Reviews (and a few more pictures)
I have hundreds of five-star reviews on Google and some more on Yelp.
(Yelp filters reviews by new reviewers, but they were all written by real people who have participated in my shows.)
(I also have reviews on marketing and booking sites, but you already found me here.)
For your convenience, here are a bunch of testimonials from these pages.
★★★★★ Adult Birthday Party
One of the best magicians!! His card tricks were literally blowing me away. Unbelievable. I couldn't stop saying "wow". Every ending to the trick gave me chills. We booked him for a special friends very special 30th birthday party. He is also really funny and delivers great punch lines. Reads the room excellently and goes along with every crowd (knows how to deal with annoying drunk loud people at your party). Amazing magician!!!! I've seen a lot of magic at the Magic Castle in LA and Rob is of equal or higher caliber. So great.
— Sarah K. -- Yelp review
★★★★★ Wedding Reception
We had seen Rob perform at a street festival in our neighborhood and that his card magic was incredible and that he was very entertaining. We ended up hiring him to perform for guests at our wedding and he was a huge hit with all our guests! He performed many tricks, including a special one that involved the names of myself and the bride. … I would strongly recommend!
— Joe Struck, Groom -- Yelp review excerpt
★★★★★ Trade Show
I have been meaning to write this review for a long time, but only just got around to it now. Rob is really unassuming in appearance -- not exactly Chris Angel-type, over-the-top glitz -- but he's got his own delightfully quirky, downplayed demeanor going on. When he started doing up-close card magic, I kept thinking, How is he doing that?! He looks like such a normal guy, but his magic has to be seen to be believed. It stands on its own, no glitz and glamor needed. Seriously, jaw on the floor. If you have an event going on and you want to give your guests a great experience, call him!
— Ellen Chan -- Yelp review
★★★★★ Birthday Party (Graduate Students)
Rob was at my dear friend's birthday this week walking around the party doing close-up magic, and it was truly one of the most fun experiences I have had. If you think magicians are just for kids' parties, think again - Rob effortlessly delighted and entertained a room full of skeptical graduate students. I am sure of two things now: a) I wanted a magician at my next birthday party, and b) I want it to be Rob.
— Bill H. -- Yelp review
★★★★★ Customer Appreciation and Birthday of the Founder of a Yoga Studio
I always get very nervous about having parties because I don't like feeling like I need to entertain everyone, but having Rob at the party made my birthday party so much more enjoyable. … He really did work magic. He brought groups of people together that normally may not have even talked to one another. Not only were his tricks entertaining and amazing, but he was really enjoyable to be around. The cool thing about Rob was that, as a performer, instead of being the life of the party and capturing the show, he created a life of a party by getting people more involved and engaged with one another and that was way more valuable than anything I could have asked for. Rob exceeded my expectations above and beyond. I would have him back to do more tricks in a heartbeat.
— Jaclyn Jones, Founder of Indigo Studio -- Yelp review excerpt
★★★★★ 50th Birthday Party
I hosted a party for my husband's 50th birthday. Hiring Rob (CARD MAGIC by Rob Mendell) was the best decision for entertaining our crowd. He captivated our guests and was the hit of the party! (besides the birthday boy)
Rob is professional, funny, relates to the audience with a nice wit & banter. No one wanted him to stop.
His magic is outstanding. Highly recommended.
— Eliisa Quinn -- Google Review
★★★★★ Public Performance (to raise money for a child I was supporting through Children International)
It has been quite some time since I've seen card magic up close and personal like this, and I can tell you I was astonished! As an adult, you look from afar or think back in time and presume there must have been some 'trick up the sleeve', but Rob brings back that childlike amazement of something right before your eyes! I highly recommend him for events for both children and adults, all will be thoroughly entertained and left wondering.
— Sue Koch, Social Media Marketing Strategist and Professional Speaker -- Yelp review
★★★★★ Performances in Hotel Lobby
Absolutely stupendous entertainment! Not only did Rob entertain a group of people for hours on end, he also had the patience to teach me a move. Now that takes patience! He is a magician, plain and simple. That is the only explanation for some of his displays. I wish I was a Chicago local so I could hire him for parties. He really knows how to pull the crowd in and truly perform. Thank you Rob!
— Bethany Boyd, Concierge at Loews Hotel 1000, Seattle -- Yelp review
★★★★★ Birthday Party
Our experience seeing Rob was phenomenal. He performed at a friend’s birthday party, and we were blown away. An incredible engaging act, a down-to-earth personality, a dry, witty sense of humor, and absolutely astounding magic, Rob has it all. If you are considering entertainment for an event, this is who you want! You will not be disappointed, he is truly sensational.
