If you’re into themed bars, Wizard & Wands offers a Harry Potter-inspired experience featuring good cocktails, immersive decor, and some special effects. The bar is located in San Francisco’s Marina District, and includes Drag Brunch events on the weekends. Our party decided to visit later on a Saturday afternoon for some cocktails and conversation. Patrons are even encouraged to dress in costume while visiting.
The entry area features some thematic elements and occasional light shows. There’s a nice dark tavern vibe in this area which is where our party of six was seated. There are a few themed cocktails including riffs on standards plus beer choices. I quite enjoyed the Love Potion with tequila/hibiscus and the Butterbeer flavored Wizard Brew was also very good. Some of the drinks come with special features, such as the smoke with Glen’s or the note that’s set on fire with Julie’s Espresso Elixir, though they don’t lean heavily on the drink gimmicks here.
Every so often there would a light show and some thematic music, including the ceiling tiles in the lower room which are screen-based. Mostly though we spent the afternoon in conversation with a variety of dance tracks (Charli XCX, Dua Lipa) playing in the background. Wizards & Wands also serves bar food, which our party also enjoyed.
Unlike some bars that change theming every quarter, Wizards & Wands is committed to this theme and so it is more immersive than most pop-ups. If this kind of theme is your thing or if you’re just in the Marina looking for a place to escape, Wizards & Wands is a great option.
