Sip on inventive cocktails while top magicians dazzle you with mind-bending tricks at this intimate new bar in Clarke Quay.
Cocktails with a side of magic? Now, that’s not something you see every day in Singapore. But The Magic Bar is no disappearing act – in fact, it’s done quite the opposite, conjuring its way from ulu Ubi to a prime spot at the entrance of Havelock 2 mall in Clarke Quay. What tricks does it have up its sleeves? Let’s just say there was fire, sleight of hand, and more than one moment where we gasped into our drinks.
The Magic Bar: Details at a glance
Must-try drinks: Taro Town, Sze Chuan Goodbye
Expect to spend: $22 for each cocktail, from $54 for magic shows
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 12am
Reservations: Required; you’ll need to buy a ticket to watch the show
Address: The Magic Bar, #01-11, 2 Havelock Road, Singapore 059763
A cosy, curated space for magic and mixology
“Welcome in!” says Kai Emmanuel, the co-founder of the Theatre of Wonder events group and one of the bar’s main magicians. The space is homey, cosy, and just the right kind of quirky. There are a few couple seats for those on a date, bar stools if you fancy a chat with the bartenders, and a communal dining table that doubles as a centre stage – trust us, it’s where you want to be for the full magical experience.
Vintage posters of iconic magicians line the walls, and a well-stocked shelf of spirits hints at the bar’s dual passions: booze and illusion. I accidentally arrived 45 minutes early, so I perched myself at the bar for a drink. The cocktail menu could be a tad more theatrical (you know, in keeping with the magic), but the drinks? Inventive.
Creative cocktails and zero-proof options
You’ll find a mix of signatures (where things get interesting), classics, zero-proof pours, Guinness, and more on the menu. These folks don’t serve food or even bar bites – a tiny gripe for me – but you’re welcome to bring your own.
I started with PB&J ($22), a peanut butter-infused whisky with lemon. It gave whiskey sour vibes, and while the nutty aroma was there, it didn’t quite punch through in flavour. Taro Town ($22), on the other hand, got me good. It’s a dessert-like dream made with Ube Cream Liqueur and Beefeater Gin. Sweet, creamy, and just the right amount of whimsical.
Take your pick from a line-up of magicians
Before long, Kai gathered us around the dining table for the main act. The bar runs shows from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Kai dazzles on Tuesdays and Fridays, Stefan Ebinger brings his German magic-comedy on Wednesdays, Nique Tan drops mind-bending mentalism on Thursdays, and illusionist Alexander Y rounds off the week on Saturdays. I lucked out on opening night and caught three.
Mentalist Nique Tan was a standout – think mind-reading, card-pulling-from-the-void brilliance. Stefan Ebinger followed, charming us with a blend of comedy and nostalgic stories from his journey into magic. Then came Kai’s set, all charm and showmanship as he conjured coins out of thin air and even used social media to pull off tricks that had us genuinely stumped.
It’s like having drinks in a magician’s living room
What really makes it special is the intimacy of the setting. It feels less like a theatre and more like you’ve been invited to a magician’s living room – no spotlight, no pressure; just you, the show, and a drink in hand. If audience participation makes you nervous, don’t worry. This space feels low-key and safe, without sacrificing wonder.
Two hours flew by. We cheered, we clapped, we left slightly more wide-eyed than we came in. It’s the kind of night you’d want to share with someone for a fun, unexpected date, a memorable birthday treat, or even a private party (yes, they do full bookings).
One thing’s for sure: The Magic Bar casts a spell you won’t forget.
