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The Magic Parlour

The Magic Parlour, Chicago: Hours, Address, The Magic Parlour Reviews: 5/5

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The Magic Parlour

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The Magic Parlour
5
582
#1 of 207 Theater & Concerts in Chicago
Concerts • Theaters • Theatre & Performances
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Friday
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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About
Dennis Watkins' The Magic Parlour is an intimate evening of classic magic and mind-reading running five shows weekly at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel. Now in its 10th year, The Magic Parlour is Chicago's longest-running magic show. It is a tour-de-force of classic magic performed by award-winning, third-generation magician Dennis Watkins. The show takes place in an intimate suite and seating is limited to fewer than 50 guests. Beer and wine are included with your tickets.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
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.
How to get there
  • Adams/Wabash • 1 min walk
  • Monroe • 2 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,316 within 3 miles
Cherry Circle Room
291
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Acanto
507
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
The Gage
2,307
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Remington's
515
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Contemporary
Pittsfield Cafe
264
0.2 mi$ • American • Cafe • Diner
Russian Tea Time
605
473 ft$$ - $$$ • European • Russian • Eastern European
Goddess and the Baker, Wabash
442
0.1 mi$ • Dessert • American • Cafe
Cafecito
309
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • Latin • Cafe
The Berghoff Restaurant
1,578
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • German • Bar • Pub
Cindy's
986
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • African • International
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Attractions
542 within 6 miles
The Art Institute of Chicago
24,240
0.1 miArt Museums
Chicago Skyline
710
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Route 66
94
524 ftScenic Drives • Scenic Walking Areas
Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby
97
235 ftHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
CIBC Theatre
713
0.1 miTheaters
Pritzker Military Museum & Library
75
0.1 miMilitary Museums • Libraries
Chicago Philharmonic
4
411 ftSymphonies
Ballet Chicago
1
364 ftBallets
Calder’s Flamingo
261
0.2 miMonuments & Statues
Cloud Gate
18,127
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
582 reviews
Excellent
564
Very good
14
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
sgred21
1 contribution
Truly amazing!
Dec 2019 • Couples
I was completely blown away! I tend to not be a believer in magic but Dennis totally blew my mind. As a Chicago resident, I will highly recommend this show to my friends and any future visitors. I appreciate the intimate setting and complimentary drinks, however my only peeve was the quality of the room we were in. Since Dennis has been with the Palmer House for quite awhile, I'm surprised he didn't have a room more accommodating to him. Instead it felt like a generic ballroom converted for this occasion with outdated technology.

Overall, incredible show! Dennis is super talented and personable.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JebSch
1 contribution
Magic Parlour - Entertaining and exciting
Dec 2019 • Couples
My wife and I attended this show recently with an expectation for a fun, new experience. And Dennis did just that and more. While taking time to get to know each audience member and involve each person in this small and intimate magic act, Dennis told a wonderful story of his life through the art. Also that sharing this with others is his greatest passion. We laughed, gasped, and yelled in amazement from each part of the evening. Highly recommended for anyone wanting true entertainment.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Denniswatkins
Thank you so much for coming to see us at The Magic Parlour! I'm so happy that your evening was as magical as it was for me. It truly is a dream come true to be able to perform this show with incredible folks from around the world, and I thank you for the kind words. We hope to see you again here in the future!
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OliviaAriel
Saratoga Springs, NY2 contributions
Entertaining and impressive!
Jan 2020
This was my second time seeing this Magic Parlor show at Palmer House. Dennis Watkins is entertaining and quite frankly astonishing. My significant other and I were left questioning and discussing, "How the *** did he do that?!" hours and even days later. We brought my parents who were visiting from out of town most recently and they also thoroughly enjoyed the performance. I highly recommend the show for just about anyone.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Denniswatkins
Thank you so much for attending again! I'm thrilled you had as much fun as I did. -- Dennis
Written February 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bill F
2 contributions
Amazingly entertaining
Jan 2020
He had my interest from the moment he introduced himself in the lobby. The group walk up to the Parlour was exciting , wondering where he was taking us. The Parlour had the charm and feel of a time past.
The show was captivating as it locked my interest on his every move and the back story of how he learnd his craft from his Grandfather was spellbinding. A truly Magical nite .
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alex
Saint Joseph, MI1 contribution
Amazing Performance
Jan 2020 • Couples
I very rarely take the time to review anything, but this show was so impressive I felt compelled to do so. My husband and I booked tickets on a whim, and I am so glad we did. We were absolutely amazed by the performance. Dennis’s stories and history are so compelling and everything about this experience was great. If you’re ever in Chicago, you should absolutely see this!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wander00916983246
3 contributions
Mesmerizing
Dec 2019
The Palmar House is a lovely elegant venue. The magic show was very entertaining. The audience was only about 40 people which allowed close-up views of the magic tricks. It provided a different type of evening out. Highly recommended.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
electroexp
Columbus, IN8 contributions
WOW is the Only Word that Applies!
Jan 2020
Everyone was saying WOW at the end of the experience. You will not forget this for a long time, if ever. The setting is wonderfully intimate with just a max of 45 or so guests and everyone can see and hear all details easily all the time. About a half the audience gets to do eomething in the show. I got to participate in a mind-reading illusion that was astounding to me since I knew I was not a plant and that my mental image was absolutely known only to me and was brand new to that night, never having been discussed anywhere at any time before. Most exciting. The guy next to me used his own dollar for a trick and because I watched him read the cereal number I knew he was legit. The effect was minndboggling. Dennis is a true master of the craft. Do go see him if you like being impressed and amazed.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Denniswatkins
No plants allowed -- we loved hosting you, and thank you so much for your kind review!
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
vanbell7866
Milwaukee, WI1 contribution
Mesmerized
Jan 2020
Was Blown away by Dennis's Show.
Truly a Master of his Craft and his passion shows it in every trick he performs.
Highly recommend it for a Great Time Out and Make sure to do the After Party Show.
Will Be Back to see what other acts Dennis has incorporated into his performance and to see if I can figure out how he does them.
All The Best, Brad
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Denniswatkins
Thanks so much for joining us and for the incredible recommendation, Brad! I'm thrilled you had as much fun as I did, and I look forward to seeing you back here at The Magic Parlour in the future. Dennis
Written February 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Karen V
Kingsport, TN12 contributions
Extremely enjoyable evening!
Feb 2020 • Family
Our party had an absolutely fabulous time at The Magic Parlour—I admit to being skeptical that I would enjoy it, but ended up totally loving it! We were still talking about it the next day. The small group and audience participation added a lot to the experience. Just go—you will enjoy it too!
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael B
Tampa, FL34 contributions
The Magic Parlour is FANTASTIC!
Aug 2015
Magician Dennis Watkins has the audience involved in an intimate private performance you will never forget! His magic and mind-reading skills will amaze you. I never saw so many adults and children leave a performance with smiles on all of their faces. You have to check this out!
Written August 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Box O
Hi Michael B! Thanks so much for posting about your experience. So glad you mentioned the mind-reading; it really is an unforgettable part of the show! That night that can make a multi-generational group all happy is just what we're after. Thanks again for including us in your Chicago visit!
Written August 18, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Magic Parlour
The Magic Parlour is open:
  • Fri - Fri 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Sat - Sat 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking The Magic Parlour tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 The Magic Parlour tours on Tripadvisor
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