A stunning skyline coupled with cultural attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago present a Downtown where work and play peacefully coexist.
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- LaSalle/Van Buren • 2 min walk
- Jackson • 2 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
147 reviews
Excellent
142
Very good
2
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Camille C
1 contribution
Mar 2020
The Magic Penthouse was an absolutely incredible experience!! I went with a group of friends and it was so so much fun. The magic blew my mind, the tricks were super impressive (you will have no idea how the magicians are possibly so magical but you will love that I promise), and the fact that the magicians engaged so much with the audience was the cherry on top of a truly magical night. I would without a doubt return for another show!
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Feb 2020
I went with a few friends to Magic Penthouse because we were considering hiring magicians for a corporate event (spoiler: we did), and I was blown away! Usually I would associate magic shows with cheesy jokes, kids birthdays, ridiculous props, but Magic Penthouse is so so far from anything I had imagined. It's a classy event (definitely dress up in cocktail attire to avoid looking out of place) with quality drinks and tasty appetizers, and the magic is anything but cheesy. The close-up is exceptional, and there was a mentalist when we went that blew our minds. I can't stress enough how unlike a 'normal' magic show this experience is! They joke there that they make magic sexy but honestly I couldn't put it better myself! I've been back with various friends multiple times now and it's genuinely my favorite night in Chicago!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Meador
1 contribution
Nov 2021
Magic Penthouse really hit the spot after a long workday! I went solo and was immediately introduced to fun, like-minded people. I was transported into a world of multiple live, simultaneous shows. It was a feast for the senses and the hosts treating me like a VIP make me feel like an included part of the overall experience. The venue was a colorful and lively Latin American theme, with top notch drinks and the plentiful food was super on point. The acts combined humor, skill, and world class magic knowledge. I honestly can't say enough about how impressed I was. I would highly recommend this entertainment concept with no reservations. If you haven't visited already, get your tickets now!
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jianyang C
1 contribution
Mar 2020
I visited the Magic Penthouse with a group of friends, and it was one of the most fun nights. The magic was incredible and mind-blowing, and the close-up format was amazing. 100% recommend to anyone looking to have a fun night!
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin D
2 contributions
Jan 2020
It was an amazing experience. I didn't know what to really expect walking in, but I was blown away by the level of entertainment, the flow of the event, and the customer service they collectively provide is unmatched.
Magic penthouse also attracts some of Chicago's Elite, so the casual networking/connecting with guests was great and I was able to make a few connections I believe will be fruitful in the future.
Bottom line - you must check out The Magic Penthouse at least once in your life!
p.s. I watched a magician unlock 2 peoples phones back to back. Coolest thing ever lol
Magic penthouse also attracts some of Chicago's Elite, so the casual networking/connecting with guests was great and I was able to make a few connections I believe will be fruitful in the future.
Bottom line - you must check out The Magic Penthouse at least once in your life!
p.s. I watched a magician unlock 2 peoples phones back to back. Coolest thing ever lol
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake2718
1 contribution
Mar 2020
This was far and away the best magic I have ever seen. The tricks ranged from impressive to truly mind-boggling. The atmosphere is also unique and incredibly fun. In particular, the up-close magic is great. I would highly recommend The Magic Penthouse to anyone looking to have an enjoyable evening.
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RanMan
1 contribution
Oct 2019 • Couples
A magical evening! Simon Black is a world class magician! Four magicians performing close up magic at your table. Cocktails. Music. Appetizers. All in a elegant atmosphere. Still in awe.
Written October 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lia C
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Sep 2019
Before I begin I am one of those people that rarely reviews places or events. After this experience I simply am left with no choice. Have you ever had a secret or surprise that you can't wait to share, but feel giddy to be one of the few that know about it? The Magic Penthouse gives exactly those feelings. They describe it as an upscale event that they would want to go and they completely hit the mark if not zoom way past. The event space is beautiful, the beverages/ hors d'oeuvres are delicious, the music is classic and the magicians are truly magical, for lack of a better word. My mind was completely blown. All the reviews are on target and proof that this is a must-see, one of a kind experience you do not want to miss...
Written September 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atgas1964
Hoffman Estates, IL2 contributions
Dec 2017
What I expected: a bunch of young, newbie, street busker illusionists trying to fool me with their shell games and card tricks.
What I found: four serious young illusionists who plied some old standards of the magic trade, but who each ultimately blew my mind.