— Teddy -- Google Review
★★★★★ Busking
Rob was awesome! He kept the crowd engaged and explained his tricks well. My kids felt like magicians themselves after leaving lol. Thanks for sharing your imagination with the world 🙂.
— Sharkira Gilbert, Mom -- Google Review
★★★★★ Wedding Cocktail Hour and Reception
We had Rob perform Card Magic during our wedding cocktail hour and reception. The magic was wonderful and we had many guests tell us that their "minds were blown" by Rob's card tricks! He even performed a trick that was customized for us. / On top of that, Rob was incredibly easy and pleasant to work with during the event planning process. I definitely recommend working with Card Magic!
— Tim Luo -- Google Review
★★★★★ Mixed-Age Casino-Themed Birthday Party
Will be forever grateful to have befriended and hired Rob to be a card magician at my Husband's 35th surprise birthday party! He added an element of surprise and mystery to our casino themed event, that took it to the next level!
Thank you! Thank you!
— Tiffany Willis-Johnson, Party Hostess -- Yelp review excerpt
★★★★★ Adult Birthday Party
I hired Rob Mendell (Card Magic) for an adult birthday party -- for people in their late twenties. He was truly outstanding. He went round the party performing a series of tricks to different groups. Everyone at the party that he performed for was enthralled. I liked his demeanor and style: no gimmicks or silly jokes -- though he does work some low-key humor in to the show in an effective way -- just unbelievable tricks. He's also a great person to deal with. Highest possible recommendation.
— Evelyn Richardson, Party Host -- Google review
★★★★★ Fundraiser for Medical Research
I hosted an event - a fundraiser for Children's Memorial Hospital - this past weekend. … Rob was amazing. Very personable, friendly, entertaining, and yes, magical. … I cannot say enough on his behalf. He is great with children and adults and I would hire him if ever planning such an event again.
— K M., Fundraiser Hostess --Yelp review excerpt
★★★★★
Street Performing Rob was a very good magician and made the experience even more special by involving me and my kids in the magic! We had so much fun! — Kristin Chambers -- Google Review ★★★★★ He was AWESOME!!! We stuck around for 4 or 5 card tricks- it was so fun! The longer we stayed, the larger the crowd got- he made sure to include everyone in the magical fun. There's a reason why he's got a solid 5 stars everywhere- he's very talented and a gentleman! ♦️♥️🃏 ✨ — Shara DeWitt -- Google Review excerpt ★★★★★ Hold onto your hats kids, Rob will blow your mind—young or old—be ready! — Stefania De Monaco -- Google Review |
★★★★★ On the Elevated Train (my first yelp review in 2009)
…The man began to spin in and out of card tricks, flawlessly playing through each trick. Being a nosy urbanite, I became a part of the tricks and was blown away. Rob is a damn good magician and he had each of us from the start. You don't often see card tricks performed as well as he performs them. It was quite possibly the best "EL" ride I've ever had. Thanks Rob!!!
— Benjamin H. -- Yelp review excerpt
★★★★★ Birthday Party at a Bar
Rob's magic is amazing and he is sneakily hilarious. We had him show up to a bar for a birthday celebration, and he blew everyone's mind. Can't wait to see him again!
— Eric Baskauskas -- Google Review
★★★★★ Busking on Magnificent Mile
… After one trick I was hooked. This dude is 1. Entertaining at the very least. If you don’t like magic you’ll at least like his personality, he’s hilarious. But 2. An actually A+ magician. I know a bit about card tricks and magic and he was still baffling. Just an all around fun, unexpected experience from Rob the magician. What a treat. … Rob is someone I’ll be keeping my eye out for. 10/10, 5 stars.
— Davie Wick -- Google Review excerpt
★★★★★ Street Performing
What a fun stop while out & about in downtown Chicago! Rob is not only magically talented but also very kind, was so sweet to my little girls & even taught them a magic trick to wow their friends with! I highly recommend Rob Mendell for all of your Magician needs in the Chicago area.
— Brooks Larion -- Google review
What a fun stop while out & about in downtown Chicago! Rob is not only magically talented but also very kind, was so sweet to my little girls & even taught them a magic trick to wow their friends with! I highly recommend Rob Mendell for all of your Magician needs in the Chicago area.
— Brooks Larion -- Google review
★★★★★ Busking on Magnificent Mile
Rob is a true master of his craft! It's worth coming to to Chicago just to watch this man work. I have no idea how he did any of his tricks and he was so fun and charming the entire time. In an era of cell phones and short form media this is a life experience that will elevate your humanity. … I left with my head spinning and my jaw dropped. Wow!
