Little Magic Bar — Restaurant in Johnson City

What used to be a rather boring and unremarkable bar in downtown JC has received a refreshing and vibrant facelift. When you walk into this unique space, you immediately notice the care, thought, and hard work that went into designing and crafting such an eclectic ambiance & vibe. Said space evokes a late 70s/early 80s funky, disco vibe, and feels like a place where everyone is welcome. 

When I was living on the other side of Tennessee, attending professional school in Memphis, there used to be a little juke joint known as Raiford's Hollywood Disco that was mere minutes from Beale Street. Once the bars and clubs starting to close on Beale, folks would wonder over to Raiford's to dance the night away to disco tunes from the 70s/early 80s. Raiford, who was proprietor & founder, wore colorful, flamboyant costumes with platforms shoes, as he spun mostly songs by MJ, Prince, and other disco luminaries. In this doublewide trailer that had been transformed into a space with disco balls, white leather couches, disco dance floor, smoke machines, and a drum kit that anyone could play, you could run into anyone and everyone. It was a space where all were welcome. 

Little Magic Bar has that special ambiance that most establishments aspire to, yet few attain. It feels like a place where people of myriad viewpoints and varied personalities meet to enjoy carefully crafted cocktails, while enjoying karaoke or captivating/innovative DJ sets. In this special setting, new friendships are born while existing friendships are strengthened. In many ways, LMB reminds me of all the small details that made Raiford's such a unique and...

I went for the first time on Saturday. I started a tab and had two drinks. When I went to cash out (paying cash instead of charging the card) they couldn’t find my tab. No big deal but the bartender rang me up and verbally told me it was $34. Not thinking to question it at the time I handed them $40. They cashed it out and helped another guest without giving me my change. (I would have tipped the $6 anyway… but still strange)

I then asked for my receipt and because I wanted to make sure I didn’t get charged at the end of the night for the tab that was left open that they were unable to locate.

I stuffed the receipt in my pocket not thinking to question the large bill until the next day. Looking at the receipt my actual total for the two drinks was $18. In a small way I feel like I was robbed…

I talked with some other friends that have had similar experiences at this location and they have advised me to always get the receipt before handing over payment. Because of the shared experiences it almost seems like the bartenders are being trained in this practice.

I manage a restaurant and don’t like to leave reviews that could cause detriment to a business. I want to see small business thrive in JC but I don’t know if I want to continue to support this business. I hope that the owners can get this shotty practice in order.

Buyer beware…. Or at least check your receipts.

I know I would appreciate someone from the location making this...

DRINKING ON THE JOB! If I could give zero stars, I would. My friend and I waited over an hour for a drink—while sitting at the bar. When we asked for a food menu, we were told to go to the back to order. (Edit: to clarify we had been sitting at the bar for an hour before being served, which was when we asked and were informed that ordering food is in a whole separate area). It wasn’t even busy—just 5–10 people and three bartenders chatting with each other. We finally got our drinks 20 minutes later, paid, and left. After talking with others, it seems this isn’t unusual. One friend even saw the staff taking shots behind the bar. Isn’t that illegal? It’s really cute inside, so we wanted to love it, but sadly will probably...