I work for a bar that is part of/set in a haunted house. It has a speakeasy, dark, macabre feel to it. With matching themed drinks. There is a small stage where eventually there will be mentalism/bizarre shows, seance type events, etc. But I would like to have something permanent set up.

I’d like to add some bizarre magic into the bar. Something stand alone that people could interact with or somehow participate in. I believe I saw something once of a “Mind Reading Machine” that was self contained but I can’t remember where.

Any thoughts or ideas would be much appreciated, even if it is something else that would be a cool addition to the bar.

A Zoltar or any fortune teller machine

Yes, on the big scale and if money isn't an issue you can get a fortune teller machine. Spent a good while browsing different Zoltar images when Kadar was being developed.

https://zoltar.org/

On a cheaper level I've had various free go items on my table doing psychic fairs, little things to draw people in, that would work on a bar. Some were suggested to me and I can't remember who to credit, some are my own. I've had decision dice trays. Little dice trays with a list of outcomes. Simple enough for people to do on their own. In the same sort of vein there are the old fashioned fortune telling postcards with a wheel of fortune. A wheel with different statements, give it a spin to see your fate. Pendulum decision makers are pendulums attached to stands with mats underneath with yes, no, maybe on. They set the pendulum going and see what answer it gives. Super low key, a magic 8 ball in a stand. All cheap, but act as introductions to more. If you're working a bar and it's quiet if customers show an interest in one you can then do many things leading on from any of those.

All good ideas, Joshua. Thank you. And thanks for sharing that Zoltar link. I wish I had an extra $12,000, but I don't think it's in the cards.

It's a nice site to visit even if I can't afford.

The other idea I'd consider going back to pitch items is to have a sideshow gaff/zibit exhibited. There's a few marketed routines in magic around them. Several Lebanon Magic Circle items would be fine as sideshow gaffs. There was also a book test around cryptids. Makes a talking point for the bar and then can plan routines around them. One of the pubs I drink in has a skull in a glass cabinet. Not a magic pub, but they get included on the ghost tours of the city. That sort of thing interests people.

Higley made excellent zibits https://strangobjects.weebly.com but I seldom see them come up for sale.

Having performed in a spooky restaurant for too long, a rapping skull or haunted key with a small "Don't Ask..." card can work

Thank you for all of your replies. I would love a Zoltar!

The notion of a sign on something intriguing that reads "Don't Ask" is delightful.

Just let it take its own path. I've experienced some truly bizarre things in bars in days long ago. lol

Has the business considered hiring a professional magic consultant who has experience in this area? They may produce better results, or are you just trying to do it yourself? Shouting out on social media type platforms when the business bottom line is at stake imo is ok, but I wouldn’t rely on it. Best of luck the idea is solid.

I'm curious what & where this venue is!

The bar is called The Haunt in Des Moines, IA. It is part of The Slaughterhouse Haunted Attraction and is open on the weekends throughout the year. https://slaughterhousedm.com/haunt

Thank you for your advice. Would you have any suggestions for consultants? I have no idea what cost would be for this type of service.

Definitely not relying on social media, but thought with all the knowledge here some might have some creative ideas I have not thought of. The plan is to have parlor shows with a dark/macabre twist. Various performers including sideshow, magic, mentalism. Also eventually moving into seance and "ghost" shows.

If you're hiring performers for shows, consider whether they have the expertise to consult outside of their gigs. Talent agents or entertainment management services might have connections to such consultants; reach out to them. Remember, not all performers can offer both services, just like not all great performers are good teachers. Consider running auditions or compiling a list of potential consultants instead of trying to implement magic effects yourself. Best of luck!