The venue is fairly intimate, albeit unusual: a boutique clothiers for men in a low-rise penthouse outfitted with a full bar and a small performance stage. A crowd of a hundred people or so assembled in one cramped room while the illusionists mingled and performed a few bits to audiences of two and four, up to a dozen or so. Then the crowd was called to watch one illusionist perform a 15-minute routine followed by another illusionist's 15-minute routine about a half-hour after the first one finished. In another room was the spread of heavy appetizers and a small stage upon which performed a young male singer accompanied by his canned music tracks sourced from a hidden laptop computer.
Despite the rushed, sometimes very noisy atmosphere, the evening proved to be a very enjoyable, moderately elegant affair. The first illusionist to perform was Sin, one of the organizers of the event, whose main theme for his set was cards. Unfortunately, there was such a crowd around the desk he used as his venue that people standing three to four bodies deep from the desk couldn't see his illusions clearly. The volume of the singer and his music coming from the other room made it difficult to hear what Sin was saying, even for someone sitting only a few feet away from him.
The next illusionist, Isaac(?), performed his tricks with a billiard table for a venue. Again the music from the other room made for difficult listening when Isaac spoke, but his illusions were top-notch, and his finale mind-blowing.
In the other room the singer with a seemingly bottomless repertoire ranging from old standards to current pop favorites, and his sometimes over-the-top gyrations, hit song after song out of the park with his spot-on, crystal-clear tenor. He was eventually evicted from the stage as the evening rounded the final turn and Justin took over, his illusions confounding even those in the front row, in some cases mere inches away from him.
The grand finale was performed by another of the organizers and host and owner of the venue ...whose name has escaped me. He did a bit of magic comedy at the expense of a good humored young lady from the intimate audience, who was then put upon to volunteer another audience member for the final bit, a truly amazing psychological/metaphysical bit that defies explanation (I was that audience member, and I really did feel the sensation on my arm, though he wasn't near me at the time!)
The epilogue to the evening was a sweet, tender "trick" in which another organizer, Sin's brother, proposed to his girlfriend onstage.
The music was too loud during the first two performers' sets; perhaps the organizers could consider having the singer take a break during the magic sets? There were too many people crowded around one set for all to see well. Perhaps both illusionists could perform at the same time, splitting the crowd into smaller, even more intimate groups? That way each gets to perform twice, and more people can appreciate — and HEAR — him.
Putting those minor negatives aside, the generous pours at the open bar, the excellent nosh, one darn good singer, and some funny, engaging, clever, excellent magicians made for a wondrous experience. I went in with low expectations of cheesy magic tricks and lousy food, but I was very pleasantly surprised, and my girlfriend and I left wondering when the next Magic Penthouse will be, and how many friends we can convince to join us.
What I found: four serious young illusionists who plied some old standards of the magic trade, but who each ultimately blew my mind.
The venue is fairly intimate, albeit unusual: a boutique clothiers for men in a low-rise penthouse outfitted with a full bar and a small performance stage. A crowd of a hundred people or so assembled in one cramped room while the illusionists mingled and performed a few bits to audiences of two and four, up to a dozen or so. Then the crowd was called to watch one illusionist perform a 15-minute routine followed by another illusionist's 15-minute routine about a half-hour after the first one finished. In another room was the spread of heavy appetizers and a small stage upon which performed a young male singer accompanied by his canned music tracks sourced from a hidden laptop computer.
Despite the rushed, sometimes very noisy atmosphere, the evening proved to be a very enjoyable, moderately elegant affair. The first illusionist to perform was Sin, one of the organizers of the event, whose main theme for his set was cards. Unfortunately, there was such a crowd around the desk he used as his venue that people standing three to four bodies deep from the desk couldn't see his illusions clearly. The volume of the singer and his music coming from the other room made it difficult to hear what Sin was saying, even for someone sitting only a few feet away from him.
The next illusionist, Isaac(?), performed his tricks with a billiard table for a venue. Again the music from the other room made for difficult listening when Isaac spoke, but his illusions were top-notch, and his finale mind-blowing.
In the other room the singer with a seemingly bottomless repertoire ranging from old standards to current pop favorites, and his sometimes over-the-top gyrations, hit song after song out of the park with his spot-on, crystal-clear tenor. He was eventually evicted from the stage as the evening rounded the final turn and Justin took over, his illusions confounding even those in the front row, in some cases mere inches away from him.
The grand finale was performed by another of the organizers and host and owner of the venue ...whose name has escaped me. He did a bit of magic comedy at the expense of a good humored young lady from the intimate audience, who was then put upon to volunteer another audience member for the final bit, a truly amazing psychological/metaphysical bit that defies explanation (I was that audience member, and I really did feel the sensation on my arm, though he wasn't near me at the time!)
