When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Art of Escape Room
Why Art of Escape Room is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Art of Escape Room in Chicago offers an immersive and uniquely creative experience that makes it an ideal place to meet up with friends. This escape room facility specializes in themed adventures designed to challenge teams to solve puzzles, find clues, and unlock mysteries within a thrilling 60-minute time frame. The popular Casino Heist scenario, among others, encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, providing a fun and engaging activity for groups of 2 to 10 people. With each group having their private room, players can focus fully on the game without distractions from other parties. The business is independently owned, reflecting a passion for originality and creative puzzle design inspired by global travels. Located conveniently at 162 W Grand Ave LL, Chicago, IL, Art of Escape Room combines entertainment with a social atmosphere, making it perfect for friends' gatherings, birthdays, and special events like bachelor or bachelorette parties. The quality of puzzles, immersive themes, and well-maintained props contribute to a memorable outing that mixes excitement with a challenge to "think outside the box."
Here's what people think of Art of Escape Room
As of recent, Art of Escape Room holds a 4.7-star rating based on 126 reviews.
Reviews of Art of Escape Room highlight a generally positive experience with a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 126 reviews. Many users praised the well-crafted puzzles and engaging scenarios, especially noting the variety and quality of challenges like the Casino Heist. Guests often mention the welcoming and accommodating hosts, clean and secure facilities, and the enjoyable atmosphere. Positive feedback frequently emphasizes that the escape rooms are both fun and intellectually stimulating, suitable for groups including families and friends of different ages. On the other hand, some reviews pointed out minor issues such as needing on-screen hints during the games, which some players felt disrupted the flow, or missing escape records by narrow margins, which although a challenge, added to the thrill. However, these points were mostly seen as part of the game's difficulty rather than flaws. Overall, the reviews conclude that Art of Escape Room offers a well-designed and entertaining escape experience that invites repeat visits and is a great choice for an engaging group activity in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Василина Василишин
We had an amazing experience at the Art of Escape Room in Chicago! It’s the perfect place for a birthday party for kids. The puzzles were engaging and fun, keeping everyone entertained and excited. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Highly recommend for a unique and memorable birthday celebration
jessica roeder
This was the best experience I could ask for. I wish I would have gotten the guys name who was working. He was really friendly and fun. This was our first time ever doing an escape room and he made it pleasant. I thought the game was really well thought out. Next time I visit Chicago we will be back.
Jenna Stworzyjanek
Very disappointing escape room. We did the Casino theme and I won't go back to try their other room. To start, we were greeted by the game master who spent some time in his welcome speech trashing other escape rooma for having generic puzzles and being "chains." If that wasn't a turn off enough, the chains I've been to (and I've done A LOT) of escape rooms, had FAR better puzzles than this one. The puzzles were in many cases obvious (like walking into the room and knowing what is going to happen before the clock even begins) and others were broken. The GM had to come fix it, which seems like a trend. The room itself was severely lacking in style. This was not a casino themed room. It was a "casino night in the dorm room" themed room. Plain white walls with some posters hung on them, tile ceilings, and basic white trim that do not look like they are from a casino let alone the 1940s. The props they had would have been fine if the rest of the room looked the part but it didn't. Which made things like the game table look like cheap game tables you buy off Amazon (because it probably was). Some of the best escape rooms I've done are independently owned and the rooms decorated extremely well using materials they have built or found at thrift shops. It doesn't have the shiny veneer of some of the chains, but you feel like you are transported to the time period and space of that room. This feels like your in the basement of a business building because you are. The cost is not very different - spend your escape room money elsewhere.
Jessica Coyne
We all had so much fun doing Casino Heist. This was my first escape room but most in our party have done a few others before. We all loved it!
Siarhei Duboiski
Last week we played at Art of Escape room second time. First time we went with colleagues for team building event to play casino heist room. And now we tried kingdom of night with the family. This room was harder than casino, puzzles were challenging and fun and kept focused the whole group. The game master was great and helped us when we need hints. We really enjoyed our experience both times and highly recommend.
How to reach Art of Escape Room
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Why Art of Escape Room may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Art of Escape Room with your friends? The Art of Escape Room stands out as an exceptional destination to gather with friends or family because it perfectly melds challenge, excitement, and teamwork into one immersive experience. Escape rooms are inherently social activities that encourage collaboration, making them ideal for groups looking to bond while having fun. At Art of Escape Room, the puzzles are thoughtfully crafted to appeal to varied skill levels, requiring communication, problem-solving, and collective creativity—ingredients that naturally strengthen friendships. The setting is designed to be welcoming and clean, with staff known to be friendly and accommodating, enhancing the overall atmosphere and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you're aiming for a casual fun outing or a memorable celebration, this venue offers a unique form of entertainment that fosters camaraderie and leaves you all with a sense of accomplishment after escaping together. The thrill of beating the clock adds an adrenaline rush that rallies the group’s energy, making this spot an excellent choice to create lasting memories with your favorite people.
