Magician
(212) 673-7881
118 Rivington St
New York,
NY
10002
40.7199
-73.9872
Neighborhoods: Lower East Side, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Magician
The Editor
Kara Zuaro
Citysearch
The Scene
Named for Ingmar Berman's 1958 Swedish film, "Ansiktet" (released in the U.S. as "The Magician"), this easygoing establishment is the Lower East Side sister to the West Village's WXOU Radio and WCOU Radio in the East Village. The tile floor and neon clock bear a family resemblance, but here, the neon matches high-backed lime green chairs, which offer enough seating to convince even your laziest friends to hike over.
The Draw
Thick blinds filter film-noir bars of light through the glass facade, but the vibe inside is anything but pretentious. Servers and patrons are as pleasant as the jukebox selections, ranging from Duke Ellington to Pearl Jam to Tom Waits. Whether you set up camp at the bar, grab a street-side table or pull up a chair in the back room, you'll be feeling at home in a flash.
User Reviews
edn13
April 16, 2009
This is NYC and I found myself sent home because "ma'm you don't have a state-issued ID." I asked to talk to the manager and the youngish woman told me that she would be in on Monday. I never doubted that assxxxxs come in all shapes, and genders, but displaying one at the door in times of recession, I call that very poor judgment.
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Thrump0
October 19, 2008
I never got into this bar so I can't tell you if it?s good. I was recently married and afterward we wanted to meet up with our friends. Someone recommended this place as a laid-back non scene-y bar. We arrived a later than our friends. I had forgotten my wallet, had other things on my mind. The doorwoman wouldn't let me in without ID. Ok. I get it. That?s the policy. But I just got married, can she make an exception? She still says no. So there I am standing all dressed up, with my wife IN HER WEDDING DRESS, with 15 friends ready to drink. Strangers at the bar came to our defense it was just getting too weird. I am clearly not under 21, I just got married, a little flexibility could be expected right? The doorwoman got very nasty told us to F off, that I was ruining HER night. She literally pushed me outside the door and told me I could not wait inside. A guy came out and said his friend owned a bar down the street, they would be happy to have us. So we left. I don't know if this is a good bar and now I don't ever care to find out.
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yukster11
November 24, 2006
Came here for a Wednesday happy hour. Wasn't too crowded, which was good. Drinks were very affordable. An Amstel and Rolling Rock came to $4.50. The place is kind of dark. It has a decent jukebox as well as a backroom with additional seating. Bartending staff is spotty. We were there for about 2 hours and the first guy was friendly however the woman bartender who replaced him wasn't too interested in serving, choosing instead to chat with friends.
read full reviewThe Details on Magician
Happy Hour:
From 5pm to 8pm, don't settle for well liquor. Most custom mixed drinks will only cost you $3.
Category:
Bars & Pubs, Bars & Clubs, Neighborhood Bars, Taverns
