Great selection of items. Staff were super nice and very engaging with our elementary school-aged kids. They made the sale not by being pushy, but by literally selling the concept of magic -- they did the trick, showed my kid how it worked technically, did it again, and then talked through what was important to do from the showmanship perspective. Definitely a great little place! read more

Houdini's Magic Shop - Outside store front - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

Took my 8 year old here to get him two small and easy magic kits to start with. He picked the foam balls and biting coin. Went to the counter and the guy did the spirit lights trick and said it's a lot easier for kids to do than the coin one. We said ok, and put the coin trick back (light trick was more money but we wanted to make sure we got a trick that my son could do so didn't care about the price). Opened up the kit when we got home from our vacation and it is unusable for kids his age and size. The finger attachment is about twice as wide as his finger so can't hide it behind your finger as shown in instructions. Pushing the button requires the attachment to be at the very end of his finger to get enough force to turn it on. The elastic band is too big to keep it in place. Complete waste of forty dollars and really bummed him out since we were talked out of the trick he wanted (and that is listed as an easy trick on their website). Very disappointing. Talking a kid out of what they want to get them to buy something more expensive than is unusable is terrible. read more

Houdini's Magic Shop - Very big - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Edel was an awesome host. Very welcoming and showed my daughter some awesome tricks. She is now addicted to magic tricks :) Thanks Edel. read more

Houdini's Magic Shop - Very cool trick! - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fun store the staff are friendly and gave us a couple of magic card tricks. They sell some great magic tricks and that type of thing. Stop by if you're nearby read more

Houdini's Magic Shop - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

We stopped by and were cordially greeted by Edel who blew our minds with cool magic tricks. He was friendly and very professional. Great service overall! read more

Adell the magician is the absolute best the service, atmosphere, and the energy was altogether unmatched.

Buyer's remorse. Explained that I had performed as a kid many years ago, and was looking for items to get back up to speed. Employee recommended some items & I bought 4. After looking at them, I see they are all made/branded by Houdini Magic. After chatting with others in the magic community who had also worked there, Disneyland magic store, & elsewhere, I found out that the employees at Houdini's Magic Shop are told to mainly sell the company's own magic books & products, almost to the exclusion of anything else. And that they are typically beginner's tricks that are much cheaper elsewhere & online. I understand that they probably have high overhead, but I would have preferred suggestions that wasn't based on mainly moving THEIR product. If that's what you are interested in, good for you. I probably won't be back unless I need an Adam's rubber dog poop or snakes in a can of nuts. read more

Houdini's Magic Shop - Buy a trick - any trick - as long as it's ours. A classic magic force! - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

We had a fantastic visit here, would absolutely recommend stopping by! The staff's energy was so contagious and they'll even perform some magic! Definitely one of my favorite spots on the Pier Thank you to Jake for the amazing show! read more

We saw an awesome magic trick done by Edel, so cool! Love this place! If you are ever at Pier 39 and want to see something cool, head to Houdinis! read more

Edel gave us the most fabulous show!!! He made our afternoon with a few great card tricks :-)

I walked in with a group of friends and family and we were instantly greeted by Edel and his fellow co worker. His energy was great, but his magic was better. Keep up the great work guys!!!! read more

I live in the city but I went to the wharf with a friend. Last time I was there the dude behind the counter was flipping things around, having fun, it looked like he was stoked to be there. Last Wednesday I went in and I think the only magic is that they had a reanimated corpse behind the counter. I'm not saying that because he's old -- I'm old too. I'm saying that because he seemed to know three words. Me: Do you have scotch and soda? Him: We're out. Me: Damn. So you have any oversized coins? Him: No. That's all he said. The difference between the guy who loved magic in like Feb 2020 (just before COVID) and this person who couldn't sell an extinguisher to someone who was on fire is astounding. I rarely leave a bad review. I mostly use Yelp to build good businesses up, but this was the worst customer experience I've ever had. read more

Adele is incredible! Thank you for the magic, definitely go visit this shop with your friends and family!

