Home > Baltimore Bars & Clubs > Bar Review > Inside: Illusions Magic Bar

Vibe: At Illusions Magic Bar & Lounge, high-brow bourbon is best served with a splash of spectacle. On Friday and Saturday nights, pip-squeak magician and part owner Spencer Horsman (who regularly wisecracks about his own youthful appearance) works the floor, dazzling the slightly drunken masses with card tricks and more thoroughly awing them with an elaborate escape routine. The theatrical bar space and art-deco accents complement the dramatic spirit.

Crowd: There are three separate populations at this Federal Hill joint, and they do not appear to mingle. A well-heeled 40-ish crowd clusters at tables; a cultured, diverse group of 30-somethings shares the bar; and representatives of Baltimore's growing swarm of yuppies shoot pool and recline on leather furniture in the spacious back lounge. Despite the cliquishness of it all, everyone complies with the slightly upscale dress code. Well, everyone except that one dude who thought he'd wear a kilt and a pair of flip flops one recent Saturday night. Suffice it to say, he waited outside.

Sounds: Fridays, Ron DeFilippo pounds out oldies on the ivories. Occasionally (depending on consumption, of course), those sitting near the piano belt out a verse or two with him, egging one another toward ever escalating volumes. Saturdays, the bar plays 1930s blues and jazz like Louie Armstrong and Bessie Smith. Somewhat random, though, is the pop and rock music emanating from the upstairs lounge. It creates some dissonance for those straddling the two areas, but overall Illusions' low-key atmosphere provides relief, which allows patrons to share normally-pitched banter with friends.

Service: The waiters and bartenders are welcoming and friendly, but also very busy. On a recent crowded night, tables were littered with more empty glasses than full ones. Forget rabbits -- if you can't pull a drink out of your hat, head to the bar where service tends to be attentive.

Libations: The slew of magic-themed girly drinks is innovative and appealing, but try to pull a disappearing act when it's time to buy a round. You will not be impressed by the sleight-of-hand this bar performs on your wallet -- even a Bud is $4. Don't waste your time on domestics, though. The drink menu is peppered with high-end spirits, including a 16-year-old single malt scotch and a bottle of champagne tagged at $1,500.

Bottom Line: Take your attention-starved friend here for her birthday (you know, to make up for that magic party she never got when she was 12). You'll enjoy watching her blush alongside Horsman, especially as she dresses him in a straightjacket to the tune of "Let's Get it On." The magic show is a novel experience for first-timers, but since they don't change it up much, Illusions isn't likely to become a regular stop on your bar crawl.

Add a comment