— Tyler Rindo -- Google Review excerpt
★★★★★ Industry Event
Rob was very engaging and totally mystified us with his mastery of the cards. We were entertained by him during a large industry party and I thought it was very cool of the party planners to have thought of hiring a wandering magician. Something a little different that helped to give people who might not know each other a starting point for conversation.
— Kaye H. -- Yelp review
★★★★★ Dinner Party
…I hired Rob for a dinner party my husband and I were hosting. … The evening was wonderful: In an unassuming, quiet but confident manner, Rob did trick after trick, none of which any of us could figure out. After a while, not content to sit back in our chairs, we were all standing around the table, and we still had no idea how he did what he did! ... We agreed that it was one of the best parties we'd ever had. I heartily encourage anyone looking for a fun, different kind of spin on the usual party activities to hire Rob.
— Gerry Langgut, Party Hostess -- Yelp review excerpts
★★★★★ 10th Birthday Party
We hired Rob for my daughter's 10th birthday party. He was great. Our daughters and their friends loved seeing his tricks and were blown away. He let them choose between two card tricks to learn and he taught them how to do the trick and master it. He has a unique skill and does a great job engaging everyone, all ages, and involving them in his craft. Even my wife and I were amazed by his skills. On top of that, he's a really nice guy. Highly recommend.
— Scott H. -- Yelp review★★★★★ Company Picnic / Wedding
I met Rob years ago at an event where he was working and was very impressed and got him hired for our company's picnic. Recently, I hired him for my wedding banquet. Everyone loved him and I especially loved the fact that he personalized one of his many tricks so that no matter what cards you picked my name and the name of my husband turned up (and I watched several people participate in the magic trick and they all picked different cards). It made his performance so special for me. I highly recommend him for parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs, whatever. He's great with adults and children.
— Natalie Fredrickson, Bride -- Yelp review
★★★★★ Adult Birthday Party
Rob recently wowed us at an event with his talents and tricks. Not only did we see card tricks that we couldn’t explain, but he was incredibly engaging with his crowd and provided such a great conversation after. He is truly a gem of a human.
— Kendall Bryson -- Google Review
★★★★★ Teenage Party
Rob performed for my son's party. He mingled with 60 guests and did a fantastic job entertaining them. I heard so many good reviews from kids to seniors. Very happy with hiring Rob for the party.
— Neil Wankoff -- Google Review
★★★★★ Wedding Cocktail Hour
Rob recently performed during the cocktail hour at my wedding. It was one of the highlights of the evening. Every guest, old and young, was captivated by his magic. He is the consummate professional and he will bring any event to the next level. I can not recommend him enough. If you want to impress your guests, bring real card magic to the party.
— Amanda Garcia -- Google Review
★★★★★ "Math-A-Magic" Classroom
Rob is awesome. I have had Rob come out several times and for each event, Rob has been flawless in his performance of up close Card Magic. The first event I had him attend was at a school. Rob had prepared several card magic tricks to teach the students and even encouraged them to create a card magic trick on their own, based on the patterns they noticed in the presented Card Magic. The students, middle school students who are hard to entertain, absolutely loved the Card Magic presentation and they didn't even realize they were learning a thing. He was all the students could talk about for days!
— Abby Long, Chicago Public School Teacher -- Yelp review excerpt
★★★★★ 10th Birthday Party
Rob amazed a group of ten year olds and their parents at my sons birthday party. The show was punctuated by gasps of surprise and lots of "no way!" as kids followed along with his card tricks. Rob also held a lesson and each kid left with the ability to do a few tricks of their own. What a great show - highly recommend for your aspiring young magicians!
— Luke S. -- Yelp Review
★★★★★ 90th Birthday Party / Teenage Lessons
My dad hired Rob for a 90th birthday party and then hired him again to teach card tricks to my 2 sons (ages 10 and 15) as we came to Chicago to visit my parents. It was such a unique, special and thoroughly entertaining experience. It was just as fun for my dad and I as for my kids and they now have a whole slew of card tricks they do for friends at home. Rob is not just a fabulous magician but a great teacher when hired to do just that. We also visited him twice on Michigan Avenue where he was equally as engaging and included my son in his tricks. If you hire him for a private event, you will not be disappointed!
— Allison K. -- Yelp Review
★★★★★ Street Performing
I’ve always seen this kind of magic on tv and thought it was cool but it’s a much cooler experience when you’re a part of it! Rob was funny and inviting and his card tricks genuinely amazed me!
— Sarah Jacob -- Google review
★★★★★ Surprise Party
THE BEST! Hired Rob for my husband's surprise party and he was a HIT!! Everyone loved him. He was the highlight of the party! So kind and awesome to work with, too!