The employees here are rude and are just trying to sell spinning ufo card trick and lame red blue diamond Vegas monte which a rip-off of the original effect color monte effect shameful. But no morals in magic business I don't expect more from these hack barely magic kids. I am a experienced magician for over 10 years. The a hole kept spinning the ufo trick in my face as I was looking at things in the display case. This was Monday evening Nov. 24th around 6pm the manager should tell his employees to be polite at least. I understand this is a big seller but don't perform in someone's face that isn't interested. They are terrible performers and it made me leave and not purchase anything. But support the brick and mortar stores better than no magic store at all. read more

Fantastic to meet Edel! I appreciated his knowledge, patience, and helpful suggestions. Nice work.

ANSWER THE PHONE PLEASE! This shop has really gone downhill. Last Time I was there that magician didn't even know how to demonstrate the trick. Because he didn't know it. read more

Brought the hubby here along with my daughter to browse around the shop. Great decoration filled with poster size pictures of the great Houdini up on the walls The employees are showing different tricks to kids and adults alike. It was heck-a-busy since its a weekend when we got there They have a decent supply of tricks and other magics treats for visitors who I think are mostly tourists...We enjoyed checking out the merchandise and then tried out the encased Houdini fortune teller machine. Its a nice memorabilia/souvenir for just a $1. All in all something worth checking out in Pier 39. read more

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This place is in pier 39. I didn't even know it was here. It's such a unique and cool store. They give you a free magic show and demonstrate how to use all the stuff they have here. I've never been to a magic store so this was the coolest thing ever. I thought the price was good. After coming here I think I'm quitting my day job to be a magician. The things they sell here are super cool and fun. This is a really great store to purchase gifts. It's great for all ages. read more

This is the shop that 10 year old me loves. (Haha let's face it. Right meow me loves too!) I have only been here 2 times and for some reason (to my better knowing) I'm always walking out with some sort of illusion! I just cant help it! There is always some little thing that I'm like! OMG o.o this is how I'm going to be the best magician at the retirement center! So with the flick of this wand! (Which happens to be my spatula that I'm making eggs with!) Let us poof are way to this review! (Trust me, the puns will never end o.o [*whispers into your ear so creepily* "never"]) Atmosphere: You enter and you're greeted with a Houdini fortune teller. Who resembles an over weight Patrik Stewart in his late 30s, and for the right price he will give you a fortune! OmO *ominous music plays in the background* the shop reminds me that of what seems to be my collection of gag tricks and comics spread all over my shelves as a kid. (So imagine a super clean room, where every section has its place! ._. [Just joking, my room was a mess. It was call "the despair of lost things" cuz once I even lost myself in there.]) The magic shop has a pretty clean environment that would make any house cleaning lady shed a tear. (Tear of magic!) The top part of the walls are decorated with old photos of the man himself! The one! THE ONLY!!!!!! *small print* Houdini! *someone in the background claps* with a straight jacket hanging from the check out section (You could say itd be crazy not to buy anything from here?) With a secret room! (Where they conceal the illusion from prying [unpaying] eyes!) And show you step by step how to do the magic trick! (Also, it does feel like that's the breakroom, for I saw a lunch box there. (But it was magical, ok!) Customer Service: Everyone is well dressed and look like the next contestants of "do you think you can dance?" Show, but at least they can pull off the tricks. *badum tsst* while looking through the store, one person is always demoing some tricks to small audiences that are lured in the sight of magic. (While the strong search for that special trick! O.O) another employee walks around and helps and suggests tricks or gags for the customer. Items: There is a large variety of tricks (more than the combo selection of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3) and gags in this store. With a good chunk of books to perfect your card handling skills (In the middle of the night while your poodle is trying to sleep.) And small but great DVD collection to visually see how it's done (aka I never went to school and ever read a book guy! [._. I'm looking at you Steven.]) This will surely help your technique! To become the next David Blaine! (Or at least better off that homeless guys down two blocks that can eat a burger in one bite. [But how do you beat that?? I'll find a way..]) Conclusion: Let your inner kid out! Sometimes it's good to just have fun. The greatest illusion in life is that we think we have the time for it. With a great selection of tricks, a friendly staff and secret contraptions (that lead you to the break room) you could say this is unicorn! (No that's not the word. Let me try that again.) You could say this place is spaghetti! (Boom, nailed it.) read more

