Escape Artistry - The Railcar
Escape Artistry - The Railcar
5
10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Chicago's Original Escape Games are built by local artists and tell Chicago stories for all to enjoy. The Railcar is Escape Artistry's Flagship escape room game, built in 2015, it has garnered attention from across the world of escape game enthusiasts. Tucked into the maze of art that is the Flat Iron Arts Building, The Railcar itself is an art installation with a twist. Modeled after the EL cars you can see from the studio's windows, The Railcar is built out of recycled materials and is approximately 3/4 the size of a proper CTA train car. This puzzling adventure is a hit for corporate teams, families, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, and rainy days. Can your team escape in time?
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Neighborhood: West Town
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- Damen • 2 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
926 reviews
Excellent
869
Very good
42
Average
6
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Mitchell W
Chicago, IL3 contributions
Mar 2022
My family and I were drawn to Escape Artistry by the creative, Chicago-themed game rooms. We were also pleased to find an affordable, private escape room. We signed up for the Railcar. The journey through the Wicker Park building was very exciting. There was an old elevator and neat paintings. The room itself was very cool and made from recycled materials.
Though I've done a few rooms around Chicago, some of my family were brand new to escape games. This room had puzzle that ranged in difficulty, so everyone had something they could contribute. More advanced gamers might find themselves a little frustrated with some misleading puzzles. Additionally, clues were readily provided, so if you don't want them you may have to say that up front. But for the gamer who is just out to have fun, Escape Artistry is the one for you!
Though I've done a few rooms around Chicago, some of my family were brand new to escape games. This room had puzzle that ranged in difficulty, so everyone had something they could contribute. More advanced gamers might find themselves a little frustrated with some misleading puzzles. Additionally, clues were readily provided, so if you don't want them you may have to say that up front. But for the gamer who is just out to have fun, Escape Artistry is the one for you!
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
T. Walker
Evanston, IL6 contributions
Dec 2020
So, you may not be able to actually visit Chicago during this pandemic, but you can “visit” on Zoom! As a change up from a regular family Zoom session, we decided to try an escape room with Escape Artistry. We did The Dollhouse escape. It was great fun and we escaped in time! This was an actor actually in the escape room and the group directed her to find and solve the clues so we could solve them. For us, it was challenging but not impossible. Our ages are 68, 43, 41, 38, 14 and 12. Each one of us had something to add and helped figure out the clues. The experience was great for a family group but would work for any type of group. This was our first escape room as a family. We plan to do another one and will definitely visit them in person once the pandemic is under control.
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, Agent, for taking the time to write this review!
We're so glad to hear you and your team enjoyed your virtual mission with us. We look forward to welcoming you back for another voyage. (Perhaps even an in-person one!) Chicago's past, present, and future aren't going to save themselves...
Written July 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Celina
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Nov 2021 • Family
Getting the girls all excited to finish the clues was amazing! All teenagers were having fun and helping each other get to the next clue. They were so excited to decipher what was coming next, the birthday girl had a blast and that's what we wanted. Definitely going back!
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
solojo
3 contributions
Dec 2019
My friends and I came to do an escape room and we had a great time! The room was very well decorated and the story was fun. Our one complaint was that we found it pretty hard to feasibly complete in one hour. We had all done escape rooms before but some of the clues in this one were very challenging and we wouldn’t have gotten through even half of it without the host’s help. I’d recommend it for people who are just looking for a fun time and won’t get too overly competitive.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, Agent, for taking the time to write this review.
I'm so glad to hear you and your team enjoyed the mission. Depending on the mission you completed, I might recommend Roaring Dan's Pirate Dungeon. It's one of our smaller rooms with a few less puzzles, so could be less challenging for a smaller team!
Thanks again for visiting Escape Artistry. We look forward to welcoming you back for another trip through time! Chicago's past, present, and future won't save themselves...
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JILL G
CHANNAHON13 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
It was outrageously hot in there. None of it really made sense. There were five of us, and we were unable to decipher much of it. Terrible experience. I have done other escape rooms and enjoyed them, this one was the worst. None of us enjoyed it, and it was overpriced.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe S
4 contributions
Dec 2021
Our group of 7 had a great time. Our guide, "Tiny," provided all the info we needed in an engaging, fun way at the start. The video prompts during the hour were also fun, and the experience itself - figuring out all the various riddles - was great. Everyone was involved, everyone contributed. We highly recommend this, and plan to participate in another escape adventure.