The epilogue to the evening was a sweet, tender "trick" in which another organizer, Sin's brother, proposed to his girlfriend onstage.
The music was too loud during the first two performers' sets; perhaps the organizers could consider having the singer take a break during the magic sets? There were too many people crowded around one set for all to see well. Perhaps both illusionists could perform at the same time, splitting the crowd into smaller, even more intimate groups? That way each gets to perform twice, and more people can appreciate — and HEAR — him.
Putting those minor negatives aside, the generous pours at the open bar, the excellent nosh, one darn good singer, and some funny, engaging, clever, excellent magicians made for a wondrous experience. I went in with low expectations of cheesy magic tricks and lousy food, but I was very pleasantly surprised, and my girlfriend and I left wondering when the next Magic Penthouse will be, and how many friends we can convince to join us.
Written December 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CollectingChristie
Seal Beach, CA801 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Held once per month in a men's bespoke tailors shop atop a skyscraper, the Magic Penthouse offers an evening of close up magic, food and drink. There are plenty of positives, but a few negatives, that if fixed would lead to genuine 5-star reviews, not reviews that are begged for with the promise of free tickets. When blending together the total package - average is a fair unbiased review.
Arrival: you wait in the lobby of the building and are brought up at 7:30pm. Overheard workers state that usually they do 75 people, but this night sold 90 tickets - and it felt crowded once upstairs.
Drinks: pre-poured glasses of champagne awaited - while the bar had Tito's vodka and Bombay Sapphire gin (both premium spirits), I was surprised to see $5 Andre champagne being used, along with cheap wine. For 90 people to get drinks from 2 bartenders meant that drink quality was sloppy at best with very uneven quality, and chaos at the bar trying to figure out who was next, with plenty of waiting.
Food: a definite fail. 90 people lining up for a small selection of appetizer plates (cheese / meat platter, sad asparagus wrapped with ham, olives on skewers, tuna on a cracker) that clearly ran out means go out for a meal before hand or after. They really need to be clearer on quantity/quality being offered or fix it.
Magic: With a few small performances upon arrival, there are then 3 main presentations - one around a card table, one at a pool table and one at a slightly elevated stage. As you can imagine with 90 people, the sight lines are poor for most guests. The saving grace was that some of the magicians present were above quality and quite skilled, but some of the stagecraft was quite typical also. The host magician (a German) was the weakest of the group with poor presentation skills - and annoyingly kept asking for 5-star reviews on TA with the added promise that someone who does will get 2 free tickets - perhaps this biases the responses to lean 5-star. If he focused on improving the weaknesses he would get them without the bribe.
In summary, you'll likely have a good time, especially if you haven't seen close up magic before. The price is fair since drinks and snacks are included. I hope they work on their issues so future guests have a better time.
Arrival: you wait in the lobby of the building and are brought up at 7:30pm. Overheard workers state that usually they do 75 people, but this night sold 90 tickets - and it felt crowded once upstairs.
Drinks: pre-poured glasses of champagne awaited - while the bar had Tito's vodka and Bombay Sapphire gin (both premium spirits), I was surprised to see $5 Andre champagne being used, along with cheap wine. For 90 people to get drinks from 2 bartenders meant that drink quality was sloppy at best with very uneven quality, and chaos at the bar trying to figure out who was next, with plenty of waiting.
Food: a definite fail. 90 people lining up for a small selection of appetizer plates (cheese / meat platter, sad asparagus wrapped with ham, olives on skewers, tuna on a cracker) that clearly ran out means go out for a meal before hand or after. They really need to be clearer on quantity/quality being offered or fix it.
Magic: With a few small performances upon arrival, there are then 3 main presentations - one around a card table, one at a pool table and one at a slightly elevated stage. As you can imagine with 90 people, the sight lines are poor for most guests. The saving grace was that some of the magicians present were above quality and quite skilled, but some of the stagecraft was quite typical also. The host magician (a German) was the weakest of the group with poor presentation skills - and annoyingly kept asking for 5-star reviews on TA with the added promise that someone who does will get 2 free tickets - perhaps this biases the responses to lean 5-star. If he focused on improving the weaknesses he would get them without the bribe.
In summary, you'll likely have a good time, especially if you haven't seen close up magic before. The price is fair since drinks and snacks are included. I hope they work on their issues so future guests have a better time.
Written September 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review.
I am very sorry to hear that you don't feel like The Magic Penthouse is a 5* event. We will take your feedback very seriously and improve upon your suggestions. Please let us know if you would like to return to our event and we will make sure to improve the experience.
Kind regards,
Sin
The Magic Penthouse
Written September 18, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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