I visited two magic shops on my trip to NYC (the other is Don't Blink, you can check my review.) Of the two - if Don't Blink is your badass cool Uncle who has a garage full of magic, Tannens is a 101 year old magic shop with timeless history and credentials. In other words it's totally different and you can't compare the two. They are both worth a visit though I'd give the tiniest edge to Don't Blink since it is so darn friendly and chill there. So Tannens: incredible history and a great selection. Website is up to date and you can order online and pick up in store or have it shipped. Prices were normal but there's a first time 20% off coupon on the website if you sign up and it applied to my whole order. They have a few exclusives but the best is the book You are all Terrible. I didn't realize until I got back to my hotel that the author had autographed it - that's super cool! read more

Great magic store, they helped find a couple magic tricks I was looking for. They had lots of books and classic vintage lecture notes my favorite. Upstairs on 3 floor. They did try to sell more than I wanted to buy. But that is their job. Do magic that will encourage buyers desire. They are very helpful over all. Great selection. Many good deals on some items if you look. read more

Keep places like this alive please. Stellar selection of cards, incredible library of magic books and pamphlets. Knowledgeable service and fantastic vibe all around. Magic lovers and practitioners alike won't be disappointed. read more

They have Houdini's bathtub in the store, which honestly is all you need to know. (And magic tricks on sale, too.)

I love visiting Magic Shop on my travel. People are nice here and very friendly. Amazing magic collections and a Houdini's bathtub is especially amazing. If you are a magician or interested in performing magic, this is must to visit. read more

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The store is located in the 6th floor so don't be discouraged when you don't see if from street level. It's an awesome store that everyone should definitely check out. The workers there are super friendly and will even throw out some magic for you while you're there. There are a ton of books on all sorts of magic and all sorts of props you can buy. Not to mention a huge wall of playing cards that you can purchase for your liking. I think they said they have little shows that go on every Wednesday after hours so that's a cool thing about them too. Check it out if you're even mildly into magic!!! read more

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I try to go to Magic Castle twice a year and I've supported Magic Apple over the years (Los Angeles' magic shop who's owner Brent does shows at the Magic Castle). When I heard that Tannen is NYC's equivalent, I had to drop by. You might find that the place is smaller than you'd imagine but that's deceiving to the eye. The true value is in it's people. Go on in and ask for some advice. You might find a card trick, coin trick or something else surprises you. As for me, I got myself a deck of cards and also a Tannen lapel pin. read more

Oh my gosh, this magic is magical! What an amazing, interesting, engaging show! I will never forget it! You walk into this very antique looking room where magic lines the walls, along with some really interesting magic history to see champagne waiting and a story teller to wow you. Because that's what this was, a story of magic. The magic performed here will have you, not only believing every second of it, but not even wanting to know how it's done. You just bask in the performance. It is amazing! I can't explain how much I loved this show. Get here, see some magic and buy some for yourself so you can imagine recreating it for others. It's a magical time! read more

OMG my new favorite hidden spot in NYC!!!! I stopped in here for the first time to find a gift for my dad (an amateur magician). I ended up staying for over an hour - the two guys who were working demonstrated tons of tricks for me, answered all of my questions, tried to find tricks that were appropriate for my dad's skill level and interests and were SO patient with me! I couldn't decide what to get and they were super, super friendly and helpful throughout the whole process. They were very knowledgeable about all of the products and passionate about magic. They were also great at making conversation and I didn't feel like they were pushing me to buy a certain product or make a sale. They actually told me their favorite trick was one that was on the cheaper end, so I totally didn't feel like they were pushing more expensive items or anything like that. Out of the tricks that I was shown, prices ranged from $20 to $60. This is such a cool hidden spot (it's in a nondescript office building with no signage) and I can't wait to go back!! read more

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Great shop, great people, great place for magic. Lectures are pretty sweet. Weekends are pretty good times to go if you're a magician just beware of the occasional tourist stampede. That's always a good time to walk out for a coffee and come back. Only downside is that the food options walking distance from the building aren't the greatest. Otherwise could easily spend entire weekends here read more

Great shop. Staff so knowledgeable and helpful. If you are into magic you will love this. Small space but have lots of options. A gem!

I've been getting their catalog since I was a kid. Finally in New York so I had to go. Greta atmosphere and super helpful demonstrators. It is kinda hard to find but you need to go if you love magic! read more

I haven't been to Tannen's since I moved to Virginia in 1980 and if memory serves me right back then it was located on Times Square. I dearly miss the personal attention that I got there as well as the quality of the magic items. I am sure that you still get the same now as back then and hope to visit in the near future. Highly recommend going there! read more

