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Yelp
This was my third visit to The Cauldron. I've been to both the NYC and Philly locations. I was lucky enough to have the same waitress I'd had at the now-closed NYC location, and she truly made the experience. If you're deciding between the two, I'd highly recommend the NYC spot, especially if Maddie is working. She brought so much energy and fun to the experience, which is exactly what you'd hope for at a wizard-themed bar.
On the other hand, the Philly location was a letdown. You'd think at a place centered around magic, the staff would help create that immersive, whimsical atmosphere. Instead, they seemed indifferent, which really took away from the experience. If I'm going to a wizard bar, I want all the theatricality the over-the-top enthusiasm, the commitment to the theme, the feeling that I'm actually brewing potions in some enchanted realm. Without that, it just feels... awkward.
At the Philly location, our waitress seemed completely uninterested, and it honestly made the whole thing kind of uncomfortable. So, if you're looking for the full magical experience, do yourself a favor and go when Maddie is working at the NYC location she absolutely nailed it!