Step Inside

Private Room The Blackstone Room, named after magician Harry Blackstone, can be reserved for private parties. Hidden behind a bookshelf full of wooden boxes painted by local artist Tim Davis to look remarkably like antique books, the room is complete with rainstorm sounds and an oversized crystal ball. Guests may book lighthearted “readings” or a séance – which is nothing too scary or serious. The legendary magician’s coat and tails are on display in the corner. At a Chicago auction house, Bill outbid David Copperfield, no less, for the vintage garments. There’s a patio with heaters for chilly weather and a large fountain drowning out traffic sounds from Broadway. Dotted with comfy sofas and chairs, it’s a place for guests to just relax or enjoy a cigar from the humidor. It’s also one of the few photo-safe zones. Photography, for the most part, is prohibited throughout the restaurant. In keeping with the throwback theme, guests are asked to also adhere to a dress code, to be in sync with the elegant atmosphere. It truly feels like a step back in time. Eat, Drink and Be Merry

The atmosphere is festive from start to finish, and the menu features signature cocktails with names like Vanishing Act and Quick Escape. There are punch bowls, like The Rabbit, a concoction of cranberry, orange and lemon juices, rum, coconut liqueur, cinnamon and nutmeg, which is served flaming. The classic American menu features appetizers such as Osetra caviar, beef tartare and pan-seared scallops and entrées including braised beef short ribs and wild mushroom risotto. House of Cards, which will celebrate its one-year anniversary in April, takes walk-ins for drinks, but reservations for

House of Cards

When visiting House of Cards on Fourth Avenue downtown, guests enter through the Johnny Cash Museum filled with posters, books, T-shirts and trinkets and make their way down a long, winding staircase to the basement, where — to quote Cash himself from one of his well-known songs — “We Must Believe in Magic.”

Bill Miller, who owns the museum, decided to utilize the 10,000-square-foot basement to pay homage to his love of all things magical. Lots of dark wood, deep red draperies, crystal chandeliers and a private room hidden behind a bookcase set the stage. Glass cases are filled with memorabilia, including Harry Houdini’s handcuffs and an antique playing card that dates back to 1490.

Inspired by the Magic Castle in his home state of California, Bill, who also has ownership in Skull’s Rainbow Room and owns Nudie’s Honky Tonk, envisioned bringing a similar magical experience to downtown Nashville. He and his wife, Shannon, chose all of the wallpaper, every paint color and each piece of furniture. Bill scoured auctions and eBay as well as his own collection for artifacts to give the place a mysterious, old-world feel. “Their attention to detail is what makes the place what it is,” says Angela Dodson, senior vice president of Icon Entertainment Group, House of Card’s parent company.

While guests have drinks and dinner, magicians and illusionists perform at stations set up throughout the room. Plus, patrons receive a complimentary ticket to the magic show in the main theater, where there are four impressive performances a night.

by Wh itney Clay

The Outside World

dinner are required. Consistent Theme

In the lavishly decorated ladies’ room, the ornate ceiling is painted with 24-karat gold leaf by the same artisans who painted the famed Russian Tea Room in New York City. There’s a trippy infinity mirror along with two regular mirrors guests can actually use — and photography here is permitted. “We don’t actually post that because people feel really rebellious,“ says Angela. Grace Dooley, vice president of digital content for Icon, agrees, saying she’ll see Instagram posts that boast, “Yes! I got a picture in the bathroom!”