When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Hatch Escapes
Why Hatch Escapes is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hatch Escapes, located in Los Angeles, CA, offers some of the most innovative and artfully crafted escape room experiences in the country. Founded by childhood friends Tommy Wallach, a New York Times bestselling author, and Terry Pettigrew-Rolapp, the company operates out of a unique six-story building designed to foster creativity and immersive storytelling. The essence of Hatch Escapes lies in blending narrative depth, physical puzzles, and analog engagement to create deeply challenging and thought-provoking adventures that stand apart from typical digital entertainment. Their flagship room, Lab Rat, was once ranked the 8th best escape room in the world, captivating players with its originality and immersive design. Beyond Lab Rat, Hatch Escapes continually pushes the envelope with experiences like The Ladder, which won a prestigious 2025 THEA Award for its groundbreaking approach to replayability and branching narratives. This multi-decade, interactive escape room combines storytelling with puzzle-solving, allowing participants to influence the course of their adventure, making repeat visits rewarding and fresh. Another standout experience, The Nest, has also earned critical acclaim for its inventive immersive elements. Hatch Escapes is more than just a place to solve puzzles—it's a vibrant gathering spot where friends and families can collaborate, communicate, and share a highly engaging, artistic escape from the digital world.
Here's what people think of Hatch Escapes
As of recent, Hatch Escapes holds a 4.8-star rating based on 287 reviews.
Reviews of Hatch Escapes consistently highlight its exceptional quality and inventive gameplay, securing a stellar 4.8-star rating from 287 reviews. Many visitors praise the originality and immersive storytelling, especially complementing the Lab Rat room as one of the best in Los Angeles and the United States overall. Players often mention how the puzzles are thoughtfully designed and not just recycled or simplistic clues, offering a genuinely challenging and satisfying experience. Positive feedback also applauds the quality of game masters who provide the perfect balance of hints to keep the flow smooth without spoiling the challenge, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere. The Ladder and The Nest are noted for their unique and varied styles, with The Ladder attracting attention for its replayability and narrative complexity. On the downside, some reviewers have experienced inconsistencies with staff friendliness and customer service, which impacted their overall experience despite excellent game design. For example, isolated reviews mention condescending attitudes from game masters and frustration with scheduling expectations, such as criticism over arrival timings affected by local parking difficulties. However, these negatives appear to be exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, Hatch Escapes is widely regarded as an elite escape room operator that sets a high standard for immersive experiences, balancing creative storytelling, innovative puzzles, and strong community engagement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
WP82
I did Lab Rat with four friends after reading the positive reviews - it did not disappoint! The puzzles were inventive and fun. I was worried that we weren't going to get out in time, but after the first 20 minutes, it all started clicking together. Bex was a great puzzle master and was nice about hints and moving us along. It was the first escape room for a few of my friends and they loved it. I've done a fair amount at this point and this and Stash House would be the ones I'd recommend.
Sam Goldstein
We did Lab Rat, loved it, had an amazing time! Great puzzles, fun story, and an amazing build out. Some things could use touchups, but it did not ruin the experience at all.
brittany beckers
My husband and I are on a road trip through California for our honeymoon, tearing through many of the top rated escape rooms in the state. We played Lab Rat and were floored! Such a great, creative room. Our game master, Michael, was delightful. He made sure to ask how we like our hints before the game, helped us through when we needed it, and was a joy to chat with. My husband regretted not asking for his number in case he ever comes out to SC, lol. Thanks for the awesome room guys!
Alex
Disappointing experience due to the game master’s attitude. The room itself was well-designed and could’ve been a great time. Unfortunately, the game master’s passive-aggressive, condescending attitude ruined the experience. I brought my sister, who just passed the California Bar, to celebrate. She loves escape rooms and prefers to figure things out herself—even if it takes a little longer or means guessing. That’s part of the fun, right? Apparently not here. Instead of the “nudges” the website promised, we got a steady stream of snarky commentary about how we were playing “wrong.” We weren’t breaking anything or being unsafe—we were just trying to enjoy the challenge. But being corrected every few minutes was irritating when all we were doing was guessing!! Also, the site implies most groups escape in an hour. We didn’t, largely because the constant interruptions sucked the energy out of the room. A fun night turned frustrating thanks to one person’s attitude. Would’ve been a 5-star experience if the staff focused on enhancing the game, not policing it.