Stopped by here on our latest trip because my fiance knows I love magic and wanted me to indulge. And I'm so glad she added it to our schedule! Once you open the door, you're just hit by this magic secret den kind of feeling. The shelves are lined with magic artifacts from antique magic times. Not only that some are from famous magicians. If you're into magic you can definitely figure out who they belong to (I mean that mask definitely has to be Jeff McBride). When we stopped in there were just a few people, I assumed regulars or at least someone who is also into the hobby but able to contain themselves. They were just chatting away at some of the latest tricks to come out. One of the other patrons asked if the person behind the counter could demo one of the items he was thinking of buying. The magician behind the counter, Kevin, happily obliged. It was just one trick but he knew how to perform it perfectly. And then as my lady and I were taking all the spectacle of it all in, Kevin asked if we'd like to see a trick. Naturally we said yes and he did one for her and she's been talking about it since! It eventually got a little steady with a few people coming in. Some just stopping in. Others also in the hobby. My favorite thing about the store was how you could tell Kevin was passionate about magic. I couldn't help listening to another customer talk to him about certain magicians and tricks and the way Kevin responded was so knowledgeable and so excited. And then when I got to ask about certain items I was looking for he got out something that was an off shoot of the method I was looking for and performed it for me and I was floored and sold. The best part was he knew that I was also in the hobby after talking a bit and he knew what holes I would have poked in theorizing how the trick was done while he was doing it and while he was doing the trick he told me to do what I thought was a possible way to mess up the trick. Like I was afraid I would mess up the trick by shuffling a certain way and he was like 'go for it' and completely threw the cards around haphazardly and messily shuffled it and let me follow suit. It was so fair. I won't reveal what happened but it was beautiful to see that Kevin knew how to help me in a way only a person who is in the hobby would know. Reading low reviews, I don't think those reviewers understood this place. Maybe it's just a magician thing. All I know is that if you're into the hobby of sleight of hand magic, this is a stop you absolutely have to make the new time you're in New York. Oh and they have an awesome and intimate magic show they do a few times a week after the store has closed. That is an ABSOLUTE recommend! read more

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Really poor experience here. the shop is incredibly tiny with almost nothing accessible to the customers. Instead you have to ask the one guy behind the counter what you want. Meanwhile, there was a line of people waiting to ask him questions. This felt like the old shops in the former Soviet Union where you had to ask the shop assistant to show you anything. I was scoping this place out for a 9 year old boy . He would have completely disappointed by this shop. Really not worth a visit unlless you know exactly what you want and are willing to wait. Boring! read more

This has to be the most entertaining shop I have ever visited. Usually you will see a group of people demonstrating their prestidigitation skills in the center, and the salespeople behind the counter are also magicians who will perform tricks for you. And, yes, it is a great sales technique, because I was hooked as soon as I asked, "How'd you do that?" The people who work here are friendly, charming and informative. In addition to various tricks, there is also a large collection of books on card tricks, coin tricks, etc. If you want to learn some tricks to become the life of the party, this is definitely the place to go. Tannen Louis is a FUN experience for kids, and for the kid in you. read more

Great selection of product, friendly staff. A favorite place for me to visit when time allows!

There is a reason this company has been around since 1925, and is still kicking. Extraordinarily helpful and fun staff with a very diverse range of expertise. Whether you are a first-timer looking for the beginning steps or a seasoned pro looking into the advanced secrets, this shop is where you should be hitting in NYC. Outstanding lecture lineups, sharp classes and teachers, excellent selection, and solid/fair pricing (there was a time when I would consider some online retailers over Tannen's just because the budget had to go with the right price...Tannen's recognized this and is right in line with the competition now, kudos!!!). Stopping by is nearly a weekly ritual for me at this point. Highly recommend my fellow prestidigitators do the same in keeping the art, and this shop's phenomenal legacy, alive. read more

Historic but also modern, love coming here to learn about what works and doesn't work, and to share what I'm trying to accomplish with my magic so they can point to routines and videos to reference read more

I'm so happy I passed by this place! Got the chance to see awesome tricks, meet nice people, learn a trick or two, and have a big laugh! All thanks to Magick Balay! I'm going again soon and taking my sister and nephew this time and maybe buy some more magic! :D read more

For the serious minded magician or illusionist in the making. All you'd need to start a career and keep learning for a lifetime! read more

Tannen's Magic - Hobby Shops Near Me - New York, New York

A hidden gem. Fun, helpful staff. Awesome inventory, and fair prices for the many excellent illusions.

I worked retail for a long time. I understand. The guy was working by himself. I told him no problem, I'm patient. He finished up with the two groups ahead of me. Then a guy walks in front of me with a four year old and that was that. How much money did they spend? Is this a profit driven business? Meh. Who needs money? read more

Magick and Nate were a huge help. This was my first trip to ANY magic shop, and I was torn on which to hit while in NYC. I didn't want flashy/showy, but something like I'd always envisioned as a kid, and Tannen's delivered. Lots of tips from the staff and they helped us pick some great tricks for both myself and my 9 year old daughter. A bit more than you'd spend online, but you have absolute experts demoing the tricks. Very happy with our decision to go to Tannen's. A highlight to our trip that we won't forget. Highly recommended. read more

Tannen's Magic - Nate doing some amazing tricks for shoppers at Tannen's Magic Shop. - Hobby Shops Near Me - New York, New York

Love this place! This is where I go to get all my magic supplies. Everyone that works there is so knowledgeable and helpful. It's a bit hard to find but if your a magician from hobbyist to professional this is absolute best place to go in manhattan as far as I'm concerned :) read more

Great store with a wonderful collection of books. Very patient and helpful. Highly recommended.

