ILLUSION Bar — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

"An Exceptional Experience of Craftmanship and Value!"

As a certified bartender who has journeyed through countless bars across Asia, I am admittedly particular about my tipple havens. But this one in Thao Dien, a place I frequented twice during my 5-night stay – a rarity in my travel norms – has simply left an indelible impression on me.

Every bar has its own story, but this one narrates a tale of passion, warmth, and the art of mixology. I was taken aback by the attentiveness of the bartender. His command over his craft, his insightfulness about flavors, and his ability to spin conversation into the delightful dance of the evening, transformed what could be 'just another bar night' into an experience to be cherished. It was more than just enjoying a beverage – it was a fellowship born over finely crafted drinks.

In regards to the pricing, you'll find it refreshingly reasonable, especially considering the average fares around the district. Rest assured, this affordability in no way compromises the quality or experience. Rather, it demonstrates the bar's commitment to sharing the joy of well-mixed drinks with a wider audience, without stretching their pockets.

This gem in Thao Dien has stirred my heart as deftly as their bartenders stir their cocktails. If you're in the vicinity, do yourself a favor – go, experience this unique blend of hospitality, craftsmanship, and value. You'll find yourself, much like me, planning your second visit before the first...

ILLUSION bar is an extremely intimate venue, with only a bar counter seating about 8 people and about 2 or 3 other tables. I ordered an Alexander and a Whiskey Sour, both of which were great. My friends ordered a variety of other drinks, and the drinks were all fantastic and very well concocted.

The highlight of Illusion bar is that the bartender (unfortunately didn't catch his name) showed us a large variety of magic tricks, many of which were actually truly quite amazing, and some really funny as well. He is truly an entertainer and it shows from the way he performs his magic tricks. He performed about 15 magic tricks for us when we were at the bar. He says that he has a repertoire of about 300 tricks, so you'll never get bored here!

He was also able to converse in Korean, Vietnamese, English and Japanese (while also mentioning that Chinese is hard to learn), which is a huge plus when conversing with him as whenever we're unable to understand each other in one language, we could find substitutes in another of the other languages to communicate to each other.

I had also mistakenly left my earphones behind and he rushed after me to return them, which shows both his honesty and his attentiveness to customers.

I highly recommend everyone to visit this bar when you are in Ho Chi Minh and hopefully I'll be back at least once more before I return back home and see more Illusions performed by...

Came in and out of here a couple times and always forgot to ask about the sign outside which says cocktails music and magic! So I swing in again the other day and thought I would say just for a trick or two next thing you know I was here for hours. Then I went out and got staff on one of my establishments nearby I brought them in here to enjoy the show again. Then went to my second establishment brought staff from there to come in and see the show a third time! Kil is the owner a Korean guy who was in Japan almost 15 years. He speaks Japanese Korean and even some Vietnamese and of course english! He's quite the Entertainer come in and enjoy some entertainment! I'd also like to see compliment him on the new theme. The two previous owners tried to make it a girly bar which did not work. There are no such pressures here just a perfect gentleman and excellent bartender who does...