Erlin
This review is for the Ladder only. This is a decent escape room, but it suffers from some fatal flaws. The first issues is that the room was designed to be replayable. By doing that, it becomes a room that is almost impossible to do on the first try. The reason it is impossible is that there are multiple rooms and each room has a time limit. So you can get 80% of the puzzle done, but then you fail each room because of the time limit. So this is frustrating. The second issue is that it is a really expensive room. Even with the 20% off for replaying the room, you probably would rather spend the money on a brand new escape room than replaying a room you have already seen. If you do this, plan on coming back if you want to finish it.
How to reach Hatch Escapes
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Why Hatch Escapes may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hatch Escapes with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family for a memorable outing is always rewarding, and Hatch Escapes presents a uniquely captivating venue to make those moments truly unforgettable. With a stellar rating of 4.8 from nearly 300 reviews, Hatch Escapes has proven itself as a premier destination for group adventures. The core appeal lies in its immersive escape rooms, where teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking are essential to solving puzzles and beating the clock. This is the kind of place that sparks laughter, conversation, and shared triumphs—perfect for strengthening bonds while having immense fun. Beyond just an escape room, Hatch Escapes offers an experience that blends entertainment with challenge, ensuring every participant feels engaged and thrilled from start to finish. The setting itself also encourages social connection; groups leave with not just memories of solving puzzles but stories of collaboration and maybe even a little friendly competition.
Located in a quiet residential area of downtown Los Angeles, Hatch Escapes is easily accessible yet tucked away enough to feel like a special retreat from everyday life. Street parking is usually available nearby, which helps keep your arrival low-stress and convenient. In a city where group activities often mean noisy, crowded venues, Hatch Escapes offers a focused, immersive atmosphere that’s ideal for anyone looking to rally their friends or family around an entertaining challenge. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a reunion, or just meeting up for a weekend activity, Hatch Escapes stands out as a versatile and memorable choice.
What escape room experiences does Hatch Escapes offer?
Hatch Escapes hosts three core escape room experiences, each designed to stimulate the mind and test your group’s collaborative skills. First, there’s Lab Rat, widely praised as one of Los Angeles’ best escape rooms. In this game, players explore a thrilling narrative set in a mysterious laboratory environment, requiring sharp observation, logical reasoning, and teamwork to uncover secrets and complete puzzles within 60 minutes. Lab Rat’s immersive design and clever challenges have consistently earned excellent reviews for engaging both novice and experienced escape room enthusiasts alike.
Next is THE LADDER, a standout attraction and the first replayable escape room in the world, which brings an innovative format to the typical escape room. Players navigate a complex story that evolves and deepens across multiple plays, allowing groups to return for repeat visits and new experiences. This concept turns the escape room from a single visit entertainment into an ongoing adventure, perfect for groups who want to invest in a longer, evolving challenge. The setting and plot create a gripping experience that blends immersive theatre with puzzle-solving, keeping teams invested and curious.
The third experience, The Nest, offers a different kind of challenge through its immersive theatre style, where participants uncover secrets and solve puzzles intertwined with a narrative that feels more like a live performance. This blend of storytelling and puzzle-solving is ideal for groups appreciating atmospheric depth and a theatrical edge to their activities. Each room at Hatch Escapes offers different levels of difficulty and unique themes, ensuring groups with varied interests and skills can find the perfect match for their meetup.
Why is Hatch Escapes perfect for hosting group meetups?
Hatch Escapes excels as a venue for group gatherings because its activities naturally promote teamwork, communication, and shared excitement—all vital ingredients for a memorable meetup. Unlike passive outings where guests might sit apart or engage in individual distractions, escape rooms require everyone to work together, encouraging interaction and collaboration from the outset. This makes Hatch Escapes especially well-suited for groups wanting to bond or reconnect.