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Natalie K
Willowbrook, IL33 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This was my first escape room in person. In the past, I have done a home made escape room and a virtual escape room. We went with a group of campers who really enjoyed the experience. Our room was the dollhouse room and I absolutely loved it. I loved the nostalgic 80s vibes and it was a little creepy with all the dolls without being too scary. We unfortunately did not finish it in time but we were very close! Would highly recommend it. The staff were very friendly!
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
magnolia04
Tri-City area, MI28 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Absolute blast! Great puzzles. Indigo was a fantastic game master! 10/10 would recommend! Will be back to do the rest of their rooms on our next trip (or this one? 😝). These were our 36th and 37th escape rooms around the world and Indigo was one of the best game masters in our experience. Plenty to challenge for experienced gamers.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, Agent, for taking the time to write this review!
We're so glad to hear you and your team enjoyed your mission with Agent Indigo, and will be sure to pass your kind words along! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip for another voyage: Chicago's past, present, and future aren't going to save themselves...
Written July 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cucumber Man
Okatie, SC4 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Our grown family went together and are experienced Escape Room alumni. The Railcar was well done, challenging and carefully thought out. We thought the staff was very engaging and added to our positive experience. Highly recommend!!
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, Agent, for taking the time to write this review!
We're so glad to hear you and your team enjoyed The Railcar mission, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another voyage (if you have any left to conquer, that is!) Chicago's past, present, and future aren't going to save themselves...
Written July 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tex888
Chicago23 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Had a great time with a family and a few 10 year olds. The puzzles are a good variety, and the settings are nicely set up with parts for everyone to do. Game master is good with monitoring activity and providing useful clues.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, Agent, for taking the time to write this review.
I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your mission, and that the puzzles provided a nice balance of challenges for your team!
We look forward to welcoming you back for another voyage: Chicago's past, present, and future aren't going to save themselves...
Written March 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heidi B
Chicago, IL2 contributions
Would the rail experience be good for a group of 8 year olds with an adult chaperone? My son is asking to go to an escape room for his birthday.
Maren R
Chicago, IL2 contributions
8 years old is very the youngest we suggest for our escape rooms. While we can adjust the difficulty of our rooms during game play 'The Railcar' will still be very challenging for a group that is so young.
We love hosting birthday parties and do have a private party room at the Time Gallery location in addition to five other escape rooms. We require a minimum of two adult chaperones to join a birthday group if the guests are 14 years old or younger.
I'd suggest Roaring Dans Pirate Dungeon for a youths birthday, the the adults will have to be willing to help work with the party guests.
I'd suggest saving the Railcar for a family outing with a more even mix of adults and youth.
I'm 65 with some mobility & health issues, will that be a problem?
Maren R
Chicago, IL2 contributions
Thank you for your question.
The 'Railcar' room escape is exactly 3/4 the size of a standard CTA L train. There are 22 seats you can sit in at any time. The room, like a CTA car, is long and narrow but totally ADA accessible for a regulation sized wheel chair.
There is a door you can use to excuse yourself at anytime if you need to address an issue in the lobby, you can then use the same door to let yourself back in.
The AC was acting up with Jim visited but has been replaced with a totally new unit, and the building is fully heated in the event you come on a colder day.
If you have any other specific questions related to your health or mobility issues you are very welcome to call the box office 773.789.9535 and I'll be more then happy answer any questions you might have in detail.
RayneLa
Lafayette, LA127 contributions
Is it in a SAFE neighbor?
Maren R
Chicago, IL2 contributions
Hello RayneLa,
Wicker Park is a safe neighborhood. This is not to say any place is 100% crime free but this is a well traveled area including at night. Many people live in Wicker Park as well as travel here to shop, go to restaurants, bars, or attend cultural events. Public transpiration runs 24 hours a day through Wicker Park. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Escape Artistry - The Railcar (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Escape Artistry - The Railcar
- Escape Artistry - The Railcar is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Mon - Thu 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Fri - Sat 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
- Hotels near Escape Artistry - The Railcar:
- (0.08 mi) The Robey
- (0.33 mi) Wicker Park Inn
- (0.49 mi) Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park
- (0.84 mi) Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
- (1.69 mi) Villa D'Citta
- Restaurants near Escape Artistry - The Railcar:
- (0.00 mi) Bru Chicago
- (0.01 mi) Furious Spoon
- (0.01 mi) Taxim
- (0.02 mi) Bonci Wicker Park
- (0.02 mi) The Flat Iron