Houdini's Magic Shop - I'm magically excited - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was in need of tricks to amuse my niece (2 1/2 year old). The store is somewhat small. I was looking for specific items (disappearing handkerchief, cups and balls) One of the gentlemen just pointed me towards the items and walked away. I waited in line while another guy was performing a tick to customers. He said "I'll be right with you"...He asked me who these items were for and he suggested other items as well. At the register, the 2 employees bickered about who helped me and who should get the sale. Very awkward and unprofessional. I even had to step in and say "I want him to have this sale" read more

Horrible. Took my son to buy a couple tricks and there was a sign that said will be back in 30 mins...2 1/2 hours later, nothing. If you going to close for the day just put a sign that says closed. read more

The guy there is legit got me with a trick left me like damn bruhhhh your really like that def go there if your into magic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I came to visit yesterday, the worker was very disrespectful. Due to COVID they only allow 7 people in the shop. My brother is in a wheelchair and the worker decides to say "someone in here is taking up too much space." Then proceeded to repeat "just a bunch of standing around, or should I say rolling". We were only in the store about 3 minutes, there was no line outside. He was very disrespectful and inconsiderate. Will never be going back. Absolutely disgusting attitude. read more

Quick background story: When my boyfriend and I first started dating long-distance, he would drive in to Chicago to visit me often. Before one visit, he kept telling me he had a big surprise for me and sounded super excited about it himself. After all of the anticipation, he showed up and revealed the big surprise... a box of magic tricks. And I knew he was the one. I have geeked out at this shop 3 times now. It's a relatively small shop, but it's full of gag gifts, memorabilia, books, magic tricks, props, costumes, and other oddities. The employees are super talented and hilarious, demonstrating several tricks. I haven't seen the same one twice! The single tricks we've purchased came with DVD/instructions and were $20 each, but that can range. You can also buy them in package deals. If you buy a trick, they will teach you how to do it behind those mysterious curtains. Every one needs a little magic and humor in their life, ya know? And fake poop. read more

Located in the midst of San Francisco's largest tourist trap, Houdini's is a kitschy magic shop that also offers tarot card readings. The store's filled with all the gag gifts, and magic trick paraphernalia imaginable. It' definitely a fun store to get lost in. Where else will you find a "poop pen" and Howard Stern mask all in one place? After browsing the aisles of goofy products you can wait in line to get a tarot card reading. Not to be confused with psychics and palm reading. Tarot cards offer insight into current and future situations based on cards that are pulled from a deck. For $5 you can sit down and listen as your life is analyzed for you. It's really not that serious, but definitely a lot of fun, especially w/a large group of girls who take the stuff literally. read more

Neil at Houdini's is amazing. He is a great preformer. Great little show he puts on there. My Grandson has easily learned & started preforming the card tricks we purchased there. Neil should post some video's on youtube. read more

Great place to bring friends from out of town. Be ready ready to buy a few tricks for the kids! We met with Jarrod this time, excellent magician. He blew my son away with the invisible card deck, we will talk about that trick for years. Great customer service! read more

Really great service and so friendly it's always a mystical wonder coming into here. When coming into 39 I would always suggest coming into this place it's awesome. read more

Houdini's Magic Shop - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was really excited when I walked in there. A magic shop? Cool! It was fun at first, and they have all these wacky pranks. The whole thing that ruined my good time was the employees. This one employee happened to be putting on a magic show. This one employee told to go over and watch. I politely refused and told him I didn't want to. He then happened to think it was a good idea to be rude with me and forcibly make me watch it! Ugh. Terrible service. read more