— Stephanie Mansour -- Google review
★★★★★ Corporate Happy Hour
Rob was great at wowing our guests at our recent corporate happy hour. I highly recommend Rob for any corporate event, holiday party or birthday party!
— Melissa Brownell, Executive Assistant, Perl Mortgage -- Google review excerpt
★★★★★ Halloween Event / 9-Year-Old Birthday Party
We met Rob at the Redmoon Halloween Skelebration and he blew our collective minds! We hired him for a 9th birthday party, complete with 9, 9-year old boys and Rob was unreal in his ability to command the unruly audience and deliver on tricks. Plus, it was his idea to both perform magic as well as teach the kids some of the "easier" ones (not a single trick seemed simple in my estimation). The kids were wild about it and their enthusiasm for the art continues long after the party... Thank you Rob for a wonderful evening! I highly recommend this activity for any event, and any age group.
— Robin Simpkins, Mom -- Google review
★★★★★ School Fundraiser
We hosted a fundraiser for our school, and Rob was the entertainment. He did tricks in small groups and then a larger show at the end. Everything was great - it was fun and silly. Highly recommend!
— Dana Dougherty -- Google review
★★★★★ Fundraiser for International Orthopedic Surgery
We honestly cannot comment enough about how awesome Rob was! He performed strolling magic for our large nonprofit event. People all raved about how talented he was, he was very kind, attentive, and even made a special trick for organization. We still don’t know how he did it. He was reasonably priced, and very professional. We cannot be any happier that we hired him for our event, and hope that we can have him with us in the future. — Andre D. Ivy, M.D., HandZania Team -- Google Review |
★★★★★ Street Performing
My girlfriend and I met Rob on Michigan Ave over the weekend and are so happy we stopped by his ‘Magic Show’ stand. As someone who admires playing cards/magic- it was an experience I will take with me everywhere. I truly felt like a kid discovering magic all over again. Thank you!
— Eric Carmona Jr -- Google review
★★★★★ Adult Birthday Party
Had an incredibly great experience with Rob tonight. The key element in magic is experiencing something you can’t explain or reason with and he created many of those moments! Wow, very impressed!
— Giancarlo Amador -- Google review
★★★★★ Team Meeting
We used his services as entertainment for our company's team meeting. His tricks were great and he was interactive and actually quite funny. He performed to a group of 50-60 people and did a great job keeping everyone's attention. Highly recommended!
— Alex Cullen, Manager of Operations, AvantCredit -- Google review
★★★★★ Busking
I was in Chicago recently and encountered Rob on Michigan Avenue doing magic tricks. We stopped to watch and found him to be not just fascinating but a magician like I have never seen before. Instead of shopping, we stayed to watch for more than 30 minutes. He would be great for any venue you may be considering.
— Burgin Ross -- Google review
★★★★★ Life Celebration
Rob Mendell was just an amazing addition to a festive event we had. He was terrific from the first exchange we had online to setting up the specifics of what we wanted. When he showed up for our celebration, he fit right in. He did individual tricks for our guests which went over marvelously; he was really engaged with each participant. The show for the group blew everyone's mind. Rob is highly, highly recommended.
— Jason Rosenthal -- Gigmasters / TheBash review
My girlfriend and I met Rob on Michigan Ave over the weekend and are so happy we stopped by his ‘Magic Show’ stand. As someone who admires playing cards/magic- it was an experience I will take with me everywhere. I truly felt like a kid discovering magic all over again. Thank you!
— Eric Carmona Jr -- Google review
★★★★★ Adult Birthday Party
Had an incredibly great experience with Rob tonight. The key element in magic is experiencing something you can’t explain or reason with and he created many of those moments! Wow, very impressed!
— Giancarlo Amador -- Google review
★★★★★ Team Meeting
We used his services as entertainment for our company's team meeting. His tricks were great and he was interactive and actually quite funny. He performed to a group of 50-60 people and did a great job keeping everyone's attention. Highly recommended!
— Alex Cullen, Manager of Operations, AvantCredit -- Google review
★★★★★ Busking
I was in Chicago recently and encountered Rob on Michigan Avenue doing magic tricks. We stopped to watch and found him to be not just fascinating but a magician like I have never seen before. Instead of shopping, we stayed to watch for more than 30 minutes. He would be great for any venue you may be considering.
— Burgin Ross -- Google review
★★★★★ Life Celebration
Rob Mendell was just an amazing addition to a festive event we had. He was terrific from the first exchange we had online to setting up the specifics of what we wanted. When he showed up for our celebration, he fit right in. He did individual tricks for our guests which went over marvelously; he was really engaged with each participant. The show for the group blew everyone's mind. Rob is highly, highly recommended.
— Jason Rosenthal -- Gigmasters / TheBash review