Illusions Bar & Theater

Absolutely the highlight of our trip to Maryland! We booked the ticket in advance for a party of 9, got to the venue at 7:30 (the show starts at 9:00) and we're able to get seats close to the stage. There is a two drink minimum, you can just get juice or water if you're not looking to drink alcohol. Spencer was absolutely great, never laughed so hard and the staff was nice. Definitely would recommend to anyone!

I'm amazed. I had no idea that there was such a gem in South Baltimore! I can't say enough good things, but do yourself a favor and GO TO ILLUSIONS. The gist: you go into a bar in Fed Hill and watch a magic show with booze (or juice/soda/water).

I didn't think I'd be very entertained by a magic show, but Spencer kept it SO lively and fun with jokes to match the crowd. His ability to read an audience is on point. He's a magician, comedian, and escape artist. This is an adult show, which I liked. He's a top notch professional and has performed all over tv and nationwide, but he's incredibly down to earth.

What really sold me about this show is how Spencer makes you feel right at home. This is what would make me a repeat visitor. He is a people person, and meeting him makes you WANT him to succeed. He's the type of really cool, interesting person who you'd want to be your friend. Spencer and his wife are both extremely personable, and they spend time plenty of time after the main show to talk to their audience. It doesn't feel like a quick meet and greet--he actually has a CONVERSATION with you, and will even show you more magic tricks!

The love and care put into this show is clearly evident. It's a family-run business. This was the first show as a married couple (congrats!) so they bought custom diablo donuts to share with the audience. This personal touch--inviting the audience to share in their milestone moments--is just so special. Spencer also personally bartends in the beginning of the night!

About the drinks: There's a 2 drink minimum. Specialty cocktails can be on the pricy side. The alcoholic drinks are STRONG! Lychee cocktail was a bit too sweet, so I watered it down some. I got bottled water for my second drink.

Other notes: buy tickets online. Arrive early to guarantee your seat, and then you can just hang out at the bar area. If you don't get there super early, no worries. I still had a clear view from the back. There are also tables interspersed through the seating area to rest your drinks.

Sorcery! Witchcraft! Hocus Pocus! You go to this place and you will have to ask yourself did I just see that. Or maybe you had one too many drinks. Not mad at you as I am sure a little libations will add to the aspect of the night.

This place was mentioned to me a minute ago and luckily because of the poor management at another event that never took place on this particular night a decision was made to come here. A loss on their part as I am more than happy to take my patronage to another place and write a Yelp review about it. The establishment is easy to find and there is no way you can miss the bright yellow lights. This a magic club so I wish that they were able to make a parking spot appear but after a few minutes I found some awesome parking around the corner. There is also a parking garage nearby but it fills up quickly on busy nights in this area of Baltimore.

Upon walking into Illusions the first thing I noticed was the long bar inviting you to relax and have something from their menu. I pulled a few magic acts myself as how quick I made my drink disappear. At the back pass the bar are some stairs leading to another room. This room was filled with the great magicians from the past posted on the walls. If you don't like sitting close to others then be warned the seating can be a bit tight especially for those of you that take part in manspreading (go ahead and Google that). Still there was plenty of room to enjoy the show. There is a two drink minimum but really that is no big deal as the show has an intermission in it. Be prepared that even though you are enjoying the show there is a small chance you could get called to come up to participate in the show.

A very good show filled with the "No way!" and "How did he do that?" If you decide to go there are Groupon offers for the show so check them out first to come up on a deal. Either way you will enjoy yourself.

Came here since I saw that it was a highly rated activity to do in Baltimore.

Tickets were able to be purchased online, but you had to go in early to get your seating assignment which I didn't like very much. Since we were tired from our flight, we overslept and ended up making it just in time for the show, but were seated in the back. View was fine, but there was a very annoying group of ladies behind us who kept talking the whole time. One of the ladies in that group even snatched the microphone ball away from another guest to give it to her friend which was quite shocking to see. If you're attending, you should be respectful and courteous of others no matter what.

Overall the show was entertaining and funny, definitely not Magic Castle status but it was still fun. The last act was the highlight of the show. There is a 2 drink minimum, so expect to spend around $30-40 in total. The blonde who was taking drink orders came off pretty rude to myself and others around me, so she should work on her customer service skills.

I came here with the BF on a Groupon and I didn't have high expectations, but by the end of the night I was impressed. Yeah the jokes were cheesy, but the magic will blow you away. The more I kept racking my brain about how the trick was done the more creeped out I got about magic.

Make sure you get there early because they assign your seat as you arrive. If they ever renovate the place I would suggest tiered seating or even a bigger place!

