Well played, House of Cards. Or should I say, “Well advertised.” I was among your target audience for sponsored Facebook ads.
I don’t remember now what the exact wording was. Something about magic bar and museum, Harry Potter, mystery and speakeasy. Oh, and unlike anything the South has ever seen.
That’s all it took to get me to click the link. I had to know what that was all about.
That’s how I learned that the House of Cards (not to be confused with Netflix’s popular series) would be opening April 9, 2018. I tagged my husband on Facebook and said, “We have to go to this!”
I’m not a mom to any humans, but I’ve always been a pet mom. I’m currently a mom to three crazy cats. (Is that redundant?)
Anyway, my husband went all out on Mother’s Day Weekend determined to spoil me.
Last Wednesday he said, “Alright, here’s the plan. Friday night, Cheekwood and the giant glow bunnies and pho. Saturday night, the magic happens. Wear your best. I got us reservations at House of Cards.”
[Insert squeal of excitement here]
I love Cheekwood. Remember that name. I have a few posts I want to write about it.
But this one is specifically for House of Cards.
So let’s get to it!
HoC
Doors don’t open until 5 p.m. We got there about 10 minutes early.
And where is there? Technically the Johnny Cash Museum. House of Cards is located underneath it.
We were told to go to a certain area at 5 p.m. and someone would escort us in. So when the time came, that’s what we did.
A man dressed in black opened a door that looked like it just led to a basement. It was a run-of-the-mill commercial building door. But I heard gasps from some of the women ahead of us. As soon as I entered I saw why.
The corridor was made of stone and was most definitely not your run-of-the-mill stairwell.
Stage set. You’re immersed in the adventure from the moment you cross the threshold and begin your HoC experience.
So how was it? It has it’s pros and cons. I’ll start with the cons first.
Pros & Cons
Con 1: No Photos Allowed
The downside is they don’t allow photography. So really the only photos I was able to get was of the stairwell and banner.
Oh and this selfie:
It was killing me not being able to photograph some things. Or video. I would’ve loved to get the ghost piano in action! (I’ll get to ol’ Thurston below.)
Pro 1: Complimentary Souvenir Photo
They have a house photographer who takes your photo and puts it in a complimentary photo folder like the one above.
Note: You don’t have to stay seated like we did. Walk around and find a great backdrop. There are tons to choose from. (I saw a magic show poster with skeletons I wished I had seen sooner. I would’ve asked to get a photo by it.)
Con 2 + Pro 2: The Dress Code
Yep. House of Cards has a dress code.
Most ladies (myself included) don’t normally mind having an excuse to get little gussied up for a night on the town.
But most guys (my husband included) usually guffaw at having to wear slacks and a sports coat.
But that’s the good news. Yes, HoC requires fellas to wear a sports coat and keep it on the whole time. However, you can wear jeans with it if you want. (as long as they’re not “light” or torn.)
Con 3: The Price
We don’t normally spend over $100 on a night out. (With tip, our whole bill was $160.)
Pro 3: The Entertainment
However, it’s not just the food and drinks you’re paying for.
They have a couple of house “close-up” magicians to entertain you while you wait for your food. They’re at stations where you can go watch. (Don’t worry. Your waiter will come find you to tell you when you’re food is on the table.) All I have to say about them: mind-blowing. Phenomenal tricks!
Then there’s the main event magic show. (Tickets are complimentary with entrees.) That was neat because you go into a small theater. (Think lots of red, velvet, and Vaudeville-esque decor and you’ll be close.) It was very intimate and intriguing.
You’re also free to wander around and check out the collection of rare playing cards, magic show posters, and other magic artifacts.
I couldn’t take photos of any of it, but I am able to embed pictures from their Instagram account to show you that way.
We’re (sleight)ly excited about the weekend! Join us this weekend for dinner, cocktails, and mind-boggling magic!
Magical history lies around every corner at House of Cards. These handcuffs – called the “Kingbreaker” – belonged to Harry Houdini himself. Want the story behind the ominous name? Visit us at House of Cards to find out!
Discover the magicians of yesteryear with our collection of antique magic posters, on display throughout House of Cards.
House of Cards is proud to feature one of the world’s most unique collections of antique playing cards. Many dating back hundreds of years are on display throughout the restaurant, like this King of Clubs from 1830. The oldest in the collection? The Ten of Leaves, dating back to 1490.
The Experience Overall
…was fabulous.
I can’t speak for all of the South, because I haven’t been to every city. But House of Cards was definitely unlike anything I’ve ever done elsewhere, including here in Nashville.
I liked the little pen lights the hostess gave us for viewing our menus. (It’s dimly lit down there.) We used them to help us read the dates and countries of origin on the framed playing cards hanging all around the restaurant. (Their oldest one is from the 1400s!)
I loved walking through the little tunnel to check out their courtyard patio. (It was a little too hot for us to enjoy hanging out there post-dinner/pre-magic show. But what a neat place to hang out on a nice evening –or even a chilly one. I believe I spied a fire pit out there.)
I wish I’d taken more time looking at their magic collection displays. (Oh well. Guess we’ll have to go back sometime…)
The food and service was great. We both ordered filet mignon. We shared a side of mac and cheese. Wayne got a house salad.
I also found a new favorite cider, the Queen of Swords from the Gypsy Circus Cider Company. (Found them to stalk on Insta now too.)
We’re slinging these beautiful cans all around Chattanooga today! This town is definitely ready for some #TennesseeCider
And then there was the request-taking, piano-playing ghost…
Thurston, the House Ghost
Have you met Thurston, our ghost pianist? Step up to make a request, and be entertained by his otherworldly talent!
Self-playing pianos aren’t really that novel, right? You’ve likely seen them before.
But have you seen one that took requests?
When our waiter said, “And be sure to visit our ghost. He plays piano. His name is Thurston and he takes requests. He must’ve died recently because he knows a lot of modern songs.”
We didn’t test his modern-day song knowledge. I deferred to my husband for a song request because my mind went blank when we went to pay Thurston a visit. My husband requested “Send in the Clowns.”
By George, after a few seconds delay, sure enough. Just from us saying it, Thurston started playing it.
Super cool.
House of Cards Info
You have to make a reservation for the dining room. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar. (As long as you meet the dress code.)
Reservations can be made by phone or on their website.
Address:
119 Third Avenue South, Lower Level
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: 615.730.8326
Website: https://www.hocnashville.com/
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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