Wicker Park

‘The Cauldron,' A Wizard-Themed Bar Inside a Former Bank Vault, Opens in Wicker Park

Drinks are served via the "glittering head of a dragon"

NBC Universal, Inc.

A new bar is opening Thursday in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood -- but this one is a little different than your typical watering hole.

The Cauldron, a "wizard-inspired immersive potion making experience" opens Thursday in Chicago inside a 10,000 sq. ft. former bank. According to officials, the Chicago location is the bar's third and largest U.S. venue to open.

The walk-in restaurant and bar, located at 1612 W Division St., features a wizard-themed speakeasy "hidden inside the venue's safety deposit bank vault," along with potion making classes with wands.

And yes, you read that correctly.

"The Cauldron’s signature, immersive Potion-Making Experience combines working magic wands crafted using proprietary technology at The Cauldron's workshop in London with science-based drinks that bubble, smoke, and change color," a release from the venue says. "It’s akin to a cocktail-making workshop meets an escape room using magic wand tech."

The class also involves "Spellcasting 101," where guests receive their drinks "via the glittering head of a unicorn, dragon or phoenix."

Ticketing options range, with some alcohol-free class options for customers ages 7-21.

The Cauldron also features unique cocktails with different "effects" like fire, ice, smoke, color change, served inside the the wizard-themed bank and speakeasy.

"Customers can opt to use a coin of The Cauldron’s own wizard currency, which is handed to the vault’s bank teller in exchange for a magic wand-poured cocktail," the release says.

The venue also includes a gift shop, and serves British comfort food with a "fancy twist."

The bar is open Tuesdays through Sundays beginning at 5 p.m. More information can be found here.

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