The Railcar was the perfect place for my 12 year old sons party with 9 of his friends. Its design was based on skill-solving in a super fun way that engaged, challenged, and delighted the kids. Really appreciated the wry sense of humor of our conductor, as well as the imaginative and creative use of materials in the design of the space. Terrific!!!!

Super fun experience!

I visited Escape Artistry with a group of friends and completed The Railcar experience. We frequent escape rooms in and out of the city of Chicago, so we feel like we have a pretty good idea of what makes certain escape experiences shine.1. Location: Escape Artistrys The Railcar experience is located in Wicker Park. The location is very easy to commute to via public transportation. If you are traveling by car, factor in an extra 10-15 minutes to find parking. Wicker Park has very tightly packed streets with street parking that can be difficult to find. Also factor in 5 minutes for walking up to the 3rd floor of the building to find Escape Artistry.2. Host: We were led by an employee nicknamed Sweetheart that was clever and funny. He made us feel comfortable and excited for our attempt at The Railcar.3. The Room: We felt like this room would not be conducive to more than 8 people. The Railcar feels like you are actually in a small train car, and so space is limited. There were several puzzles for people to work on at different times. It felt like we were working on multiple things at once which is what we enjoy in a room. We were surprised at the amount of puzzles that were incorporated into such a small room.4. Where it shined: This escape room experience shined with its variety of puzzles. There were the usual lock and key puzzles, but also several moments where we had to use math, word play, and solve brain teasers to get out. We enjoyed being required to think about puzzles in different ways.5. Difficulty: We felt that The Railcar was about middle of the pack in difficulty. We escaped with about 15 minutes left on the clock.Escape Artistry made us feel comfortable, welcomed, and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. We recommend this room to anyone looking for a nice introduction to Escape Rooms.

Gadget was our instructor and did a fantastic job of guiding us into the game. He made it comfortable for several of us who had not participated in one of these before. Really fun and a team effort. Found out how important it was to talk things through out loud. Would definitely do it again!!

Ive done around 140 escape rooms, and did Railcar while visiting Chicago for work. The set is as-advertised, with a Chicago vibe, which is one of the main draws of this room. The set in combination with the story actually made this room more immersive than average, and the puzzles were reasonable and somewhat integrated with the story. However, a couple issues made this room disappointing: it didnt feel like there was a logical progression through the story, the ending seemed abrupt, and I felt that there should have been more movement between rooms to make better use of the space. Overall, a decent room and worth doing if you happen to be in Chicago and craving a room, but not worth going out of your way for. Im giving this company a 5/5 because Railcar was a solid, fun game.

For my bachelor weekend in Chicago, we wanted to do something hands-on and thought-provoking. We love to do puzzles, play strategy games, and solving riddles so we looked into escape rooms in Chicago. We found The Railcar via escape artistry.It was an incredible experience. This was my first escape room ever and now I am hooked. It was challenging and very well made with excellent attention to detail. Scooter, the staff member leading the adventure, was awesome. He made the experience smooth and memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun, brain-teasing, stimulating experience with friends or family! Go Team Friendship!

Bjorn did a KILLER job running this unique room for us. Weve done all the Escape Artistry rooms, and Im torn between which is my favorite. I think Ive finally landed on Railcar being my favorite, strictly because its such a unique room. The fact that this is made using reclaimed materials, and that the puzzles are all designed by a super genius (Lookin at you 13andit) make this room a MUST play.Whether youre a newer player, or a seasoned veteran, check out the railcar!

We have done dozens of escape games around the country so since the Railcar looked so unique we wanted to give it a try. The resourceful design of an actual railcar from recycled materials made the experience quite amusing! Our team of 9 was super helpful to divide and conquer! There were many unique puzzles that I have never experienced before which was fun and challenging! Overall we enjoyed the experience, but the backstory was quite confusing with multiple elements that didnt make sense together, so it was hard to understand what the reason for the mission was. If the entire intro could be organized and logical it would allow us to get into the story that much more! Nonetheless, we do look forward to trying other rooms with Escape Artistry!

This was a lot of fun! It was only my second escape room, so I didnt really know what to expect. Scooter was a great guide, and although the storyline was a bit silly, it was fun. The puzzles inside were actually challenging (but not impossible), so we were wholly invested for the entire hour. The setting of the railcar is a really cool idea and it looked similar to a blue line car, which added to the overall mood and reality of the game. Would recommend for a fun weeknight or weekend activity!

What a great room! From the walk up to the recreated railcar, it was challenging and fun!Best of all SCOOTER!! Our Game master made the game!!Check out both locations if you want an amazing experience!!

We did the Railcar escape room and it was really fun. The set was really innovative and had a lot to play with, the storyline was interesting and different, and the in-person attendant had a lot of character. Ive done lots of escape rooms and still found a few of the puzzles confusing, but overall it was a good time.

