The Chicago Magic Lounge is behind a vintage laundromat facade on Clark Street in Andersonville. Walk up to what looks like a functioning coin laundry, find the door, go through, and the bar opens up behind it.

The format is Art Deco-inspired cabaret theater with close-up magic during cocktail hour and full stage shows in the main room. The drinks are proper: a Sazerac, some craft cocktails, nothing complicated. The beef tenderloin sliders and fig and pancetta flatbread are the food order. Reviews consistently praise the quality of the performers and the intimacy of the space. It's one of the more unusual evenings available in the city.