There is a two drink minimum and when you arrive they hold onto your credit card (I don't like that) and you close your tab out before you leave (keep an eye out on the charge on your credit card statement). They don't serve food, but allow you to bring in food (not drinks - they made my boyfriend throw his coffee away).

The decor resembles a speakeasy and it's dimly lit. I'm not sure I would call it romantic but it has a "magic" vibe to it. It made for a great date night and I wonder if Spencer (the magician) changes up the acts. If so, I wouldn't mind coming back some day.

What a great experience, that I would definitely jump at the chance to do again!

Surprised the BF with tickets for the birthday along with our 4 kids that range from 17 - 13 years old. Reservation for tickets is a simple email to Spencer Horsman, the Magician himself! Quick reply, easily able to switch dates & get confirmation that our teens would be allowed. Doors open an hour or two prior to the show & it though it was slightly nerve wracking to arrive so early to secure 'good' sitting, but we found out there's really no 'bad' seats! The venue is small enough to keep it that way, set up with a bar in the front half & stage with intimate seating in the rear. Payment is due at upon arrival & all seats require a drink minimum, which is minimal. On this night & I suspect on any given show night, we found Spencer behind the bar serving up beers & cocktails. There was so many opportunities to meet with him before & after the show, ask questions, take pictures. He has such a genuine passion & it shows from the moment you walk in! A not to be missed experience & show!!

Amazing!

I came across this place on Yelp somehow while I was looking for things to do on the weekend and I found this place, it seemed pretty interesting. I went to the website but the tickets were sold out for the day I wanted to see the show. I emailed the business (quick response) and right away they told me they would put me on a standby if anyone dropped out. The next day the guy emailed me and told me they have slots available. I was super excited!!!

My friend and I came here Saturday night around 8 for a date night. It was very professional, they provide you with assigned seats (I believe the earlier you come, your seats will be towards the front, they also have a bar/lounge area for you to hang out before the show starts. The show started around 9 and boy this was a pretty/ intense magic show. Especially towards the end. Spencer is amazing, and I'm so glad I decided to step outside the box for a date night. There's a two drink minimum, the drinks are very tasty and pretty strong. You can definitely hangout after the show to take pictures with Spencer.

Please give this place a try.

SN: the women bathroom lock isn't working, so be prepared for people to open the door while you're using the toilet -_-

WOW!!! WHAT A SHOW!! This show exceeded my expectation. I smiled from ear to ear the entire time.
Spencer does a great job interacting with the crowd and has great punch lines!
The seating here is defiently on a first come first serve basis- get there early. Yes, there is a 2 drink minimum, but the drinks were reasonbly priced.
The only thing that would be a draw back here would be the parking. However, the show is definitely worth circling the block a few times.

It's not a lot of decor outside and somewhat antiquated on the inside. I did enjoy my visit here and I'll admit, I walked in with a little skepticism but upon leaving I had some disbelief and awe at some of the feats performed.
It was a late Friday night show and it killed my vibe a wee bit that some kids aged 7 to 9 were allowed in for a show attended primarily by adults. There is a two drink minimum and very close seating, so come with that in mind and you'll adjust to the seating arrangements you receive at the door.
This is one of those establishments where everyone working there plays a part in making the show go over successfully. The magician of the night was serving drinks before the show started and others were poised here and there to aid in the tricks being performed. You can tell that they've known one another a long time and are personally invested in keeping the business alive.
Ended up here as a plan b when a nearby event I had planned to attend was cancelled without notice. I had seen this business when dining nearby and bookmarked it. It made for a fun Friday night and a break from Netflix and chilling. I'd return and take friends and family here out for some fun.

We arrived at Illusions around 8:15 for our 9 pm show. We waited in the lobby with a drink before going into the theater. I loved the way the theater was decorated- it was different from any other theater I've ever been in and reminded me of something you would see in a movie. The show started right at 9. Spencer was hilarious and super talented. Some of the volunteers made the tricks a little hard to follow but we were amazed by all of them. I actually got selected to help in one of the tricks and I have no idea how he did it. The waiters were attentive during the show and not disruptive. At the end of the show Spencer escaped from a tiny box full of water. It was super stressful for the audience but amazing. Overall, we had a great time and would definitely recommend it. They require a two drink minimum that they take seriously so make sure to get two and enjoy yourself.

This place is great first date spot! It's a hidden gem in Federal Hill. It's very pricey there! If you go with a Groupon there is a two drink minimum for every person there! I personally got two red bulls to satisfy the requirements. Anyway, it's definitely worth the money! Spencer puts on an amazing magic show!