This was a great experience. I had never gone to an escape room before and I’m not much of a “games” person, but this was so much fun!! Not only was it fun solving the puzzles with a group of people but it was fascinating to see how personalities and character contributed to or inhibited the process—my own included! You might escape the room but what you’ll leave with is insight into yourself and others. Highly recommended!

Went to Escape Artistry with my 7 & 4 year old. We experienced Operation G.R.A.N.I.E. in the Time Gallery. Were matched with several other families with younger kids. The staff were excellent in helping set up our room in a way that kept all the challenges for the adult participants while also allowing the kids to feel involved and to contribute. There was genuine excitement from the entire group when a puzzle got solved.It was our first visit to Escape Artistry but certainly not our last!

Ive been to two of Escape Artistrys escape rooms, and both of them were really delightful and detailed. I couldnt believe how much planning and attention goes into every tiny element in the rooms, and the staff is super engaging and eager. Every room is different, and I really would love to go back and experience the rest of them! I highly recommend their rooms, Ill be back the next time Im in Chicago!

Really cool escape room. Came here on Friday after booking an 8:30 experience. It was our first time and Scooter did a great job explaining everything. The experience was awesome, way better than expected. There were a ton of puzzles and we had just enough hints to keep us going. I really recommend this place.

Mind boggling especially with a group of friends...just plain ol FUNNNN

Railcar: Had a great time! We were able to book on short notice. There were 5 of us in the room and we were able to start right away as they had sent the disclaimer for us to sign digitally. Sean was our conductor and he was very enthusiastic & rehearsed, the whole thing went off without a hitch. The challenges were varied within the Railcar Escape Room, we had a fun time escaping! Sean was watching closely & kept an eye on what clues we needed - clues are free & dont deduct from your time. And we MADE IT OUT! Go Team Penguin!Roaring Dans Pirate Dungeon: Another great experience with Escape Artistry! We had 6 in our room and we were again able to get started right away. Our guide Scooter was very personable and enthusiastic. We had a great time in the room; the challenges were teamwork-oriented so we had fun finding and solving the clues together. Made it out again - go Team Karl!

Our group has done a handful of escape rooms but we did two here this weekend and had an incredible time. The first room was Dollhouse, lead by Monarch. Our team of 6 was able to work on different puzzles at the same time instead of having to follow a linear course of action which we loved. There were definitely a few things that tripped us up and that just made it so much better. After completing that (and beating it with only 12 minutes to spare) we were excited to try another game at the same facility. We did Duck and Cover, lead by Sweetheart and found it a bit more challenging. The games were a little more linear at first but at one point we were able to break off and work some puzzles more individually. It took some team effort to get the final puzzle but we loved it and it really tested our skills and finished with about 10 minutes left. We are already planning our next trip back to try a couple of the other rooms! Thanks so much for a great day! ~Team Aqua Macchiato

I highly ereccoment escape artistry, especially the railcar. Scooter was the man, the set itself was full of surprises and very thought provoking. Would do again.

We had a blast! Drew was our conductor for this event. He was funny, helpful, and personable. We loved him. The Escape was pretty tough, but we actually managed to win (barely.) Exciting! I would totally do another room with this group.

A great experience starting as soon as you open the door to the Flat Iron Arts building. As your walking on your way to Escape Artistry the hallways are filled with local art ranging from graffiti to sculptures, really cool. We were a group of 11(family) and we did the Rail-car escape. The host was really nice, welcoming and made us feel comfortable. The Rail-car experience itself was better than I thought it would be, the puzzles were challenging and really brought the family together as a team. My advice to future Escape Artists is start working fast, break up into a couple teams and if you get stuck move on to another challenge...that hour goes by fast.

Such a fun way to spend part of the afternoon!!!! Drew, our conductor, was stupendous. We were a small group of 6 (who escaped successfully, for the record! :)), half of whom had never done an escape room before. The interesting storyline and the interconnected puzzles make for a very memorable experience.

Very fun, but kind of confusing to locate. Needs a better and more detailed website.

I had so much fun here and Biorne was an amazing host. I have never done an escape room but I am so glad to have had my first experience here and will surely return when I come to Chicago again.

This was my first escape room and it was such a fun experience. My friend and I were the only two to sign up for the time slot, but we still managed to escape on time! Drew, our instructor, was amazing. Super interested and set the scene so perfectly. Without him giving us the relevant clues, we would never have escaped! Id recommend to anyone, and I cant wait to experience the rest of the escape rooms!

Good escape room unfortunately they dont have many other room options

Our dozen ladies found the challenge super fun. Our host Shawn couldnt have been any more delightful and accommodating. Definitely coming back next time Im in Chi Town.

This was so fun. Scooter was an entertaining and fun host. The theme was very interesting. We had a group of 5 and just barely solved the puzzle. Well be checking out the other rooms from this group on our next visit to Chicago.

