so my 8 yr old son and I were visiting SF and decided to go check out the magic shop . when we got in there we were amazed by all the novelties . the guy behind the counter called us over to do some magic tricks and were blown away by the floating card trick . he then showed us the moving light trick which was pretty cool . i asked how easy would it be to perform it . he said really easy with some practice . i asked can my 8 yr old do it he said yeah no problem . my son was blown away by the floating card trick and we thought we would give it a try . the guy at the counter said he would help us and show us how to do it . i thought at 1st it was magnetic card . we bought the item and then things got weird , we asked if he could show us how to do the trick and he said he had some customers to take care of , which was no problem . We waited about 20 minutes and he never bothered to get back with us because he was doing tricks for other customers , like he was purposely doing this to ignore us . We decided to leave and go try it on our own at the hotel room . when we opened the package it came with instruction book , some invisible string which was a total joke to handle , some wax and a card in the package with a how to CD. what we basically got was a card that gets hung by some string that was impossible for any 8 yr old to do by himself or set up himself . i feel totally ripped off , we spent 20 bucks for some string and a card , this was my sons saved spending money . do not let these charlatans fool you , they are there for money only and selling some string and a card which cost maybe 2 bucks to produce and charging 20 for it is ridiculous . i want to let folks know they are just there to rip you off , dont do it , dont go , waste of money ,

Went in there after the holiday with 10 year old son. He and I are Society of American Magicians members so know more than average joe . But we agreed give him a amount for Xmas to spend there from Denver. We have spent many hours in multiple magic shops so know the routine. The guy at the counter was demonstrating to a group of people who ended up not buying anything. But like as most shops most the better stuff is at the counters. When we got up to look and had an idea and mention S.A.M.members guy behind counter seemed have no idea, which was odd. They had minimal mid to pro grade tricks, but my son found one his mentor performs he wanted. Price was maybe 15%-20% higher than our local shop, but from this shops reputation In knew it would be. Main oddity verses every other magic stores I have been at is they have no S.A.M.discount like most do ( but if you bought multiple tricks they did for other customers though the one trick cost easily more than their beginner tricks ) and they never offered to show how too after buying it which is normal.I already knew how so could teach my son quick, but that is common for stores with a ten year old to offer a howto. Overall prices are high, followed no normal magic shop standards, counter magicians were so so (kept showing same tricks over and over to push them but made so people can figure it out ) and when people asked how to they tried pushing Tarbell magic books. They were pushing via and balls to people that never done magic, which will end up in failure pushing beginners away. Mainly place to go to, to but a trick so you can say you did, but there are better places to go.

In response to the guy below me, what do you expect? Magic is about secrets, and secrets need respect. If 'your trying to see how he does it,' then I can without a doubt picture you being one of countless idiots that parade in every day demanding to see a trick, trying to figure it out and announcing the secret to all within earshot. A salesman telling you to zip it shouldn't count as smack talk. Noooo, never mind the fact that the shop isn't a free show, that it's a place of business, that the kids you announce the secrets around have their innocence ruined, noooo, the SALESMEN are the bad people for treating you like the heckler you are. If anything, the irony here is that YOU were probably the rude one and the single reason why a child learned that day that magic wasn't real because some smart-aleck adult decided to destroy the illusion of it for them. People like you aren't welcome in any magic shop ANYWHERE. Go to any shop, they'll all view you the same way, guaranteed.

I just visited today (Jan 2023) and I think a lot of old reviews might be out of date. This review is for the magicians - Vanishing Inc bought to Houdini's magic store chain and since they did this shop has turned from tourist trap to a hybrid of a Vanishing Inc convention booth and a a busker type boardwalk experience. Everyone who works here seemed happier than the demonstrators under previous ownership. They have a fully stocked collection of nice looking decks (though not many of the "feature" filled decks you can get on the VI website, but understandable since the average consumer doesn't need them). They also have many books magicians might actually want to read (e.g. Ladanye's book). Overall would recommend

I came here twice in 2012 and 2013 and bought a gamblers deck and a executive magic set for 250$ but the guy there was quite nice and gave me a discount so I paid 220$. They were absolutely great! Also if you cant do a trick that you buy.... You cant call it crap because its your faults you cant do it right. I did the ufo trick and fooled many people in response to Jpch1 1. Because a real magician find a way and a real magician never complains, and those who complain will never get anywhere. PS I hope they reduce there prices a bit.... They are a bit pricy...

absolutely loved the place. could not give a higher review. the person at the shop was incredibly friendly and offered to show a magic trick to everybody that walked into the shop. i’ve done a bit of magic myself and his tricks completely fooled me and my brother. while a good salesman he was also an incredibly funny and kind person who talked magic with us and showed us a magic trick or two for a couple minutes alone. will be back to buy something if i’m ever in san francisco again. thank you for the lovely time and keep inspiring new magicians!

