The Wizard’s Den

My favorite aspect of immersive entertainment is being an active participant, instead of passive (as with movies/theater). The Wizard’s Den, an “immersive potion making experience” has that in spades. Leaning heavily on, but not legally associated with, a certain Boy Wizard, this magical pop-up bar (and show) is a wonderfully-themed environment for any enthusiast of fantasy and whimsy.

Back to School

Hidden behind a nondescript door on somewhat rundown street in Hollywood lies the Wizard’s Den. You could see the area as seedy, but it’s more fun to see it as thematic. The wizards are hiding right under our noses, just like they do in the Book Series That Shall Not Be Named! At the top of the interior staircase, the Wizard’s Den reveals itself to be a dim, candlelit, wonderfully themed environment that looks like a great place to hang out for an evening. Our Potions Instructor rushes over to meet us and offer us wands that we’ll need for the upcoming “class.” With a good variety to choose from, I liked that the choice felt personal.

Arriving early, as the ticket suggests, gives ample time to roam the space. There’s a lounge area, then the main room with tables–each with their own cauldron. At one end is the bar where potions are created, and in a corner is a door to another chamber. It’s not exactly secret, but it is out of the way. The room beyond isn’t used during the main show, but it’s decorated just as impressively and may even be the best spot to take photos.

Take Your Seats

At the designated time, “class” begins. This was not a full session, and with several empty tables, I wondered why there wasn’t more of an effort made to space people out for social distancing. We wore our masks (except when drinking), so maybe the close table grouping was to spare our host’s voice. Class was led by our Potions Master, and we soon realized his role was about 50% stand-up comedy. He was very entertaining, funny, and easy to hear. He interacted with each table as we gave ourselves “coven names” and answered trivia on white boards. (These of course had a suitable magical name that I’m currently forgetting).

The assistant/hostess offered our first drink when we initially sat down. The second was one that we mixed ourselves. Given a basket of ingredients, and a recipe concealed in a weathered notebook, it was pretty fun to mix ourselves, with no concept of how it would taste. It was tasty, naturally. Next was a trivia contest, with plenty of jokes sprinkled throughout. My partner was a fan of the [redacted] book AND movie series, so we won by a single point. Our reward was a bonus potion, brought to our table!

The last potion required us to solve 3 riddles/puzzles, then call over the Potions Master for confirmation and the final ingredient. As a seasoned puzzler, they were all very easy. For my friend, one of the riddles was lifted from the book, so she remembered the answer without needing to solve it. This potion involved the cauldron, dry ice (presumably) and was likely my favorite of the 4. I was disappointed after I finished it.

Final Exam

During the class, additional potions were available for purchase at the bar. I found it a little odd that the bar is only open for the designated performances. After all, if people have already bought tickets that include 3 drinks, they would seem less likely to buy more drinks, no? I hope they can work out a way for the bar to be open sometime without the “class” going on. After our fourth cocktail, there was more time to relax and enjoy the space, including putting on robes from their trunk and taking more pictures. We also got to chat with the host out of character, who continued to be very pleasant to chat with. I don’t know if he’s the only host or if there is a rotating cast, but he was certainly a high point.

Leaving the Wizard’s Den, I felt the perfect level of buzz. The drinks weren’t very strong, but we did win an extra one during the class, which was nice. I also hadn’t eaten dinner first, which helped. There are a couple options for food nearby, in case you do need to sober up before driving home, but the neighborhood isn’t the best, so you won’t get to be too picky.

With great atmosphere, yummy drinks, and an engaging performer, I thought the Wizard’s Den was an excellent way to spend an evening and only wish it lasted longer. Classes are 90 minutes and are currently available through September 26. Hopefully there are plans for an extension, as it would be a great Halloween season activity. There are restrictions attached to the tickets, all of which are available on the ticketing site here.