The venue’s capacity to accommodate various group sizes—from small parties to larger teams—ensures flexibility for different social settings. Whether you’re organizing a family get-together, a friend reunion, or a corporate team-building event, Hatch Escapes can tailor the experience to fit your group dynamics and preferences. The time-limited nature of each escape room session adds an element of excitement and urgency, fostering camaraderie and energizing the group spirit.
Moreover, the location in downtown Los Angeles provides convenience combined with a unique vibe that adds to the overall experience. The quiet residential surroundings help maintain an immersive atmosphere free of distraction, while the venue’s clear signage and instructions ensure a smooth start. Friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, helping groups get the most out of their visit with helpful insights and encouragement. This attention to detail makes every visit enjoyable and hassle-free.
What should groups expect during their visit to Hatch Escapes?
Upon arrival at Hatch Escapes, guests are greeted by a professional team dedicated to providing an engaging and welcoming environment. The check-in process is streamlined since all bookings are conducted online in advance—there are no walk-ins, which helps keep scheduling efficient and ensures groups can plan their day precisely. Once inside the historic building at 1919 3rd Ave, players receive a clear introduction and briefing about their specific escape room challenge.
During the game, groups can expect a well-balanced mix of mental challenges and physical interaction, often requiring players to search, decode, and assemble clues as a team. The puzzles are thoughtfully designed to encourage sharing ideas and dividing tasks according to group members’ strengths. Game Masters are on hand to offer timely hints if needed, ensuring the experience remains fun and doesn’t turn frustrating.
The atmosphere inside each room is immersive, with detailed sets, sound effects, and narratives that transport players into the storyline, enhancing engagement. Players often report a rewarding sense of achievement upon successfully solving the rooms, along with lively post-game discussions about strategies and moments of teamwork brilliance. For groups that don’t escape in time, the experience still serves as a memorable adventure and learning opportunity.
What makes Hatch Escapes stand out among other escape rooms in Los Angeles?
Hatch Escapes distinguishes itself by combining innovation, quality, and a high level of guest satisfaction in one package. Notably, THE LADDER’s replayable design revolutionizes the escape room format by offering a game that evolves, encouraging repeat visits and deeper engagement. This unique format appeals to enthusiasts eager for extended challenges beyond the average single-session escape game.
Additionally, the consistently high rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on nearly 300 reviews, indicates widespread recognition from players for the venue’s excellence. The consistently positive feedback highlights the thoughtfully crafted puzzles, immersive room designs, and excellent service. Players appreciate the balance of challenge and enjoyment, noting how the experiences at Hatch Escapes blend entertainment with intellectual stimulation.
The location itself in a quiet part of downtown Los Angeles adds a layer of convenience paired with a distinctive feel, far from the hectic tourist areas. Parking is generally accessible, reducing some of the usual stress associated with downtown visits. This combination of a prime location, innovative escape rooms, and strong customer focus makes Hatch Escapes a noteworthy choice for anyone seeking to host a group gathering full of laughter, teamwork, and challenge.
How can you maximize your meetup experience at Hatch Escapes?
To fully enjoy your visit to Hatch Escapes, planning ahead is key. Since the venue requires all tickets to be purchased online in advance, securing your spot early ensures your entire group can attend together without last-minute issues. Consider choosing an escape room that best fits your group’s interests and experience level—whether it’s the thrilling Lab Rat, the evolving challenge of THE LADDER, or the theatrical narrative of The Nest.
Arriving a bit earlier than your scheduled time can help your group settle in comfortably and reduce any parking-related stress, which some guests have found can impact their initial experience. Bringing a positive, cooperative attitude will help everyone engage more effectively with the puzzles and with one another.
Post-escape, take advantage of the venue’s friendly staff and any available space to discuss the game’s highlights and strategies. These shared reflections often enhance the social bonding that makes Hatch Escapes a great pick for gatherings. Consider pairing your visit with nearby dining or social venues in downtown Los Angeles for a complete day or evening out with friends or family.
In sum, Hatch Escapes offers an exceptional, engaging environment that turns group meetups into unforgettable adventures. With its high-quality escape rooms, convenient location, and focus on guest satisfaction, it remains a top choice for anyone looking to rally friends and family around an experience that’s as fun as it is challenging.