The historic Magic Castle is a private Hollywood club dedicated to magic, dining, and swanky outfits.
The Castle is one of those LA spots that most people know about, but many have never been. It’s also notoriously tricky to get into if you don’t know a member.
There is a loophole to get in if you’re going with a larger group and rent out the private Houdini Chamber for dinner.
Before and after dinner, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure night. You wander the old Victorian mansion full of bars, close-up magicians, and shows big and small starting every 15–20 minutes.
Partway through, you’ll sit down for dinner and head back out for more magic when you’re done eating.
For dinner, you can do the standard three-course dinner, which leans toward classic steakhouse hits, with mains like filet mignon, prime rib, roasted chicken, seafood, and pasta.
You can also add on the Houdini Séance after dinner. One of the Castle’s professional mediums will lead your group through a performance inspired by Houdini’s life and his fascination with communicating with the dead.
The medium stages an attempt to contact Houdini’s spirit, using darkness, sound, and theatrical illusions to create the feeling that something supernatural is happening right there in the room.
Details:
Where: Magic Castle, 7001 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood
When: Wednesday–Sunday for the séance. Contact the Castle for availability
Group size: Up to 10 for the séance; 10–12 for dinner only
Dress code: Strictly enforced. Send your group the Castle’s dress code before the evening.
Cost:
Private dinner only: $2,900 total ($290 per person up to 10 guests). You must reserve and pay for the entire room even if you have fewer guests.
Houdini séance and dinner: $3,400 total for up to 10 guests ($340 per person). You must reserve and pay for the entire room even if you have fewer guests.
Both totals include the three-course dinner ($130 per person), entertainment fee ($45 per person), private room ($650), and a Presto one-day membership ($500). The séance package also includes the $500 private séance. Does not include drinks/gratuity.
In December, the entertainment fee goes up $10 per guest.
After January 2027, dinner prices go up to $135 per person.
Bar options:
Hosted bar: Since your guests may be wandering around the Castle independently at times, you can arrange for bar credit in advance so everyone can grab a drink whenever they like. Set a spending allowance of $35, $55, $100 per guest, or no limit. Final tab will be provided after the event.
Unlimited house wine: $35 per person, including soft drinks
Unlimited premium house wine: $50 per person, including soft drinks
Non-hosted bar: Guests purchase their own drinks
Duration: Plan on 4-5 hours for the full dinner and magic show experience. Séance adds about 45 minutes.
Parking: Valet is $30 per car
Booking: You can reserve through the website and someone will get back to you within 24 hours. The Castle recommends booking well ahead, especially for popular dates. A deposit and signed contract are required.
Added value: The Magic Castle is not a cheap evening, but it is an LA institution. I’ve been fortunate enough to go a few times, including with clients, and it’s delivered every time. Vibes are high, everyone is dressed to impress, and the whole place has a kitschy, old-school Hollywood feel to it.
Beware that they’re not messing around on the dress code. First time I went, I showed up wearing nice khakis and was told I needed to sprint down to H&M on Hollywood Blvd and get some suit pants. Unfortunately, I’m 6’7” and finding pants is not that easy, so I grabbed what I could, and showed off a few cheeky glimpses of lower shin all evening.