I love magic and the shop is from childhood memory. I love the shop keeper. The place has all kinds magic tricks from simple to super complex. The staff member running the place on the day I visited was very knowledge and entertaining. I plan to go back and buy a few (or more) items. I love Pier 39 and this shop makes it even more fun. So, since you're going to Pier 39, and you love magic, go and check out the magic shop. I bet you will feel like a kid again.

Avoid, especially with child in tow! This place is like a magic trick, but it’s a scam on you. They are selling very expensive junk tricks and they want you to spend $100 so you can get 4 of them (versus $40 for 1). Inventory is very low, they are just steering you to this small set of “tricks”. There is an excellent magic store in San Francisco in the inner sunset called Misdirections, where they sell quality products for fair prices.

Never thought I would have an opportunity to visit an actual shop. This is my go-to online magic shop. The in store experience was even better than expected. The magician entertained my grandsons and I found some gems that I know I will enjoy. Well done! Magic is alive and well. Whether you are experienced or just getting started in magic, stop by and chat. You never know what you may find!

Bought a card trick pack from here for my son for Christmas, the guy in the store said that there were instruction videos. I assumed the details would be in the pack. Not so and after searching very hard online there appears to be nothing. Expensive pack of trick cards and disappointed child. Don't walk out of the place without seeing the instructions or video links before you leave.

Came in with some family while on the Pier and one of the staff members was doing a coin trick. It is so cool to just watch them performing their craft. The shop is full of neat things. Perfect for kids. There are also a few cool items to fool yourself with like the spinning wheel that makes you see the skin on your hand crawling (go see it for yourself; my description is awful).

The best thing about this store is that the people who work here know their stuff and can give you proper advice on what to try, what to start with... Etc. They all have been able to do some pretty solid magic tricks for us! Very inspirational store for aspiring magicians! Houdini likes talking to everyone, which entertains me because he startles people constantly.

If you're looking for a fun little place to see a magic trick or two, and/or learn one on your own, this is a great place to look. It's right on Fisherman's Wharf, so it's easy to go from there, to impressing your friends at the dinner table. Their tricks are neat, and not terribly expensive (comparatively), but the service is worth the price for me.

I REALLY wanted to like this place, since my son is an avid magic fan. Unfortunately, the employee insisted on such a hard sell that we weren't even able to get him to show us the things we were interested in. We walked out and went to MIsdirections Magic Shop near Golden Gate Park the next day and had a first-rate experience there instead.

It's a pretty beginner store. They don't sell real decks or loops or anything that a serious magician needs. However they have a pretty good book section (mostly beginner and intermediate, but a few of the advanced stuff). Overall it isn't really a magic store by what most magicians want, but it was good for cheap gimmicks and gags.

Poor quality. A friend purchased for me several items so badly made as to be unusable. They palmed off (no pun intended) a used, dirty marked deck re-packed as new, a Bro John Hamman packet trick with gaffs that were incorrectly assembled, and a color change silks set that was so.poorly assembled as to be unusable. Avoid.

It should be named illusion shop. The friendly, entertaining staff demonstrated numerous card tricks. Very educational, yet still looked impossible. It was a very fun stop on our walk to Pier 39. I couldn't resist getting the Mandalorian, Star Wars, and Dead Man's card decks -- all with very unique faces and tops.

Asked for a trick that is suitable for a 9 yo and will be easy to do, depends mainly on equipment and does NOT require practicing sleight of hands. I was then given a rope trick that after buying it and getting home discovered that is actually a regular rope and is based completely on sleight of hands. Shame.

Wow! The memories! I had read up on Houdini when I was a kid so I just had to stop in. They sell all kinds of tricks from beginners to advanced. I saw some items on the back wall that I had 30+ years ago. Good times. Stop in and get a handful of fun to share with friends and family.

This store takes advantage of children’s imagination by selling string, wax and one playing card for $30 as a kit to perform a floating card trick. The trick is a joke and online they sell the same kit for $20. The store is a scam and the people in the store are scam artists.

i had an amazing time coming into this shop. i dont really do magic or anything but the guys in here really made my day. shawn was friendly and informative and helped me get some cool stuff. and david was awesome and did some great magic for free

Edel and Miriam were very friendly and amazing, we were absolutely charmed, positively spellbound, bewitched if you will. They really made my trip that much more wand-erful if youre ever at pier 39, def go there. ✨ …

They do really cool magic tricks for you. Very helpful with info on different tricks. 4 stars because I bought Scotch and Soda but the coins weren't fitting each other right and very hard to take apart.

AMAZING! The clerk was seriously talented and friendly. I loved that he demonstrated some of the items for sell. I'm definitely returning to pier 39 because of this store. Definitely worth the visit.

Definitely not a shop for real practicing magicians or serious amateurs. Staff didn't know what many items I was looking for were. Mostly a tourist trap with gags and low-quality plastic tricks.