I had a great time at Escape Artistry. My family and I have done many escape rooms in the past and this one was definitely challenging, but very fun. Sean/Shawn was a great conductor and helped us very much. Overall, a great experience!

Amazing room escape! The puzzles are great, and challenging, but more importantly the people who run this really know their stuff and know how to ensure that you move along at a good pace, dont become stuck, and stay engaged throughout. Cant recommend this highly enough!

Wonderful experience, great for multi generation group. Drew,our conductor, set the scene perfectly. Puzzles were challenging and creative. We were successful thanks to great team work.

Very fun event for a group. Challenging room with dynamic clues aimed to make it easier or harder for your team to escape, depending on how well youre doing. Would recommend!

Fun and challenging. Our conductor made the experience come to life!

Really great experience! The employees were totally in their roles and the room itself was very challenging.

This was my first escape room and now Im hooked! I did the G.R.A.N.I.E room. We escaped with seconds to spare.

Railcar was so fun! The set was wonderful...you actually think youre on a Chicago L. Sweetheart was friendly, helpful and genuine!

Family of 7, tackled the room, escaping with 6 seconds left. Conductor Bandit was fun and helpful. Great time, lots of discussion after for hours!

We had a great time. Shawn was a great guide. I would recommend this for groups looking to do something challenging.

This place is run with dedication and heart. You can tell there is passion in ownership. Booked this for a departmental event, they have a separate building that can accommodate larger groups by splitting them up but starting at the same time. It is conveniently located near bar and food venues.

The Railcar escape was a lot of fun. The puzzles were clever and difficult enough to be challenging without being impossible. Grab some friends and check it out!

This was my very first escape room - and hopefully not my last!I had the great privilege of being locked up in a railcart heading for disaster with 11 brilliant minds - and we made it out in the knick of time...!The great thing about THIS particular escape room is that it is big enough for the whole group to get involved. I believe every single one of us contributed to the game.It was really cool and the joy of having made it carried over into our luncheon!Great experience, very fun host - Sean - and a cool concept.Thank you!

Me and my group had a blast. Really a great activity host.

Ive done a few room escapes and this one had puzzles Ive never seen before. It was an amazing experience, I definitely recommend it.

Not normally an escape artist but this was fun and very challenging. Would do another escape room.

Good escape room with decent puzzles. It kinda felt like someone built it out of spare parts, but I guess that kinda works with the story line.

So much fun! It was a great experience for a visiting group of 8 people, and the train escape was very well done! I would do another escape by them in a heartbeat. Marrin (or Maryn, not sure) was very helpful and fun to talk to! She really helped make it a good experience.

It was a fun experience, Id suggest going with at least 1 person you know to increase your enjoyment; some parts are very challenging and hopefully leave you laughing at yourself or your friends.

We won! Had an awesome time, Scooter was a great host - really well done!

SHAWN WAS GREAT AND WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME! ID RECOMMEND TO ANYONE! !

It was such an amazing time! We escaped with some help from our conductor.

Had a great time here for girls weekend. Really had to work together. Shawn was awesome!

This was our first trip to Chicago and the Railcar at Escape Artistry was our first escape room in Chicago, our 44th overall. First, I want to give a big shout out to Drew, our gamemaster. He ensured we had a great time! When my family discusses escapes rooms after we play them we think of them with three aspects in mind, Setting, Gameplay, and Mechanics.As far as the setting goes, the set itself was very well done. We understand it to be made out of recycled materials. The story went well with the setting, therefore, making it a highly immersive environment. The props were ok and there was minimal clutter. The only thing I would comment on is that while we did the room with just 2 of us and escaped, I would not have like to have 10 people in there which they advertise as the upper limits.The game had a fairly decent story to gameplay connection and while we had some searching to do it wasnt too much. Some of the puzzles were very unique but if you are a short person (Im 411) you need some taller folks playing with you! I think some of the puzzles were very memorable but I hated one of the locks and wondered why you would need/want that type of lock in a railcar. As far as pet peeves, they managed not to hit any of ours....which are red herrings, having to guess, need for prior knowledge, poor lighting....so great job for not having issues in this area!!!! Overall, we enjoyed the game a great deal.As far as the mechanics go in the room, it had a good game flow, good hint system, very attentive game master, no breakdowns (Yay!), great customer service and a good website!

Pretty interesting escape room. Doug was super friendly.

We loved it and our hostess Girl Scout was awesome!

Friendly staff and nice selection of escape rooms.

Drew was a fantastic host. Very fun game

10 out of 10. We had a great time and our instructor, Sean, really helped bring it to the next level!

Thanks to Drew we had an amazing time even though we were unable to get out

This is the best escape in Chicago.

The only authentic escape room experience in Chicago

My favorite escape rooms! Total Chicago originals.

Just made it out in time! Challenging and fun

I admit I am biased...but I do love it

Is fun

Ton of fun and friendly staff