I took my son today because he is really into card tricks. What a great experience for both of us. The guys there were awesome and they showed him amazing tricks ,we ended up buying a bunch of them. I highly recommend tannens and we will definitly be back read more

Tannens has lost their magic! I haven't been to Tannens in years since I went to Law School in NYC. The place I remember was further downtown and was run by a charming guy. The old place had the elevator open up right into the most amazing store filled with magical props. The new store was beyond a disappointment . I took my 12 year old son there during Spring break. The minute we walked in we were not greeted, the heavy set biker looking older magic demonstrator was too busy talking to friends about a magic tv show , and it seemed he didn't like kids at all. The shelves lacked great magic props and tricks and had mainly over priced card decks. My son wanted to leave and luckily another taller younger demonstrator came out and sold us a few tricks. We will never go back . Retail sales staff should want to help customers especially kids. Not just kid around with friends hanging around. read more

Everyone's super nice, the shop has a comforting ambiance, they have everything you need. What else could you ask for (a girlfriend, if you're a professional Magician). read more

I just ordered some things using a gift certificate. Their website didn't recognized the code so I gave Tannen's a call and spoke to Adam. Really nice guy. He applied the gift certificate to my order over the phone and everything went smooth. Great customer service. The place has everything. From what I've seen, the guys at the store really enjoy what they do. If you like to dabble in magic as a hobby, or if it's you're profession, then this is a place you have to check out. read more

too busy talking to other employees to help me, gave away all magic tricks while presenting them.

Each time I've visited here, I've been greeted by helpful and friendly staff. More than a few magicians come by to talk shop and show off a little - my girlfriend's son got a big kick out of that. It's one of those stores where you want something, find other things and before you know it you want to walk out with half the store on your back. The selection is amazing, covering all aspects of magic; books, magazines, videos, gimmicks, gadgets, gaffs, playing cards and coins both plain and "special", cups, foam balls, close-up mats, wands, any manner of magic supplies you can think of, they will sell you. Haven't checked out any lectures yet, but other customers have told me they're generally top-notch and useful in expanding your repertoire. Don't let the location fool you - outside of the building, there's nothing indicating there's a magic store there, and it's in an office on the sixth floor so there's no window display (heck, there are no visible windows on the sales floor). This gave me the feeling I was going on a quest for knowledge, almost like a modern day Indiana Jones. They don't announce their presence to the world because they don't have to - their customers seek them out. The end result is there's no casual window-shoppers just looking to kill time on their lunch break or tourists trying to get out of the rain. It's really a place for the serious magician, and by serious I don't mean exclusively professionals or adults - any kid or adult novice who wants to get into magic and do it right would be well-served here. I was a novice (and by most measures I still am, though I can put on a pretty good show) and was welcomed to the community that is Tannen's. My only regret is that the store's hours are limited, but this is common for magic shops that sell to the trade and they do have a website to make up for it. read more

I've been to dozens of magic shops around the country and around the world. None compare to Louis Tannen. It has the best magic tricks, books, videos and supplies and the best staff. I've been a customer for over 30 years. read more

Super relaxed environment. Workers are friendly and are always willing to show you tricks.

If you need supplies they`ve got you covered. The gentlemen that worked there were quite helpful. I enjoyed my visit at the shop. It has been on my todo list for at least 30 years and did not disappoint. I will return and it won't take another 30 years. read more

I have been going to Tannen's Magic Shop since I was about 13 years old. In a time when most magic supplies are purchased online, Tannen's is a place every magician, or aspiring magician, should visit at at least once in his/her life. The staff has always been extremely helpful and knowledgable and I look forward to my next trip. read more

Nice store, but guys behind counter copped such a major attitude when I was asking for certain tricks and card decks they didn't have. When I asked them to demonstrate some of the tricks they did have, they couldn't and said they didn't know how.. Ill shop elsewhere for my magic. read more

bought some stuff for my kids. the guys made demos and sold me what was appropriate for what I needed. awesome place. awesome

The salesmen try to be helpful. They are able to help beginners to the art with good suggestions. The showroom is rather small unlike previous incarnations of Tannens. They do not have on hand many classics that would fit the experienced professional. read more

My experience at Tannen Magic Shop today was perhaps the worse I have ever had in all of the Magic store I have visited through out the world. The service I received was very awful. I spent over 45 mins in the store and had gather several items to purchase which the first sales person had placed into a basket for me. Then that individual had to go to lunch and was going to hand me off to another "more experienced" magician to assist me with my additional requested items. That individual proceeded to ignore me for over 20 minutes while he showed tricks to other people in the store. That was fine but when he proceeded to assist three new sets of customers who had entered the store after me that was just rude. I approached him twice only to be rebuffed that he was helping other customers. Normally I am not that sensitive to rude behavior from salespeople (especially in NY) but this was blatant and uncalled for from this person. I had planned to purchase over $500 worth of items from Tannen's today but after this experience I think I will take my business to some place who appreciates their customers and can provide some reasonable level of customer service. read more