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Im going to LA for my birthday this weekend and plan on going to the magic castle for the first time. Unfortunately I was unable to get a dinner reservation for the night I was able to attend. Does anyone have any restaurant recommendations around the magic castle area?
Also aside from the dress code (Already have my suit together) Does any one have some advice for a first timer to the castle?

A charming cheat

Yamashiro is a Japanese restaurant overlooking the Magic Castle just up the hill. May be just as hard to get a reservation there too at this notice, though.

yes, Enjoy yourself, and say hello to Irma for me.
She's amazing.

Erwin wrote:Yamashiro is a Japanese restaurant overlooking the Magic Castle just up the hill. May be just as hard to get a reservation there too at this notice, though.

And it's also MEGA expensive.

There are loads of places to eat near the castle, depending what you want.

Mel's Diner is fabulous
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source= ... 16&iwloc=A

If you want something quick Baja Fresh is good fast cheap mexican
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source= ... a&t=h&z=14

And if you've never been to In 'n' Out, then you must go there, simply the very very very best burgers anywhere.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source= ... 13&iwloc=A

Something more upmarket?
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source= ... 13&iwloc=A

As to what to do when you are there, my oh my...

1)See lots of magic

2) As a castle knight for a tour

3) Sit in the professor's chair and do one of his tricks on a layperson (biggest buzz I had there)

4) Go and talk with Billy Goodwin in the library (library is only meant for magician members, but maybe if you plead)

5) Remember they pour the drinks strong, so go easy!

It's the most wonderful place in the world. Have a great time. But really, do go to in 'n' out.

I'll second Mel's - the burgers are great, and the shakes are even better.

If you have a car, try to find Pinnoccio's - it's a way out from the Castle, but the portions are massive, and very reasonable. My meatball sub did me two meals.

Ian

Mel's breakfasts are awesome too.

Americans really do understand breakfast.

I loved my visit to the Castle and had a powerful experience myself in Vernon's infamous chair. You will have a blast there!

One thing I noticed was that given that there is a strict dress code and that the evening I was there the Castle was packed to capacity, I did find it uncomfortably hot! Maybe it was just me, but I for one was dying to get out of my suit and couldn't completely enjoy my dinner with perspiration streaming down my face.

I understand their desire to maintain a dress code, but if the building was cooler it would have been much appreciated.

Speaking of dress codes, one day I might share my Harrod's story and how they reacted to my tattered jeans and sandals with bare toes visible.

Happy Thoughts,
Paul Pacific

Thank you for all the advice guys it really helped.
My trip to the castle went well and was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
The first thing I saw when I walked through the door was Bob Cassidy sitting at the bar. I walked over and introduced myself. I was incredibly nervous but he is one of the most hilarious (He informed me that the castle loved having him because he was the only mentalist who specialized in handling drunks) and intelligent men I have had the opportunity of meeting. I had the great pleasure of sitting in on his late show and it was absolutely amazing.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Rich Cowelly (who floored me with his version of triumph) and Pop Haydn.
I made two new friends a married couple who showed me around the castle (they have been members since the mid nineties) The most amazing part was when we met with there friends outside of the parlour of prestidigitation where Jim handed me a pack of bikes and says, "Do some magic for them, theyre laymen theyll love it" I was apprehensive at first but he said, "Do it, and then you can officially say you have done magic for an audience in the castle."
And the highlight of my evening was finally meeting Richard Turner. This was the whole reason I went in the first place. His show was amazing and I had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife in person finally.
This was by far my favorite birthday.

Casanova

Also I forgot to mention before the castle trip I had tracked down a magic shop (Surprisingly hard to find) because I wanted to look through some of there stuff. Behind the counter was a man named Newall Unfried who after I told him of some previous magic shop experiences (All bad) He went out of his way to fool the hell out of me. It was amazing. He also directed me to some effects for my show that were exactly what I was looking for. He is the quintessential man behind the counter and I look forward to returning to see him the next time I was in the area.

Casanova

Glad you had such a good time. Amazing place, isn't it?

I so wish the magic circle was even close to being as good. It's really embarrassing how the two compare.