What kinds of activities does Art of Escape Room offer for groups? Art of Escape Room centers around its two immersive escape rooms, each with a unique theme and storyline that engage groups for roughly an hour of adventure. One game, “Kingdom of Night,” plunges participants into a creatively dark and compelling narrative, blending intricate puzzles with a fun backstory that appeals to fans of fantasy and mystery alike. The puzzles range from logic riddles to physical interactions with thematic props, encouraging teamwork as players decipher clues together. The other room, often described as a “Casino Heist,” offers a dynamic challenge with a mix of clever puzzles and an exciting narrative that enhances the competitive spirit within groups. Importantly, the facility supports varying group sizes, from intimate pairs to larger gatherings, allowing flexibility for meetups of all kinds. These rooms also feature digital hint systems and attentive game masters who provide help without spoiling the fun, ensuring everyone stays engaged without frustration. Beyond the core escape games, the venue is kept clean and well maintained, adding comfort and ease for extended socializing before or after your game. This setup makes it perfect for groups to bond over shared problem-solving in a relaxed yet electrifying environment.
Why is Art of Escape Room perfect for group meetups? Art of Escape Room creates an environment that encourages collaboration, which is ideal when hosting groups of friends, family members, or colleagues. The core appeal lies in its ability to bring diverse personalities together, requiring communication that strengthens connections and creates moments of collective triumph. The venue’s design supports group interaction, with private game sessions that ensure your group’s exclusive experience and privacy, so you can focus fully on your adventure without interruptions. The staff demonstrate a keen understanding of group dynamics, facilitating the experience with warmth and attentiveness to enhance fun while managing the pacing of the game. The variety of puzzles appeals to both novices and seasoned escape room enthusiasts, making it inclusive and engaging for every participant’s skill level. Additionally, the central Chicago location is convenient and accessible, providing an easy meeting point for group members from all over the city or visitors looking for a memorable activity. After completing the escape room challenges, there is often ample opportunity to relax, celebrate your success, and share stories, making the outing a rounded social experience beyond just the game itself.
What can you expect in terms of difficulty and entertainment? The Art of Escape Room balances challenging gameplay with accessible entertainment so groups leave feeling exhilarated, not overwhelmed. The puzzles are designed thoughtfully, with a mix of mental and physical challenges that require observation, deduction, and teamwork but also fun props and thoughtful narrative to keep the mood light and engaging. Reviews highlight that while some hints may occasionally be needed, the rooms are far from overly difficult, striking an ideal difficulty curve that keeps everyone involved. Many players mention the “fun challenge” aspect, reflecting how the experience sparks enthusiasm whether you’re competing to set a record time or simply enjoying the ride. The atmosphere is made more dynamic by interactive game masters who provide timely hints and keep energy levels high without giving away solutions. This blend of challenge and entertainment ensures that even if your group doesn’t escape in record time, everyone walks away satisfied and talking about their favorite moments. The immersive quality and storyline depth turn the hour into a mini adventure, making a meetup far more memorable than traditional social outings.
How does Art of Escape Room compare to other entertainment venues for gatherings? Compared to other forms of group entertainment like dining out, bowling, or movie nights, Art of Escape Room offers a highly interactive and mentally stimulating alternative that uniquely promotes collaboration. Unlike passive entertainment, escape rooms engage your brain power and communication skills, which can deepen group bonds in ways other outings may not. It also stands out because of its personalization for each group session, offering a private, distraction-free environment. The price point is reasonable considering the high level of immersive entertainment and the quality of the props and rooms, making it both fun and value-conscious. Its growing reputation, as evidenced by a strong 4.7-star rating based on substantial positive feedback, underscores a consistent ability to satisfy diverse groups. For friends or family who want to celebrate special occasions or simply spend meaningful time together, Art of Escape Room offers a memorable and unique experience that is less common but highly rewarding compared to conventional venues.
What should groups know before booking their experience? Booking at Art of Escape Room is straightforward, with sessions arranged to suit different group sizes and schedules. Since the rooms are popular and have limited capacity, especially on weekends, it’s advisable to reserve your spot in advance to avoid disappointment. The venue caters well to mixed-age groups, but it’s best to consider the escape room’s intensity and complexity to ensure everyone can participate comfortably. Groups should arrive a little early to get a briefing, meet the game master, and settle in without rushing. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for an hour of active engagement. Finally, while some groups narrowly miss setting records, the experience emphasizes fun and teamwork over competition, so the goal is shared enjoyment and creating great memories. For those who want to extend the excitement, returning for the alternate room or future new games is a compelling option, keeping the meetup tradition fresh and exciting.
With a blend of creativity, challenge, teamwork, and fun, Art of Escape Room offers an exceptional venue for groups seeking a unique meetup experience. Its thoughtfully designed rooms, friendly staff, and engaging puzzles make it a go-to destination in Chicago for friends and family looking to rally together and enjoy an immersive adventure that leaves lasting impressions.