A lot of fun tricks and magic stuff, however, the man ay the cashier was uninterested in helping us bc we were redeeming a free coupon for a magic trick. It kind of ruined it, we thought about purchasing something but wanted to see what the free gift was first. He didn't even show us the trick at first, he just handed it to me. I asked him to do the trick. It is fun, I can't wait to do it on people...but I felt awkward after that so we left without purchasing anything. It was clean and had a lot of options, though. Definitely a fun place. Cool for kids and adults alike! read more

Very nice shop. Even though it is in the midst of the biggest tourist trap in NorCal, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a little prank or fun portable magic trick to break the ice with people. They have lots of basics and beginner tricks and things for kids & adults. Freddie, who assisted me, was very friendly and knowledgeable. The other person there had a small group of foreign tourists engaged in a nice demonstration. Lots of things under $10. read more

Houdini's Magic Shop - Store front. - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

Looking at the list of stores inside Pier 39, the only one that truly held any measure of excitement was this one. Magic! Yet, looking through the small shop's stock, mostly cheesy gag gifts and plastic-y magic tricks in a bag, left me disappointed. Just when we were heading out, the man behind the counter offered a card to each of three customers in the store. After miraculously guessing our cards, he continued to amaze us with a few additional tricks, including a convincing UFO flying card trick that boggles the mind. While his pitch did not convince us to drop down the $24.99 for the trick, I left less disenchanted than I would have been if he had not stopped us. * I still believe in magic.* (for a skeptic, anyway) read more

This magic place is a joke. My family and I were visiting San Francisco and we entered the magic shop. The guy was standing there and staring at us. We asked him to show us a trick so maybe we could buy a magic set. He said this is not a magic show and only a magic shop and kicked us out. read more

I was convincing my bf to purchase a magic deck card when the guy who works there was being super rude to us. Guess not...

I really love magic and going to Las Vegas to see the shows. I stopped by this store while walking in fisherman's wharf and saw a great demonstration with a Svengali deck of cards. I wanted to support them and bought a deck with an instruction booklet. First, the packaging for the cards was already open, so I asked if I could have a different deck. They shooed me off as if it was an absurd question. I figured the deck of cards must be organized themselves instead of from a warehouse, so they might not have sealed packaging. The deck is supposed to have 24 "key cards", which are fundamental to the trick, and 24 ordinary cards. Guess what you get with an already opened package, 23 key cards and 22 ordinary cards. The instruction booklet is supposed to teach you how to use the deck. The cover is advertised as "this book has every thing you need to master this deck!". Of course you're not allowed to open the booklet until you pay. After you buy it the first page says: "The actual working of the deck is explained in the instructions that come with the deck. The purpose of this book is to give you 76 extra tricks..." Unfortunately there are no instructions in the packaging for how to use the core elements of the deck, neither on the booklet nor on the deck itself. The people running this shop are con men, first for selling an already opened package with missing cards and insisting it's ok, and second for selling an "extra tricks" book saying the package has everything you need to use the deck. They are dishonest and give magic a bad rep. For such a high profile area in SF they really are taking advantage of tourists. SF doesn't need this business and I hope this store is removed from Fisherman's Wharf. read more

JASON ROCKS. What a funny, real, no holds barred guy this is. I am so sick of uptight salesman. This guy was a blast. Plus, he up sales well. Got me for an extra ten bucks. Scott was entertaining and knowledgeable. My ex husband spent $40 on a DVD. Getting my ex to spend $$$ is a magic trick in itself. ABRACADABRA read more

While walking around, I noticed this little store so we went in. There were some cool things and we ended up buying some fake poop to play a prank on my mom and her dog. The two gentlemen that helped us out were great, they juggled 5 balls and everything - friendly environment and good prices! read more

We just popped in for the first time and Neil showed us a few tricks that were absolutely amazing Neil's a super friendly guy . This store is really cool you must stop in and check out the games read more

Cool store, even cooler owner! Showed us some fun tricks, this guy is good! Bought some items for my daughter, she'll love them, wish she could have seen the other stuff at this awesome store! read more

This is one of my #1 stops for all of my magic needs. If only California law would let them carry flash paper, then they would have it all! The sales associates are very skilled and eager to explain all of the ins and outs as long as you've committed to buying the kit in question. read more