From the big top to the bar: Exploring the unique world of circus magic

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The concept of circus magical bars combines two exciting and captivating elements: the world of the circus and the allure of magic. These bars provide an immersive and entertaining experience for guests, drawing them into a fantastical world where anything is possible. At circus magical bars, visitors are transported to a realm filled with awe-inspiring performances and mind-bending illusions. The atmosphere is carefully crafted to create a sense of wonder and enchantment, with bold colors, elaborate decorations, and ornate furnishings. One of the main draws of these bars is the array of jaw-dropping magic tricks and illusions. Magicians perform mind-reading acts, vanishing acts, and sleight of hand tricks that leave guests bewildered and amazed.


Researches proves that these infused magic mushroom products has some powerful effects. They increase attention and focus, stimulates the growth of brain cells. They also increases appetite levels and reduces depression and pain.

Each bar is carefully composed using ethically sourced cacao beans, ensuring a delectable chocolate experience that is both sustainable and satisfying. Julian the Hospitaller, considered to be the patron saint of hotel keepers, carnival workers, and murderers among others , the bar pays tribute to carnivals, fairs, and circuses.

Circus magical bars

Magicians perform mind-reading acts, vanishing acts, and sleight of hand tricks that leave guests bewildered and amazed. The skilled performers interact with the crowd, engaging them and creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. In addition to the captivating magic acts, circus magical bars often feature a variety of circus acts and performances.

Cool circus-themed pop-up bar spins carnival fun at favorite Montrose restaurant

Rob Mungle and Ben Mowbray teamed up to open Saint Julian's.

Photo by Eric Sandler

From sports bars to tiki bars, Houstonians have plenty of choices for themed drinking establishments. One new bar has found a different source of inspiration.

Saint Julian’s Social Club has begun a three-month pop-up that’s temporarily occupying the Quiote space within The Toasted Coconut. Named for St. Julian the Hospitaller, considered to be the patron saint of hotel keepers, carnival workers, and murderers (among others), the bar pays tribute to carnivals, fairs, and circuses.

The project unites bartender Ben Mowbray (Grand Prize, The Toasted Coconut, etc.) with chef Rob Mungle (Outlaw Dave’s, Red Dwarf). Friends for more than 20 years, the duo tell CultureMap they’ve long aspired to open a concept where Mowbray could develop the bar program and Mungle, who’s won chili and gumbo cookoffs, could serve his slightly offbeat take on bar food.

Mowbray explains that he met performers like magicians and trapeze artists during his time performing standup comedy. He developed Saint Julian’s to honor their work ethic.

“The way they worked their asses off to stick their landings was so impressive to me,” he says. “That carnival concept came to me as a way to celebrate those people and give them a place to relax and feel received.”

Inside the intimate, 14-seat space, customers will find decorations like streamers, posters honoring famous carnival personalities, and other artifacts. The highlight is a giant wheel that customers can pay $5 to spin in order to win prizes such as drinks and swag — the top prize is currently three rare bottles of Citadelle Gin. As Mowbray explains, spinning the wheel illustrates a lot about Saint Julian’s approach.

“When you want to spin the prize wheel, we bring everybody together. It’s your moment in the sun,” he says. “What I really like is the way that vibe brings everybody together. It’s a small place. You’re going to get to know people. You’re going to have some laughs in here.”

Also providing laughs are Mowbray’s candy-infused cocktails. The menu features drinks made with spirits such as Sour Gumball-infused gin, Skittles-infused tequila, and vodka sodas in five flavors — Watermelon, Green Apple, Double Bubble, Skittles, and Lemon Head. Yes, he can also serve a limited selection of classic, non-candy infused drinks, but what’s the fun in that?

“If you’re worried it’s going to be too strong or too sweet or too childish, it’s not. It’s just a very refreshing way to have a vodka soda or gin and tonic,” Mowbray says. “The candy is not any stronger than it is in a flavored vodka. To my mind, it’s a better flavor. You’re drinking a Skittles vodka soda that takes like Skittles.”

Mungle contributes food items such as crawfish etouffee, Frito pie made with pineapple chili, flatbreads, and French toast. He’s also developed a dish he’s calling “candy sushi” — a Rice Krispie treat topped with a Swedish fish, Mexican sour candy, and a wasabi peanut that’s wrapped in a Fruit Roll-Up.

“We’re doing weird fun plays on candy and food,” Mungle says. “There’s nothing healthy in here. That’s what we want to do.”

Saint Julian’s will celebrate its grand opening this weekend (August 10-12). Going forward, it will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 6 pm until midnight. As the concept evolves, Mowbray plans to add performers to the mix such as magicians, jugglers, maybe even a fire swallower.

Quiote will return at some point, but the space belongs to Saint Julian’s through Halloween. That should be enough time to determine whether people like drinking at a carnival-themed bar.

“There’s a real chance people are going to think it’s goofy and silly and they want no part of it,” Mowbray says.

“What I’d like to do is prove this concept is successful. If we make a little bit of money, we’ll set it aside and keep looking for our own shop.”

Rob Mungle and Ben Mowbray teamed up to open Saint Julian's.
Circus magical bars

Acrobats soar through the air, contortionists twist and bend their bodies in unimaginable ways, and jugglers defy gravity with their expert dexterity. These performances add an extra layer of entertainment and spectacle to the overall experience. Guests at circus magical bars can also expect to enjoy sumptuous food and drinks. The bars often feature a wide selection of cocktails and creative concoctions, specially designed to complement the magical atmosphere. Snacks and appetizers are crafted with equal attention to detail, offering flavor combinations that are as delightful as the performances themselves. The popularity of circus magical bars is on the rise, as more and more people seek unique and immersive experiences. These bars provide an escape from reality, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a world of wonder and enchantment. Whether you are a fan of magic, circus acts, or simply love a night of awe-inspiring entertainment, a visit to a circus magical bar promises a truly unforgettable experience..

Reviews for "Where whimsy meets mixology: Exploring the wonder of circus magical bars"

1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Circus magical bars. The performance was lackluster and the acts were not impressive at all. The whole circus felt outdated and there was no excitement or wow factor. The performers seemed unenthusiastic and their skills were average at best. Overall, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time and money on this circus.
2. Emily - 1 star - I found the Circus magical bars to be a complete letdown. The show was disjointed and poorly executed. The props were cheap and the costumes looked like they were from a dollar store. The clowns were not funny at all and the acrobatics were subpar. It felt like watching a low-budget school production rather than a professional circus. Save your money and go see a different circus instead.
3. David - 2 stars - The Circus magical bars failed to live up to its hype. The entire performance felt rushed and uncoordinated. The acts were predictable and the tricks were basic. The music choices were also disappointing and didn't match the atmosphere of a circus. The overall experience was underwhelming and I left feeling unsatisfied. I would not recommend attending this circus if you're looking for a thrilling and magical show.
4. Sarah - 1 star - I regret going to the Circus magical bars. The show lacked creativity and originality. The performers seemed unprepared and there were moments of awkward silence throughout. The audience engagement was minimal and it felt like they were just going through the motions. The circus lacked the excitement and energy that you would expect. I would not go see this circus again and I definitely wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
5. Michael - 2 stars - I was highly disappointed with the Circus magical bars. The acts felt repetitive and there was no wow factor. The performers lacked charisma and the whole performance felt stale. The animal acts were not impressive and the tricks were simple. It felt like a low-budget circus trying to replicate the real thing. I would advise skipping this circus and looking for a better option.

Sip, marvel, repeat: Discover the astonishing world of circus magical bars

The art of mixology meets the circus: Discover the magic of magical bars