Such a magical place! No pun intended Edel was so was awesome, thank you for blowing our minds with your magic!!! Would definitely recommend a visit if your in the area! ❤️ …

Even if you don't buy anything I suggest stopping by! The are fun and friendly. Lots of cool stuff to look at. Waaay over priced, but that's what you get on the pier.

What a delightful find while walking on the pier. Staff were so nice and I always love someone at the counter doing trying to do a fooler with something for sale.

The shop has lots of cool tricks. The staff are clued up as you would expect. Real cool when they do a few demos. Prkve not to bad either. Well worth a visit

One of the employees, David, was extremely rude to me. The products are overpriced and cheaply made gimmicks that only work 5% of the time. One star.

I hated it, I bought the trick U.F.O and all the thread got lost and broke in a day! Now I have none left and I spent 20 bucks for a piece of crap.

At the counter was a tall man, he mocked (made fun of the way I speak) and humiliated me. never going there again, horrible service

Place for begginers but great stuff for starting magicians. If you are already experienced in magic go to misdirections magic shop.

This is a great shop where the staff all do the magic tricks you can buy. It is a pricey shop but so many cool things in the shop.

Cool magic store. They have a tv by entrance which shows magic trip at all times. Cool puppets and tons of gag and magic supplies.

Good bit don't get the money tricks bundle cause it's confusing and a complete rip off and I don't look forward to going again

If you're down to see a quick magic trick, head right in and ask nicely, leave a tip. Staff is great there and super friendly

The guy was good at magic but seemed to genuinely not enjoy working there just seemed sad and depressed. Didn't seem to care.

Man! Let me tell you: Magic Costs a pretty penny, and not one that disappears either. Nifty, quaint shop with pricey tricks.

We met Adel the magican and he was amazing showed us a few tricks for our daughter really amazing experience. Thank you

What a great shop and the staff were so helpful, even bought a pack of card, will be revisiting next time I am town.

The guy seemed drunk and he didn’t care and then proceeded to tell us how the trick is done not a good place

Amazing place. So much fun. Enjoyed watching magic tricks being performed. We bought a few tricks ourselves

Most of the stuff is junk and highly overpriced. I would have spent my money on something else than this.

Cute little Magic shop with mostly simple tricks and pranks, nothing really beyond that for enthusiasts.

Great experience here! Worker was incredibly knowledgeable, kind and patient. Recommend stopping by :)

The person was rude when I asked him to demonstrate a magic trick but didn't want to purchase the pack

What do you call a magic owl? Houdini! Hahahahahahhahahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahaahhahahahaah

Spent a fortune there ! Expensive some of the tricks can be found a lot cheaper elsewhere though

It all started with the art of miss direction! Tons of fun,tons more of trick's for everyone

Quality of the spirit lights only made them usable for a few moments after purchasing them.

Weird dark store. Bought some belching powder to prank my husband and it didn't even work.

Great products in stock, and the magician will show you how to use what was purchased.

cool little magic shop. can basically find everything cheaper online though.

Absolutely suggest checking this place out, they show great magic tricks

Fun to look and price is okay. Kids had a blast talking to the cashier.

Fantastic store with a lot of fun things and a very knowledgeable staff

Small and crowded took 5min to get 15ft to get out but staff was nice

Another place I loved as a kid. These days it makes a great museum.

This place was so cool. Got two tricks here for my boys! Loved it!

Freaky stuff here.. Ask owner to do some tricks for you. Amazing.

nice store & dude that works in there is a pretty good magician

It was okay. Nothing to race about. Kids enjoyed it for a bit

Cool place to visit and they have stuff teach u magic tricks

Great magic store. Cashier very knowledgeable about Houdini.

Got to see a trick being performed while visiting the shop.

"I don't get paid to do magic tricks" lmaooo terrible shop.

What’s with. Not even open when their supposed to be open.

They put on a street magic show for us it was alot of gun

Staff is friendly, great tricks. My son really loved it.

Fun place but wish they had better quality magic tricks.

A cool place to visit for those aspiring magicians!

fun place, but i can make all these stuff at home

Great card tricks really liked vanishing ligths

Cool shop even had some pretty neat gag gifts.

Wonderful & helpful staff! Fun place to visit!

Guy did a magic trick everyone was like …

Fun & the staff was very kind and helpfull!

Husband loved getting himself a few toys.

Cool place to look at but too expensive

Really small place but good attention.

An average magic shop! Friendly staff.

Always doing tricks in between sales.

Will make your money disappear. Lol

Untrusting shops like the service..

Great experience for my 8 year old

Phone was stolen. Terrible place.

Great place but prices too high

Not the magic I was looking for

Edel was an amazing magician!!

Nothing but card tricks here

Awesome. Learned some tricks

Great tricks love the store!

Friendly staff, cool store.

Showed us some cool tricks

Nice people, high prices

A fun little magic shop.

Awesome shop for Magic.

Not much of a selection

Nice stuff for kids...