Ali M.
Yelp
A Spellbinding Late-Night Experience in NYC
Sometimes the best experiences happen by accident--and Speakeasy Magick proved exactly that. A last-minute replacement for a show that closed before our arrival, this unexpected pivot turned into one of the most entertaining, surprising, and immersive nights of our entire trip.
Check-in for the late show begins at 10 p.m., but don't worry--the magic doesn't officially start until 11. If you're into pre-show cocktails and want to soak up the ambiance at the bar, go early. But if drinks aren't your thing, there's no harm in arriving closer to showtime when the performance space opens and seating begins.
This isn't your average magic show. Set in an intimate venue that seats just over 100 guests--but feels much smaller--Speakeasy Magick blends close-up magic with immersive theater and a dash of Gatsby-era flair. There are no tickets, no fuss--just your name on a list, warm welcomes from staff who treat you like an old friend, and an atmosphere that feels like you've stepped into a secret society.
The format is brilliant. A few magicians take the stage throughout the night, backed by a live pianist, but the real magic happens at your table. One by one, master illusionists rotate through the room, sitting with each group for jaw-dropping sleight of hand, mind-reading, and tricks that defy logic--all delivered with incredible charisma and sharp humor.
You'll be seated with strangers, but that turns out to be part of the charm. The vibe is social, fun, and full of shared awe. Even if you don't consider yourself a "magic person," you'll leave a believer. We were laughing, clapping, gasping, and grinning the entire night.
We had only one very minor criticism--and that was the MC, Todd. His humor leaned on corny, outdated, and occasionally misogynistic jokes that didn't land well and felt out of place with the otherwise sharp, modern tone of the show. Even with the addition of his beautiful sidekick, Jac, the lack of chemistry between them and the awkward delivery of their scripted segments created a few lulls in an otherwise seamless evening.
That said, it was a small distraction in the grand scheme of an overwhelmingly outstanding experience. Speakeasy Magick isn't just a show--it's a night out you'll be talking about long after it ends. We're already planning to go back and bring friends.
A must-see in NYC. Pure magic.