Chuck S.
Yelp
One of Hollywood's historic treasures, the mysterious, sparkly glittery Magic Castle. To get in, you'll need to be either a member, a magician, or a guest... so start networking, or join the academy to learn magic! Or book a very expensive stay at the hotel, for a chance to enter. I would surely recommend experiencing the castle at least once in your lifetime, because it is all such a memorable, if exclusive experience. You're not even allowed to take photos while inside the castle proper, in order to maintain the air of mystery and exclusivity. That's right all you influencers that want to gloat about your lifestyle highlights, you're a bit out of luck here. It's not about you, it's about the experience.
But if you want any clues, the photos of the reception foyer will give you a consistent idea of what it's like on the inside. Once you check-in, coat-check, dress-code check, you merely go up to the owl statuette by the bookcase, invoke "Open sesame," says me. And you'll be treated to a kind of mystical speakeasy, where you could even choose to start with an enchanted bartender's brew of a Manhattan, oozing with vapor and mystique. I would recommend taking your drink to the other side of bar, where grand piano seemingly plays itself. But we all know Irma, the ghost spirit of the piano, is tickling the ivories to whatever song request you've made after contributing to the pile of tips.
Hopefully you have arrived early, and plan to stay late. There are scheduled magic performances going on in each nook and cranny of the castle, from like 5:30 PM, to as late as 12:30 AM. The program guide will let you know which performance stage to line-up at, and you'll probably want to line-up (especially on Fridays and weekends, as it gets packed) before seats get filled up.
This is the main reason to even come to Magic Castle... for the MAGIC. Are you not entertained?!?!? Is this not why you are here?! There is magic waiting in every corner, on every floor. The performance line-up changes about every week or two, with each stage doing about 3 different sets and show times each night. And every act has its performative personality to match- with the most experienced magicians so effortlessly joking with the audience on the fly like an improv act. Some of the acts that blow my mind are the one with animals. Live animals. I don't know how they do it. From pulling live hens from a straightjacket they Houdini'd themselves out of, or just flipping out a ribbons from their barehands where a live bunny rabbit springs out but then transforms into a live, flapping dove... and the dove suddenly because a lifeless puppet cloth... and back into a live dove before your very eyes. Yeah, it's an illusion, but it's so damn fun. It brings out that child-like wonder in you (okay, not you, you bitter boys, bitter over shelling out hundreds of dollars for a costly dinner date where the performers might be ragging on you during the act as they pull the wool over your eyes.)
If you hadn't got the hint by now, from the Eyes Wide Shut like set-up and dress code, the need for a password that's not "fidelio," and the Rolls-Royce Spectre and Mercedes Maybachs in the valet that look purposefully built to run over poor people (mixed in with the quiet old money with their beat up LAPD retired Crown Victoria), this is not a venue for the broke. You have to realize by now the people who are allowed to come in here are into some shit, with lots of money, or sleeping with said people with lots of money. The people watching here is a fascinating spectacle, in and of itself.
Dining: Depending on the membership level. You'll have a dinner reservation. More executive tier memberships still need to reserve to show up, you're not forced into compulsory dinner service. The food, the bar food, the cocktails, the wine list that sings of California winery's greatest hits, are all quality. Pricing is about what'd you expect to see in a high end steakhouse, comparable to Mastro's, Water Grill, Peter Luger's, etc. The bar fare like the lobster sandwich and mushroom truffle flat bread are freshly satisfying and wreaks of quality produce and ingredients. But don't take my word for it. I've had a few clients tell me they've had better food at Norm's. Different strokes for different folks, for the world don't move to the beat of just one drum. What might be right for you, might not be right for some. Doogie Howser MD.
Logistics:
Valet parking only. It's a very tight space. Have the member register the valet ticket, since it is (as of this writing) $8 for members, and $30 for non-members for valet service.
Dress-up: Men, strictly suit and neck/bow tie, and nice shoes. If you are missing a tie, you can opt to buy on of their neckties if they have it in stock.
Women, you have to wear a dress (think classy evening gown). If you come in pants, they might have a spare ill-fitting dress for you, or you'll be turned away to go get one.